Lila's eyes widened in fear as she took a step back from Zayn. "A-are you okay?" she stuttered.
Zayn's gaze never wavered from the newspaper. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Lila's fear turned to confusion. "Y-yes, I'm fine. But you... you're scaring me." Zayn's expression softened slightly, and he looked away from the newspaper.
"I apologize," he said, his voice a little gentler. "I didn't mean to frighten you." Lila took a deep breath and tried to compose herself.
"I'll go make some food," she said, trying to change the subject. "You must be hungry." Zayn nodded, still looking a bit dazed.
Lila hurried to the kitchen, her hands shaking slightly as she prepared a simple meal. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something unsettling about Zayn, something that didn't quite add up.
As she brought the food back to the living room, Zayn looked up at her with an unreadable expression. "Thank you," he said, his voice low.
Lila sat down beside him, trying to make small talk. "So, what's your name?" Zayn's thoughts flashed back to his past life.
"I... I don't remember," Zayn said, his voice low. Lila's eyes widened in surprise.
"You don't remember your name?" Zayn shook his head.
Lila thought for a moment before a smile spread across her face. "Well, in that case, I'll just have to give you a new name. How about... Kai?" Zayn raised an eyebrow.
"Kai," he repeated, trying out the name. Lila beamed.
"I'm glad you like it." From that moment on, Zayn was known as Kai.
As they ate, Lila explained the world of Eternal Realms to Kai. "This world is divided into different regions, each with its own unique culture and challenges. The strongest adventurers gather on the Island of Valhalla, where the Three Heroes are said to reside."
Kai's eyes narrowed. "How do I get to the Island?" Lila hesitated.
"It's not easy. To get to the Island, you need to be at least an S-rank adventurer. And to become an S-rank adventurer, you need to join a guild and form a team with other adventurers."
Kai's mind racing with strategies and plans. He knew he had to form a team and rank up if he wanted to take down his former teammates.
As they finished eating, Lila suggested they go outside to explore the city. Kai agreed, and they stepped out into the bustling streets.
The city was filled with people of all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique story to tell. Kai's eyes scanned the crowds, taking in the sights and sounds.
Just then, a sly figure darted out of the crowd, snatching Lila's purse. Lila's eyes widened in alarm.
"My purse!" Kai smiled to himself, impressed by the thief's stealth.
Kai sprinted after the thief, his eyes locked on the fleeing figure. The thief dodged through the crowded market, expertly weaving in and out of stalls.
Kai followed close behind, his senses on high alert. Finally, Kai caught up to the thief, grabbing his wrist and spinning him around.
The thief's eyes widened as he took in Kai's intense gaze. "Please, forgive me," the thief begged.
"I'll return the purse. Just let me go." Kai's eyes narrowed.
"I'll let you go, but only if you join my team." The thief laughed.
"You're another wanna-be adventurer, huh?" Kai's expression turned thoughtful.
"I'm not going to force you to join me, but I am willing to give you a chance to leave with the money you stole. If you can beat me in a fight, that is."
The thief's eyes lit up with interest. "A fight, you say? Alright, I'm in." Lila's eyes widened in shock.
"Kai, are you crazy?" The thief grinned.
"Alright, let's get this over with." As they prepared to fight, Lila worried about Kai's safety.
"Kai, I don't think this is a good idea. Everyone knows about this thief's strength." One of the onlookers laughed.
"Looking at you, boy, since you don't know that the thief in front of you is a former A-rank adventurer, you stand no chance. Quit while you still can."
Kai smiled, his eyes locked on the thief. The fight was about to begin.
"Start!" the man shouted. As Kai got ready to fight, the thief jumped in front of him with a surprise punch