The loud streets of the city were a stark contrast to the silent library, only accompanied by the presence of Ella and the soundpecker. Jake blinked at the bright morning sunlight, his eyes adjusting after the night spent poring over the books.

  Looking around, even if Jake wanted to put his hopes on the possibility that this was being staged as part of an elaborate reality TV show, the many Dwarves and Goblins passing by nipped that in the bud.

  So we’re really doing this huh? New world, new life and all.

  Jake noticed that the Goblins seemed to be keeping to themselves. They moved in tight clusters, their eyes darting nervously around as if they were on high alert. Most of them looked almost downright uncomfortable, shrinking away from the larger groups of Dwarves and Humans who shared the space. It was as if they were wary of drawing too much attention, preferring to stay in the background, unseen and unbothered.

  Getting back on track, Jake glanced at the map he had been given by Joshua that morning with a message relayed from Asariel: “Gellius will mentor you during the magic portion of your training.”

  Considering their last meeting had ended with him being called a ‘foul pig’, Jake dreaded the encounter to come.

  Jake strolled through the city, passing Merchants hawking their exotic wares, street performers dazzling passerby, and many more as a heady reminder of the city’s opulence. As he walked, the research tower came into view. It was unmissable, its far and tall spire reaching much higher into the sky compared to its surroundings.

  Whilst he was making good progress, he was briefly stopped by a few beggars, their outstretched hands and pleading eyes catching him off guard. He had no money on him, but the encounters made him realize that his tunic—also given to him by Joshua that morning—must have made him appear more important than he actually was.

  Just as he got away from another heckling beggar, something unusual caught his attention, he suddenly came to a halt. There, right on the bench that stood against the city’s waterfall centerpiece, sat a young woman, casually eating… a pizza.

  He half expected the scene to fade away like a desert mirage, but it remained real. A simple young woman, probably slightly older than him, in her twenties by the looks of it, tearing into a slice of pizza as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He found himself moving towards her before he even realized it, surprised by his own brazenness.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “Uh, excuse me.”

  The girl looked up at him, she seemed completely unfazed by his approach. There was an odd calmness about her.

  “What… what is it that you’re eating?”

  The girl shrugged nonchalantly. “A friend of mine made it and let me have some for my travels.”

  Jake’s mind raced at the implications. Could this be related to Earth? Was it another human that made it and lent it to this woman? What if it were unrelated, pure coincidence. What were the chances someone from an entirely different universe would know how to make pizza? It seemed impossible, yet here was the proof, right in front of him.

  As his initial shock began to fade, he found himself taking in the girl’s appearance more closely. She was beautiful, stunning even, with long, light pale auburn hair styled in a loose braid, and bangs that fell just past her eyebrows. She wore a vintage-like dress with floral designs that added to her charm.

  The girl finished the last bite of her crust, wiped her hands, and stood up, brushing off her clothes. “Well, I should be taking my leave now,” she said, her tone light as she prepared to leave.

  “Wait,” Jake blurted out, his heart suddenly pounding. “Can we stay in contact? I’d like to know more about that friend of yours.”

  “I’ll be here around the same time every day. We can talk more then.” With that, she turned and left, leaving Jake standing there.

  Jake knew for sure that he would be back. There was no way he’d let this lead slip away.

  After parting ways with the strange girl, he finally reached the tower. Just as he reached for the door, Gellius emerged. His face showed clear distaste upon seeing Jake.

  “What business do you have with me?”

  Just as Jake had feared. Asariel hadn’t informed Gellius on the arrival of his new apprentice.

  “I was sent by Asariel, with the hopes of learning more about magic.”

  Without a word, Gellius moved Jake aside with his staff. “You must surely have the wrong Gellius then,” he said as he walked away.

  Jake knew from here it’d be an uphill battle to convince him, but he followed him.

  “I mean no harm Gellius-”

  “Grand Warden Gellius.”

  “I mean no harm… Grand Warden Gellius. It was not my choice to be in this world.”

  Gellius abruptly stopped in his step, turning to face Jake fully this time. “You’re a Trespasser?” His voice was quiet, almost a whisper. Jake had forgotten about Gellius’ absence as he explained everything to Asariel back in the bunker after being captured a few days ago.

  A moment of silence hung between them, before being broken by Gellius’ long exasperated sigh, covering his face with his hand. “The young lord has finally lost his mind. The city is doomed,” he muttered, more to himself than to Jake. “Even more reason why I should teach you nothing.”

  “Please, five days is all I ask. Once the Magic Trial ends, I wont ask any more favors.”

  Gellius’ hand slowly dropped from his face. He studied Jake for a long moment, the gears in his mind visibly turning. Finally with a voice filled with frustration, he said, “Very well. Survive this, and my help is yours.”

  Before Jake could react, Gellius raised his staff and, with a flick of his wrist, the world around Jake blurred. The ground vanished with a pop sound beneath his feet as he was suddenly high into the sky, the air turning thin and cold. Panic surged through him. He was free-falling.