Omniscient Gacha you are too expensive!!

The sun rose over the village, its golden light casting long shadows across the freshly repaired barricades and rooftops. Despite the destruction left in the wake of the corrupted spire, the villagers had wasted no time in rebuilding, their movements swift and purposeful. The air was still heavy with the memory of the battle, but there was a fragile hope that things might return to normal—if only for a while.

Rayne stood at the edge of the training ground, his bow slung over his shoulder. His body ached from days of constant fighting and preparation, but his mind refused to rest. The System's notifications lingered in his thoughts, their cold, unyielding messages a reminder of the danger that still loomed.

[System Notification: Primary Origin Remains Active. Time Until Next Threat: 58 Hours.]

He exhaled slowly, the weight of the message pressing down on him like a physical burden. Two days—barely enough time to recover, let alone prepare for whatever was coming next.

"You look like you're carrying the world on your shoulders," a familiar voice said.

Rayne turned to see Elias approaching, his knife spinning lazily between his fingers. Despite the lightness of his tone, his sharp eyes betrayed his own weariness.

"Feels like it," Rayne replied, managing a faint smile.

Elias stopped beside him, his gaze drifting toward the forest. "You think we'll get a break after this? Or is the universe just going to keep throwing these things at us until we drop dead?"

Rayne's smile faded. "I don't think it's going to stop until we find the source."

Elias sighed, shaking his head. "Figures. Well, at least we've got you to keep us alive."

---

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind them. Alaric approached, his bow slung across his back and his expression as sharp as ever.

"Rayne," he said, his tone brisk. "I need a word."

Rayne nodded, glancing at Elias. "Catch you later."

"Don't work too hard," Elias said, giving him a mock salute before heading toward the square.

Rayne followed Alaric to a quieter part of the training ground, where the older hunter turned to face him.

"We need to talk about the System," Alaric said, his voice low.

Rayne stiffened, his hand unconsciously brushing the pendant in his pocket. "What about it?"

"You said it gives you information about the corruption," Alaric said. "Warnings, weak points, things like that."

Rayne nodded. "It does. But it's not always clear. It gives me enough to stay ahead, but not enough to know what's coming next."

Alaric's gaze was steady, his sharp eyes scanning Rayne's face. "Do you think it's leading you somewhere? Or something?"

"I don't know," Rayne admitted. "Sometimes it feels like it's helping, but other times… it feels like it's testing me."

Alaric was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "If that's the case, then we need to be ready for whatever it throws at you. Whatever it throws at us."

---

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of activity. Rayne helped reinforce the barricades and ran drills with the younger villagers, their determination a stark contrast to the fear that lingered in their eyes. Lyra was among them, her movements growing more confident with each passing day.

"You're doing well," Rayne said as she loosed an arrow that struck the target dead-center.

Lyra's face lit up with a smile, though it quickly faded as she glanced toward the forest. "Do you think it'll come back? The corruption, I mean."

Rayne hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I think it's still out there. But we're doing everything we can to stop it."

She nodded, her grip tightening on her bow. "I want to help. I don't want to feel helpless anymore."

"You're already helping," Rayne said gently. "Every arrow you fire, every drill you run—it makes a difference."

Her smile returned, and she nodded again, a spark of determination in her eyes.

---

By midday, the village square was bustling with activity. The council of elders had called a meeting, their voices carrying over the hum of the crowd as they discussed the next steps. Rayne stood near the edge of the square, his bow resting against the wall behind him as he listened to the conversation.

"We need to fortify the village," Mareth said, his frail frame trembling slightly as he leaned on his staff. "The corruption may be gone for now, but we cannot afford to let our guard down."

"And what of the forest?" another elder asked. "Should we send scouts to monitor the situation?"

Alaric stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "The forest is dangerous enough as it is. Sending scouts would be a death sentence. We need to focus on preparing for the next attack."

The council murmured in agreement, their fear evident in the way they exchanged glances.

"What about the source?" Mareth asked, his gaze shifting to Rayne. "Do you believe it can be stopped?"

Rayne hesitated, the weight of their expectation pressing heavily on him. "I don't know," he said finally. "But I'll do everything I can to try."

---

As the meeting concluded, Rayne found himself standing alone near the well, his thoughts churning. The System's presence was a constant hum in the back of his mind, its cryptic notifications offering little comfort.

"Rayne."

He turned to see his father approaching, his expression calm but serious.

"You've been pushing yourself too hard," his father said, his voice gentle. "You can't carry this burden alone."

