8 years

After the hot shower, my skin still tingled slightly from the warm water removing the ingrained dirt. The mud, the blood, the scent of death... it had all finally gone away.

My armor was now safely stored within the virtual laboratory, waiting for me to repair it.

Wearing clean clothes, I threw myself onto the bed, feeling the soft mattress absorb my weight.

My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

"The Tower is under attack."

The acolytes from Dark Lake Tower had started an offensive against us, and no one knew about it except those at the top. Some talented Acolytes were already dead, and the mages forced me to sign a confidentiality contract.

This could only mean one thing: they did not intend to disclose this news.

I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on my chest.

I raised my hand and issued a mental command.

"Virtual Laboratory, project the map."