[Hairu's POV]
In the growing crowd of panicked strangers, Hairu stood at the center like a quiet anchor. His voice didn't need to rise—people naturally looked to him for direction.
"We need a tank," he said evenly. "If we get thrown into another scenario, someone needs to be ready to take the hit."
The floating countdown above his vision read 34:28. Time was slipping.
As he scanned the crowd, his gaze caught on two people standing apart. One was a younger teen, maybe fifteen. The other—older, maybe twenty-three—wore a soft, friendly expression that didn't quite match the situation.
They were smiling. Talking.
That's strange.
Hairu pulled up his Window.
---
NAME: Hairu
AGE: 20
STR: 3 (Rare)
END: 2 (Uncommon)
INT: 3 (Rare)
STA: 5 (Epic)
MAGIC: 6 (Legendary)
LEADERSHIP: 3 (Rare)
TRAITS:
[The One Who Remembered the Past Life]
Memories of another world. A different ending. This time, you know what must be done.
[The One Who Defied Time]
You broke the cycle once. Time didn't forget—and neither did you.
[The Leader of All]
You inspire loyalty, even in chaos. People follow you instinctively—whether for hope or survival.
---
Hairu's face remained calm, warm. But his mind raced.
Those two… Something's off.
He cupped his hands and projected his voice.
"HEY, YOU TWO!"
"COME HERE! WE'RE DISCUSSING STRATEGY."
---
[Rin's POV]
Quest complete.
A whisper of gold light rippled in Rin's vision.
> REWARD ACQUIRED.
Item added to Inventory.
Rin's eyes flicked open with interest.
Before he could inspect it—
"HEY, YOU TWO! COME HERE!"
The voice carried authority. Too loud. Too confident. Rin's eyes rose slowly.
Across the void stood a boy with posture like a commander and eyes that scanned like a tactician. Around him, a group had already begun to form.
So that's the self-appointed leader, Rin thought. Hairu, was it?
He glanced at Nariku, who visibly flinched at the call.
Rin's expression softened. "Looks like we've been invited," he said, voice warm and reassuring.
I'll examine the item later, he thought. For now… let's see what the leader wants.
He stepped forward with a smile that didn't touch his eyes.