---
Then— Something flickered in Kai's vision.
[Ding! System Notification – Rank Advancement Available
Threshold Reached:
Current Level: 40
Evolution Limit: 3★
Host is now eligible to evolve to 4★ Rank.
Do you wish to begin the Rank Advancement Protocol?
[Yes/No]
Warning: This evolution path is irreversible. Please prepare before proceeding.]
Kai's footsteps stopped instantly. The air shifted.
The winds that had been lazily drifting over cracked glass and scorched soil suddenly turned still, as if the land itself awaited his decision.
In the far cliffs, glass clinked faintly, echoing like distant bells.
Slowly, Kai lifted his right hand—calloused and cracked from battle, still scorched with faint lightning marks. The place where the storm had touched him was now faintly glowing, not with pain, but with invitation.
He flexed his fingers once. Tightened the fist. Then he opened it again, then Tightened the fist, Then he opened it again.
[Yes]
