After a short break and figuring out how to splash water on his face in the kitchen sink, John sat on the couch, staring out at his hometown through the simulated window. The sunset gave it all a soft orange hue, tempting him to return.

“... So I can go back home whenever I want?”

Vera responded with a careful voice, “Yes, as long as you’re in this facility. It will feel just like normal, but you won’t have the extra powers you get out here. And if another attack happens, we will bring you out of it so you can help.”

John sighed, keeping his eyes on the window. Thoughts of his mother, who must be worried sick right now, worried him greatly. And it wouldn’t get much better in the future.

“... What about Serah? Can I bring her out here?”

The prospect of having someone he knew out here, especially Serah, felt like it would make things a lot easier. She had been his reason for training so hard these last years. Having her by his side and fighting together sounded almost better than his original plan, no matter how bleak this world looked.

“... That would depend on her talent and abilities,” Vera responded, not sounding confident.

“What if I train her? What if she becomes powerful?” John asked, carrying a hint of desperation in his voice.

“It’s possible. But do you really want her to risk her life in a war?”

He paused, sensing that his wishes might differ from Serah’s.

“... How dangerous is this war?”

“Well, on average, sixty percent of new initiates die during training on their first trip through the portals. As you might understand, there is a reason we pick only the strong and talented.”

John felt himself deflate, realizing what he was trying to do. He sighed deeply. “No, forget I said anything. Of course, she should live her life in peace…”

Even the thought of her dying for some war she had never heard of made his stomach turn. But he was bitter. After finally reaching his goal and even getting a date, they would be separated by the cruel reality of their creators.

‘This shitty day is getting better and better...’

“What’s happening there while I’m here?”

“Time moves on, but you’re unconscious. You might have heard of the “sudden exhaustion syndrome” disease in your world. We use it as a cover for anyone leaving for this world for longer periods.”

John searched his mind for anyone he knew with that disease, but no one came to mind. “That’s clever, but I feel like my mom will be worried after I suddenly faint like that. Just… send me back. I’ll need some time to process all of this.”

“That’s perfectly fine. We’ll start crafting the equipment you wanted while you’re gone.”

John nodded, at least having that to look forward to. “How do I get to my world then?”

“It’s through one of the doors in the room. I’ll open it for you.”

John looked around, spotting three doors on the opposite side of the entrance. The right one had just opened.

“That one in the middle is the bedroom, to the left is the bathroom, and to the right is the access point. There’s a large metal bed you need to get into, and then you’ll be back before you know it.”

"Is there any way I can prove to myself that my world is... created? When I'm back there, I mean."

Vera's tone became thoughtful. "Hmm, it's challenging because your world is designed to be very similar to ours. We didn't simulate the smallest or largest things in our world to conserve energy, but you won't have the means to verify that. However, there is the command system."

John waited for her to continue her explanation since it obviously was needed, but the silence dragged on. “... And what is the command system?”

"It's a way for those with access to control certain aspects of the simulation. You can use it to exit the world, view recordings of past events, or test other candidates. To activate it, simply say 'system command.' A window will appear with your available options. Remember, only you can see and interact with this system."

John nodded slowly, processing the information. "That should be enough to convince me this is real, at least. But what is the testing?" he asked, still thinking of Serah.

“That’s how we test candidates for potential. It stops them from being able to use essence, so when they try to use a spell, we can measure their response in this world. It happened to you once not too long ago.”

He recalled a time during training he had been unable to use his wind blast, but he had thought it was just an error on his part. It had been unusual enough for him to remember it, though.

‘Might as well return home and rest for a while, then. I’ve got a lot to think about… And every second is making me feel guilty for making Mom worry.’

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

He got out of the couch and started heading towards the open door. Although the thought of having to explain things to his mother was unpleasant, he at least had to return to see her again.

"John," Vera's voice turned serious, "it's crucial that you keep most of what you've learned here a secret. The knowledge of the simulation and the command system must not spread within your world. It could destabilize the entire system we've created."

John sighed, understanding the logic but not liking it. "Fine. I'll keep it to myself. Any other rules I should know about?"

"Just be careful with the command system. Use it sparingly and discreetly. And remember, while you're there, you won't have access to the powers you've gained here. You'll be as you were before."

"Got it," John said, stepping towards the bed. "I guess I'll see you again when I get back."

"Good luck, John. I’ll be here when you get back to answer any questions. Oh, and try to get some rest. You've had quite a day."

With that, John lay down in the bed, feeling the familiar pull of consciousness shifting. A light started blinking in front of his eyes as he began to feel distant, eventually feeling himself drift off.

