Regression: Reclaiming the End

The morning sun crept through the curtains, and I stretched under the blanket, feeling the stiffness in my arms and shoulders from yesterday's fight. My body still carried a faint, residual ache—the kind only mana recovery could really handle—but at least I wasn't dead.

Sliding out of bed, I shuffled to the tiny kitchen corner, filled the kettle, and set it to boil.

Tea first. Then I'd figure out the next move.

While the water heated, I pulled out my phone again. Astral Community was still a storm.

[TOP POST] — Blank: Hero or Monster? Breaking Down His Impossible Solo Clear

[LEAKED] — Floor 5 Raid Data: Was Blank Even Supposed to Be Able to Survive This?

[POLL] — Should the Guild Alliance Offer Blank a National Contract?

I scrolled lazily, sipping at the first cup of tea as the feed filled with more theories, more invites, more desperate speculations.

Then—

[Incoming Starveil Request] — Astral Patron requests a secure channel.

[ Y / N ]