Omniscient Gacha you are too expensive!!

The corrupted beast tore through the village's defenses like they were paper, its massive form shrouded in a dark, writhing aura. Splintered wood and overturned barrels scattered in its wake as it charged toward the square, its glowing red eyes fixed on the nearest group of villagers.

Rayne stood at the forefront of the defense, his bow drawn and his heart pounding. Beside him, Alaric's expression was grim, his movements deliberate as he loosed an arrow that struck the beast square in the chest. It roared in pain, but its momentum didn't falter.

"Everyone, fall back!" Alaric shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Keep your distance and aim for the legs!"

The villagers scrambled to obey, their movements frantic as they retreated behind the makeshift barricades. Rayne held his ground, his focus narrowing as he activated Dead Eye. The world slowed, and he released his arrow, watching as it struck the beast's front leg. The creature staggered, its charge faltering for a moment, but it quickly recovered.

Elias darted forward, his knife flashing as he slashed at the beast's flank. Black ichor sprayed from the wound, but the creature didn't seem to notice. Instead, it swung one massive claw, forcing Elias to roll out of the way.

"This thing doesn't go down easy!" Elias shouted, his voice strained.

"It's tougher than the last one," Rayne muttered, loosing another arrow. This time, it struck the beast's other leg, causing it to stumble slightly. "We need to slow it down!"

Alaric nodded, drawing a heavy arrow with a barbed tip. "Cover me!"

Rayne moved to his side, firing arrows in rapid succession to distract the beast as Alaric took aim. The older hunter's arrow struck true, embedding itself deep into the creature's shoulder. With a roar, the beast reared back, its movements more erratic as it struggled against the pain.

---

The villagers rallied behind the three hunters, their fear giving way to determination as they rained arrows and spears down on the beast. Rayne could feel the tide of the battle shifting, but the creature's strength was still overwhelming.

As the beast lunged toward a group of villagers, Rayne activated Shadow Steps, his body moving faster than the eye could follow as he positioned himself between the creature and its target. He fired an arrow point-blank, the impact staggering the beast for just long enough for the villagers to retreat.

"Rayne, keep it distracted!" Alaric shouted, drawing another arrow. "We're almost there!"

Rayne nodded, his breath coming in short bursts as he fired arrow after arrow. Each shot struck true, but the creature seemed almost impervious, its dark aura pulsing with a life of its own.

"Something's feeding it," Elias said, his voice grim as he circled the beast. "That aura—it's healing faster than we can hurt it."

Alaric frowned, his eyes narrowing. "Then we take out the source."

---

The System's screen flickered to life in Rayne's mind, the glowing text cutting through the chaos:

[System Notification: Anomaly Core Detected. Weak Point Located.]

Rayne's gaze snapped to the beast's chest, where the dark aura was thickest. Through the shifting shadows, he caught a glimpse of something faintly glowing—a core, pulsating with energy.

"There!" he shouted, pointing toward the creature's chest. "Aim for the core!"

Alaric and Elias followed his gaze, their eyes widening as they saw it. Alaric nodded, drawing his heaviest arrow. "I'll take the shot. Cover me!"

Rayne and Elias moved in unison, their attacks coordinated as they distracted the beast. Elias slashed at its legs, drawing its attention, while Rayne fired an arrow that struck it square in the jaw. The creature roared, its focus split as it thrashed against its attackers.

"Now!" Rayne shouted.

Alaric loosed his arrow, the barbed tip glowing faintly as it streaked through the air. It struck the core dead-center, shattering it with a burst of light. The creature let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing as the dark aura dissipated.

For a moment, everything was still. Then, with a final shudder, the beast collapsed, its massive form crumpling to the ground.

---

The villagers erupted into cheers, their voices filled with relief and triumph. Rayne staggered back, his chest heaving as he lowered his bow. The tension in his body slowly ebbed, replaced by the dull ache of exhaustion.

Alaric approached, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Good work, kid. Couldn't have done it without you."

Rayne managed a faint smile. "We all did it."

Elias joined them, sheathing his knife with a smirk. "I'd say we make a pretty good team."

Alaric chuckled, though his expression remained serious. "This isn't over. That thing was just the beginning. The corruption is getting stronger—and so are the creatures."

