The battlefield was silent at last. Noel knelt on the shattered stone floor, Revenant Fang hanging loosely in his grip. Noir lay limp in his arms, her small body trembling with shallow breaths. Blood smeared her fur, staining his sleeves as he clutched her closer.
In front of him, the blue system window floated, clear and merciless against the smoke and ruin.
[Mission completed: Save Nicolas von Aldros's life.]
[Reward available. Want to claim???]
Noel's throat tightened. His emerald eyes blurred as tears welled, spilling silently down his cheeks. He had succeeded. The mission was complete. But at what price?
'We saved him… but Noir… Nicolas… this isn't victory. This is bullshit!'
His gaze shifted, almost by instinct, to the lower corner of the screen.
[Current Core Progress: 92.55% – Mana Core: Adept]
His heart stuttered. He was so close—one step away from breaking through. His grief twisted, molten fire stirring in his veins. The chance was right here, staring back at him.
