[Congratulations on completing the first Side Mission:]

[Reward: Chef’s Chopsticks]

‘Chopsticks!’ Archie exclaimed, his face a mask of bewilderment.

‘Did it give me chopsticks because my Rift Runner name is Chef?’

With a swift kick to the air, Archie vented his frustration.

“Damn it! If I had known, I would have chosen a better name, like Dragon Hunter or Blade. Anything would be better than this.”

"MURMUR!" Archie's outburst had drawn some unwanted attention. He noticed people staring at him, thinking their whispers were likely about the golden prompt. Without a second thought, Archie bolted from the scene, making a beeline for the subway station.

As he navigated his way to the subway, Archie pondered,

‘What are these rewards about? I’ve never read anything about this in books before. Is it something only Rift Runners have?’

In an attempt to lift his spirits, Archie shrugged off the importance of the rewards,

‘I don’t care about chopsticks anyway. I never did it for the rewards.’

Even without rewards, Archie would have gone to great lengths to get his money for food. That's the kind of person he is.

Archie arrived at the subway station, his mind set on returning to his place as quickly as possible—not because he missed it, but because he wanted to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Rift watch. He hoped he might be able to reconnect with Mechanic and Deadbeat through the Rift watch and learn about Players too.

After what felt like days but was only an hour in his planet's time since he left 'Troy’s Family Noodles.'

Archie returned to his shop, his body weary from running and the day's events. He entered, anticipating a long, relaxing shower, only to be met with a voice filled with concern:

“Archie, why are you so late?”

Justina’s voice echoed in the quiet shop.

Archie was taken aback to see Justina seated at the table with his father, Elbert, opposite her. Justina rose from her seat, a smile of relief spreading across her face at the sight of Archie, while his father wore a grim expression, as if he knew what was coming next.

As Justina approached, Archie blurted out, “Why are you here?”

“Archie, manners,” Elbert reprimanded him for his disrespect towards Justina.

Justina turned to Elbert and said, “Please calm down; I’ll talk to him.”

Justina gestured for Archie to sit on one of the free chairs, the shop empty except for the three of them. Archie complied, his gaze fixed on his father with disdain. Justina, sitting across from him, blocked his view of Elbert.

“Archie, why are you mad at me? What did I do?” Justina asked, her voice laced with confusion.

“You’re a ROT trial examiner; that’s the only relationship we have. Why are you here?”

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Justina smiled and replied, “I came here to take you on a vacation.”

“Our what?” Archie stuttered in confusion. His father rose from his seat, walked over, and commanded,

“Madam Justina has told me everything. Accompany her.”

“NO! I won’t go,” Archie refused, his eyes burning with anger as he glared at his father.

“I didn’t ask for your opinion. I’m telling you to go,” Elbert stated firmly before turning and heading toward the kitchen without looking back.

“THUD!” Archie slammed his fists on the table, his frustration palpable.

Before Justina could say anything to comfort him, Archie said,

“I’ll change my clothes and pack my things for the vacation.”

Archie stood up and retreated to his room without another word or glance back. He changed into a white t-shirt, a black hoodie, and black torn jeans. He packed lightly, stuffing a few essentials into his school bag.

After locking his room, Archie walked to the front counter, took out five echoes for noodles delivery from his pocket, placed them in the register, and turned to Justina, saying,

“Shall we leave then?”

Justina rose from her seat, and they exited the building, heading towards a blue car parked across the road. They both got in, and neither spoke, as Archie didn’t ask where the vacation destination was. He planned to go, accompany her, and return as soon as possible.

Justina started the car and drove away while Elbert watched from the shop's window.

After Archie had been transported to the Rift’s heart, completed a side mission, and now with Justina’s arrival, everything seemed like a path already laid out for him. Archie felt like he was walking toward his destiny, completely unaware of what lay ahead.

---

After a day's travel by car, Justina booked a flight ticket to Rhoman District. Archie didn’t say a word during the trip, nor did he care where they were headed. He wore his hoodie and listened to music the entire time. Archie had packed some chocolates and only ate those for sustenance.

As the day ended, Archie arrived at Rhoman District, bathed in the golden hue of the sunset. At the airport entrance, he saw the long shadows cast by the large glass windows of the terminal building, enhancing the visual appeal of the scene.

The area in front of the terminal was bustling, with cars and taxis, some stationary and others in motion. Pedestrians crossed the road at a designated crosswalk.

One of the cars Archie noticed was a yellow car resembling a taxi. Max was standing outside it, waving at them. They walked over to Max, and the three of them got into the car, with Archie sitting in the back seat. Max greeted Archie cheerfully,

“How are you, Archie?”

Archie remained unresponsive. Understanding the silent treatment, Max started the car and drove towards their destination. Night had fallen by the time they arrived.

They arrived at a lone mansion perched atop a mountain.

Archie got out of the car and couldn't help but marvel at its beauty, even in the dim light. The building showcased a blend of natural stone and wooden siding with modern design elements. It had a steeply pitched roof with several gables, overhangs, and a chalet-style architecture.

The large windows and balconies provided outdoor space with a fire pit and offered breathtaking views of the forested hills surrounding them. The mansion was architecturally rich, promising a comfortable and luxurious living experience.

A resentful thought crossed Archie’s mind as he looked at the building,

‘Of course, they wouldn’t understand my pain or what I’ve been through if they live in a place like this. These rich jerks.’

Archie entered the mansion, finding the interior as majestic as the exterior, with warm ambient lighting setting the tone. He climbed the marble stairs to the first floor, admiring the mansion's infrastructure and feeling a twinge of envy.

Archie walked down a long hallway lined with rooms on either side. After passing nearly five locked doors, they came to a large door at the end of the hall. Justina instructed, her voice filled with nerves,

“Max and Archie, wait here. Archie, come in when I call you.”

Archie and Max sat on plush chairs outside the door. Archie noticed that Max also seemed nervous but didn’t ask why.

Justina entered the room alone, closing the door behind her. A female voice inquired, “Why are you here, Justina?”

Justina turned around and replied confidently.

“I nominate Archie to enter Rhoman Academy.”