The City of Ionia

“That’s enough for today,” Randy said while standing over me.

I rubbed my cheek, focusing my attention on something rather than the sting.

“You’re going harder than usual,” I said, getting up.

“Are you expecting me to go forever easy? You’re improving, so it’s only appropriate that I adjust.”

“I guess.” He was right. My technique, stamina, agility, reaction—basically everything improved since Randy’s training. Even when there’s no training, I would plead with Randy for at least an hour of his time. I credit my discipline and determination for that.

Randy picked up his sword and marched towards the woods. I was curious as to why, so I yelled out his name.

“Go home,” said Randy as he continued to walk.

Whatever, I thought with a yawn.

What I was going to ask wouldn’t be important anyway.

It’s been a week since the raid. It has been a week since using the thingy in a legitimate situation. I couldn’t recall much. Well, it’s either I actually couldn’t remember, or I didn’t want to remember. But anyway, when I was back to normal, I reported the incident to Lex, who threw himself into a tree.

I claimed the scouts miss-calculated, saying there were a few ridiculously skilled bandits. That made him throw himself again. He whined and complained about explaining to Ruby, so much so that I didn’t think he cared about the lives of his comrades.

Jeremy woke up, not remembering what happened before he got knocked unconscious. In front of Lex, I told Jeremry that he was ganged up on by a group of bandits and saved by Arnold, who was killed later in the battle. They didn’t question much, so I could safely say my lies weren’t blatant.

Lex reported the incident to Ruby. I didn’t know what was said in the tent, which irritated me. I would’ve felt much more comfortable knowing how Lex communicated the situation to her.

They held a ceremony in honor of everyone who died during the raid. A bonfire was set, along with a few prayers. The entire cult came together to celebrate their lives.

However, there was someone suspicious of me.

Nadia.

She stared at me like a hawk fishing for its prey. It was scary. At one point, she asked to chat in private. I took her offer, and she brought me to her place.

She questioned how Jeremy and I were the only ones to make it out. I shrugged it off, wondering that myself. The interrogation lasted a solid twenty minutes. I stuck to my story like a leach, refusing to let go. Nadia wasn’t happy at all. There was the look of vengeance in her eyes, which made me crack a cold sweat. I guess she didn’t appreciate how I called out her scouts.

Flash forward to today, and Nadia was still giving me cold looks. Sometimes, I debated whether to have a few words, but each time, I chickened out. Something about her just felt off to me.

Whatever. I was glad those bastards got what they deserved. Though I had no idea the thingy’s abilities were this powerful, I fought without fear. I felt like I could take on an entire army. Confidence surrounded me with open arms.

After training, I worked up an appetite. I went to the kitchen, where I was welcomed with yells.

“Citrus, there’s too much salt!”

“Wha—? Impossible. I added two scoops like you said.”

Steam emitted from his head. “I said two pinches! Not two scoops! And why in the world would you add two spoons for an omelet to begin with? Common sense, please!”

“S-Sorry, Jeremy. I tend to get mixed up when it comes to math.”

Jeremy looked at Citrus as if a plant was growing on his head. “Th—There’s nothing mathematical about this! Two pinches and two scoops are—-never mind. I—oh, hey Jill.”

“Should I leave?” I asked, concerned.

“No-no-no-no. It’s just that Citrus’s brain is half air.”

“Is not!” He protested.

“Anyways,” continued Jeremy, “Do you want an omelet?”

“Ya, an omelet will work.”

“Peppers and everything?”

“Peppers, onions, tomatoes and meat. Two—wait, actually—make that one egg.”

“You got that, Citrus!”

Citrus shouted back, “I wasn’t listening!”

Jeremy gritted his teeth, forcing himself not to slam the counter. He mumbled words that had never reached me before yelling, “I need an omelet with one egg, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and meat! Normal salt, please!”

“Heard!” His mess-up didn’t seem to freeze him. With a smile, Citrus went on to make my post–training meal.

I’d never had a conversation with Citrus. I could only imagine what he was like since Jermry spoke about him on occasion. It was mainly complaints since Citrus messed up often, but when he didn’t, the food tasted like the divine personally delivered it. But that’s only if he didn’t mess up.

From what I could tell, he was a hard worker with an unshakable passion for cooking. I’d never seen him walking around camp. He was always here cooking with a smile. To continue something you love no matter how many times you fall, that driving spirit was something I admired.

“Harley comes back today,” Jeremy said, “Do you think blackened chicken with rice and green beans will work?”

“As a welcome back meal?”

“Ya.”

“Sure.”

“An enthusiastic answer, I see. Then it’s settled.” He said while wiping sweat off his forehead. “Chicken with carbs. A classic.”

“Jill! Your omelet is all set!” Citrus said as he hurried over, placing the fluffy yellow meal on the table.

“You double-checked the salt level, right?”

“Yep.”

“We’ll see what Jill says about it,” Jeremy said with elbows leaning against the counter.

Before I could dig in, there was one thing I had to address.

“Do you guys mind not intensely staring at me? It’s putting unnecessary pressure on me.”

Jeremy turned around, whistling faint noises that a quick yet gentle wind would make. On the other hand, Citrus ogled at the ceiling, daydreaming, perhaps? I didn’t care as long as they didn’t stick their eyes at me.

I took a bite. The fluffy exterior was perfect. The inside was an ideal balance of moistness and tenderness. It had the perfect amount of ingredients. The spice of the peppers and onions didn’t overkill the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the seasoning was spot on. Not bland, yet not too overpowering. Just right. I almost felt completely awake after one bite.

“It’s good.”

“Thank you, Jill. I’m glad you enjoy it.” He wore another smile, the same one he wore after Jeremy scolded him. Win or lose, fail or succeed, he still smiled. I didn’t know him too well, but one thing was sure. He was a carefree person.