Rayne nodded, his gaze drifting toward the forest. "Then we need to be ready for whatever comes next."

---

As the villagers began cleaning up the aftermath, Rayne found himself standing near the fallen beast. Its massive form was already starting to decay, the dark energy that had sustained it dissipating into the air. The System's screen appeared once more:

[System Notification: Anomaly Neutralized. Progress Toward Resolution: 50%.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, the weight of the battle settling over him. The fight had been a victory, but it felt hollow in the face of what still lay ahead.

He turned back toward the village, where his family waited, and resolved to keep moving forward. No matter how dark the road became, he would protect the people he cared about.

The village square was quiet now, the cheers of victory giving way to the grim reality of the aftermath. The fallen corrupted beast lay at the edge of the square, its massive form beginning to dissolve into dark, oily residue. Villagers moved cautiously around it, their faces pale as they cleared debris and checked for damage.

Rayne leaned against a post near the well, his bow resting at his side. His arms were sore, his fingers blistered from hours of firing arrows, but it wasn't the physical pain that weighed on him. The sight of the corrupted creature, its unnatural strength, and the growing darkness in the forest—all of it lingered in his mind, refusing to let him rest.

"You've got that look again," Elias said, stepping up beside him. His shirt was torn, and a shallow cut ran across his arm, but his smirk was still intact. "The one that says you're about to overthink everything."

Rayne glanced at him, managing a faint smile. "Hard not to, after that."

Elias followed his gaze to the decaying beast, his smirk fading. "Yeah, I get it. That thing was… something else."

"Stronger than anything we've faced so far," Rayne said quietly. "And if Alaric's right, it won't be the last."

Elias was silent for a moment before clapping Rayne on the shoulder. "Well, good thing we've got you, huh? The quiet kid with the freakishly good aim. We'd be toast without you."

Rayne huffed a soft laugh, though the weight in his chest didn't ease. "I'm just one person."

"Yeah, but you're a damn good one," Elias said, his tone light but sincere. "Don't forget that."

---

Nearby, Alaric stood with a group of villagers, his voice calm and steady as he gave instructions. The barricades needed repairs, the wounded needed tending, and the streets had to be cleared of debris. Despite the gravity of the situation, the villagers listened intently, their trust in Alaric evident in the way they moved to carry out his orders.

Rayne watched him for a moment, marveling at the older hunter's composure. Even after the battle, when everyone else seemed on the verge of breaking, Alaric was unshakable—a steady presence that held the village together.

"Rayne," Alaric called, motioning for him to join the group.

Rayne straightened, grabbing his bow as he made his way over. Alaric's expression was serious, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

"You did good out there," Alaric said. "But the work's not over. We need to make sure the village is ready for whatever comes next."

Rayne nodded. "What do you need me to do?"

"For now, help Elias and the others with the repairs," Alaric said. "We'll regroup this evening to plan our next move."

Rayne hesitated, glancing toward the forest. "Do you think it'll come back? The corruption?"

Alaric's gaze followed his, his jaw tightening. "It's not a question of if—it's when. And next time, it'll be worse."

The weight of his words settled over Rayne like a heavy cloak, but he forced himself to nod. "I'll be ready."

---

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity. Rayne worked alongside the villagers, helping to rebuild the barricades and clear debris from the square. The physical labor was exhausting, but it kept his mind occupied, giving him a brief reprieve from the darker thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him.

By late afternoon, the village had begun to take shape again. The barricades were reinforced, the streets were clear, and the wounded were resting in the healer's hut. The villagers moved with quiet determination, their fear tempered by a newfound sense of unity.

Rayne paused near the well, wiping sweat from his brow as he surveyed the square. Despite the progress they had made, the sight of the decaying beast at the edge of the village served as a stark reminder of the battle they had just fought—and the battles that still lay ahead.

"Rayne."

He turned to see Lyra approaching, her bow clutched tightly in her hands. The young girl's face was pale, her wide eyes fixed on the ground as she shuffled nervously.

"Lyra," Rayne said, his voice softening. "What's wrong?"

She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the bowstring. "I… I wanted to thank you. For teaching me."

Rayne blinked, caught off guard. "You don't have to thank me."

