Morning came too early.
The alarm buzzed like a curse. Ryan groaned, forcing himself to stand. Every muscle screamed in protest, but he went through his routine anyway — shower, toast, bag.
By the time classes ended, the sun had already started dipping toward the horizon again, casting a warm orange glow across the campus.
He knew what came next.
[System Reminder: Side Quest 2 — Destroy Hideout: "The Small Club."]
Ryan pulled his hoodie up and tightened his mask around his face as he stepped out of the school gate. His reflection flashed in a shop window — dark hoodie, calm eyes, steady stride. He looked less like a student and more like a shadow.
The walk wasn't long. The club was only a few blocks away — tucked behind a line of old buildings, neon signs buzzing faintly over the entrance. The music inside was loud enough to make the ground vibrate.
Ryan stood outside for a moment, hands in his pockets, staring at the glowing sign that read _Nexus Club_.
