Selene led them into a strategy hall filled with floating projections of monsters, floors, and coded vulnerabilities.
"For new members," she said, "we assign a test mission."
Kaela smirked. "Finally, something simple."
Selene tapped a screen.
A monster appeared—
a massive, spider-like machine, eight legs ending in blades, body covered in blinking error codes.
QUEST: PURGE THE GLITCH SPIDER
FLOOR LOCATION: HIDDEN 3B
THREAT LEVEL: HIGH
REWARD: CLASS UPGRADE TOKEN
Aeris's eyes widened.
"A hidden floor?! Those are extremely dangerous!"
Selene smiled sweetly.
"You'll be fine."
Riley raised a hand. "Quick question. Why us?"
"Because," Selene said, "your glitch seems drawn to corrupted entities. You may be the only one who can actually hurt it."
Kaela patted his back.
"Lucky you, huh?"
Riley groaned.
"I'd rather be unlucky."