Chapter 82: UNDER THE SUN.
Savier looked out over the bridge again. "So this is it, huh? That’s the way to the Middleland."
Johnquis nodded. "System said so. Once you hit Steel rank, the wall lifts. You’re allowed to cross."
He stepped closer to the railing, staring out at that distant land. "Middleland’s where the real grind starts. Bigger nests. Smarter eaters. Deadlier classes."
A beat.
"Everything’s leveled up... and evolved."
Savier was quiet.
Then he chuckled, dry and shaky. "Man... I just met my best friend. And he’s already graduating to the next apocalypse."
Johnquis turned to him, expression warm but firm. "Hey. Don’t look like that."
Savier wiped at his eye and tried to act casual. "What? I’m not crying. I’m sweating from the eyeballs. It’s emotional humidity."
Johnquis laughed gently. Then he stepped forward and placed a hand on Savier’s shoulder.
"You’re Bronze now. And I’ve seen how you fight. You grind like crazy when you stop talking."
"Rude."