"I'm not," Rayne said, though his voice lacked conviction.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. "You have people who care about you—who are willing to stand beside you. Don't forget that."

Rayne nodded, the weight in his chest easing slightly. "Thanks, Dad."

---

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Rayne stood at the edge of the village, his gaze fixed on the dark line of the forest. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the fading light casting long shadows over the fields.

The System's screen flickered to life once more:

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 48 Hours.]

[Trait Predator's Instinct Enhanced: Extended Perception Available.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, the weight of the message settling over him. The fight wasn't over, but he wasn't alone. Together, they would face whatever came next—and they would endure.

The sky darkened as the first stars began to pierce the evening veil. The village was quiet now, its earlier bustle having subsided as the villagers retreated to their homes to rest. Despite the calm, a palpable tension lingered, the knowledge of an impending threat hanging over everyone like a storm cloud.

Rayne sat near the training ground, his bow resting beside him and his back against the cool wood of a fence. The day's work had left him physically exhausted, but his mind refused to settle. His thoughts swirled with fragmented memories of the battles they had fought, the corrupted spire they had destroyed, and the cryptic warnings from the System.

The sound of footsteps drew his attention. He looked up to see Alaric approaching, his bow slung over his shoulder and a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"Figured I'd find you here," Alaric said, dropping down onto the ground beside Rayne. "You've got a bad habit of thinking too much."

Rayne huffed a soft laugh. "Someone has to."

"True enough," Alaric replied, his gaze shifting to the treeline in the distance. "But don't let it eat you alive. You can't fight a battle if you're already defeated in your head."

---

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the stillness of the night broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Finally, Alaric spoke again, his tone softer.

"You've come a long way, Rayne," he said. "From the scared kid who could barely nock an arrow to someone the entire village looks up to."

Rayne glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "I'm just doing what I have to."

"That's what makes you different," Alaric said. "A lot of people would run in the face of what we've seen. But you stand your ground, even when it scares you."

Rayne frowned, his fingers brushing the pendant in his pocket. "It's not bravery," he said quietly. "It's necessity."

Alaric nodded, his smirk softening into something more reflective. "Maybe. But necessity doesn't make it any less impressive."

---

The sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation, and Elias appeared, his usual smirk firmly in place. "Are you two having a heart-to-heart without me? I'm offended."

Alaric rolled his eyes. "You're always offended about something."

Elias chuckled, dropping down onto the ground beside them. "Fair point. But seriously, what's the plan? The System says we've got two days before the next nightmare comes knocking."

"We make the most of the time we have," Alaric said. "Reinforce the defenses, train the villagers, and prepare for the worst."

"And after that?" Elias asked, his tone more serious now.

Alaric's gaze hardened. "After that, we fight."

---

Rayne listened to their exchange in silence, his mind already turning over the logistics of what needed to be done. The System's notification about the next threat had left little room for doubt—it would come, and it would test them in ways they weren't prepared for.

"What do you think it'll be?" Elias asked, his voice cutting through Rayne's thoughts.

Rayne hesitated before answering. "Stronger. Smarter. The System said the corruption's source is still active, which means whatever comes next is going to be worse than what we've seen so far."

Elias whistled softly, shaking his head. "Great. Just what we needed—more bad news."

"It's not all bad," Alaric said, his tone firm. "We've got something we didn't have before. We know how to fight it."

"And we've got each other," Rayne added, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

Elias grinned, his usual bravado returning. "Well, if nothing else, at least we'll go down swinging."

---

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the night wore on. They talked about past hunts, shared jokes, and reminisced about the days before the corruption had turned their lives upside down. For a brief moment, it felt almost normal—like they were just three hunters sharing a quiet evening.

But as the stars continued to brighten the night sky, the weight of their reality returned. Alaric stood, brushing the dirt from his hands.

"We should get some rest," he said. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

Elias groaned, stretching as he stood. "You don't have to tell me twice."

Rayne nodded, though his gaze lingered on the treeline. The darkness beneath the canopy seemed deeper than usual, as though the forest itself was watching.

Back at home, the warm glow of the hearth greeted Rayne as he stepped inside. His parents sat near the fire, their hands clasped as they spoke in hushed tones. Sienna was curled up on the rug, her small frame rising and falling with the steady rhythm of sleep.

"You're home late," his mother said, her voice gentle.

Rayne managed a faint smile as he set his bow down near the door. "Just talking with Alaric and Elias."

His father nodded, his sharp eyes studying Rayne's face. "Everything alright?"

"As alright as it can be," Rayne replied.

