The familiar white room appeared before Ren's eyes as they fluttered open. He blinked once, then twice, adjusting to the bright lights that filled the sealed chamber.
He was alone inside this secret room once again, but instead of loneliness, excitement crackled through his chest. His breath came out in a fog of anticipation. Today was the day.
He sat up fast and swung his legs off the stone slab bed. His bare feet touched the cold metallic floor with a soft thud as he stretched his arms and let out a short yawn.
Then, with a single, eager step, he made his way to the evolution chamber where the Red Evolution Crystal sat like a dormant beast waiting to be fed.
He tapped the side of his black watch. Instantly, a crisp menu appeared, floating above his wrist like a personal assistant. "Upgrade requirements," he muttered.
The list popped up:
• 1x Phoenix Bone Shard
• 2x Worldthread Fiber
• 3x Essence of Thought (Unstable)
• 1x Ink of Forgotten Dreams
