Crashing to the ground the body of the boss began to dismantle into particles of golden light, like a summer's day ray shone inside the room, as if a crack in the dungeon allowed the sun's beams to slither in.

In darkness a ray of light will beam brightly like a thousand suns.

Just as quickly as the body of the boss disappeared, we were met with a powerful gong which resonated and shook our souls.

Congratulations young heroes of the realm, a voice broke from nowhere.

Above our heads golden letters spread.

A world first.

Slaying The Anguished Father.

Heroic Difficulty.

A rush of purpose coursed the room, with it a feeling of growth.

The whole party sparkled and glowed with newfound power.

In the corner of the room, where Muller sat clutching his knees, a darkness loomed, one that even the realm's gifts could not cure.

Glancing over, my heart sank.

We would need all the help in the realm to return Muller back to a semblance of his former self.

But that was for another time.

Without missing a beat, a crash of gold and gear appeared from where the boss was slain.

Looking past the treasure I turned to see the real gifts given. These men, the eight who challenged a boss unknown.

My own party of three.

And Shelly's party of five stood united in glory.

Brutus was proud of his new plate, with every aspect of a natural born tank. He was confident, resilient, and most importantly -unwavering.

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As a piece of armor dropped.

One that shone a dazzling red.

A color we've never seen

A rarity unknown.

Inspecting it revealed.

[Gigantic Plate]

[Set piece]

Gasps filled the room, sucking the very air from our lips.

What were the chances?

Slim to none.

Eyes then moved to me and settled there.

Picking up the set piece I walked over, my steps loud and slow over the cobbled ground, handing it over to Brutus he looked taken aback.

Take it.

Without your rise to tank we would have died here.

Dumfounded and at a loss for words he took the armor gingerly.

Equip it!

Put it on, man!

Come on!

The party roared in a playful manner.

His upgrade was a blessing for not just him, but for the whole raid.

A stronger tank with a higher health bar meant for an easier time for the healers. It also meant that percent heals would be that much more potent.

Slowly peeling back the clamps of his old rare piece of chest plate.

To go from a blue chainmail vest, and now, equipping one of, if not the most coveted level of gear. The pinnacle of drops.

What a feeling it must be indeed, I thought as I helped Brutus, who was fumbling to equip his new gear.

It feels like a distorted dream, he whispered as he clipped the locks of the gear.

Why is that, I spoke softly back.

It began like a nightmare.

Then, a part of me broke.

But not in a bad way.

In the way I needed in order to grow.

And now I am rewarded with a treasure beyond my wildest fancies, as if the realm is blessing me with a reward fitting for the disaster that was this dream.

Catching my breath and holding my heart with my free hand, as the other continued finishing the final clips, this damn gear was a bastard to equip, or maybe it was simply the nerves that began to settle in.

I replied.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Epics and rares scattered across the ground, everyone waited for me to give the word.

And so I did

Take them my champions of today.

I will need you at full power.

For the battles of tomorrow!