Chapter 4 – Sleeping for the First Time

After their discussion ended, Helena Valmont left the room with her usual serious expression. As one of the faction leaders in Arkaneum, the woman seemed to be always busy with various matters.

Cain watched how Arkaneum functioned from the inside, observing the movements of its members who passed by with various destinations. This building was not just a headquarters, but a research and coordination center for the exploration of The Abyssal Rift Dungeon.

From the large window on the top floor, Cain could see the expansive view of Solmora. This city was completely different from what he had ever imagined. If the outside world still maintained traditional elements with ancient castles, villages, and fortresses, then Solmora was a civilization that had leaped far ahead. Orderly streets, skyscrapers with Xenova technology, and vehicles that glided smoothly through the open air.

"You still seem amazed." Rin, who was standing next to him, chuckled.

"There's no denying it, this… is like another world." Cain admitted, his eyes still fixated on the dynamically moving city below.

Rin leaned against the balcony railing, looking into the distance. "Solmora is no ordinary city. It is the center of modern civilization because it was built directly on top of the world's largest Dungeon. Every technological advancement, social system, and even the economy in this city, all come from what was found in the Dungeon."

Cain turned his attention to Rin. "The Arkaneum really controls everything, huh?"

"The Arkaneum is not a government, but more like a research and exploration authority." Rin explained. "We do not rule Solmora, but every country and faction in this world relies on the information we provide. The Dungeon is always changing, and without the Arkaneum to monitor it, the outside world could face disaster at any time."

Cain pondered those words. It was no wonder the Arkaneum was so influential. Without them, perhaps the outside world would never be able to control the effects of the Dungeon.

Rin then continued her explanation. "The Arkaneum has two main roles that work side by side. The first is the Archivist."

"Scientist?" Cain guessed.

Rin nodded. "That's right. They are researchers who document every change in the Dungeon. The history, anomalies, ecology, and even the objects found inside. Their main job is to understand and uncover the mysteries inside the Dungeon. However, although they mostly work in the research room, there are times when they have to go directly into the field to investigate something."

Cain nodded in understanding. "And the second one?"

"Sentinel." Rin smiled faintly. "If the Archivist is a scientist, then the Sentinel is the protector and executor. They are responsible for the safety of the expedition, clearing any dangers that arise, and ensuring that the Archivist can work without interruption."

Cain realized something. "So, if I pass the exam, I will become a Sentinel?"

"Yes," Rin confirmed. "Sentinels are the vanguard of every expedition. But make no mistake, they are not just ordinary fighters. Sentinels must have a basic understanding of the Dungeon, survival strategies, and of course sufficient fighting skills to face the dangers inside."

Cain looked at his own hands, remembering the battle he had experienced. Was he really ready for a role this big?

After hearing Rin's explanation of the Archivist and Sentinel's roles, Cain began to observe the people around him. The Arkaneum headquarters was not just an administrative building, it felt alive, filled with individuals moving with a clear purpose.

He saw groups of people in Arkaneum uniforms walking confidently, carrying documents or talking into communication devices on their wrists. Some of them had combat gear that looked more advanced than the equipment in the outside world. Light armor that blended into their clothes, glowing gloves that seemed to have special functions, and unique-looking weapons that probably used Xenova as their main power.

In another corner, he saw another, more humble group, some of whom were still wearing shabby-looking combat gear, as if they had just returned from a difficult expedition. They looked tired, but there was an aura of courage in their gazes.

Cain realized that not everyone in Arkaneum had the same strength. There was a clear hierarchy, not only in experience but also in the level of power of their Xenova.

"You seem to be getting the idea," Rin said, crossing her arms. "Arkaneum may seem like a scientific organization, but make no mistake, strength is still the main factor here."

Cain nodded slowly. "So, how do they measure someone's strength?"

Rin smiled faintly. "There are two main factors. First, one's Xenova talent. Second, their rank in the Arcaneum."

"Rank?" Cain raised an eyebrow.

Rin began to explain. "The Arcaneum has four main ranks that determine one's social status and strength."