"I do," she insisted, finally meeting his gaze. "If you hadn't taught me how to shoot, I don't think I could have… I mean, during the fight, I—"

She broke off, her voice trembling. Rayne stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You were brave, Lyra," he said firmly. "You did what needed to be done. That's all anyone can ask for."

Her eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, her grip on the bow loosening slightly. "Do you think… do you think it'll come back?"

Rayne hesitated, the truth weighing heavily on his tongue. Finally, he settled for a half-truth. "We'll be ready if it does."

Lyra nodded again, wiping her eyes before stepping back. "Thank you, Rayne. For everything."

---

That evening, the village gathered in the square for a meeting. Alaric stood at the center, his voice steady as he addressed the crowd.

"Today, we faced one of the strongest creatures yet," he began. "It was bigger, faster, and more dangerous than anything we've seen before. But we stood together, and we brought it down."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, though the tension in the air didn't ease.

"The corruption isn't finished," Alaric continued. "It's spreading, and it's getting stronger. We don't know what's causing it, but we can't sit back and wait for it to destroy us."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the villagers. "We need to prepare—for more attacks, for bigger threats. But we also need to start thinking about the source. If we don't find out what's behind this, the village won't survive."

The crowd shifted uneasily, their fear evident in the way they exchanged glances. Finally, one of the elders stepped forward, her voice shaking.

"What do you propose, Alaric?" she asked. "We're just a small village. We don't have the strength to face something like this."

Alaric's jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm. "We have the strength. We've proven that. But we can't do it alone. We need to reach out—to other villages, to anyone who might be able to help."

The elder nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "And what about the forest?"

Alaric glanced at Rayne, then back at the crowd. "We'll keep fighting. But we'll also start searching—for clues, for answers. Whatever it takes to protect this village."

---

As the meeting ended and the villagers dispersed, Rayne lingered near the square, his thoughts churning. The System's screen flickered in his mind, its glowing text drawing his attention:

[System Notification: Progression Path Updated. New Objective: Investigate Corruption Source.]

Rayne exhaled, the weight of the day settling over him like a heavy cloak. He glanced at Alaric, who was speaking quietly with Elias near the barricades. Whatever lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: the road was only going to get darker.

But he would walk it, no matter what.

The night was heavy with an unnatural stillness. Rayne sat at the edge of the training field, the moonlight casting long shadows over the makeshift targets and scattered practice arrows. His bow rested across his lap, the familiar weight of it both comforting and daunting. He ran his fingers along the worn wood, his mind turning over the events of the day.

The System's constant notifications played in the back of his mind, their cryptic messages urging him forward, but tonight he wanted silence. A moment to think, to breathe, to understand the burden that was quickly becoming too heavy to bear.

"You know, you're not as subtle as you think," Alaric's voice broke through the quiet.

Rayne looked up to see the older hunter approaching, his silhouette outlined by the faint glow of the moon. Alaric carried his bow casually, his steps slow and deliberate as he came to sit beside Rayne.

"I wasn't trying to be subtle," Rayne replied, his voice softer than usual.

Alaric smirked, leaning back against the wooden fence that marked the edge of the field. "Could've fooled me. You've got that faraway look again. Like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Rayne shrugged, his fingers still tracing the curve of his bow. "Maybe I am."

---

Alaric didn't respond immediately, his gaze drifting toward the forest in the distance. The shadows of the trees seemed darker than usual, their twisted branches clawing at the sky like accusing fingers. Finally, he spoke, his tone softer than usual.

"You remind me of myself, you know."

Rayne glanced at him, surprised. "How?"

"When I was your age," Alaric began, his eyes never leaving the forest, "I thought I had to do everything myself. Thought that if I didn't, everything would fall apart. So I pushed myself harder, took on more than I should have, and shut everyone else out."

He paused, his jaw tightening as he exhaled slowly. "It worked. For a while. But then I burned out. Made mistakes. Cost people their lives because I was too stubborn to ask for help."

Rayne frowned, his chest tightening at the weight of Alaric's words. "What happened?"

"I learned," Alaric said simply. "Learned that it's not about being the strongest or the smartest. It's about trusting the people around you. Knowing when to lean on them, and when to let them lean on you."

He finally turned to look at Rayne, his sharp green eyes softened by something that resembled pride. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Rayne. You're a better shot than I ever was, and you've got instincts that can't be taught. But you've got to stop carrying this burden alone."

