A Rising Storm

Aurora sat on the rooftop of a tall building, gazing at the city below. The aftershocks of the dungeon break had begun to settle, but she knew this was just the beginning. Humanity was still adapting, still figuring out the limits of their newfound abilities. However, with each passing day, the world was shifting.

She opened her system interface.

[System Notification]

[Battle Data Analysis Complete.]

[Template Integration: 30%]

Her integration with the Herrscher of the Void template was progressing steadily. The battle against the Frostfang Alpha had allowed her to push her abilities further while still maintaining enough restraint to avoid suspicion. However, it wouldn't be long before people started asking questions. Celeste, in particular, had already taken notice of her unique fighting style.

Aurora needed a way to keep attention away from her true power.

She smirked. "Looks like it's time to use a little deception."

The World Reacts

The footage of the dungeon break spread rapidly online. Videos of Celeste Varian and "Kiana Kaslana" fighting against the Frostfang Alpha flooded social media, sparking countless discussions.

Theories about Kiana's true nature resurfaced.

"Did she come from another world?"

"Is she an awakened who somehow transformed into Kiana?"

"Maybe she's an AI-made human?"

Some even speculated that she was a government experiment gone rogue. The only thing everyone agreed on was that she was real—not just a cosplayer, not just a hoax.

Meanwhile, the global situation was rapidly evolving. Governments, organizations, and factions were all scrambling for power. Some sought to recruit strong awakened individuals, while others worked to control the narrative surrounding the invasion.

Among them, the Hunters' Guild was becoming one of the dominant forces. Their efficient dungeon-clearing operations had gained them widespread influence, and their elite members—Celeste included—were being hailed as humanity's strongest protectors.

But in the shadows, not everyone had noble intentions.

A Dangerous Invitation

Aurora's phone buzzed. She raised an eyebrow—it was an anonymous message.

[Unknown: "Your presence has not gone unnoticed. If you seek to understand the true depths of this new world, meet me at the abandoned train station at midnight. Come alone."]

A trap? Possibly.

But a part of her was intrigued.

If someone was reaching out like this, they either knew something valuable... or they were testing her. Either way, she wasn't about to ignore it.

Midnight Meeting

The abandoned train station was eerily silent. Faint echoes of dripping water filled the air, accompanied by the distant hum of the city beyond.

Aurora stood alone, her violet eyes scanning the darkness. Then, she sensed it—a presence approaching from the shadows.

A figure emerged. A tall man, clad in a long black coat, his face obscured by a mask. Despite his concealed identity, Aurora could feel the power radiating from him. This wasn't an ordinary awakened.

"You actually came," the man said, his voice calm yet unreadable.

"You were expecting me to run?" Aurora crossed her arms.

The man chuckled. "No. But I was curious if the so-called 'Kiana Kaslana' was more than just an illusion."

Aurora's eyes narrowed. "You seem to know a lot. Who are you?"

The man tilted his head. "A simple observer. One who understands that the true battle is not just against the invaders… but against the forces already moving in this world."

Aurora remained silent.

"Factions are rising. Some want power, others want control. But there are also those who seek knowledge." He gestured toward her. "Your existence is an anomaly. If you want to survive, you'll need allies—true ones, not just those who see you as a curiosity."

"And you're offering me that?"

The man chuckled again. "Not yet. Consider this a warning, Aurora Evernight."

Aurora's breath stilled.

He knew.

Her entire body tensed, ready to strike, but the man simply stepped back. "Don't worry. I'm not your enemy. At least, not yet."

Then, before she could react, he vanished into the darkness.

Aurora exhaled, her mind racing.

This world was changing faster than she had expected. And now, it seemed she wasn't the only one playing the game from the shadows.

With a determined smirk, she whispered, "Things just got a lot more interesting."