Chapter 18: So Troublesome!
When Ren opened his eyes, his first impression was shock.
The world around him was white. Sterile, bright, and spotless. The kind of white that made you feel like your existence might leave a stain.
There were no windows, no openings, no shadows. Just a smooth floor, white walls, and a glowing ceiling that radiated soft light like an eternal morning sun.
But then he recognized the surroundings.
"Oh wow," he whispered.
Then louder, and with a tired, almost broken chuckle: "Oh Wow."
He sat up with a groan and looked around the Evolution Forge's lounge room; the same one from before.
The same pristine coffee table. The same crystal doors in the distance with one leading to the evolution chamber.
The same oddly cozy silence, like the entire world was holding its breath just for him. Ren blinked twice. Rubbed his face. Then laughed.
Not only out of joy. Not only out of relief. But a half-crazy, half-defeated kind of laugh you make when the universe plays a joke on you and you are the punchline.
And indeed, he had been.
