Chapter 36: A New Identity

Finally done with the principal and obtaining the info he wanted, Richard stepped out of the hospital.

It was evening, and the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its warm orange-purple hues on the city below. The soft wind swayed Richard's hair and uniform from side to side.

"Guess it's time I head back to the academy," Richard mumbled as he gazed at the city. Holographic billboards flickered with advertisements, people went about their lives, and the sounds of cars zooming past and footsteps echoing filled the air. As he took in the beautiful city, Richard couldn't help but smile. "A beautiful city, one of my creation. It's unfortunate all this beauty and peace will go up in flames five years from now."

Suddenly, he felt his smartwatch vibrate. Glancing over at his right hand, he lifted it up and pulled his sleeve to reveal the screen. Tapping it, a blue holographic window materialized, indicating he had received a new message.