New Reality

"Ugh! That hurt. Where am I?" After wiping the blood from his mouth, he lifted his gaze and saw the figure with black hair.

"Nyx?"

The person in question wore a smile that sent an unsettling chill through Alex. There was something foreboding about that expression.

Despite the shiver creeping over him, Alex managed to stand up. He took a moment to assess his condition, and upon noticing the absence of his right arm, a bitter smile crept onto his face. Memories of what had transpired and the losses he sustained threatened to bring tears to his eyes, but he fought them back. He was determined to ensure that the tragedy he had experienced would never be repeated, especially now that they were in this new world—the real stage.

Shaking off distracting thoughts, he focused on the woman before him. She appeared worn and weary, likely having neglected her own injuries while caring for him. A deep sense of gratitude washed over him, and he vowed to protect her and the others, to bring a smile back to her face. Lowering his head, he spoke with sincerity.

"Thank you, Nyx. I am truly grateful and feel blessed to have you by my side."

Nyx's expression remained stoic, but there was a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth as if she was attempting to smile, which pleased Alex.

"Let's head inside," she suggested, swiftly moving to repair the damage in the bedroom caused by her earlier strike.

Alex's throat tightened as he processed the implications of her actions. It became clear that Nyx had resorted to such a brutal method to help him regain his memory—a tactic only someone like her would consider.

Within moments, she completed her task, and they entered the log house. It was modest in appearance, yet to Alex, it felt cozy. They sat across from each other, the atmosphere shifting as they began to navigate their new reality together.

Growl!

At that moment, Alex's stomach let out a rumbling sound akin to a wild beast that had gone days without food. Despite feeling a wave of embarrassment, he decided to voice his needs without hesitation.

"I'm hungry. Is there anything I can eat?"

Although he had lost some of his skills, his physical strength remained intact, keeping his senses sharper than those of most races. Earlier, he had sniffed the air, searching for the scent of food, but found nothing. It seemed that Nyx would have to take charge of the cooking, a thought that intrigued him. He had already tasted her cooking once, although he had been unconscious at the time.

Nyx nodded in response and stepped outside. Using her telekinesis, she skillfully gathered a few fish from the lake and picked some herbs before returning to the kitchen.

Once back in the kitchen, Nyx set to work with a focused determination. She rinsed the rice thoroughly, ensuring it was free of impurities. After placing it in a pot, she added water and a pinch of salt, setting it on the stove to cook. As the rice simmered, she turned her attention to the fish.

Nyx expertly scaled and gutted the fish, moving with a precision that showcased her experience. She marinated them with a blend of the fresh herbs she had gathered, which included fragrant rosemary and thyme, along with a squeeze of lemon for a hint of acidity. The aroma began to fill the air, a tantalizing promise of the meal to come.

Once the fish were ready, she heated a grill pan over the fire and placed the marinated fish on it. The sound of sizzling echoed in the kitchen, and soon the delightful scent wafted through the room, making Alex's stomach growl even louder in anticipation.

As the fish cooked, Nyx returned to the rice, fluffing it with a fork to ensure it was light and airy. Once everything was ready, she plated the dish with care: a generous serving of fluffy rice accompanied by the perfectly grilled fish, garnished with a sprinkle of the remaining herbs for an added touch of freshness.

The simple yet delicious meal was a testament to Nyx's skill, and as she set it down in front of Alex, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas made his mouth water. It was a feast that promised to satisfy not only his hunger but also to nourish his spirit as they prepared to talk afterward.