By the time the Void Reaver fell, the market square was nearly unrecognizable. Smoke billowed from destroyed buildings, and the screams of the injured echoed in the distance. Ezra leaned against a toppled stall, his chest heaving.

“That was… insane,” Mia said, collapsing beside him. Her crowbar was bent beyond use, and her hands were covered in grime. “Did we really just take that thing down?”

Ezra nodded, though he wasn’t sure himself. The glowing spear in his hand flickered, its light dimming. He glanced at the System prompt that lingered in his vision:

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[Elite Rift Beast Defeated!]

Reward: +50 EXP, Beginner Loot Crate.

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“Loot crate?” Mia read over his shoulder. “What is this, a video game?”

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“Feels like one,” Ezra muttered, swiping at the air. The crate appeared in his inventory—a translucent screen that only he could see. He tapped on it, and a small chest materialized before him, hovering in the air.

“This is so weird,” Mia said, watching as Ezra opened the chest.

Inside was a glowing rune stone, etched with intricate symbols. A notification appeared:

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[Item Acquired: Rune of Empowerment]

Effect: Enhances one equipped weapon with +10 Attack.

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“Looks like it’s for my spear,” Ezra said, holding up the stone.

“Lucky you,” Mia grumbled. “I got… nothing.”

Before Ezra could respond, another roar echoed through the city. Both of them froze.

“There’s more of them,” Mia said, her voice trembling.

Ezra stood, gripping his spear. “We need to find somewhere safe. Maybe there’s a shelter or…”

A loud clang interrupted him, followed by a voice that sent a chill down his spine.

“Help! Somebody, please!”