Omniscient Gacha you are too expensive!!

The village had grown quiet over the years, the once vibrant laughter and hum of a bustling community replaced by the weight of survival. Five years of relentless battles with the corrupted creatures had taken their toll. The forest, once lush and alive with wildlife, was now a twisted shadow of its former self. Even the air carried a faint, bitter tang, a constant reminder of the creeping corruption that seeped into the land.

Rayne stood on a hill overlooking the village, his bow resting against his shoulder. His sharp purple eyes scanned the treeline, every rustle of leaves setting him on edge. Years of fighting had honed his instincts to razor sharpness, and though the village had survived, the cost was evident in the brittle crops, weathered homes, and weary faces of its people.

He sighed, his breath forming a small cloud in the crisp morning air. Below him, the village stirred to life. Families prepared for another day of toil, hauling tools to the fields or patching up barricades that had become a grim necessity. Despite the hardships, the villagers endured, their resolve unbroken.

"Rayne!" a voice called from behind him.

Turning, he saw his sister Sienna bounding up the hill, her green eyes alight with energy. At ten years old, she carried a spark of hope that seemed to defy the grim reality around her. In her hands, she clutched a basket covered with a cloth.

"Mom said to bring you breakfast," she said, holding up the basket with a bright smile.

Rayne crouched down to her level, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Thanks, Sienna. You're always looking out for me."

She grinned. "Someone has to. You're always out here looking so serious."

---

They sat together on the hill, the basket between them. Rayne pulled back the cloth to reveal fresh bread and dried meat, a modest but welcome meal. As he ate, Sienna chattered away, her words tumbling out in an excited stream.

"Did you hear the news? The mayor said reinforcements from the capital are coming! Real soldiers! Isn't that amazing?"

Rayne's hand paused mid-bite. "Reinforcements?" he asked, his voice cautious. "Since when does the capital care about us?"

Sienna nodded enthusiastically. "They're supposed to arrive tomorrow. Mayor Halrick made the announcement this morning. He said they're sending a whole squad!"

Rayne's brow furrowed as he processed the news. Over the years, the village had sent countless pleas for help to the capital, only to be met with silence—or the occasional shipment of subpar supplies. The sudden decision to send reinforcements felt… odd.

"About time," he muttered, his tone bitter.

Sienna tilted her head, her smile fading slightly. "You don't seem excited."

"It's not that," Rayne said quickly, softening his tone. "I just… I hope they're coming for the right reasons."

"What other reasons could there be?" Sienna asked, her innocence piercing.

Rayne didn't answer. Instead, he looked back at the village, his thoughts churning. If the capital had finally decided to act, there had to be more to it than simple charity.

---

Later that morning, Rayne returned home with Sienna in tow. The warm glow of the hearth greeted them as they stepped inside, the familiar scent of stew wafting through the air. Their mother was busy at the stove, her sleeves rolled up as she stirred the pot with practiced ease. Their father sat at the table, sharpening a hunting knife with slow, deliberate strokes.

"You're back early," his father said, glancing up with a small smile.

"Sienna brought me breakfast," Rayne replied, placing the now-empty basket on the table.

"She's good at keeping you fed," their mother said, her voice warm. "Otherwise, you'd probably forget to eat altogether."

Rayne chuckled, though he knew there was truth in her words. Between patrolling the forest, training the younger villagers, and maintaining the defenses, his days were a blur of constant motion.

"So," his father began, setting the knife down, "I hear the capital is finally sending help."

"Apparently," Rayne said, leaning against the wall. "Sienna said they're arriving tomorrow."

His father's expression darkened slightly, his jaw tightening. "Five years too late."

"Better late than never," Rayne replied, though his voice lacked conviction.

His mother sighed, wiping her hands on her apron as she turned to face them. "They should have been here years ago, when the corruption first started spreading. How many lives could've been saved if they hadn't ignored us?"

Rayne didn't respond. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken grief.