Arkaneum Rank Structure

1. Seeker (Rank C)

New members of Arkaneum, mostly still in training or have just completed the entrance exam.

They are only allowed to explore the outer areas of the Dungeon, their duties are more about gathering basic information and initial studies on the ecology of the Dungeon.

2. Explorer (Rank B)

Already experienced in Dungeon expeditions and are allowed to go deeper.

Usually work in small teams to analyze Dungeon anomalies or escort Archivists.

3. Scholar (Rank A)

They are individuals who have made significant contributions to Dungeon research or exploration.

It could be a historical discovery, a new theory about Xenova, or creating new technology based on the Dungeon.

4. Grand Pioneer (Rank S)

The highest rank, only given to those who have succeeded in discovering a new area within the Dungeon or uncovering a great secret that has never been known.

Very few reach this level, and they are considered living legends in Arkaneum.

Only individuals with extraordinary abilities can reach this rank.

Cain absorbed the information seriously. "So… someone who is strong doesn't always get a high rank right away?"

Rin shook her head. "It's not that easy. Many are strong, but not all of them can rise in rank. The Arcaneum judges people based on their contribution to Dungeon exploration, not just their combat power."

Cain looked at his hands, then clenched his fingers slowly. "So if I want to rise in rank, I have to find something valuable in the Dungeon?"

Rin smiled. "Exactly."

Cain understood now. The Arcaneum wasn't just a place for strong fighters, but also a center of knowledge that valued those who could bring about real change.

However, there was one question that still lingered in his mind.

"Rin, there's one thing I want to ask."

"Hm?"

Cain looked at her seriously. "What happens if someone breaks the rules of the Arcaneum? I mean… using their knowledge for the wrong purposes?"

Rin was silent for a moment, then her voice lowered. "That is the greatest taboo in the Arcaneum. Anyone who misuses the knowledge or technology of the Dungeon for personal gain will be considered a traitor."

Cain could sense that there was something behind Rin's words. Was this just a rule, or was there a dark history behind it?

However, before he could ask further, Rin glanced at her watch. "That's enough for today. Tomorrow, I'll help you pass the test."

Cain took a deep breath, then followed Rin as she headed for the exit.

The sky above Solmora was starting to darken, adorned with the twinkling lights of skyscrapers that radiated the purplish blue Xenova light. The city was so alive, even as night began to envelop it.

Cain sat quietly inside the Xeno-Craft, watching the strange yet fascinating city streets. He still had a hard time processing how the world he knew, a giant city built on the ruins of an ancient civilization and managed with technology that felt like magic, could be.

Rin remained calm beside him, driving the vehicle with a relaxed expression. Cain glanced at her briefly, then looked back out the window.

"I'll rent you a house in the middle-class residential district," Rin said suddenly.

Cain turned his head in confusion. "You can do it that easily?"

Rin raised an eyebrow, as if she didn't understand why that sounded strange to Cain. "Of course. I have connections."

Connections? Cain fell silent. He hadn't known Rin for long, but she seemed to have a great influence in Arkaneum. Not just because she was a member of the organization, but there was something more… something he didn't understand.

"You're not an ordinary member, are you?" Cain finally asked.

Rin smiled faintly. "I never said I was ordinary."

Cain sighed. He wasn't sure if the answer was serious or just a joke, but it was clear that Rin had a higher status than she seemed.

Soon, they arrived at a middle-class residential district. Compared to the central district filled with tall towers and futuristic laboratories, this place was more like a peaceful neighborhood. The houses were built with modern architecture, but still retained natural elements with small gardens and trees that seemed to have grown with Xenova's help.

The Xeno-Craft stopped in front of a two-story house with a minimalist design. The building looked simple, but from the materials used, it was clear that this was no ordinary residence.

"This is your place," Rin said, handing him an access card.

Cain took the card, but his mind was still filled with questions. "Why are you doing all this?"

Rin looked at him, this time with a slightly more serious expression. "You need a place to stay. Arkaneum doesn't provide a place for those who haven't officially joined, and I can't let you sleep on the streets, if you meet the patrolling police they'll interrogate you."

