Alvian frowned. He checked his stats.
[Physique: 30]
"I can't use it," Alvian realized. "If I activate this now, the transformation will tear my body apart. I have the mana, but I lack the vessel."
He needed to increase his physique. Drastically.
He stored the book back in his inventory. It was a goal. A reason to grind.
"Alvian!" Valeria called out. "The array is ready."
Alvian stepped out from the shadows. The silver circlet on his head glinted in the sun. Valeria noticed it immediately.
"New gear?" she asked, eyeing the crown.
"Souvenir," Alvian said.
They stepped onto the teleportation platform. The runes began to spin, humming with blue light.
As the world dissolved into light, Alvian's mind was already back at the Academy. He had the Key to the Deep Lab. He had the Loot. He had the Knowledge.
But he also had a target on his back.
Magistrate Valen wouldn't give up. The Syndicate wouldn't stop. And the clock was ticking down to the end of the world.
