A notification flashed before Alex's eyes with a soft ping, its words simple but unmistakable.
=====
[Mission Completed: Explore the True Realm]
Objective: Begin your journey by exploring the surrounding area and learning about the world you've entered.
Rewards:
1. 500 EXP
2. 250 Coins
3. Skill: Emperor's Eyes (Basic Level)
=====
Alex barely blinked at the message. He had been expecting it. After all, now that he knew more about the True Realm from Kaela, the prophecy, and his purpose here, completing the mission felt like the most natural thing in the world.
Kaela's explanations had given him a better understanding of the world he had wandered into, and it seemed only logical that the system would consider him to have fulfilled his objective.
His fingers hovered over the glowing notification as he absently took note of the rewards. They were useful—especially the EXP and coins—but his attention was on the third item, the Emperor's Eyes (Basic).
He'd been curious about this skill since it first appeared as part of the mission's rewards, but he had no clue what it entailed. It seemed significant, especially with how Kaela had spoken of the prophecy.
Was it a skill that would help him see his future or perhaps grant insight into his enemies? Maybe it was connected to the idea of the Supreme Emperor, the ruler who would rise above all others.
With a slight breath, Alex opened his Status Panel.
=====
[Status]
Name: Alex Young
Age: 19
Coins: 1180
Current Level: 8
Experience: 7610/8000
Attributes:
Strength: 20
Speed: 20
Stamina: 20
Intelligence: 19
Charisma: 18
Luck: 19
Free Points: 0
Skill Voucher: 0
Skills:
1. Flame Craft
=====
Alex's gaze lingered on the new skill. He selected it to read more about it.
=====
[Emperor's Eyes (Basic Level)]
Unlocks the ability to see through the illusions of power. The Emperor's Eyes grants the user insight into the true nature of individuals, objects, and environments. Reveals hidden intentions, concealed information, and underlying truths. Limited range and clarity at the Basic Level.
=====
"Interesting," Alex murmured under his breath, his fingers absently tracing the line of his jaw as he pondered the implications. Emperor's Eyes. The name alone sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.
'Let's see what this really does.'
Before Alex could test the skill, Kaela's voice broke through his thoughts.
"You seem out of place again," she said, her tone soft yet perceptive. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes studying him with an almost knowing expression. "Is something on your mind?"
Alex blinked, surprised by how easily she could sense his distraction. He gave her a half-hearted smile, feeling a little caught off guard.
"I'm fine," he replied, though the words felt hollow as they left his mouth. He glanced at the notification again, still mulling over the implications of the Emperor's Eyes skill.
But Kaela didn't seem convinced. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she could see past his words, and waited for him to elaborate.
Alex stuttered momentarily, trying to formulate a convincing excuse, but his mind was racing for an answer. Finally, he blurted out, "I was just wondering... how does time work here, compared to Earth?"
He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Like, does a day here pass the same way as a day back home? You know, the twenty-four-hour cycle..."
A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he glanced up at Kaela. "I mean, I was asleep right before stepping into this world. So, I guess I'm just curious about the time difference if there is one."
Kaela's gaze softened a little, though she still looked at him with quiet suspicion. She crossed her arms, considering his words carefully.
"Time," she repeated slowly, her eyes drifting off as if pondering something distant. "I understand your curiosity."
She then glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "I know how it works," she said with a quiet confidence that immediately caught Alex's attention.
"Wait," Alex said, his voice betraying a touch of surprise. "You know?"
Kaela nodded, her eyes glinting with the knowledge of things not easily understood by someone new to this world. "It's based on the records of the previous human who came from Earth—the Veiled of Stars knew how it works, and I've studied those records."
Alex leaned in, eager to know more. "What do you mean by the records? And how does time work here?"
"I'll share more about the records later." Kaela met his gaze evenly. "The day here is similar to the day on Earth in terms of hours—twenty-four hours, to be exact—but the cycle moves differently. A day here is like an hour on Earth. So, when you slept back there, it was much longer here in the True Realm. You didn't lose much time at all."
She paused momentarily before adding, "Oh, and there are seven days a week, too. It's similar to Earth."
Alex's brow furrowed as he processed the information.
Alex's brow furrowed as he processed the information. The idea of time moving so differently here was both strange and... intriguing.
"So, let me get this straight," he said, running a hand through his hair. "If I sleep for seven hours on Earth, that would be like a whole week here?"
Kaela nodded, her expression unreadable. "That's right. Time here moves differently. But perhaps that's for a reason."
Alex paused, trying to wrap his head around the idea of stretching time in such a way. A part of him felt relieved. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if a day or a week could pass for him in the blink of an eye.
But Kaela's tone shifted slightly, and she looked at him with a hint of seriousness.
"Maybe that's how it was set up," she said slowly, her eyes piercing. "So you can focus. So you can accomplish more. The tasks ahead of you won't be easy, Alex. Not by a long shot. Time might work differently here to give you the space to prepare, learn, and grow stronger."
Alex was quiet for a moment, her words hanging in the air. The weight of her statement sank in, and his earlier thoughts about the prophecy and his uncertain future began to feel all the more pressing.
"Maybe you're right," he said, his voice quieter now. "I guess the more time I have here, the better."