The moment Axton accepted the quest, a cold ripple ran through his core. It wasn't fear — it was recognition.
Dimensional energy.
A trace of the old world.
A wound in reality.
He sat rigid in the classroom as the teacher droned about chemical equations. But his thoughts churned like a brewing storm. If something had followed him here, it meant the Rift hadn't fully closed. And worse — this peaceful world wasn't as sealed off as it looked.
[Objective Update: Scan Zone – Takashima High Grounds]
Progress: 0%
After school, Axton walked the halls slowly, pretending to check his phone — another tool he was still learning to use.
[Skill Activated: Analyze (Social)]
No anomalies detected in student body.
He moved toward the gym. Empty. Echoing.
Then the library. Quiet.
Then...
The old science lab in the west wing.
It was locked — unused, with a rusted "Under Maintenance" sign hanging crooked on the door. But the moment he neared it:
[Dimensional Energy Signature Detected]
Source: Behind Sealed Door
Danger Level: Unknown
Proceed With Caution? [Y/N]
He hesitated.
Then: Y.
He gripped the handle. It clicked open without resistance.
The air inside was stale and strangely heavy. Dust hung like ash. Broken tables, torn papers, long-dead plants. But there — in the far corner — a shimmer in the air. A ripple.
A crack.
A scar of mana in a world that wasn't supposed to have any.
[Anomaly Identified: Rift Fragment – Dormant]
Options: Examine | Seal | Leave
He stepped forward.
Suddenly, a surge of pressure slammed into him — like gravity twisting sideways.
[WARNING: Mana Flux Unstable – Physical Resistance Test Initiated]
He dropped to one knee, bracing himself.
Then came a whisper — not from the System, but something else. Faint. Distant.
Axton... Valeblade... still alive...?
His eyes widened.
That was a voice he hadn't heard since the fall of the Demon King.
[Sub-Quest Unlocked: Identify the Whispering Entity]
Reward: Class Evolution Opportunity – ???
Then the Rift pulsed once — and fell still.
The lab was silent again.
But Axton knew now: he wasn't alone in this world.
And the System hadn't brought him here just to adapt.
It had brought him here to prepare.