Adam and Lyra examined the holographic map of the city they were in. It was a designated red zone, swiftly evacuated due to the virus's potency. Most humans couldn't survive in these areas without succumbing to the infection.
The military had quickly moved most survivors before abandoning the region entirely. Lyra noted that these zones seemed to be off-limits to most humans, who feared turning into zombies upon entry. Adam, however, saw a silver lining, suggesting it was a blessing since most supplies would still be intact. Lyra then checked the news, discovering that this city was one of those slated for nuclear bombing – a catastrophic event narrowly averted.
The Unintended Consequences of Mana
Adam asked Lyra about their own bodies, considering their exposure to the environment. Lyra scanned them. "Yes," she confirmed, "both of us are infected. However, due to our mana-rich bodies, the virus is subdued, kept in a tamed state." Lyra then revealed a chilling discovery: "Our mana, when used, is actually causing the evolution. If we had never entered this world, the zombies wouldn't have evolved. Our very presence, specifically our mana, is the reason these variants exist."
Adam asked if simply existing here, without using magic, would still cause evolution.
Lyra scanned again. "Negative," she clarified. "Our bodies don't cause evolution by existing, as the virus is contained within us. However, the mana produced from our bodies, when mixed with the virus through casting magic, is the cause. The lingering mana remnants absorbed by the zombies are transforming them into variants."
Adam remembered Nirik's earlier warning not to use mana in this world. He hadn't listened, and now the world was far more deadly than it should have been. A wave of worry washed over him, specifically for the human civilization they had created. He feared it might suffer the same fate as the underground facilities. Lyra fell silent, unable to confirm their safety. She encouraged Adam to think positively and focus on getting back once they found a way.
Emotional Reunion and a Glimpse into the Past
Lyra and Adam took a few cans of food to eat. Adam began asking Lyra about her and the family's experiences while he was gone. Lyra, however, suggested, "It's better to ask them directly once everything is resolved. They want to show you their progress and how much they've changed while you were away. Everyone worked hard, awaiting your return. I even worked on learning to be human from your parents. I hope you're proud of me."
Adam smiled, looking at Lyra. "I can see it now. You don't seem like the same Lyra I once knew, but somehow, I still feel you're my Lyra."
Lyra blushed at his straightforward answer, quickly changing the subject by asking about his time with Emily. Adam recounted his experiences in the other world. Lyra felt a mixed bag of emotions. She had refrained from scanning Adam's memories, respecting Helena's teachings about privacy.
As they prepared to lay on the bed, Lyra silently hugged Adam from behind. "Please don't move for a while," she whispered softly, tears flowing as she tried to hide them, having missed Adam for so long.
Adam surrendered himself, standing there, feeling Lyra's embrace, her heartbeat, and somehow, her deep yearning for him. After a few minutes of silence, Lyra wiped away her tears behind his back, putting on a brave smile.
She turned Adam around. "I've wanted to hug you once you're back," she said. "I've missed you."
Adam smiled. "I missed you too, Lyra." He hugged her back, inhaling her familiar scent, which brought back memories of their time together.
Lyra held back her tears, hugging him tightly. She now understood human emotions and the pain of waiting for someone, feeling a vast emptiness lift from her heart. As Adam pulled back, he looked into her eyes, leaning closer. Lyra's heart fluttered, anticipating the moment.
However, she gently pushed Adam away. "It's important to rest for tonight," she said. Adam was stunned, realizing Lyra had just rejected him for the first time. He wondered to himself what had truly happened to Lyra during their separation.