Chapter 32: Back to 'Home'

Ren's eyelids felt like they were weighed down with lead as he slowly regained consciousness. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled his nostrils, a smell all too familiar. Blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights overhead, he realized he was back in the Nexus Hospital.

He let out a groan, the dull ache in his ribs reminding him of the brutal encounter with Lyra. As his vision cleared, he spotted his system beside his bed, dozing off on the all too familiar table. The room was quiet, save for the steady beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional murmur from the corridor outside.

Ren tried to shift his position, wincing as pain flared up in his side. The movement was enough to wake the sleeping system, which immediately snapped to attention, its oceanic blue eyes widening with relief.

"Ren, you're awake!" it exclaimed, leaning forward. "How are you feeling?"