Chapter 26: The Protagonist and the System: Two Paths, One End
In the heart of a remote mountain range, where thick ancient trees loomed like silent guardians, a fortress-like wall was under construction.
Fifty academy candidates worked in unison under the guidance of a single youth—his black hair tousled by the mountain breeze, and violet eyes gleaming under the golden sunlight.
He was Riven Veylor, heir of the prestigious Veylor family.
But Riven wasn't watching the wall rise. His gaze was fixed on the cloudless sky, unblinking, as if something invisible was pulling at his thoughts.
A girl approached from behind, clad in tight black leather that accentuated her curves, giving her a bold, dangerous allure. Her straight black hair brushed her shoulders, and her sharp, almond-shaped eyes narrowed with mischief.
"Spacing out already, Riven?" Meika Noctshade asked with a mocking smile.
Riven blinked, snapping out of his trance. "Nothing. Just... a strange feeling. I think we're in an A-rank dimension. Our tokens aren't working."
Meika's brows furrowed. "How can you tell?"
He scratched his cheek, feigning awkwardness. "Just a thought."
She crossed her arms, unconvinced. "We haven't encountered any monsters yet. This could still be a C-rank zone. Maybe the token device just malfunctioned."
"You're probably right," Riven said with a small, carefully rehearsed smile.