c. hyperbole
A hyperbole is an over exaggeration. In the prompt, it describes the story Bryce is reading as having exaggerated elements because people, things, or events are portrayed as much greater than they really are. This is the definition of an over exaggeration.
Irony is the opposite of what is expected. Symbolism is when an object represents an idea. An understatement is when things are portrayed to be less than they really are. None of these things are happening according to the description in the prompt.