A drop of water echoed in the cavern’s vast emptiness. Drip… Drip… The sound barely made a difference in the oppressive silence. Jagged stalactites hung from the ceiling like frozen fangs, their sharp edges glistening under the faintest glow of buried crystals. The air was deathly still, thick with the scent of ancient ice and stone. Deep within, an enormous structure of solid ice stood undisturbed, sealing away a figure lost to time. The cavern had remained untouched for centuries. Then— Ding! A crisp chime shattered the silence. [System Notice: Self-Activation Successful.] A pulse of unseen energy rippled through the ice. Faint cracks slithered across the frozen surface, spiderwebbing outward. Then— BOOM! The ice erupted, shards scattering in all directions. A body fell from its crystalline prison, hitting the cold stone floor with a heavy thud. He did not move. For several moments, nothing happened. Then— Ding! [Emergency Protocols Engaged: Forcefully Awakening Host

The ruins stretched endlessly before Kael Everfrost, a silent graveyard beneath the pale moonlight. Jagged structures of ice and stone jutted from the earth, remnants of a forgotten age now blanketed in frost. The bitter wind whispered through the crumbling walls, tugging at his tattered cloak as his footsteps echoed against the frozen ground.Kael moved with quiet purpose, his breath slow and measured. Each step felt like a dance with the past, his keen eyes scanning the desolate landscape. He was searching. For what, he did not know — a weapon, a clue, anything that could offer him insight into this era.The system had told him the world’s mana was gone. No mages, no enchantments, no arcane sigils waiting to be activated. That knowledge offered some comfort; he wouldn’t need to fear being obliterated by a rogue sorcerer. But still, what had humanity replaced magic with?His gaze settled on a half-buried structure ahead. The stone was weathered and cracked, but something glimmered fa

As they stepped out of the plaza, Aaron glanced at Kael and smirked. “Well, now that you're all dressed up, where exactly are you staying?” Kael, who had been admiring the bustling streets of the modern city, frowned slightly. “I have yet to decide on that matter.” Aaron raised an eyebrow. “You mean you don’t have a place yet?” He chuckled. “Well, since you clearly prefer the finer things in life, there’s only one place that suits you—The Imperial Hotel.” Kael turned his gaze toward Aaron, silently asking for an explanation. Aaron continued, “It’s the most luxurious hotel in the city. Owned by the Lancaster family. If you want a place that matches your… unique presence, that’s the one.” Kael gave a slight nod. “Then let us proceed.” With that, they hailed a cab, and within minutes, they arrived at the towering Imperial Hotel. The building exuded wealth and power, its pristine glass exterior reflecting the city’s skyline. The golden insignia of the Lancaster family shone pr

Seated in the luxurious car, Kael gazed out the window, observing the city of Eryndor in daylight. Unlike the dazzling nightlife he had witnessed, the daytime painted a different picture—a bustling metropolis where towering skyscrapers loomed over well-maintained roads, and crowds of people moved with purpose. Vendors lined the sidewalks, businessmen in tailored suits rushed between meetings, and digital billboards flashed advertisements for luxury brands and high-end technology. Kael’s eyes flickered with interest. This world had adapted well to the loss of magic, relying entirely on technology to drive civilization forward. So this is modern human society… He tapped his fingers against the leather seat, already calculating how to navigate it. The car slowed to a stop in front of NovaCore Energy. The driver quickly stepped out, walking around to open the door. “We’ve arrived, sir,” he informed respectfully. Kael stepped out, his gaze immediately settling on the towering structu

Kael and Aaron arrived at Eldoria Antiques, a shop renowned for its vast collection of rare relics, artifacts, and antiques. The shop had an air of mystery, with ancient scrolls, rusted weapons, and forgotten treasures lining its shelves. The scent of aged parchment and polished wood filled the air as they stepped inside. Jason Hayes, the shop’s owner, sat behind a polished oak counter, examining an old coin through a magnifying glass. His sharp eyes traced the intricate engravings, a soft hum escaping his lips as he assessed its authenticity. The dim lighting of the shop cast a warm glow on the antique-strewn shelves behind him. He turned the coin over once more before setting it down on a velvet cloth. Hearing the chime of the entrance bell, he looked up, his keen merchant instincts recognizing Aaron immediately. A grin spread across his face as he set the magnifying glass aside. “Aaron, my friend! What brings you here today?” Aaron stepped forward with a casual grin, clasping J