Kapitel 25: Express...

~Ezra's Pov~

"That should be it...", finishing the packing. I gathered everything necessary for crossing the border, including forged documents since the old ones wouldn't do anymore. Now, I appeared to be a normal 16-year-old orphan student moving from star city for a new life, at least in their eyes.

I double-checked my backpack, ensuring everything was in place. My new identity was rock solid, and the paperwork was flawless. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves a little. It was, a strange feeling; Sort of just leaving behind everything I knew, yet I couldn't afford to stay in this city any longer. It was fun while it lasted, but there were too many risks involved here for now...

Maybe after another year for things to settle would be good for me. I could always come back and start again, of course; once I've set up a base of operation within the next city. By then, I should be able to traverse a bit easier.

Other than that, I slightly miscalculated something about coming out so late... I was trying my best to avoid direct sunlight by waiting for nightfall, but that didn't help much either. Moonlight is essentially just 80-90% less direct sunlight. This meant that I was still absorbing a lot of solar radiation, but it was just enough for my body to handle without my hair going all shiny on me.

Still, on the upside of things, I was much more powerful than before with only a day's worth of training so far. In fact, I'd handle myself well compared to a month ago, with just a day of passively growing in strength, as well as using my imagination training...

'ECHO, show me my status page...'

[Sure master, here;

Physical Age: 16 years / 7,341.55 Years --> 8,369.21 Years

Height: 6'1.5" / 6'11.3"

Weight: 389.22 kg (Effectively 149.44 kg)

Physical Strength: 39.2 Kilotons --> 52.96 kilotons / ♾

Physicality: 243.23 --> 254.1 / ♾

Perception/Reaction speeds: Mach 24,551 --> Mach 54,231.3 / ♾

Movement-Speed: Mach 341.2 --> Mach 421.8 / ♾

Intelligence: Low Genius --> Mid Genius / ♾]

'Damn... I've made more progress today than I would make a week...' It made sense as to why my stats increased so explosively. My training; at least on my body was far more efficient, and straining compared to before, since my mind was more powerful the effect was better than before. Every single part of my body is under constant resistance.

Interestingly enough, my lifespan increased a fair bit. Makes sense since I'm progressively going through what's essentially micro-evolutions. Even my intelligence also went through a jump. I can tell since my thoughts felt much freer, yet deeper than before... To think there was that much of a gap between geniuses.

Maybe if I learned more about certain subjects, I could probably get to a higher level automatically... Either way, I need to go, it's getting pretty late now.

I stepped into my vehicle and started my engine, 'It should take me half an hour to get to the border', And another 10 or so minutes to get somewhere to settle past it.

*Car engine starts~*

"Finally..." The border was just up ahead now.

As I approached the toll, I realized just how busy the border crossing was, even at this late hour. Guards were stationed at various points with a wall that stretched miles on miles, and there were two distinct lines: a normal line and an express line...

Typically, the price to cross would be around $2,500, which was ludicrously high. For people taking the express, it was thrice as much compared to that; Which meant practically no one took it. Maybe a few people here and there who had that kind of money to spare. I read up about the heroes being against the pricing, and how ridiculous it was. I don't blame them at all.

But they kept themselves quiet, and let the government run them. That's the way I see it, and that's the way it has always been. I guess the government here likely had some deeper level for raising the prices so high, maybe they didn't want people to really leave, or something else...

I for one; opted for the express line, hoping it would save me some time. And luckily it did, by a long shot. I slowly rolled down the window as I approached the first checkpoint. A stern-faced guard stepped forward, shining a flashlight into my car.

"Good evening," he said, his voice gruff but not unfriendly. "Papers, please."

I handed over the documents I had printed in case of these kinds of check-ups, trying to appear as relaxed as possible. The guard inspected them briefly before nodding and waving me through to the next checkpoint.

The express line moved relatively quickly as expected, but I could still feel the weight of the guards' gazes as they scrutinized each vehicle. These guys aren't joking about their jobs...

Finally, I reached the last checkpoint. The guard there was more relaxed, perhaps sensing that everything was in order.

"Alright, you're good to go," he said, handing back my papers. "Safe travels."

I nodded and replied, "Thank you." Pulling away from the border and into the new territory.

As I drove further from the border, the slight tension in my shoulders began to ease up a bit. The road ahead was pretty clear, and I knew I needed to find a place to settle for the night. There was a small, secluded spot not far off the main road that looked somewhat promising. I pulled the car over and parked, stepping out to stretch my legs and take in the surroundings.

It was quite breezy here, the greenery was pretty nice as well. It wouldn't be too bad to have a home in an area similar to this one... But that was enough relaxing for me. I quickly checked my phone and saw where Amber texted me her address.

'She said she lived in the first city ahead... Watch out for a large tower, take a left, and then keep straight until I see her neighborhood...' This shouldn't be too bad.

After a few more minutes; I climbed back into my car, started the engine, and set off, the directions clear in my mind. The drive was surprisingly peaceful. As I approached the city limits, the large tower Amber mentioned came into view, standing tall against the skyline, to was pretty impressive architecture. I took the left turn and followed the road straight, like she said.

Soon, the houses became more frequent, and I knew I was getting close. Amber's neighborhood was quiet, with neatly lined houses and well-kept lawns.

'31... 32... Ah, 33.' I slowed down, scanning for her house number. Finally, I found it and pulled into her driveway, turning off the engine.

