Author's Note: Do Not Unlock Yet. Chapter Is Still Under Construction.
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The bright light of the victory screen faded from Aleman's vision, and the weight of the real world came rushing back. His body jerked slightly as the pod lid hissed open, releasing a wave of cool, filtered air. He blinked rapidly — the faint glow of the room lights replacing the flicker of virtual mana.
> "Welcome back," came a soft, familiar voice.
Sophia was sitting on the couch, a tray of steaming dinner waiting on the low table. The aroma of grilled chicken, rice, and her special herb sauce filled the air. Her smile was small but warm, the kind of smile that could melt away an entire day of exhaustion.
August sat up, stretching his shoulders until the joints popped. "How long was I in?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Almost ten hours straight," she said. "You looked like you were having a war in there."
