"Things have changed quite a bit here," Kevin murmured.

His footsteps kicked up dust. The constant clamor around him made him pause. Hidden beneath his hood, his pale blue eyes quietly scanned the familiar yet strange surroundings. He shook his head slightly in resignation.

"But that’s normal. A hundred years have passed—no change would be weird. Time to find an inn."

People flowed past Kevin like a tide, oblivious to his presence. Alone in the crowd, he muttered to himself.

"System, are you there?"

As Kevin searched for an inn, he asked mentally. The system should know if Elise Osman still lived, or where she was. He hadn’t thought of it sooner—he’d grown used to solving things alone, forgetting the system existed.

【Here… here here here… here here here】

"System, where’s Elise now? Wait—is she even alive? Sixth Rank is the peak here."

Kevin could’ve used wide-range magic to check, maybe even find her grave. But his mana reserves were nearly empty. He couldn’t cast it. He needed more mana, just in case.

【Please wait. Elise Osman is here. Host, complete the task ASAP. Host, complete the task ASAP. Host, complete the task ASAP.】

"Got it. Wait—what?"

Kevin froze. Disbelief flooded his face, as if hearing a world-shattering secret. Then he calmed, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly with relief.

"Elise is alive? That’s good news."

A faint frown creased his exquisite face. The system sounded glitchy again—but he had his answer.

He leaned against a sturdy wall, stopping to plan. The midday sun beat down on his blood-soaked robe. The thick stench made passersby veer away, giving him quiet.

Elise Osman lived and was here—but her exact location? It’d take time. Yet—

"Ugh, it stinks."

The blood’s reek from his clothes cut his thoughts short. "I’ll figure it later. Need sleep now. Strange… why so tired?"

Sleep wasn’t needed after Eighth Rank, yet exhaustion weighed on him. His gaze landed on a shabby inn nearby.

Inside, men’s boisterous laughter and cheers filled the air. No one noticed the small figure slipping in. She strode straight to the front desk, ignoring the chaos.

"Innkeeper, your best room. No disturbances."

Kevin placed a gold coin on the worn counter. His soft voice still drew attention.

"Oh, haven’t seen a guest this generous in ages," came the owner’s rough voice. She eyed Kevin—hooded, reeking of monster blood—then shrugged. "Understood."

The owner pocketed the coin and called a staffer to lead Kevin upstairs. He ignored the chatter, following silently.

The door shut with a heavy thud. Kevin relaxed, confirming no one was near. Then he muttered, "This look draws attention. Low mana too—I’d have found Elise Osman already. So much… damn, annoying."

He secured the windows and door meticulously. The room’s decor was decent—furniture solid, extras included. Honest owner.

He shed the heavy, bloodstained robes. Milky skin emerged. Bare feet splashed tiny droplets onto smooth legs as he sank into a hot bath.

Only his face floated above the water, silver hair drifting. Pale blue eyes fixed on the ceiling. Crimson lips moved in a whisper.

"Elise’s alive—likely broke through to Seventh Rank. Is she married? A century with no word… maybe she forgot me."

Kevin pictured it: standing before Elise Osman, declaring "Thirty years east, thirty years west—don’t scorn the poor youth," only to get "Who are you?"

Without the system mentioning Elise Osman, he might’ve forgotten his fiancée forever. He’d always moved forward. Now the system forced him back.

He dipped half his face underwater. Bubbles rose. Then, remembering something long lost, he surged out of the bath.

Water droplets pattered softly. Dim light traced his perfect form. Kevin’s face held deep sorrow, voice low and heavy.