"I don't even know how to thank you," Athex said, standing before him with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

He had met a different version of this man before—Avirin, the older one. That Avirin was gruff, silent, and carried an unshakable belief in his own strength. He was quick to anger, and doubting him was like stepping into a lion's den.

Athex had made that mistake once. He questioned Avirin's ability—and for three whole years, the man refused to heed any of his requests. Not even when his people were in danger.

But this young man in front of him? He was different. Much more open, far easier to talk to.

Adrian took off his coat and shook his head. "Just focus on protecting your people. Until now, I thought you were just a soldier—someone fighting for a nation, defending his homeland from invaders. But now, I see things differently."

There was no sense of pride or accusation in his voice—just honesty.

"You're not fighting for domination or glory. You're fighting to survive. To protect the ones who are left. To keep going… even when everything is falling apart."

Athex sighed, brushing back his brown hair. "Well… I'll do whatever I can—"

"Wait a second," Adrian cut in suddenly. "Why don't you ask for help from the others on the server?"

He raised a valid point.

From what Adrian had seen, the members of the cross-dimensional group chat weren't just ordinary people. They were strong—each of them a force in their own world.

Take Valor and Idiot, for example. Valor was an extraordinary swordsman with a rare gift—he could control every element, except Light. And Bella? She was the strongest Warden in her realm.

Someone like her, wielding a third or fourth-grade armament, could easily shift the tide of war.

Just as Athex opened his mouth to respond, the system chimed in with a notification:

[Note: Only one person can be transferred to a different world at a time. Each person is allowed only one world transfer request per week.]

Athex nodded slowly. "As you heard… I can only summon one person through the portal. Even if I could bring more, I doubt Valor or Scarlette would be free to help. They have their own battles to fight."

Adrian turned quiet.

From what he had heard from the soldiers, nearly five thousand alien forces were targeting Plantation Seven.

In contrast, only seventy defenders stood under Athex's command.

Even with Adrian's armaments, the odds were terrifying. They might defend their home, yes—but the cost would be devastating. Irreparable, even.

He chewed on his lip, a habit born from the weight of pressure, then raised his voice.

"Anyone online?"

Athex blinked in surprise. But before he could say anything, Adrian raised his hand, signaling him to wait.

Valor: [Avirin? You sound tense. Everything alright?]

Forgelet: [Did something happen at the Dark Knight's base?]

Only two replies—but that would have to do.

Adrian didn't waste time. "The situation here is dire. I need one of you to transfer over and help the Dark Knight."

"Avir—" Athex started, but Adrian shook his head and pushed on.

"In return, I'll give you any grade of weapon you want. Just name it."

Athex froze.

Avirin, offering help so freely? Offering weapons like this? What had changed in him?

There was a short pause in the chat before both replies came in:

Forgelet: [My inventions might be useful, but I'm not much of a fighter myself.]

Valor: [I'm free. I can help. But… isn't there a time limit on the Transfer feature?]

Adrian felt a small wave of relief wash over him. Neither of them refused—that was enough.

That's why he looked up and said firmly,

"System, if you want me to master the fifth thread within your deadline, then let Valor transfer immediately."

Forgelet: […Did he just bribe the system?]

Athex had the same thought.

The system wasn't some kind entity. It was unpredictable. Cold. Harsh. A being that almost never listened, maybe once in a thousand requests.

Surely, it wouldn't—

[Ding!]

[If the host—Avirin—promises to master the fifth thread within six months, the system shall allow immediate transfer of the host Valor.]

[Note: If the host fails, the world transfer feature will be locked for two years.]

"I accept," Adrian said, without hesitation.

Athex stared at him, stunned. "Avirin… are you really sure about this?"

For the first time, emotion flickered in Athex's voice—real concern.

But Adrian gave a firm nod. "I know what I'm doing. So trust me. Let Valor help."

Valor: [I'll do what I can! And don't forget, Avirin—I'll be expecting that free armament, fufu~]

Adrian chuckled faintly. "Protect Athex's family, and I'll give you two."

Forgelet: [Ehh?! I need some artifacts too!]

Adrian shrugged, playful for a moment. "Then how about sending some golems over? That can be our trade."

Forgelet: [Sir, yes sir! Golems coming right up!]

Adrian smiled softly, then turned to Athex.

"I won't be able to stay. The system won't allow it. But with their help, I believe you'll be able to hold the line much better."

Athex said nothing at first, his expression unreadable as he stared at Adrian in silence.

Then, slowly, he removed his helmet. Setting it gently on the ground, he bowed deeply—his voice solemn and steady.

"I swear on my life and the mother I worship… I will never forget this kindness, Avirin. Even if I must sacrifice myself, I promise—I'll return the favor one day."

Adrian felt a pang of emotion rise in his chest. The weight of such gratitude was heavier than expected.

He cleared his throat and gave a quick nod. "Now, now. Stay sharp, soldier. The war isn't over yet."

Athex straightened and returned a firm nod. "Thank you…for coming, friend."

And in the next breath, Adrian vanished.

"Ah!" he yelped, finding himself abruptly back inside the carriage.

He blinked, glancing around in confusion—Ariana was nowhere to be seen.

"Huh?" He tilted his head, then frowned as he noticed something strange.

The carriage wasn't moving.

Stepping out cautiously, he found the driver standing nearby, eyes fixed on something in the distance.

"Mister driver?"

The man flinched in surprise. "Ah—wha… You're here? When did you get back?"

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean? And where's the lady who was with me?"

The driver scratched his head. "You vanished all of a sudden. She panicked and rushed off to file a report at the guild… but seriously, where did you go?"

Adrian's face paled.

"…Fuck."

His thoughts were a blur. Then he focused inwardly.

'System… please tell me, like the Time Chamber, my body paused here while I was in the other world… right?'

[No, host. You physically went to the other world.]

"..."

What the actual—

Couldn't it have told him that sooner?!

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.