As I walked out of the library, a sudden ding echoed in my mind. My vision blurred for a second before the system interface appeared in front of me, glowing faintly.
---
[New Quests Available]
1. Claim the Forsaken Throne (Main Quest)
The Forsaken Lands have been abandoned for centuries, but a true ruler can rise again. Prove your strength and claim the throne left behind by the Forgotten Kings.
Objective: Locate and activate the Throne of the Forsaken.
Reward: +5 Levels, Forsaken King's Authority, Unique Skill: "King's Flash"
2. Echoes of the Past (Side Quest)
The ruins whisper of forgotten rulers. Seek out the remnants of history to uncover what led to the downfall of the Forsaken Kings.
Objective: Find and read three Ancient Records hidden in the Forsaken Lands.
Reward: 500 Gold, Forgotten King's Relic
3. Slay the Warden of the Forsaken (Combat Quest)
Not all have forgotten their duty. A spectral guardian still roams the ruins, slaying those who dare step into this domain. Prove your worth by defeating the Warden.
Objective: Defeat the Forsaken Warden.
Reward: +3 Levels, Warden's Blade, Title: "Warden Slayer"
4. Unseal the Abyssal Gate (Hidden Quest)
A mysterious gate lies buried beneath the ruins, sealed by unknown forces. Unravel its secrets and discover what lies beyond.
Objective: Locate and interact with the Abyssal Gate.
Reward: ???
5. Survive the Night (Survival Quest)
The Forsaken Lands are cursed. At midnight, the spirits of fallen warriors rise, seeking vengeance. Survive until dawn.
Objective: Last six hours without dying.
Reward: +2 Levels, Forsaken Survivor's Buff (10% damage reduction at night)
I smirked. "Well… looks like things just got interesting."
___
The system quests were flashing in front of me, but for a brief moment, my mind drifted elsewhere.
I thought about the people I left behind. Kayla, Lena, and George. The only ones who never looked at me and thought, as Samuel, the cuckold husband of that bitch Bardot.
I clenched my fists. "Tch. Abigail Bitch Bardot. That damn woman… she ruined my life once, but never again."
But those three… Kayla and Lena were like little sisters to me, and George—he was my friend, one of the few who never turned his back on me. It was my responsibility to protect them, and I did.
Thanks to Volkov.
I had to make a deal—Project Hades for their protection. That man was ruthless, but he kept his word. As long as he was around, they'd be safe. And that's all that mattered to me.
With a deep breath, I called out, "System, tell me how their lives will go after I changed their identities."
A second later, the system's notification popped up.
---
[System Future Prediction - Kayla, Lena, and George]
Kayla's New Identity: Sasha Grey
Sasha Grey, a dedicated medical researcher, works tirelessly to create groundbreaking treatments that will save countless lives. Her work will one day earn her the title of "Medical Genius of the Century."
Lena's New Identity: Brittany Mansion
Brittany Mansion, a brilliant scientist, dives deep into marine biotechnology. She will revolutionize the field, discovering new ways to heal the planet through the ocean's hidden secrets.
George's New Identity: John Fort
John Fort, a world-renowned doctor, opens his own medical clinic. His name will be etched in history as a pioneer in medicine. He continues to support Sasha and Brittany, acting as an older brother to them both.
All three miss you. But they know your journey is far from over. They respect your decision and have chosen to let go of their past with you, knowing you wouldn't want them to be sad.
Most importantly: They are completely out of Abigail Bardot's reach. She will never harm them again.
---
I exhaled sharply, my grip tightening.
"They're safe…" I muttered.
For the first time in a long time, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. No matter what happens to me, they'll be fine. That was enough.
I looked up at the sky, the dark clouds above the Forsaken Lands swirling ominously. A new world. A new beginning. A new purpose.
Then, I smirked.
"Alright then. Time to raise some hell."
I turned on my heels and walked toward the ruins ahead, my journey just beginning.