---

Rayne was silent for a moment, his thoughts churning. He wanted to tell Alaric everything—the System, the corruption, the constant pressure to protect everyone. But the words caught in his throat, tangled with fear and doubt.

"I don't know if I can," he admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You can," Alaric said firmly. "And you will. Because you don't have to do it alone."

The simplicity of his words struck a chord deep within Rayne, a reminder of the bonds he had forged since coming to this world. His family, the villagers, Alaric and Elias—they were all counting on him, but they weren't expecting him to shoulder everything by himself.

"I'll try," Rayne said, his voice steadier now.

"Good," Alaric said with a nod. "Because we're not done yet. Not by a long shot."

---

They sat in companionable silence for a while after that, the quiet hum of the forest broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Rayne felt some of the tension in his chest ease, the weight of Alaric's words grounding him in a way that felt almost unfamiliar.

Finally, Alaric stood, brushing the dirt from his hands. "Get some rest, kid. Tomorrow's going to be another long day."

Rayne nodded, watching as the older hunter walked back toward the village. For a moment, he stayed where he was, staring up at the stars and letting the cool night air wash over him.

The System's screen flickered to life in his mind, its glowing text cutting through the darkness:

[System Notification: Skill Synergy Achieved. Dead Eye and Shadow Steps Combined: Phantom Precision.]

[Progress Toward Anomaly Resolution: 55%.]

Rayne frowned, the words stirring something within him. He hadn't expected the System to combine his skills, but the idea intrigued him. Phantom Precision—it sounded like a tool that would give him an edge in the battles to come.

He stood, slinging his bow over his shoulder as he made his way back to the village. The night was quiet, but the tension in the air hadn't lifted. The corruption was still out there, growing stronger with every passing day.

But so was he.

---

As Rayne entered his home, he found Sienna curled up in her bed, her small frame rising and falling with the steady rhythm of sleep. His parents were sitting near the fire, their hands intertwined as they spoke quietly. They looked up as he entered, their expressions softening.

"Long night?" his mother asked.

Rayne nodded, setting his bow down by the door. "Yeah."

His father gestured toward the table, where a bowl of stew waited for him. "You should eat. Keep your strength up."

Rayne sat down, the warmth of the food chasing away the last of the night's chill. As he ate, he listened to his parents' quiet conversation, the familiarity of their voices a balm against the uncertainty that loomed beyond the walls of their home.

For now, at least, he was safe.

The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew-soaked earth. Rayne stood at the edge of the training ground, his bow resting in his hands. The weight of the previous night's conversation with Alaric lingered in his mind, a quiet reminder of the path he had chosen. He glanced toward the forest, its twisted canopy dark and foreboding even in the light of day.

"Lost in thought again?" Alaric's voice broke through his reverie.

Rayne turned to see the older hunter approaching, his expression calm but serious. Alaric carried a bundle of arrows over his shoulder, his steps unhurried as he came to stand beside Rayne.

"Not this time," Rayne replied, managing a faint smile. "Just thinking about what's next."

Alaric smirked, dropping the arrows onto a nearby bench. "Good. Because 'what's next' is figuring out how to deal with that thing we saw yesterday."

The village square was already bustling with activity when the two of them arrived. Villagers worked in small groups, reinforcing barricades and sharpening weapons. The tension in the air was palpable, but so was the determination. After the battle with the corrupted beast, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the corruption wasn't done with them.

Elias was standing near the well, his knife spinning between his fingers as he watched the activity. He looked up as Rayne and Alaric approached, a crooked grin spreading across his face.

"About time you two showed up," Elias said. "I was starting to think you'd slept in."

"Unlike you, we were actually working," Alaric shot back, his tone light but firm. "Come on. We've got a lot to do."

The three of them gathered near the center of the square, where a crude map of the forest had been laid out on a wooden table. Alaric leaned over it, his brow furrowed as he traced a finger along the edges of the village.

"The creature we saw yesterday—it's not just wandering aimlessly," Alaric said. "It's hunting. And if we don't stop it, it'll find its way back here."

Elias frowned, leaning against the table. "You think it's connected to the corruption? Like, directly?"

"I'm sure of it," Alaric replied. "The aura it had—it wasn't just power. It was control. The other creatures we've fought? They were mindless. But this thing knew what it was doing."

