Reeve blinked. Darkness. Endless darkness.
Then, slowly, a soft purple glow appeared ahead of him. A figure emerged from the haze—tall, elegant, mysterious, with piercing violet eyes and flowing black-and-purple hair. Her confident stance radiated presence and calm authority.
"You've arrived," the voice echoed like both a whisper and a command.
Reeve stepped forward cautiously. "Who… who are you?"
"I am Nyx," she replied, a faint smile touching her lips. "Your system has been hiding truths from you, Reeve. You've been using your powers, but not knowing their full scope."
Reeve's brow furrowed. "My… full scope?"
Nyx nodded. "Yes. There is much you don't understand. The world you see—the kingdom, the guilds, your allies, your enemies—it's only one layer. There are demon lords, creatures of immense power, entire realms unseen by normal maps, and ancient forces that govern this world."
She circled him, letting her presence wash over him. "The demon world is vast, dangerous, and still largely unexplored. Some parts even the oldest lords dare not enter. Here, what you think is the limit… is only the beginning."
Reeve swallowed, feeling both awe and weight pressing on him. "And… my team? My guild?"
"They are strong, but mortal," Nyx replied softly. "They can support you, guide you, even fight by your side—but you are… different. Remember, some truths are not for them to bear."
Reeve's heart raced. "What about you… what are you?"
"I am your guide, your voice, your system… but I am also more than that. My purpose is to ensure you survive what comes next. Listen to me carefully, and you will understand what is at stake—but not everything… not yet."
Her eyes softened for a moment, a flicker of warmth. "For now, rest. When you wake, you will need all your strength for what is to come."
---
The next thing Reeve knew, he opened his eyes to familiar surroundings—his room, but strangely empty. Midnight. Moonlight streamed in, casting long shadows on the floor. He rose slowly, his body heavy, his mind still echoing with Nyx's words.
He approached the window, staring into the still night, letting the cool air wash over him. The city slept beneath the stars, peaceful yet fragile. Reeve's hands clenched lightly. He didn't fully understand the scope of what Nyx told him—but he could feel the weight of it pressing against him.
Finally, exhausted, he laid back down. Sleep returned quickly, deep and untroubled, carrying him through the night.
---
The next morning, the aroma of breakfast stirred him awake. Reeve sat up and cheerfully said, "Good morning, Nerisse!"
The young healer jumped, almost dropping the plate she was holding, and instinctively threw a small knife at him.
Reeve caught it effortlessly with one hand. "Don't play with knives like that."
Nerisse's face flushed red. "You scared me!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Reeve smiled softly.
Lunareth appeared in the doorway. "You're awake. Good morning, Reeve."
Kaelith, already stretching and ready for the day, chimed in. "Good morning."
Elaryn's voice carried from the corner, teasing: "You sleep too much, leader."
Reeve blinked in shock. "How many hours have I been asleep?"
Kaelith raised an eyebrow, calm as ever. "Three days."
Reeve's jaw dropped. "What! Three days?!"
---
Scene shift: Guild Hall of Eldmere.
Eclipse Collectors reported what they had discovered in Grimfang Wastes. The guild master, impressed, handed over 100,000 Eldmere Crowns as a reward.
"Thank you for completing this quest," a guild officer said, bowing slightly.
Kaelith shook his head. "We didn't complete it yet. We're returning. Right, leader?"
"Yes," Reeve replied firmly, eyes glinting with resolve.
The team immediately set out back to Grimfang Wastes.
---
Upon reaching the mist-shrouded land, Reeve suddenly heard a soft voice, a cry for help, faint but distinct. He dashed toward it, moving faster than any normal human could, and found a little girl trapped in debris.
Carefully, he lifted the broken wood and stones, freeing her. "Are you alright?" he asked gently.
The girl nodded, tears in her eyes. Reeve stayed close, guiding her safely back to Eldmere.
At the city gates, he handed her over to a guard. "Please take her home, and make sure she's safe."
Reeve returned to his team. "Sorry I took so long."
No one scolded him. Instead, a monster appeared near the gate.
Kaelith calmly stepped forward, eyes narrowing. With a single finger pointed, the monster collapsed instantly, its body dissolving into mist.
Elaryn and Lunareth stared, impressed. Even Reeve couldn't help but blink in awe.
Kaelith's calm authority, his sheer power, left everyone silently respecting him—even more than before.
Reeve looked at him and thought: If I want to lead them… I need to become stronger than even Kaelith.
And in that quiet determination, the Eclipse Collectors prepared for the next trial—the true depths of Grimfang Wastes.