In a worn-out room, a young man with violet eyes awoke, shirtless. Messy black hair fell over his forehead as he stepped in front of a large window, the morning sun casting golden light across his sculpted body.
His smile widened until it reached his eyes.
"Hey, System," Riven said into the air, his voice light, almost playful. "I never thought waking up could feel this good. I can't wait to see Lyra."
A blue screen blinked into view.
[System]: I do not understand feelings.
Riven laughed. "You know, you're really missing out on a big part of life."
The System paused.
[System]: ...
He turned toward the light, smile fading slightly. "Anyway, why did you start talking again? You stopped responding to me eight years ago… after I turned those so-called parents into slaves."
[System]: Update took that much time.
Riven's expression shifted—laughter gone, voice lower. "What do you want me to do this time?"
