The boy without a system

CHAPTER 10 — THE THIRD RIPPLE

Evan didn't get any sleep.

He just sat there at his desk, clutching Director Vasquez’s card in one hand while his notebook lay open in front of him.

System Academy. The first class has already been picked. Why me?

He stared at the address on the card. Downtown. A massive, imposing building. He’d walked past it countless times in his old life, but he’d never had a reason to step inside.

She knows about April 2nd. She knows about the Awakening. She even knows my name.

Setting the card down, he turned back to the notebook.

25 DAYS.

He drew a thick line through it and scribbled:

24 DAYS.

Then, he flipped the page to the entry on Adam Cole.

ADAM COLE — THIRD REBORN — DANGEROUS — FIND HIM FIRST

Sarah mentioned he’s bounced through three different cities in the last week. He’s moving fast, searching for something. Or maybe someone.

Maybe he’s looking for me.

He closed the notebook and lay back, staring blankly at the ceiling.

24 days.

And I still don't even know who I'm up against.

Morning arrived slowly.

Lily was already gone by the time he woke up. He found a note on the fridge:

Staying at Jess's one more night. Don't wait up. —L

He crumpled the paper and tossed it aside.

She’s still angry. Still trying to make sense of this. I can't say I blame her.

He pulled himself together, got dressed, and headed to the dojo.

Chen was already there, waiting. "Two hundred skips. Then we start the real work."

Evan pushed through it. His legs were still aching from the previous day, but he forced himself to go harder, Next came the heavy bag, then footwork drills, then the training dummy.

By the time they were finished, he was soaked in sweat, but the tremors in his hands had stopped.

"Better," Chen noted. "You're gaining strength."

Evan just nodded, taking a long pull from his water bottle.

"Same time tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

He grabbed his gear and headed out.

Sarah was leaning against a wall outside.

Evan slowed his pace. "You're back again."

"I told you I'd find you," she said, pushing off the wall. "And I found something."

"What is it?"

"The third ripple. Adam Cole. He’s checked into a motel on the west side. Room 14."

Evan’s heart hammered against his ribs.

Adam Cole. You're actually here. In this city. Right now.

"How can you be so sure?"

"I felt him. A strong ripple, but different from yours." She studied his face. "He isn't hiding. He wants to be found."

"By who?"

"By you."

Evan fell silent for a moment, processing it.

"Are you coming with me?"

"No." Sarah shook her head. "He’d sense me immediately. Two ripples in one spot would spook him. You have to go alone."

"Alone."

"You can handle one reborn, can't you?" A small smile played on her lips. "You survived eleven years of hell. He's just one guy."

Evan didn't return the smile.

"Fine. I'll head over tonight."

"Be careful, Evan." She turned to walk away. "He isn't like us. He isn't interested in saving anyone. He's just trying to win."

As she disappeared, Evan stood there, the address weighing heavily in his pocket.

Adam Cole. I remember you.

You used to be a hero. Then you became something else entirely.

*What have you become now?*

---

He headed to Marcus’s garage.

He found Marcus hunched over a workbench, meticulously cleaning a knife.

"Kid. You look like hell."

"I need you to come with me tonight."

Marcus set the knife down. "Where to?"

"A motel on the west side. There's someone I need to track down."

"Someone dangerous?"

"Yeah."

Marcus was quiet for a beat, weighing the request.

"Give me an hour."

---

They set out at eight.

Marcus drove his old truck, the only sound being the low rumble of the engine since the radio was dead.

Evan sat in the passenger seat, watching the city lights blur past.

*Everything looks so normal. It’s all going to be normal for just a few more weeks.*

"How do you know this guy?" Marcus asked.

"I don't. Not in this timeline, anyway."

"But in the old one?"

"He was a survivor. Someone incredibly strong. He was there when the Administrator first activated its vessels—he watched his entire team get possessed." Evan hesitated. "He died years before I did."

"And now he’s back."

"Yeah."

Marcus didn't push for more.

---

The motel was a wreck.

The paint was peeling, the sign was cracked, and a single lightbulb flickered erratically over the office.

Room 14 was at the very end of the walkway, the door shut tight and the curtains drawn.

Evan climbed out of the truck. Marcus stayed behind the wheel.

"I'll be right here," Marcus said. "If you need me, just yell."

Evan nodded, walking toward the door.

He knocked once.

Silence.

He knocked again, louder this time.

The door swung open.

A young man, maybe twenty, stood in the doorway. He had dark hair, sharp, piercing eyes, and a distinct scar along his jawline.

He looked at Evan and smiled.

"Evan Cross," he said. "I was wondering when you'd finally show up."

A chill ran down Evan's spine.

"You know who I am?"

"Of course I do." Adam stepped back, gesturing inside. "Come in. We have a lot to catch up on."

Evan stayed rooted to the spot.

"How do you know my name?"

Adam tilted his head curiously.

"Because in my timeline, you were the one who killed me."