They didn't press him further, their quiet understanding a comfort as he sat down at the table. A bowl of stew waited for him, its warmth chasing away the lingering chill of the night.

---

As the village settled into quiet slumber, Rayne found himself standing at the window, staring out at the stars. The System's screen flickered to life in his mind, its glowing text cutting through the stillness:

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 44 Hours.]

[New Trait Activated: Adaptive Focus – Enhanced Accuracy During Combat.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, the weight of the message pressing down on him. The fight wasn't over, and the road ahead was shrouded in uncertainty. But as he looked back at his sleeping sister and his parents by the fire, he felt a flicker of determination.

No matter what came next, he would protect them. He would protect all of them.

The morning light filtered through the cracks in the wooden shutters, painting streaks of gold across the walls of Rayne's small room. He sat on the edge of his bed, his bow resting against the wall nearby. The System's notifications from the previous night still lingered in his mind, their cold precision gnawing at him.

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 44 Hours.]

[Trait Adaptive Focus Activated: Enhanced Accuracy During Combat.]

The mention of "combat" felt like a promise rather than a possibility, and it set his nerves on edge. Despite everything he had accomplished, the looming threat felt more daunting than ever.

A faint knock on the door broke his train of thought. Before he could respond, the door creaked open, and Sienna peeked inside. Her wide violet eyes were filled with curiosity, her hair tousled from sleep.

"You're up early," she said, stepping into the room.

"So are you," Rayne replied, a small smile tugging at his lips.

She climbed onto the bed beside him, her small frame dwarfed by the blanket she dragged along. "Mama said you're going back to the forest today."

Rayne's smile faded slightly, and he nodded. "Yeah. There's still work to do."

"Will it ever be over?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Rayne hesitated, unsure how to answer. Finally, he settled on the truth. "I don't know. But I'm going to keep trying until it is."

Sienna nodded, her expression solemn. "You're really strong, Rayne. Like the heroes in the stories."

Her words brought a lump to his throat, and he ruffled her hair gently. "Thanks, Sienna. That means a lot."

---

The day began with the now-familiar hum of activity. Villagers bustled about, reinforcing barricades, sharpening weapons, and preparing for the next fight. Despite the urgency of their work, there was an undercurrent of quiet determination—a collective understanding that they would face whatever came next together.

Rayne stood near the training yard, running drills with Lyra and a few of the other younger villagers. Their progress was evident, but their movements still lacked the fluidity and confidence of seasoned hunters.

"Not bad," Rayne said as Lyra loosed an arrow that struck just outside the bullseye. "But try to steady your breathing before you shoot. It'll help your aim."

Lyra nodded, adjusting her stance as she nocked another arrow. Her determination was evident, and Rayne couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride at how far she had come.

"Better," he said as her next shot landed closer to the center.

"Do you think I'll ever be as good as you?" she asked, lowering her bow.

Rayne hesitated, surprised by the question. "You're already better than I was when I started," he said honestly. "Keep practicing, and you'll get there."

Her face lit up with a smile, and she nodded. "Thanks, Rayne."

---

Alaric appeared as the drills were wrapping up, his sharp gaze sweeping over the training yard. He motioned for Rayne to join him, and the two of them walked toward the edge of the village where Elias was waiting.

"We need to talk strategy," Alaric said, his tone brisk. "The System says we've got less than two days before the next attack. That doesn't give us much time to prepare."

Elias folded his arms, his usual smirk replaced by a more serious expression. "Do we even know what's coming?"

Rayne shook his head. "Not exactly. The System just said the next threat will be stronger. Smarter. It didn't give me specifics."

"That's not exactly helpful," Elias muttered.

"It's enough," Alaric said firmly. "We know it's coming, and we know it'll be worse than what we've faced so far. That's all the reason we need to be ready."

---

The three of them spent the next few hours surveying the village's defenses, making note of weak points and areas that needed reinforcement. The barricades were sturdy, but they wouldn't hold forever against a determined attack.

"We'll need to focus on mobility," Alaric said as they inspected the northern perimeter. "If the defenses fall, we need to be able to adapt quickly."

Rayne nodded, his mind racing as he thought about the villagers. Many of them were skilled enough with a bow or spear, but they lacked the experience and instincts needed to face the kind of danger the System had warned about.

"We should assign teams," Rayne suggested. "Pair the younger villagers with the more experienced ones. That way, they can cover each other."

Alaric nodded approvingly. "Good idea. I'll talk to the council about it."

"And what about us?" Elias asked. "What's our role in all this?"

