Andrew's focus was abruptly broken by the appearance of a familiar notification.
[Congratulations, Andrew Kermil! As a reward for completing your first mission without issue, additional information about your role has been unlocked. Prepare for further missions soon.]
The words floated in his vision, stark and emotionless. Yet they felt heavy, like a weight pressing down on his chest. He dismissed the message with a flick of his hand, but the implications lingered.
"More information unlocked," he muttered to himself. "Great. Like I know what to do with the info I already have."
Mella caught his words. "What is it?"
"It's nothing really. Just related to what I told you before."
"Ah. Of course it is."
As they began walking, the vastness of the field stretched endlessly around them, the cool air brushing against their skin. Neither spoke much at first; the surreal nature of what they'd just endured made words seem... inadequate.
Eventually, Mella broke the silence. "Do you think we should report this? What we went through?"
Andrew's eyes narrowed as he considered the question. "No. I don't think so. There's got to be a reason this isn't common knowledge. Why me? Why not anyone else?" He gestured to the space around them. "The System pulled me into this for a reason. If nobody else seemed to know about it, maybe it's meant to stay that way."
Mella gave a reluctant nod. "I guess so."
---
They tackled a few rifts—smaller ones this time, the kind that felt routine compared to the chaos they'd just survived.
By the time they returned to the city, the moon hung high, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets.
Andrew traded the cores they'd collected for a decent sum of coins at the Rift Tower, the market side.
As they exited the bustling marketplace, he turned to Mella. "Hey, you wanna hang out for a bit?"
She raised an eyebrow. "What, like now?"
"Yeah. You're pretty much the only person I know here," he said with a shrug. "Unless you've got better plans?"
Mella smiled "Not really. You're the only one I've spent much time with, so... yeah. Let's hang out."
They ended up at a small food stall tucked into a corner of the marketplace, the scent of grilled meat and spices wafting through the air.
Andrew ordered something hearty and filling, while Mella opted for a lighter meal. They sat at a small table, the hum of the city around them providing a comforting backdrop.
As they ate, Andrew glanced at her. "So... how do you feel about all this?"
Mella tilted her head. "All what?"
He gave her a knowing look. "Come on. You know what I mean."
Realization dawned on her face. She leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly. "I guess... it's interesting. I haven't really processed it yet, to be honest. I get that it's real, but it's a lot to take in. Still, if I can help save worlds, I feel like it's my duty as a human, you know?"
Andrew nodded, listening intently.
She hesitated before continuing. "Those people we saw back there—defenseless, with no Rift Tower, no system, no rift fighters to protect them... it makes me sympathize with them. They're living on borrowed time."
Andrew stared at her for a moment, genuinely impressed. "You're an amazing person, you know that?"
She laughed softly, brushing off the compliment. "Not really. What about you? How do you feel about it all?"
He poked at his food with his fork, his expression thoughtful. "Honestly? I mean, I want to help those worlds, but it's not out of some heroic drive. It's because I was picked to do it. That makes me... I don't know. Feel important. After all, I didn't become a Rift Fighter to save people. I was excited when I got chosen because it meant I was special."
Mella raised an eyebrow and playfully pointed her fork at him. "Don't let it go to your head."
Andrew chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll try."
After finishing their meal, Mella suddenly perked up. "Oh! We should go shopping."
Andrew raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Shopping? Now? After all that?"
"Yes," Mella said, her tone firm but teasing. "You probably need more clothes, don't you? I mean, unless you plan on wearing the same shirt every day."
Andrew glanced down at himself, then sighed. "Fair point. Fine. Let's go."
The marketplace was quieter now, with most of the rush fading as the night wore on. Still, enough shops remained open to keep the area lively. They wandered through a few stores, the atmosphere light as they browsed racks of clothing and commented on the more eccentric styles.
"This would look great on you," Mella said, holding up a brightly patterned shirt covered in tiny cartoonish animals.
Andrew groaned. "Absolutely not. You're trying to sabotage me."
She laughed, setting it back on the rack. "Maybe a little."
Despite the banter, Mella only picked up a couple of small items—a scarf and a pair of gloves. Andrew, however, quickly found himself with an armful of clothes: shirts, pants, and plenty of undergarments. The sheer volume surprised even him.
"You realize you just bought, like, a whole wardrobe, right?" Mella said as they left the last store.
"I needed it. I literally don't have anything."
"I'm glad you're stocking up. The thought of you going to sleep wtih wet clothes is still loud in my memory.
"It wasn't that bad."
"Yeah right."
After a few more laughs and playful jabs about Andrew's excessive shopping spree, the two of them finally decided to part ways. Mella stretched, letting out a tired yawn. "Alright, I'm calling it a night. This day has been... well, a lot."
"Agreed," Andrew replied, adjusting the bags slung over his shoulder. "Catch you tomorrow?"
"Sure," Mella said with a small smile before heading in the direction of her apartment.
Andrew watched her go for a moment, then turned toward his own place. The streets were quieter now, with only the occasional Rift Fighter or late-night vendor crossing his path. By the time he reached his small apartment, exhaustion had fully settled in. He tossed his bags onto a chair, collapsed onto his bed without bothering to change, and let sleep take him.
The next morning, Andrew woke with a jolt. That feeling was back—the "Mysterious pressure." It was pointing far away. It wanted him to go to another rift.