Rayne nodded, his thoughts turning to the glimpse he had caught of the beast's glowing core. The System had identified it as an anomaly, a concentrated source of corruption. Destroying it had weakened the creature in the previous fight, but there was no guarantee the next one would be so easy.

---

"So, what's the plan?" Elias asked, his tone half-serious. "We can't just wander into the forest and hope for the best."

"We don't have a choice," Alaric said. "We track it, we find out where it's going, and we stop it before it gets any closer to the village."

Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I figured you'd say that."

"We need to be smart about this," Alaric continued. "The three of us can handle ourselves, but if this thing is as strong as I think it is, we're going to need more than just brute force."

Rayne hesitated before speaking. "The core. It's the source of its strength. If we can destroy it, we might have a chance."

Alaric nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Agreed. But getting to it won't be easy."

"That's an understatement," Elias muttered. "Those things don't exactly stand still and let you aim."

"We'll find a way," Alaric said firmly. "We always do."

---

The rest of the morning was spent preparing for the hunt. Rayne worked alongside Alaric and Elias, gathering supplies and fine-tuning their weapons. The villagers watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of fear and hope as they whispered among themselves.

Lyra approached Rayne as he was restringing his bow, her small frame dwarfed by the quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder. She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"You're going after it, aren't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rayne nodded, glancing up at her. "We have to. If we don't stop it now, it'll just keep coming."

Lyra bit her lip, her fingers tightening around the strap of her quiver. "Be careful."

"I will," Rayne promised, his tone gentle but firm. "And I'll be back before you know it."

She nodded, stepping back as Alaric called for him to join the others. Rayne slung his bow over his shoulder, casting one last glance at the village before heading toward the edge of the forest.

---

The journey into the forest was eerily quiet. The sunlight barely pierced the dense canopy above, leaving the undergrowth cloaked in shadow. Rayne moved carefully, his senses on high alert as he followed Alaric and Elias through the twisting paths.

The System's screen flickered to life in his mind, its glowing text cutting through the silence:

[System Notification: Proximity to Anomaly Detected. Distance: 2.3 Kilometers.]

Rayne frowned, the notification confirming what he had already suspected. The beast wasn't far, and its presence was growing stronger with every step they took.

"You see anything?" Alaric asked, his voice low.

Rayne shook his head. "Not yet. But we're close."

Elias crouched near a patch of disturbed soil, his sharp eyes scanning the tracks. "It's definitely been through here. These tracks are fresh."

Alaric nodded, motioning for them to continue. "Stay sharp. We don't know what else might be out here."

---

The forest grew darker as they moved deeper, the air heavy with an oppressive stillness. Rayne's fingers tightened on his bow, his instincts screaming that something was watching them. He activated Dead Eye for a brief moment, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.

"There," he whispered, pointing toward a dense thicket ahead. The faint glow of the beast's aura was just visible through the undergrowth, its dark energy pulsing like a heartbeat.

Alaric nodded, his expression grim. "Alright. We move slow and quiet. No sudden movements."

The three of them crept closer, their movements deliberate as they closed the distance between themselves and the creature. Rayne's heart pounded in his chest, the tension in the air almost suffocating.

As they reached the edge of the thicket, the creature came into full view. It was even larger than Rayne had remembered, its hulking form radiating a palpable menace. The glowing core in its chest pulsed with energy, the dark aura around it twisting and writhing like a living thing.

"Alright," Alaric whispered, his voice steady. "Here's the plan…"

The corrupted beast towered over the clearing, its massive form shifting with an unnatural fluidity. Its fur was blackened and matted, its jagged claws sinking into the earth with each movement. The glow of its core cast eerie shadows across the trees, and the dark energy radiating from it pulsed like a heartbeat, sending ripples of unease through the air.

Rayne crouched low in the undergrowth, his bow drawn and his gaze locked on the creature. Alaric and Elias flanked him, their movements deliberate and silent as they assessed the situation. The tension was palpable, every breath measured, every movement calculated.

"Alright," Alaric whispered, his voice barely audible over the faint hum of the creature's aura. "This is how we do it. Rayne, you keep its attention from a distance. Use Dead Eye to target weak points. Elias, you focus on mobility—get in close when you can, but don't take any unnecessary risks."