"We're the frontline," Alaric said without hesitation. "We hold the line as long as we can and buy the others time to fall back if things go south."

Elias smirked, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Figures. Always the hard jobs for us."

---

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the village, Rayne found himself standing near the edge of the forest. The dark line of trees loomed before him, their twisted branches clawing at the sky like skeletal hands.

The System's screen flickered to life in his mind:

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 36 Hours.]

[Threat Level: Unknown. Recommended Action: Fortify and Prepare.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, the weight of the message pressing down on him. The next threat was coming, and it would test everything they had built.

But as he turned back toward the village, the sight of the flickering lanterns and the determined faces of the people who called it home filled him with a quiet resolve.

No matter what came next, they would stand together.

The village square was alive with a quiet hum of activity as dusk settled over the rooftops. Lanterns cast warm light across the cobbled ground, illuminating the faces of villagers as they worked tirelessly to prepare for the looming threat. The air was thick with tension, but it was undercut by a determined resolve that Rayne couldn't help but admire.

He stood at the center of the square, his bow slung across his back as he surveyed the scene. Alaric and Elias were stationed near the eastern barricade, overseeing the final reinforcements. Groups of villagers moved with purpose, their roles clearly defined—some carried fresh timber to strengthen the defenses, while others sharpened weapons or prepared supplies.

It was a far cry from the disorganized panic that had gripped the village during the first attacks. Rayne had to remind himself how far they had come, even as the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders.

"Rayne."

He turned to see Elder Mareth approaching, his frail form leaning heavily on his staff. Despite his age, there was a sharpness in his gaze that made it clear he hadn't lost his edge.

"Elder," Rayne said, inclining his head respectfully.

Mareth gestured for him to follow, leading him to a quieter corner of the square. Once they were out of earshot, the elder spoke, his voice low but steady.

"The council has been discussing the coming threat," Mareth began. "We trust Alaric's judgment, and we've placed our faith in your leadership as well. But I need to ask—do you believe we'll survive this?"

The question hit Rayne harder than he expected. He hesitated, his mind racing as he considered his response.

"I don't know," he admitted finally. "But I believe we have a chance. The villagers are stronger than they realize, and we've learned how to fight back. We've survived this long—we can survive what's coming."

Mareth nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "A measured answer. Perhaps the best we could hope for."

---

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps, and Rayne turned to see Lyra approaching, her bow slung across her back. She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, her expression a mix of nervousness and determination.

"Rayne," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in her posture. "I wanted to ask if I could join the frontline during the fight."

Rayne's brow furrowed. "The frontline is dangerous, Lyra. You'd be safer helping from the barricades."

"I know," she said, her gaze unwavering. "But I don't want to hide while everyone else is risking their lives. I've trained for this. I'm ready."

Rayne studied her for a moment, the determination in her eyes reminding him of himself when he first picked up a bow. He knew the risks—knew the cost of sending someone so young into battle—but he also knew what it felt like to be told to stand aside when every instinct screamed to fight.

"Alright," he said finally. "But you stay close to the others, and you follow orders. No heroics."

Lyra's face lit up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Rayne. I won't let you down."

---

As night fell, the villagers gathered in the square for a final meeting. The council stood at the center, flanked by Alaric, Elias, and Rayne. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows over their faces, the firelight reflecting in their determined eyes.

Alaric stepped forward, his voice steady as he addressed the crowd.

"We've fought harder and survived longer than anyone thought we could," he began. "The corruption has thrown everything it has at us, and we're still standing. That's a testament to your strength, your courage, and your will to protect what matters most."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, though the tension in the air remained palpable.

"But the fight isn't over," Alaric continued. "The next threat is coming, and it's going to be worse than anything we've faced so far. We don't know what it'll look like, but we know it'll test us in ways we haven't been tested before."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "But we're ready. We've trained, we've prepared, and we've stood together through everything. And we'll do it again."

The murmurs grew louder, a ripple of determination spreading through the villagers.

---

Rayne stepped forward next, his heart pounding as all eyes turned to him. Public speaking had never been his strong suit, but the weight of the moment demanded his voice.

"You've all seen what the corruption can do," he began, his voice steady despite the nerves that threatened to creep in. "You've seen the destruction it brings, the lives it takes. But you've also seen that it can be fought. That it can be stopped."

He took a deep breath, his gaze meeting the villagers'. "This isn't just about survival anymore. This is about protecting the future—the people we care about, the lives we've built here. And as long as we stand together, we have a chance."

The crowd was silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Then, one by one, they began to nod, their expressions hardening with resolve.

