The Reward of Memories and a New Horizon

The white pillar of light that enveloped Yanaki and her companions was not an instantaneous teleportation. It was more like a transitional space, a place of stillness and judgment. Inside the pillar, she could see all of Erathos gradually shrinking below. She saw the now-clear stream, the forest once again whispering melodies of life, and the ancient citadel no longer exuding an air of sorrow.

Lyra's voice rang out one last time, but this time, it was not a floor-wide announcement, but a private whisper meant only for her.

"Because you chose the path of empathy over destruction, because you listened to the cries of this land, Erathos will grant you its blessing. This is the gift from the memories you have mended."

A series of system notifications, more brilliant and magnificent than anything she had ever seen, appeared before her eyes.

[You have completed Floor 1 with the special achievement: [The Mender].]

[You have received a massive bonus amount of EXP!]

[You have reached Level 6!]

[You have reached Level 7!]

[You have reached Level 8!]

Her level skyrocketed. A surge of pure power flowed into her body, her base stats significantly enhanced.

[Based on completing Floor 1 with high difficulty and under special conditions, your Rank has been reassessed.]

[Your Rank has increased from [F] -> [B].]

From F to B! An unbelievable leap. Yanaki knew that with this rank, her name would no longer be unknown among the player community.

[You have received the unique title: [Mender of Erathos].]

Effect: When facing spirits or entities afflicted by sorrow/curses, you have a natural ability to soothe them. Increases "Reputation" gained on all subsequent floors by 20%.

And the blessings were not for her alone.

[Familiar 'Elara' has absorbed the pure memory energy. She has evolved into a [Spirit of Memory]. The skill [Serene Lullaby] is enhanced, now able to affect higher-level spirits.]

Elara's form became more radiant and ethereal, her body looking as if it were woven from starlight and the currents of memory.

[Familiar 'Sylva' has been blessed by the Great Tree God. Its passive skill [Bark Regeneration] has been upgraded to [Heart of the Deep Woods], greatly increasing HP regeneration and providing a small amount of magic resistance.]

Sylva also let out a soft growl, golden veins of light now shimmering on its ironwood bark.

Before the light of teleportation completely enveloped her, Lyra showed her one final image. An Erathos of the future. Not a complete restoration, but she saw green shoots spreading, other players, perhaps inspired, beginning to repair small roads, and spirits no longer wandering in despair.

"This is the legacy you leave behind," Lyra's voice faded into nothingness. "Never forget, Memory Bearer."

The white light washed everything away.

When Yanaki opened her eyes again, everything had changed.

There was no longer ground beneath her feet. She was standing on a bronze balcony, suspended in the sky. Surrounding her was an impossible city. Countless flying islands of all sizes were connected by chain bridges and gleaming brass rails. Towering buildings with giant, slowly turning gears, and bronze smokestacks constantly billowed columns of white steam. Strange flying machines, shaped like mechanical dragonflies, zipped between the islands.

The air no longer smelled of damp earth, but of machine oil, heated metal, and ozone. The sound was no longer whispers, but the clashing of gears, the hissing of steam, and the chiming of clock towers echoing from colossal spires.

This was Floor 2.

And a completely different voice, loud, clear, and full of an inventor's pride, boomed in her head.

"Welcome to Aethelgard, my grand masterpiece! I am 'The Artificer,' Hephaestus!"

[Welcome to Floor 2: The Flying City - Aethelgard.]

[You have received the Ultimate Quest for Floor 2: [The Gear Race].]

Description: Strength isn't found in sentimental memories, but in creation and efficiency! Prove your worth by crafting or seizing 3 [Ancient Energy Cores] to restart the city's Brass Heart.

Note: In Aethelgard, anything can be crafted, and anything can be stolen. Trust in the machine, not in man!

Yanaki, now a B-Rank, Level 8 player, stood on the bronze balcony, looking out at the chaotic yet magnificent mechanical city. The challenges of Floor 2 would be completely different. It wasn't about empathy, but about engineering, competition between guilds of inventors, and perhaps, even aerial combat.

The first act was over. The second act, in the city of gears and steam, had only just begun.