"And you?" Elias asked, his knife already in his hand.

"I'll take the shot at the core," Alaric replied. He reached into his quiver and pulled out a heavy, barbed arrow, its tip glinting faintly in the dim light. "We bring it down fast and clean. No mistakes."

Rayne nodded, his grip on his bow tightening. His pulse quickened as he activated Dead Eye, the world around him slowing as the details of the creature sharpened into focus. The glow of the core pulsed like a beacon, its rhythm steady and deliberate.

"On my mark," Alaric whispered. "Three… two… one."

---

Rayne loosed his arrow, the twang of the bowstring cutting through the stillness. The arrow struck the beast's shoulder, embedding itself deep into its flesh. The creature let out a guttural roar, its glowing eyes snapping toward the source of the attack. It lunged forward, its claws tearing through the undergrowth as it charged.

"Move!" Alaric shouted, rolling to the side as the beast barreled past him.

Rayne darted to higher ground, loosing another arrow that struck the creature's hind leg. It stumbled briefly, its movements erratic as the dark aura around it flared. Elias took advantage of the opening, darting in to slash at its flank. Black ichor sprayed from the wound, but the beast didn't slow.

"It's fast!" Elias called, narrowly dodging a swipe of the creature's claws. "Too fast!"

"Keep it distracted!" Alaric shouted, his barbed arrow nocked and ready. He moved with precision, positioning himself for a clear shot at the core.

Rayne fired again, his arrow striking the creature's side. It roared in fury, its massive claws raking the ground as it turned its attention toward him. The glow of its core intensified, and the dark energy around it began to ripple violently.

"It's building up for something!" Rayne called, his voice tense. "Alaric, now's your chance!"

---

Alaric steadied his aim, his sharp eyes locked on the pulsing core. The barbed arrow gleamed faintly as he drew the bowstring back, his breathing slow and measured. The beast reared up, its claws slashing through the air as it prepared to charge again.

"Hold it steady!" Alaric called.

Rayne loosed another arrow, aiming for the beast's leg. The shot struck true, causing the creature to stumble and exposing its chest. Alaric seized the opportunity, releasing the barbed arrow with a sharp twang.

The arrow streaked through the air, striking the core dead center. The impact was immediate—a burst of light erupted from the creature's chest, and its roar turned into a deafening, otherworldly screech. The dark aura around it began to collapse, its energy spiraling inward as the core shattered.

The beast staggered, its massive form convulsing as the corruption dissipated. It let out one final, guttural growl before collapsing to the ground, its body motionless.

---

The silence that followed was almost deafening. Rayne lowered his bow, his chest heaving as he stared at the fallen creature. Alaric stepped forward cautiously, his bow still raised as he approached the beast's body. Elias joined him, his knife at the ready.

"Is it dead?" Elias asked, his voice low.

Alaric nodded, his expression grim. "It's dead."

Rayne exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing as he slumped against a tree. The System's screen flickered to life in his mind, the glowing text cutting through the darkness:

[System Notification: Anomaly Neutralized. Progress Toward Resolution: 62%.]

[Reward Acquired: Trait – Predator's Instinct.]

The words lingered in his vision, but Rayne barely registered them. The battle had taken its toll, and exhaustion was beginning to set in.

"Good work," Alaric said, turning to Rayne and Elias. "But don't let your guard down. The corruption isn't gone yet."

Elias wiped the black ichor from his blade, his smirk returning. "I'd say we make a damn good team."

Rayne managed a faint smile, though his thoughts were already turning to the next challenge. The System's notification had confirmed what he already knew—this was only the beginning.

---

The trio made their way back to the village, the weight of the battle hanging heavy over them. As they emerged from the forest, the sight of the familiar fields and rooftops brought a sense of relief, however fleeting.

The villagers greeted them with cautious optimism, their fear tempered by the knowledge that they had survived another day. Alaric addressed the crowd, his voice steady as he reassured them that the threat had been dealt with, for now.

Rayne stood at the edge of the square, his gaze drifting toward the forest. The shadows beneath the trees seemed darker than ever, and the memory of the beast's core pulsing with dark energy lingered in his mind.

Whatever lay at the heart of the corruption, Rayne knew it was still out there. And it was only a matter of time before they would have to face it.