Sunlight slipped through the thin curtains, painting soft gold across the sheets.
Noel woke first.
Selene was curled lightly against him, breathing slow and even, her hair brushing his collarbone.
For a moment, everything felt calm — rare, quiet, peaceful.
Then—
PING.
A bright blue window exploded into existence above his face.
[New Mission Unlocked!!!]
[Warning: This one's… complicated.]
Noel stared up at it, expression flat.
"…Damn." He rubbed his face. "In the morning? Really?"
Selene shifted slightly at the sound, her fingers tightening gently around his arm, but she didn't wake.
The window expanded.
[Mission: Unmask the Second Pillar]
[Oh boy, Noel… this is going to be fun.]
[Primary Objective: Travel to the Northern Isles, investigate the Crystal Network, uncover the Second Pillar's identity, and prevent a continent-scale calamity.]
[Time Limit: 120 Days]
[Reward: ???]
Then—
A new line appeared.
[Penalty: A Continent Will Fall.]
