A New Chapter Begins

Ethan stumbled to his feet, still reeling from the aftermath of destroying the orb. He looked around at the city, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. It was as if nothing had changed, but he knew that everything was different now.

The doppelganger approached him, its expression serious. "You did what you had to do, Ethan. But now, it's time to face the consequences."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You've paid the price for your freedom," the doppelganger repeated. "You've lost your connection to the orb's power. And with it, you've lost your connection to your past life."

Ethan's eyes widened as he processed this revelation. He had never thought about what would happen once he destroyed the orb. He had been so focused on breaking free from its power that he hadn't considered what would come next.

"But what about my friends?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "What about Aria? What about my life in the orb?"

The doppelganger's expression softened. "Your friends are still out there, Ethan. And your life is still yours to claim. But you must start anew, without the power of the orb guiding you."

Ethan took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He was scared, but he was also determined.

"What do I do now?" he asked.

"You need to go back to school," the doppelganger said simply.

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise. "School?"

"Yes," the doppelganger replied. "You have one last chance to make things right. You can graduate and start a new life, free from the orb's influence."

Ethan thought back to his time in the palace, remembering the lessons he had learned and the friends he had made. He realized that this was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was more than just a pawn in someone else's game.

With newfound determination, Ethan set off towards school, ready to face whatever lay ahead.