Ace returned to the shelter and entrusted the injured woman to Allie's care.

Ace re-entered the shelter, his vigilance unwavering. He conducted a thorough inspection to ensure the safety and well-being of his family and fellow residents, meticulously checking every aspect to ascertain that all was in order and that they remained shielded from the external threats that loomed in the perilous world beyond.

After a period of unconsciousness, the woman stirred and met Ace's eyes with gratitude. "Kid, thank you for saving me," she whispered weakly.

Ace offered a gentle smile, replying with humility, "No problem at all. It was the right thing to do."

Their brief exchange held layers of unspoken understanding, a testament to the unbreakable bonds forged in times of adversity. In the face of a world fraught with danger, these simple words carried the weight of shared experiences and the promise of a united front against the dark forces that threatened them all.

The woman introduced herself with a weak but sincere smile, saying, "My name is Rebecca."

Ace reciprocated with a friendly nod and a warm tone, "I'm Ace."

Rebecca turned to Ace with a serious plea. "Ace, I need to ask you a favor, a crucial one that could save all of us from this relentless monster tide."

Ace nodded attentively, his willingness to assist evident. "I'm ready to help, but I need to understand what needs to be done and my role in it.

Rebecca made her request, holding the box tightly. "Could you please deliver this box to the city leader? It's crucial we safeguard it from the dark cult."

Ace, willing to assist, posed a reasonable question. "I'm ready to help, but for the safety of everyone involved, can you reveal what's inside the box that has led to such relentless attacks?"

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Rebecca leaned in closer, her voice hushed as she revealed the secret to Ace. "It's an herb that belongs to our city's leader. The dark cult orchestrated this beast tide to steal it."

Ace's reaction was swift and intense. His anger surged as he contemplated the sheer brutality of the dark cult's actions. "They caused all this devastation for a mere herb?" His voice carried a mix of incredulity and outrage, unable to fathom how such a trivial item could result in so much suffering and loss.

Despite his anger, Ace remained pragmatic. "Can I see the herb?"

With a palpable sense of hesitation, Rebecca cautiously revealed the contents of the box, unveiling the mythical Seven-Color Rainbow Herb. Its mere presence left Ace in awe, as he recognized the profound significance of this exceptionally rare A Rank herb. These herbs were a true rarity, said to emerge only once every century, and they possessed extraordinary properties.

Rebecca went on to elaborate on the herb's remarkable attributes. The Seven-Color Rainbow Herb was not only renowned for its capacity to grant an E Rank talent to its user, a talent that could be life-altering, but it also held another astonishing power. This herb had the miraculous ability to heal any injury, regardless of its severity, a quality that made it invaluable in a world where survival often hung in the balance.

However, the catch was its scarcity and the unpredictability of its effects. The herb carried a mere 10% chance of activating the talent-bestowing transformation, adding an element of uncertainty to its incredible potential.

As Ace gazed upon the herb, its vibrant hues reflecting the depth of its power, he felt a profound sense of responsibility. The dark cult's relentless pursuit of the herb was now undeniably clear. In a world where injuries and talents could determine one's fate, the Seven-Color Rainbow Herb was an unparalleled treasure, capable of reshaping destinies and influencing the course of their tumultuous world.

Rebecca emphasized a crucial fact about the Seven-Color Rainbow Herb: it could only be used once in a lifetime. This limitation added a layer of preciousness to the already rare and powerful herb.

In a bold move, Ace decided to employ his unique copy/paste talent to replicate the herb temporarily. He painstakingly created a duplicate of the herb, ensuring its integrity remained intact, and then returned the original to Rebecca. His actions showcased his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the herb's unique powers while also allowing him to access its benefits.

This decision exemplified Ace's selflessness and his understanding of the herb's significance in their challenging world. By replicating it, he preserved the potential for hope, healing, and personal growth, all while ensuring that the original remained in Rebecca's possession, as intended.