Franz sat by the lake, his elbows resting on his knees as he gazed into the dark water. The moonlight shimmered on the surface, reflecting his face back at him—sharp jawline, unruly black hair, and cold, unreadable eyes. Scars traced faint lines over his torso, remnants of a life long gone. He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his damp hair.
"I should cover these up... Maybe get some tattoos." His voice was barely above a whisper, the thought lingering as his reflection distorted with the ripples in the water. "And I should probably tone down the violence... Even if I have a quest, I should try handling things peacefully."
The Quiet Life System remained silent for a moment before responding in its usual measured tone.
[You are considering self-expression. Interesting. I approve. As for toning down violence... a questionable choice, but noted.]
A dry chuckle escaped him. "You approve, huh?"
efore the system could respond, a new notification flickered in his vision.
─────────────────────────── [Quest Update]
Main Quest: Protect the main cast until the isekai event.
Sub-Quest 1: ELIMINATING ORION KANE’S ENEMY (Completed)
**Reward: Detailed Information on the First Arc of **Requiem of Two Worlds
───────────────────────────
A second later, Arcadia’s voice chimed in—smoother, more refined than the Quiet Life System, but with a hint of playful amusement.
[Well done, Host. Your actions have shifted fate. As a reward, I shall grant you knowledge of the first arc’s events in Requiem of Two Worlds. Celeste Ardent will soon find herself entangled in a crisis far greater than she realizes.]
[Details will be provided soon. In the meantime, I recommend you prepare.]
His amusement was short-lived as a faint noise carried by the wind caught his attention—a soft sob. His eyes flicked toward the bridge spanning the lake. A woman stood there, gripping the railing, her posture rigid with unspoken despair.
Without thinking, he moved. By the time she stepped off, he was already in motion. The impact of the dive sent a sharp chill through his body, but he reached her within seconds. The lake swallowed them both in darkness. He pulled her up, breaking the surface with a gasp.
She was unconscious when he dragged her to the shore. Laying her on the grass, he pressed down on her chest, steady and controlled. Water spilled from her lips, but she wasn’t breathing. He tilted her head back, pinched her nose, and gave her air. A second passed. Then another. Her body shuddered, and she coughed violently, eyes snapping open as she gasped for breath.
For a moment, she simply lay there, disoriented, staring up at him. Franz, shirtless and dripping wet, didn’t say anything. His expression was relaxed, but there was a quiet sharpness in his gaze.
She took in his appearance—dark, soaked hair clinging to his skin, defined muscles lined with old scars, an air of quiet confidence. Even drenched, he looked effortless.
Her breath hitched as reality settled in. "You... You saved me."
Franz leaned back slightly, running a hand through his wet hair. "Yeah."
She sat up slowly, shivering. The moonlight cast a soft glow on her features—long, damp blonde hair clinging to her skin, delicate yet weary blue eyes that held a weight far beyond exhaustion. Even drenched and shaken, there was an undeniable elegance to her. Her dress, though soaked, was clearly expensive, tailored to fit a woman of status. There was something hauntingly beautiful about her vulnerability.
Silence stretched between them, broken only by the rustling wind and the distant hum of the city. She lowered her gaze, hugging her arms. "You should’ve let me drown."
Franz exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Nah, can’t do that. What kind of man lets a pretty lady die?"
[Oh my, how effortlessly smooth. Franz Kafka, hero of the night.]
She let out a hollow laugh, but there was something softer in her expression now. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her wet dress, as if grounding herself
A small blush dusted her pale cheeks at his words, but she quickly looked away, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. "Flirting with a half-dead woman? You’re something else."