I took a deep breath and stepped out, feeling a mix of both anticipation and relief...

I took out my phone and called her... Her seeing me now would shock her to the core since I almost looked like a completely different person, I had to play it smart. Soon, she answered.

"Hey Amber," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm outside. Could you come out for a moment?"

There was a brief pause before she replied, "Sure, I'll be right there."

"Wait," I quickly added, "prepare yourself. I might look a little different..."

Another pause, this one longer. "Ahh, Okay..." she said, I could tell she had curiosity and concern in her voice. Hard to tell not really.

I waited, my heart pounding in my chest a bit, I didn't know how she'd react to how I was now. The door opened, and Amber stepped out. As she saw me, her eyes widened in shock... Can't say I didn't see this one coming.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

~Omniscient Pov~

"I-Is that really you?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Ezra smiled, nodding. "Yeah, it's me. A lot has changed, hasn't it?..."

She walked closer, still staring... "I-I can't believe it. You look so different... You-your hair... You're height? H-how?"

He sighed, "I know. A lot to explain... But hey, at least I'm here now right?"

Amber still stared, and the tension in the air seemed to dissipate a little, "W-Well, Um... C-come inside... We have a lot to catch up on."

Ezra nodded and stepped, as he did, he could see how cheery the place was. Going in further he heard the voices of two others around the corner... 'Those must be her parents...' He thought.

Amber quickly closed the door behind them and directed him to the kitchen.

"Hey Mom, and Dad; This is Ezra, my friend from back over the city..." Amber introduced him, but as both of her parents finally turned around, they both had looks of absolute confusion...

"H-hello there." The mother stood up first, however, she still held a confused expression. She remembered her daughter telling her about a boy she met. This was not what she heard about, or even expected. Not only that, most redheads she saw had an orangish tint to them. The man in front of her had 100% blood-red hair. It looked almost uncanny to her, yet it fit him perfectly...

"You can sit in front of her father... Amber, honey, could I speak with you for just a second?" Her mother asked.

"Sure..." Amber just walked with her mother in the other room, while Ezra helped himself to the table, and sat quietly. As both of the women left the dining table; the father placed down both his spoon and fork...

Looking at Ezra, "So, son... How did you meet my daughter?" Ezra could already tell that this would be quite a long night ahead of him...

"Amber... That man you brought home looks nothing like you described!" her mother said, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"I know, Mom. He's changed a lot. But, his face is still the same, somewhat; but he's definitely taller and more... muscular now," Amber said, unfazed.

Her mother sighed. "Honey, he went silent on you for a month, and now he shows up taller, better looking, and with completely red hair. Don't you find that a little strange?"

Amber nodded, her smile unwavering. "I know... but, he's ridiculously handsome, isn't he?"

Her mother glanced back into the kitchen, watching Ezra talk with her husband, then turned back to her daughter, "Sweetheart, how the heck did you end up with a guy like that? He makes supermodels look almost ordinary."

Amber grinned. "I know, right? And he's super sweet too. Plus, he makes a mean cappuccino."

Her mother shook her head, still trying to process the situation. "Well, he certainly seems like a catch. Just... be careful, okay baby?"

Amber nodded. "I will, Mom. Trust me, I know how surprising this is, but he's still the same guy underneath it all, despite his changes."

Her mother gave her a reassuring smile and a quick hug. "Alright, let's get back in there before your father starts grilling him with too many questions."

They both walked back into the kitchen, where Ezra was explaining something to Amber's father, who seemed genuinely interested.

"So, Ezra," Amber's father said, "what brings you to our town?"

Ezra smiled politely, "I needed a change of scenery, and Amber always spoke quite highly of this place. It seemed like the perfect place to visit and catch up."

Amber's father nodded, still scrutinizing him. "Well, you're certainly welcome here. Just know that we're a bit protective of our daughter..."

Ezra nodded. "I understand, sir. I appreciate your hospitality."

Amber sensing her father's tone interjected, "Dad, Ezra is a great guy. You'll see."

Her father sighed, then smiled. "Alright, let's eat. Dinner's almost ready."

After finishing dinner, Ezra realized how late it was getting. However, he still wanted to speak with Amber about the changes he went through...

He glanced at Amber, catching her eye. "Hey, Amber, could we talk for a bit? Maybe outside?" he asked.

Amber nodded, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Sure, let's go."

They stepped out into the cool night air. Ezra took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts for a bit.

"Amber, I know all of this must seem really strange," he began. "The changes in my appearance, the silence for a month?... There's probably a lot you think I need to explain."

Amber looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern, "What happened, Ezra? You look so different, and you just disappeared without a word."

Ezra sighed, running a hand through his hair for a second.

"I went through some personal stuff... My hair? That was just black hair dye... Truth is, I wasn't too proud of my red hair, since it looks a bit too red, if you get what I mean. My height was just a massive growth spurt... I was out for 2 of those weeks, just growing." He explained.

Amber understood, at least it explained his hair and height, but what about his eyes?

"Let me guess, you wore contacts because you weren't proud of your eyes either?" She asked.

Ezra sighed a bit, "No... I wore them because I liked the straight silver contacts better, nothing too personal about that part." He shrugged. He could tell she wasn't too pleased with his answers so far, but she accepted them either way.

And since they weren't that close, she couldn't pry further, it would be disrespectful "All right... I guess that's that." Still, she still felt that there was more to it than this, for now... She just wanted to enjoy the night.