"Where are you, Xanthia?! Ah—shit! I would've died falling from this height!"
The cliff crumbled.
Rio plunged into the void.
"Aaaaaa! Whoa—aaaaaaa!"
---
He shot upright in bed, heart racing.
"Phew… It was all a dream?!"
Breathing heavy, Rio looked around his dim room. Silence. Moonlight filtered in through the triple-glass window. He reached for the bottle on his magnetic nightstand, took a long sip of water, and stared at the glowing clock.
[02:57 AM]
"I slept around five hours… and it's already almost three?" He frowned. "Feels like I just closed my eyes. Why am I still so tired?"
Rio stretched his neck, cracked his back, then pulled the blanket over himself again.
---
[D.M. Voice_ Do you really think that was a dream?]
"Tch. You again? Don't want me to sleep now?"
[What's your thought on that fall?]
"I don't know. It felt unusual. Don't tell me you can see my dreams now?"
[You're catching on. But don't change the subject.]
"Damn it… Can I delete you somehow?"
He sat up, rubbed his face, then glanced out at the skyline.
"And Xanthia wouldn't be the reason I die—not in any timeline."
Rio got up, locked the door, and slipped onto the rooftop for some air.
---
[D.M. Voice_ Time will answer. But walk the path I've laid. Be the one to restore my legacy. One thing is certain: your life will be far more incredible than any being alive.]
The wind kissed his skin. Fresh and sharp.
"Alright then," Rio exhaled. "Let's use this time."
He sat, channeling his breath and focusing energy between his palms. Flickers of white life force pulsed in his fingers. He practiced techniques—holding back, refining.
---
Across the rooftop divide, his father stirred and stepped out.
"Rio?" he muttered, surprised. "Last night he was lounging around with that girl… now he's training alone before dawn?"
The old man watched silently, then turned away.
"Perhaps it's time to postpone that seven-month military internship. He's finally waking up."
---
One hour later...
"That's enough."
Rio wiped sweat from his forehead.
"I should get a TIERCARFT—like Nyxara's. Something to store weapons and items without bulk."
He dropped back into bed like a rock.
---
"Rio! Wake up—or do you want Ana to do it instead?" Slix's voice rang out from the couch by the window.
"Yaaawn… What's Ana want this time—AHH!"
Rio jolted, seeing Slix physically present, calmly eating bananas and grapes.
(Rare! She hadn't left lab in months ....)
"You're here in physical form?!"
While switching off his alarm, he stared at her in disbelief.
"Something felt off," Slix said, crossing one leg over the other. "A surge of energy—TIER 18 compacted inside a small object. Strange for someone as close to a commoner as you."
She flicked her fingers and a slow power surged from her , disposing of the fruit residues into the bin with clean precision.
"What're you talking about?" Rio asked, voice cautious.
"I sensed it last night. You and Ana were flirting—so I didn't want to ruin your moment. But I can hear across a hundred meters, y'know?" She gave him a sly grin.
"You're something else, Slix."
"Don't change the subject." She stood and extended her palm. "Give it to me. I just want to analyze it. No stealing. No sharing. Promise."
Rio hesitated.
(She's more curious than ever. Things are shifting too fast…)
"Fine. But one minute—no more."
He handed her the Obsidian Jade Token.
Slix's eyes widened. "Whoa… This isn't from here. Not from this planet. Based on my database, this is obsidian refined from a collapsed star. Possibly a supernova remnant."
Her clothes shifted—becoming a pristine lab coat with scanning lenses. Scientist mode.
(She's… terrifyingly high-level. Maybe she can even tell me what's wrong with my health.)
"By the way, your heart's failing," she added bluntly. "I don't want you dying before you even get to live that 'amazing life' you dream of."
"…Thanks for the warning," Rio muttered.
Slix gave a faint smile. "Stay alive. I like mysteries that last."
She tossed the token suddenly.
"Hey! Be careful!" Rio lunged, catching it mid-air and falling with a grunt.
"If it fell, the floor might break—not the token. This isn't some market-grade obsidian." She winked, fading into holographic static.
"Wait—Slix! Tell me more about this! Hey!"
She was gone.
---
(Am I really so weak? That everyone toys with me like this?
---
[D.M. Voice_ Power isn't just about strength. Be sharp. Be prepared. I'll guide you—but only if you follow the path I give.]
"Fine… but don't expect me to hand over my entire life."
---
"What are you mumbling about?" Ana stepped in, pausing at the doorway. "Talking to someone?"
Rio blinked.
"…For whom? Nothing. Just—nothing."
She raised a brow, clearly not buying it.