The Test I

The alarm clock's shrill cry cut through the rooms' silence like a blade. Maddox's eyes snapped open, his heart already racing before his mind caught up.

His slight nap after breakfast almost made him miss his appointment. Thankfully he had set up a timer just in case he slept through.

He rolled over in the narrow bed, squinting at the lighting of his new rented apartment.

Since the argument with Alina, Maddox didn't return home but instead rented an apartment close to the SFC regional office in Westfield District.

Thankfully, in addition to the ⊽150,000 he was given upon termination of his contract, he also had some prior savings which added to a total sum capable of keeping him afloat until he found another coaching job.

During this period, Alina neither called or texted him to apologize or even ask for his whereabouts. He'd also decide against reaching out to her, perhaps this was the best outcome for both of them.