----------------------------------------

He woke up in his bedroom, feeling a bit dizzy. The room looked as it always had, with wooden closets, a desk, and some candles for light. The only unusual thing was his mother, sitting by his side with a worried expression.

She looked at him as he opened his eyes and let out a yelp. “John, you’re awake! Thank god, I was so worried!”

She hugged him tightly, surprising him a bit. It had been long since he last saw her so emotional and caring, but he didn’t mind. It suited him perfectly right now.

“Sorry for making you worry, Mom. I… I’m not sure what happened.”

She released the hug and looked at him. “You just fainted on the floor out of nowhere! Was it the nerves from asking Serah out? Or were you that desperate to avoid helping me cook?”

John tried keeping the mood light despite the chaos in his mind. “Heh, of course, it was to get out of helping you. I didn’t want to poison us after all. And your cooking is the best.”

She looked at him with worry. “... I think you’re still a bit out of it, son. I should really get the doctor to take a look at you.”

John realized his mistake. He rarely complimented her cooking, but right now, everything in this world seemed brighter. The smell of his room was nicer, the evening sun shining through the window was warmer, and his mother just seemed more lovable.

‘... Something might really be wrong with me. Well, besides the obvious.’

“I don’t think you need to bother the doctor… I think I know what’s wrong with me.”

“Oh, what’s that?”

“I might have sudden exhaustion syndrome.”

His mother’s face paled slightly as he mentioned that sickness. “No, no, I don’t… Surely it’s not that serious.”

“What do you mean? Doesn’t it just make me sleep sometimes?”

“Yes, and then you might never wake up again! People with that disease often stop waking again; it’s a horrible disease!”

‘Oh, right. Most people die during the first year of… Man, this sucks…’

“Well, it might be something else. I guess we’ll have to wait and see; it might just be exhaustion.”

“Exactly, love is a struggle, after all! You should be more careful in the future, can’t have you fainting on your date.”

‘... God, I have no idea what to tell Serah… ’

Serah appeared in his mind like some divine revelation, as was expected when he thought of her. The thought of bringing her to the other world was hard to let go of, but he truly feared losing her.

His mother got out of the chair, ready to leave the room. “I’ll bring you some of that wonderful cooking then; it’s still somewhat warm. You just get some rest for today.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

After she left the room, John sat up in bed, preparing to test the system command Vera had told him about. He hoped it had all been a dream, but it felt too real for any hope to form.

“System Command.”

As soon as he said it, a window of light appeared in front of his eyes, showing him text boxes. It would have shocked him if not for everything he had seen in the other world, but instead, it felt more like the truth slapping him in the face.

‘Ah, figures. I would be more surprised if it was all a dream at this point. Now let’s see here;

Exit Simulation, that’s probably how I get back out.

Recordings, that’s… the way to see the past? I’d like to look at that at some point. Ah, then I can finally figure out who stole my damn magic-book!

Administer test, right… It wouldn’t hurt to try it on her, would it? Just to see if she has potential?

There’s room for more options, but maybe I don’t have access yet.’

John quietly repeated the words to hide the window as his mother returned with a steaming bowl of stew. “Here you go, boy, eat up now. I don’t know what they feed you while you’re training, but you won’t faint anymore after eating this.”

“Thanks, I’ll be sure to eat plenty. Tomorrow is a big day, after all.”

“Right, do you have a plan ready? It won’t do just to bring her on a walk, you know. Girls need to be wooed!” She waved a fist energetically in the air, driving the point home.

“Well, I was thinking of a picnic somewhere. Is that enough?”

She looked hesitant as she replied. “I think that’s fine, but… will you be making the food then?”

“Oh… Maybe I could ask someone else? Someone who makes excellent food and lives nearby?” He looked straight at her and smiled.

His mother smiled knowingly. “Oh, you charmer, I’m sure you’ll be fine tomorrow regardless. I’d be delighted to make the two of you some food.”

“Thanks again, Mom. I think I’ll go to bed after finishing this, so could you close the door when you go?”

“Oh, of course. You take your time, boy. Have a good night.” She placed a hand on his forehead and smiled warmly, bringing John back to his younger days.

“Good night, Mom!”

She closed the door behind her, leaving John to eat in peace.

‘I really need to keep myself alive after leaving. I know bringing Serah is a bad idea, but if I just leave and never return, I’m sure she would be… Or, I hope she would be sad, at least. Especially if the date goes well.’

John finished the stew with a satisfied burp and sat back to think of the future. There were a lot of thoughts and information to digest, and despite his feelings about it all now, he usually calmed down after a good night’s sleep.