The morning sun stretched wide over Davao City, casting its golden rays across skyscrapers and the glowing spires of the distant Crimson Rift.
Inside our apartment, the atmosphere was different. Focused. Tight.
I zipped up my combat jacket and turned to Noel, who had just finished tightening his bracers.Today wasn't a shopping day. No laid-back breakfast or sarcastic banter.
Today was war prep.
"Ready?" I asked.
Noel nodded, then smiled with a bit of tension behind it. "Yeah… yeah, I am. Just don't leave me behind this time."
I chuckled. "Not planning to. Let's finish your run."
-
Within just a few hours, I had cleared the remaining gaps for Noel — floors 6 through 9.With my guidance and strength, even the enhanced enemies stood no chance.
By the time the Rift's system chimed in again:
[You may now enter Floor 10.]
I exhaled slowly. One more.
We were already outside the Rift gate when I pulled out my communicator.
