Central Square

From the perspective of Kaizen's friends, the dark water swallowed him up like a portal to another world.

The seconds dragged by like hours for the fellow travelers waiting on the frozen shore of the lake. The biting wind continued to whisper its icy melodies, while the sun cast its last golden rays over the frozen landscape.

Half an hour had passed since Kaizen dived in, and the tension in the air was palpable. 

Jayaa, curious and anxious, leaned over to peer into the lake, his pupils dilating in an attempt to see through the darkness. Then a sudden movement made him jump backwards, almost losing his balance. 

Kaizen emerged from the lake like a jet, his body covered in droplets of water that sparkled in the light of the setting sun.

"Kaizen! Did you find anything?" asked Jayaa, her voice echoing the mixture of curiosity and concern that everyone shared.