The morning sun filtered through the cracks in the window, casting soft beams across the room. William stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the familiar surroundings of the orphanage. The faded wallpaper, the creaky wooden floors, and the scent of stale breakfast food—everything felt comforting. For a moment, it was as if the world outside had faded, and he was back in a place where he could simply exist without the constant pressure of his abilities.
His hand reached out instinctively, swiping across the air as if to dismiss something. A notification flashed before his eyes. [50 EXP gained for surviving another day.] He rolled his eyes and dismissed the notification with a thought.
The System's constant reminders were a little too much sometimes, but he had learned to live with them.
