The golden rays of morning crept through the large windows of the private resort suite. Riku stirred from a dreamless sleep, his arms instinctively pulling Kira closer. She nestled against him with a content hum, still half-asleep. A thin sheet was all that covered them after a night of warmth and confessions, their bond now deeper and more tangible than ever.
But peace, as always, was temporary.
Riku's system buzzed quietly in his mind, a subtle alert that stirred him more than any alarm.
> [System Notification: Companion Bond Level Increased. Emotional Synergy Detected. New Reward Available.]
[Reward Claimed: Mental Sync Protocol – Passive Telepathic Connection (Limited)]
His eyes widened slightly as he read the description.
Kira and I can... sense each other's thoughts? Emotions? he mused.
The thought made his heart flutter in a strange, vulnerable way. He glanced down at Kira again, still asleep, her expression calm. He didn't want to burden her with more system powers or responsibilities. But this wasn't something he'd chosen—it had simply appeared as a result of what they'd shared.
He tapped the air to access his dashboard quietly.
[Current Points: 1,950]
[Inventory: Starter Territory Bundle, Skill Sync Voucher, Physical Synchronization Upgrade, 2x Random Coupons]
[System Notes: Emotional Affinity with Kira = 94%]
He stared at that number. So high already? A part of him was amazed, and a part afraid. The deeper the bond, the more vulnerable they both became.
Kira stirred behind him. "You're thinking too loudly," she muttered sleepily.
He turned, startled. "I didn't activate the sync."
She stretched lazily, her hair messy and radiant in the morning light. "You didn't have to. I can just feel you. Like... I know when you're troubled."
He blinked. "That's kind of creepy but also sweet."
She smirked. "You're the one with a cheat code life. Don't call me creepy."
They shared a quiet laugh, the kind that only couples secure in each other's presence could enjoy.
After a light breakfast, they sat on the balcony with a laptop and the system interface open, researching possible destinations and ideas for short-term retreats. Riku's mind, however, kept going back to their upcoming territory acquisition.
"You really think you're ready to start building your kingdom?" Kira asked, sipping tea.
"Not really," he admitted. "But if I wait until I'm 'ready,' I'll never start. And I have the Starter Bundle now."
"Then where will it be? Some desert no one wants? A haunted forest?"
Riku grinned and opened the system's map.
> [Opening World Interface… Accessing Available Zones… Filtering by Compatibility and Accessibility…]
A few glowing areas appeared. One particular zone flashed:
[Verdant Hollow – Hidden Valley, Protected by Natural Cliffs and Mist]
Status: Untouched. Unclaimed. Moderate Resources. Mythic Potential.
Points to Claim: 1,000
Riku selected it. A glowing map rendered the image of a wide open valley with waterfalls, forests, and a massive ancient tree in the center.
"Looks like something out of a JRPG," Kira commented.
"Exactly. Perfect place to start."
He hit the 'Purchase and Deploy' button.
> [Verdant Hollow Acquired. Coordinates added to teleportation grid. Access with 1x Portable Gate or via System Voucher.]
[Reward: 300 Points Bonus – First Territory Claimed]
[New Points Total: 1,250]
Kira leaned closer. "So when do we go?"
"After we enjoy this last day of vacation," he said firmly.
They spent the next few hours lounging at the infinity pool, taking turns giving massages, and indulging in luxurious snacks. But around mid-afternoon, Riku's system pinged again.
> [Optional Mission Detected: Strange Signal Detected Near Verdant Hollow]
[Objective: Investigate the Source. Potential Threat or Reward.]
[Bonus: Unknown.]
He sighed.
"It begins," he muttered.
Kira glanced at the prompt. "We're not even there yet, and already it's calling."
"Looks like someone—or something—is watching too closely."
She sat up and touched his arm. "Then we go prepared."
He nodded. "We leave tomorrow. I'll use a gate scroll. I want to see what this Hollow holds for us."
---
That evening, as the sunset bathed the sea in molten gold, Kira and Riku sat in a private beachside lounge. A fire crackled between them. Kira looked unusually serious.
"Riku... there's something I didn't say earlier. About why I knew you had a system."
He raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"It's not just that I noticed things. I've... met someone before. Years ago. Someone who claimed to have a system. He was older, bitter, and drunk on power. But he died mysteriously—body completely drained. I never saw a body do that before."
Riku felt a coldness settle in his chest. "Are you saying... there are others like me?"
"I think so. Or... there were. I didn't connect it until I saw you manifest abilities out of nowhere."
He leaned back, eyes darkening. "So this is bigger than just me."
Kira nodded. "I kept it secret because I didn't want to scare you. But I think your system is different. His corrupted him. Yours... challenges you."
He stared at the fire, the flames dancing like uncertain futures.
"Then I'll keep rising. Whatever this system's origin is, I won't let it consume me."
She reached over and took his hand. "I believe in you."
He smiled. For a moment, the fear lifted.
---
The next morning, Riku activated the portable gate scroll. A glowing portal opened, humming with energy.
Kira strapped on a light jacket and checked her side bag. Riku had equipped himself with basic gear, tools, and a few purchased weapons from the system's armory.
> [Equipped: Shadowsteel Dagger, Utility Belt, Skill – Danger Sense Lv.1]
They stepped through the gate.
---
Verdant Hollow was breathtaking.
They emerged into a field of swaying bluegrass, wind whispering through the leaves like secrets of old. The massive tree loomed in the distance, its roots like winding highways beneath the earth. Mist curled around the cliffs and drifted through the valley, casting a dreamy quality over everything.
Kira let out a breath. "This is it. This is your beginning."
Riku smiled. "Our beginning."
But far above, on a nearby ledge cloaked in shadow, another presence stirred. Watching. Waiting.
And Riku's next chapter of life was about to unfold—not with ease, but with purpose.