---

As the meeting ended and the villagers dispersed, Rayne lingered near the square, his thoughts heavy. The System's screen flickered to life once more:

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 32 Hours.]

[Milestone Achieved: Village Morale Enhanced.]

[New Trait Unlocked: Rallying Presence – Increased Effectiveness of Nearby Allies.]

He exhaled slowly, the weight of the message settling over him. The fight was closer now, and the stakes had never been higher. But as he looked around the square, at the faces of the people who had placed their trust in him, he felt a flicker of hope.

They weren't just a village anymore. They were a force.

And together, they would face whatever came next.

The village square was quiet now, the lanterns dimmed as the villagers retired to their homes. The sound of footsteps on cobblestones and the murmur of hushed conversations had faded, leaving behind a profound stillness. Rayne stood alone near the well, the faint glow of the firelight reflecting off his bow. His mind was restless, thoughts churning as the countdown to the next threat ticked steadily in his mind.

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 30 Hours.]

[Trait Rallying Presence Activated: Nearby Allies Gain Increased Focus and Resolve.]

He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly as he let the tension drain from his shoulders. The System's cold efficiency was both a comfort and a burden, its constant presence in his mind a reminder of the weight he carried. The villagers trusted him, looked to him for guidance, and that trust was both empowering and terrifying.

"You're still out here?" Alaric's voice broke the silence.

Rayne turned to see the older hunter approaching, his steps slow and deliberate. He carried his bow loosely in one hand, his sharp gaze softened by the flicker of firelight.

"I couldn't sleep," Rayne admitted. "Too much on my mind."

Alaric smirked faintly, leaning against the well beside him. "You've got that look again. The one that says you're carrying the world on your shoulders."

Rayne huffed a quiet laugh. "Feels like it sometimes."

---

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of the coming fight hanging heavily between them. Finally, Alaric spoke, his tone softer than usual.

"You've done well, Rayne. Better than I ever expected."

Rayne glanced at him, surprised. "I've just been doing what I had to."

"That's what makes it impressive," Alaric said. "A lot of people would've folded under the pressure. But you didn't. You stepped up, and you've made a difference."

Rayne looked down, his fingers brushing the pendant in his pocket. "It doesn't feel like enough. Not with what's still coming."

"It never does," Alaric said. "But that's the thing about leadership. You don't get to feel like it's enough. You just keep moving forward, because that's what everyone else is counting on."

---

The sound of soft footsteps drew their attention, and Elias appeared, his knife spinning idly between his fingers. His usual smirk was in place, though his eyes held a weariness that mirrored their own.

"Am I interrupting something?" Elias asked, his tone light.

"Just some brooding," Alaric replied, smirking. "You know how he is."

Elias chuckled, leaning against the well. "You're not wrong. Rayne does love his brooding."

Rayne rolled his eyes, though the teasing eased some of the tension in his chest. "You're both impossible."

"That's what makes us fun," Elias said, grinning.

---

The three of them fell into an easy rhythm, their conversation meandering from lighthearted banter to quiet reflections on the battles they had fought. Despite the looming threat, there was a comfort in their camaraderie—a reminder that they weren't alone in this fight.

As the hours stretched into the early morning, the faint glow of dawn began to creep over the horizon, casting the village in a pale, golden light. The three hunters stood together at the edge of the square, their gazes fixed on the treeline in the distance.

"Tomorrow's going to be rough," Alaric said, his voice quiet but steady.

"Yeah," Elias agreed. "But we'll get through it. We always do."

Rayne nodded, his resolve hardening. The fight ahead would test them in ways they couldn't yet imagine, but they would face it together.

---

As Alaric and Elias headed back to their homes, Rayne lingered near the square, his thoughts turning once again to the System's messages. The countdown continued to tick away in his mind, each passing hour bringing them closer to the next battle.

[System Notification: Countdown to Next Threat – 28 Hours.]

[Reminder: Prepare for High-Risk Combat Scenarios.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the bow at his side. The System had chosen him for a reason, though its motives remained a mystery. But as he looked out over the village, at the homes and people he had fought to protect, he felt a flicker of purpose.

No matter what came next, he would stand his ground.

And he wouldn't stand alone.

---

The first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon as Rayne finally made his way back to his family's home. The sight of his parents sitting by the fire and Sienna still asleep on the rug brought a sense of peace, however fleeting. He set his bow down near the door, the familiar weight a comfort as he settled into the quiet warmth of the room.

For a moment, he allowed himself to rest, knowing it might be the last time for a long while.