Origins: The Absolute

Chapter 5: New Eden

The sun was high when I awoke, the gentle warmth filtering through the infirmary window. Stretching my limbs, I felt a pleasant ache from the previous days of training. Today, though, was a rare respite. Neela had insisted, “Take a break, Aza. Go see the city. You need it.”

I dressed in casual attire, jeans and a soft sweater, and left the facility, stepping into the heart of New Eden. The city was alive with activity, a blend of old routines and new realities since Xilon’s attack five years ago. The streets buzzed with a mix of determination and adaptation, reflecting a city constantly in flux.

The city was a vibrant tapestry of life. People moved with purpose, faces lit by an inner glow, a telltale sign of a BOHA users. I watched as a street performer conjured flames into intricate shapes, drawing an admiring crowd. Nearby, a woman effortlessly lifted crates with a gust of wind, her Air Skill seamlessly integrated into her daily life.

I paused at a vendor’s stall, lured by the aroma of freshly baked pastries. The elderly vendor smiled warmly, his eyes gleaming with kindness. “Good morning! Care for a croissant?”

“Yes, please,” I replied, the flaky warmth of the pastry a simple delight as I continued my walk.

As I wandered, my steps led me to the park’s heart, a place now known as Ground Zero. It was here, five years ago, that Xilon had unleashed devastation. The city had turned this area into a memorial for the lost, a solemn tribute to the countless lives claimed by the attack.

A large stone monument dominated the clearing, engraved with the names of the fallen. Flowers and mementos surrounded it, left by those who came to honor their loved ones. The air was thick with a somber reverence, the weight of shared grief palpable.

I found a quiet spot near the monument, my gaze fixed on the list of names. My fingers traced the familiar ones, names of friends and neighbors, their absence a lingering ache.

As I stood there, an unexpected wave of dizziness swept over me. The world blurred, and in a heartbeat, I was back there, in the chaos of Xilon’s attack. The sky had turned a furious red, the ground split beneath me, and people screamed, engulfed in flames. Xilon’s voice echoed in my mind, “Burn away in the Devil’s Den!” The heat, the panic, the smell of burning flesh, it all came rushing back.

I gasped, clutching the monument for support, the flashback fading but leaving my heart racing. Breathing deeply, I focused on the park around me, grounding myself in the present. The flashback had felt so real, a stark reminder of the catastrophic event that had reshaped our world.

I moved away from the memorial, seeking solace in the bustling market nearby. The city had adapted remarkably. The market, once a place of serenity, now thrummed with activity. I watched teenagers playing a game involving elemental skills, their laughter blending with the clear air. At the market’s edge, a young girl tentatively summoned a flame in her palm under the guidance of a patient instructor.

“You’re doing great,” he encouraged, the flame stabilizing as a triumphant smile spread across her face. I couldn’t help but smile too, moved by her discovery and the sense of community it fostered.

Finding a bench under a large oak tree, I allowed myself a moment of stillness. My thoughts drifted to the intense training, my awakening Quantum Skills, and the mysteries they entailed. Here, amidst the park's tranquil energy, I felt a grounding sense of peace.

Walking along the river that wound through New Eden, I watched its shimmering surface, reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky. I leaned on a bridge railing, captivated by the rhythmic flow of the water, a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.

A couple’s quiet conversation and children skipping stones nearby created a serene atmosphere. Life continued with resilience, adapting to the new normal. My phone buzzed with a notification, and I snapped a picture of the river, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the scene.