7 The gymnasium (2)

As they stepped inside the gymnasium, a wave of astonishment swept over the group at the sight that unfolded before them. Lying across the floor were lifeless zombie bodies, all too familiar in appearance. On a closer look, the survivors could see that these fallen creatures had once been students, members of the basketball club, given their uniforms as if they were still engaged in training before the apocalypse had descended upon them.

Marie, her hand instinctively covering her mouth, couldn't help but inquire, "When did this happen?" Her shock intensified upon witnessing the approximately twenty lifeless bodies across the floor.

Rose's mind raced as Ren and Marie started speculating. 'Could it have been the man who entered before us?' She pondered with her hand on her chin. It was a habit of hers when she was thinking. 'Even my avatars would struggle against them, despite their immunity to turning.'

While Rose contemplated the difficulty of combatting zombies, recognizing their sluggishness yet the potent ability to turn the tide with a mere scratch, it became apparent that there was no one else present within the gymnasium. Moreover, as the doors had been closed before Enzo's arrival, logic meant that he was the sole individual capable of single-handedly dispatching the basketball club-turned-zombies.

'He is... very strong.' Even though Rose was left only with her speculations, all the hints were here to tell her that she should be careful around Enzo. After all, who knew what he was capable of.

***

As Enzo barricaded the windows to shield the room from the ferocious storm outside, a sense of weary relief washed over him. Making do with whatever he could find, mostly chairs and tables, he constructed a makeshift barrier to keep the relentless rain and howling winds at bay. "Finally, I can rest a little," he murmured to himself, his words barely audible over the tempestuous roar.

The room he had sought refuge in offered little comfort. It was cold and unforgiving, the hard floor beneath him serving as his makeshift seat. Fatigue permeated every fiber of his being, but with no better options available at that moment, he resigned himself to this less-than-ideal setting. Stretching his body, he settled down on the frigid ground, acknowledging that, despite the harsh conditions, it was the best he could manage for now.

Even though he was acting strong all along with the others, the truth remained that exhaustion was gradually overtaking Enzo. The arduous battles against countless monsters had taken their toll, even with his enhanced physique. Without a doubt, he had grown stronger and his stamina had significantly increased since Eden's initial descent upon Earth. However, the mental fatigue he now faced surpassed the boundaries that physical stamina could shield against.

Engaging in relentless combat demanded an immense amount of energy, both physical and mental. While his physical prowess and endurance had elevated, the strain on his mind had been relentless.

"I need to know if my family is safe..." It was the last words he said before he fell asleep.

***

Abruptly, Enzo's eyes snapped open, only to be met with a disorienting surprise. Contrary to his expectations, he found himself in an unfamiliar space, far from the room where he had fallen asleep. A sense of bewilderment washed over him as he struggled to ascertain his whereabouts. The surroundings were utterly consumed by a pristine, unending expanse of pure white, leaving him enveloped in a disconcerting void of emptiness. It felt as though he had been inexplicably transported to an entirely different realm, separated from anything he had ever known.

"Where... am I?" Enzo whispered to himself, a flicker of uncertainty creeping into his voice. Then, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. "My butterflies... they're not here!" Panic welled up within him, unlike any fear he had experienced before. The absence of his loyal companions, the butterflies that had become an integral part of his being, intensified his anxiety. They were his guardians, his trusted allies, and their mysterious absence in this strange place filled him with a deep sense of dread.

Attempting to seek for answers, Enzo instinctively opened the system tab that connected him to the world, hoping for any indication of his butterflies' well-being or an explanation for his current predicament. Yet, no such information presented itself. The system didn't even pop up in front of him. It was as though this realm he found himself in was sealed off from the reality he knew, preventing any communication or access to the outside world. The disconnection further heightened his sense of isolation and the unsettling uncertainty of his circumstances.

'I should be cautious.' Enzo started to be more careful in his movement as he tried to not make any sounds. After all, even his weapons had disappeared. Meaning whoever brought him here was strong enough for him not even sensing anything in his sleep.

"It has been a considerable duration since my offspring displayed such fervor to encounter an individual." A female voice entered his ears. The voice was soothing, yet it was unsettling Enzo as it looked like the voice was coming from every direction simultaneously as if the very space around him reverberated with her words.

"W-who are you?" Enzo tried to look around to see if he could spot someone, yet nothing of the sort could be spotted.

"To acquaint oneself with my being in this present state shall yield naught but futility." The statement resonated with an air of royalty, emphasizing a clear distinction between the speaker's current condition and any potential benefits that could be derived from seeking familiarity. "However, compelled by the desires of my progeny, I shall bestow upon you a token of appreciation. Indulging their whims in this instance, for you appear as a youth of promise." The words, spoken with a regal tone, conveyed the speaker's concession to the wishes of their offspring while acknowledging the perceived potential within Enzo.

While the woman was speaking, Enzo couldn't help but feel like he needed to get on his knees, as if he was facing royalty.

Just as his knees threatened to give up, Enzo's weary gaze caught sight of an awe-inspiring spectacle: a butterfly of magnificent grandeur nestled in the palm of his hand. Unlike any other butterfly he had ever seen, this ethereal creature surpassed all expectations. Its size rivaled that of his own hand, while its wings seemed to capture the vast expanse of the cosmos within their delicate structure.

"This shall serve as my bequeathal, bestowed upon you, the chosen one who shall guide..." The regal voice enunciated with a sense of reverence, emphasizing that the extraordinary butterfly in Enzo's grasp was a gift of utmost importance.

***

Enzo jumped up, gasping for air as his heart raced within his chest. He was drenched in sweat as if he had just woken up from a nightmare.

"Enzo, are you okay?" A feminine voice asked. Enzo turned his head towards the voice, trying to gather himself and respond. He hadn't even felt the presence near him.