After dying three more times, Kael learned the rules:
The checkpoint never moved
Pain stayed in his memory
People forgot him every loop
The monster always appeared
But something else changed.
Each death made his awareness sharper.
He noticed hidden alleys. Strange symbols. A silver haired girl watching the plaza from afar before the attack.
This time,Kael whispered, clenching his fists,
I won't run.
Not because he was brave.
But because if he didn't change tomorrow, tomorrow would never end.