Investigation

Aiden walked toward the main entrance, his mind focused on the next step.

As he neared the entrance, the guards, still lounging by the door, glanced up in surprise. The grizzled one with a scar across his cheek leaned toward his partner.

"Look at that," he muttered, "the kid actually survived."

His partner grinned, shaking his head. "I thought North would crush him. Guess we were wrong this time."

Aiden ignored their words, keeping his expression neutral as he stepped up to the counter where the attendant sat. She barely looked up as she spoke.

"Name?"

"Aiden Raines."

Her fingers moved swiftly across the glowing screen in front of her. After a moment, she nodded and spoke again.

"Aiden Raines. You've completed your first novice match against North Grill. Your reward is 15 low mana crystals."

She reached under the counter and produced a small, leather pouch, setting it on the desk.