A logical answer, if that really happened he didn't know what to do. However, Cain felt there was something more to it.

He looked at the house in front of him, then looked back at Rin. "Thank you."

Rin just nodded. "Get some rest. Tomorrow we'll start your training, I'll be back to pick you up tomorrow."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned around and went back into the Xeno-Craft, leaving Cain alone in front of his new home.

Cain stared at her retreating back, then took a deep breath.

Who exactly was she?

Thinking back, Rin was someone with an unusual background, so how come he met her in the forest? Then, it was impossible for Rin to explore the outside world without a vehicle, but when he met her he didn't see her at all.

After a few moments of standing in confusion, Cain finally opened the door of the house and stepped inside.

Tonight, he would sleep for the first time since he woke up in the forest. But deep in his mind, the strange feeling still lingered about who he was, about Arkaneum, and about his past that felt increasingly far from his reach.

He shook his head, then pushed the door of his house and stepped inside.

The dark room greeted him, he was confused about how to turn on the lights, going around the house and trying to turn it on until he finally pressed a switch.

As soon as he turned on the lights, the Xenova lights on the ceiling began to light up slowly, emitting a soft light that filled the room.

The interior of the house was more luxurious than he had imagined. The floor was made of smooth material like marble, with a faint glowing pattern. The walls were decorated with wooden panels with a minimalist design, and some modern furniture was available, a dark sofa in the living room, an empty bookshelf, and a small table in the corner of the room.

Cain walked deeper, passing the neatly arranged kitchen. There were no traditional cooking utensils, just a few pieces of tech that seemed to use Xenova as a power source. He wasn't sure how to use them, but that wasn't something he needed to think about right now.

His eyes landed on a set of stairs that led upstairs. Slowly, he climbed the steps one by one, until he finally came to a corridor with two doors on either side. One of the doors was slightly ajar, revealing the master bedroom.

The room was simple, but spacious. A large bed sat in the middle of the room, with crisp white sheets and comfortable-looking pillows. In the corner of the room, there was a small table with a mirror, and on the other side, a large window that gave a view of the city of Solmora at night.

Cain stood by the window, watching the city lights twinkle in the distance. The sight felt foreign to him. The outside world had never been this bright.

He sighed, then sat down on the edge of the bed. Fatigue was starting to creep up on him, but his mind was still filled with questions. About Solmora. About Rin. About himself.

Slowly, he laid his body down on the mattress. A sense of comfort soon enveloped him, and before he knew it, his eyelids began to feel heavy.

Then, he fell asleep.

---

He stood in the middle of darkness.

The sky above him was starless, just a vast expanse of emptiness that seemed to press in from all directions. Cain stepped forward, but the ground beneath him was empty. He seemed to float in the void.

Then, a voice echoed around him.

"Remember..."

Cain looked in all directions, searching for the source of the voice. But all he found were vague shapes in the distance, shadows that seemed to move but had no clear form.

The voice spoke again.

"You are from here..."

Cain frowned. "What do you mean?"

But before he could get an answer, the scenery around him changed.

He now stood in a different place, a giant ruin filled with a slowly pulsating blue light. Tall pillars towered around him, decorated with carvings that felt familiar but he could not read. In the middle of the ruins, a large altar stood, and on it something glowed.

Cain stepped forward.

His hand reached out unconsciously, but just as his fingers were about to touch the light, a whisper echoed right in his ear.

"Come back..."

Instantly, an excruciating pain hit his head. It was as if something was trying to tear his mind apart, forcing him to remember something buried deep within his memory.

---

Cain woke up gasping for breath, his body soaked with cold sweat.

His heart was pounding, and his chest felt tight, as if something was pressing on his lungs from the inside. He felt a strange throbbing in his hand, right where the mysterious tattoo was.

Trembling, he looked down at his sweaty palm. The tattoo glowed a faint gold in the darkness, before slowly returning to normal.

Cain swallowed. What had he just seen? What was that place? And most importantly! Who was talking to him in the dream?