The exercises were exhausting, but Mammon pressed on, feeling the thrill of progress with each successful attempt. He learned to light a candle with a thought, to summon a gentle breeze, and to focus mana into a small ball of water. Each success built upon the last, adding to his confidence.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, its warm light casting long, soft shadows across the library floor, Astranor called a halt. "That's enough for today, Mammon. You've done exceptionally well. Your talent for magic is undeniable, but don't let it get to your head. This is just the beginning. The real challenges lie ahead."
Mammon wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded, his chest heaving from exertion. "I understand, and I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Astranor smiled, though his expression carried a faint trace of sadness. "Good. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Magic is a tool, but it can become a curse if wielded carelessly. Respect what you've learned."
Mammon met Astranor's gaze and nodded again, this time with a deep sense of understanding. He could sense there was more Astranor wasn't telling him, layers of secrets hidden behind those wise eyes, but he didn't press for answers. There would be time for that later.
As he left the library that evening, the glowing orb still warm in his pocket, Mammon felt a surge of determination. He knew that his journey was only beginning, but he also knew that he wouldn't be facing it alone. Astranor had become more than a mentor, he was now a guide, a protector in a world that was growing more dangerous by the day.
He returned to his residence before logging out of the game. The transition back to the real world was disorienting but familiar. Mammon, or rather, Miles removed his VR helmet and powered down his laptop, stretching after a weekend of near-constant gameplay.
With a groan, he realized the weekend had vanished in a blink, and Monday loomed on the horizon. He needed rest. Exiting his room, he ordered some food and relaxed on the couch, scrolling through gaming forums as he waited.
The chatter online was lively with strategies for leveling up, complaints about tough zones, theories about undiscovered areas. Yet, curiously, there wasn't a single mention of the glitch system. Miles deduced that those who experienced it were keeping quiet, perhaps sensing its significance.
Once his food arrived, Miles ate quickly, savoring the meal before taking a refreshing shower. Dressed in comfortable nightwear, he fell into bed, exhaustion pulling him into sleep almost instantly.
Tomorrow, his training would continue. And for the first time in his life, Mammon felt like he was on the right path, even if that path was leading him into the unknown.
The next morning brought a sharp return to reality. Miles cleaned his small apartment, poured himself a bowl of cereal, and settled at his desk, browsing forums while eating.
His eyes skimmed past posts about the game, the excitement evident in every comment. But reality beckoned, his final exams were only two weeks away, and he needed to balance his newfound obsession with Eden's Impact and his studies.
After his morning routine, Miles took a short walk to clear his head. Back home, he prepped for the day and headed to university.
At noon, Miles finished a class and decided to grab a proper meal before his next lecture. On his way to the cafeteria, he accidentally bumped into someone.
"Watch where you're going, nerd!" a voice sneered. Looking up, Miles found himself facing Crew, one of the campus's notorious troublemakers, flanked by his usual gang.
"Sorry, I didn't see you," Miles said, keeping his tone calm.
"Yeah, you didn't see because you're too busy burying your head in books," Crew taunted. "Listen up, stop hanging around Mary. She's mine."
Miles raised an eyebrow, annoyed. "Mary talks to me because she wants to. Maybe you should try earning her attention instead of demanding it."
Crew's face darkened. "Know your place, peasant, before I put you in it."
Miles held his ground, but he kept his response short. "Fine. Whatever you say."
As Crew strutted away, Miles muttered under his breath, "As if you could handle me solo."
In the cafeteria, Miles grabbed his lunch and found a quiet table. But his solitude was short-lived when Mary plopped down beside him with a grin.
"Hey! Thought you didn't have any more classes today?" he asked.
"I don't, but I've got something to finish up in the labs," she said, taking a bite of her sandwich. Her tone turned teasing. "So, what's with you and Crew?"
Miles sighed. "Nothing much, just the usual. He told me to stop talking to you because he thinks you're his."
Mary rolled her eyes. "As if. Guys like Crew aren't my type."
Miles chuckled. "Then who is your type?"
"I don't know," she said, feigning nonchalance. "Maybe someone like you."
Miles choked on his food, coughing as Mary burst into laughter.
"Relax, I'm just joking," she said between giggles. "I already have someone."
"Who?" he asked, still catching his breath.
"You'll find out eventually." She winked.
"Flirt," Miles muttered, shaking his head as he finished his meal. "I'll see you later."
"Bye, Miles." She waved, still smiling.
--Somewhere in China, an Hour before Eden's Legacy Launch.
A fifteen-year-old boy lay on his bed, his mind racing with excitement and nerves. He couldn't stop thinking about the game.
'What if the launch gets delayed?'
'What if the servers crash?'
His cautious nature couldn't help but fixate on the "what-ifs." His name was Feng Lei and little did he know, this game would lead him to an extraordinary path, one that would make him one of Eden's most powerful druids.
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