---

That afternoon, Rayne ventured into the forest, his bow slung across his back and his quiver freshly stocked. The patrol routes he had established over the years had become second nature, each path ingrained in his memory. Despite the growing dangers, he found a strange comfort in the routine—it was the one constant in a world that seemed determined to fall apart.

The forest was eerily silent as he moved through the underbrush. The sunlight barely pierced the canopy, casting long shadows that danced with every breeze. The air felt heavy, thick with the lingering stench of corruption.

Rayne crouched near a patch of disturbed soil, his sharp eyes scanning the ground. Tracks—large and deep, with clawed impressions that trailed off into the distance. His pulse quickened as he followed the trail, his steps silent and deliberate.

It didn't take long to find the source. A hulking creature stood in a small clearing, its grotesque form a patchwork of corrupted flesh and jagged bone. Its glowing red eyes burned with an unnatural intensity as it sniffed the air, its claws tearing into the earth.

Rayne nocked an arrow, activating Dead Eye. The world sharpened into focus, the creature's weak points glowing faintly in his vision. He exhaled slowly, his body steady as he loosed the arrow.

The shot struck the creature's shoulder, embedding itself deep into the corrupted flesh. It roared, its massive frame lurching toward him with surprising speed. Rayne rolled to the side, nocking another arrow as the creature's claws slashed through the air where he had just stood.

This time, he aimed for its leg. The arrow struck true, sending the creature crashing to the ground. Before it could recover, Rayne loosed a final shot, the arrow piercing its chest. The creature let out a guttural screech before collapsing, its body dissolving into black mist.

Rayne stood over the fading remains, his breathing steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He glanced around the clearing, his senses still heightened. There were no other creatures nearby—for now.

[System Notification: Corrupted Entity Neutralized. Progress Toward Resolution: 0.13%.]

The cold precision of the System's message sent a chill down his spine. No matter how many creatures he defeated, it felt like the corruption was always one step ahead.

---

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Rayne returned to the village, his thoughts heavy. Tomorrow, the capital's squad would arrive, bringing with them the promise of change. But whether that change would be for the better remained to be seen.

For now, all Rayne could do was prepare—for the reinforcements, for the battles to come, and for the choices that lay ahead.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the village square, where a crowd had gathered near Mayor Halrick's residence. The atmosphere was tense, a simmering mix of hope and resentment as villagers murmured among themselves. The announcement of reinforcements from the capital had spread quickly, but the reactions it sparked were far from unified.

Rayne stood at the edge of the crowd, his arms crossed as he listened to the rising voices. His sister Sienna clung to his hand, her excitement undiminished by the wary faces around her.

On the steps of the mayor's home, Halrick raised his hands, calling for quiet. The stout man's voice, once commanding and steady, now carried the weight of years of frustration and exhaustion.

"Please, everyone, settle down," Halrick began, his tone firm but weary. "I know you have questions, and I will do my best to answer them. But we should all be grateful that help is finally on its way."

"Grateful?" a middle-aged woman near the front of the crowd scoffed. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her face lined with bitterness. "We've been begging the capital for help for five years. How many lives could've been saved if they'd listened to us sooner?"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, their frustration bubbling to the surface. A man with weathered hands and a thick gray beard stepped forward, his voice rough with anger.

"They sent us scraps—rusty weapons, stale supplies, empty promises. And now they think they can just show up and fix everything?"

Halrick raised his hands again, his voice strained but steady. "I understand your anger. Truly, I do. But what matters now is that they are coming. We can't afford to turn away their help, no matter how late it is."

---

Rayne felt the tension in the crowd as though it were a physical weight pressing down on him. He exchanged a glance with Lyra, who stood a few paces away with her bow slung across her back. She looked as conflicted as he felt.

Finally, Rayne stepped forward, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "They're late. We all know that. But if they can help us now, isn't it worth it?"

The crowd turned toward him, their expressions a mix of surprise and uncertainty. Rayne met their gazes, his tone calm but resolute.

"We've survived this long because we've worked together," he continued. "Because we've fought for each other. The capital's reinforcements won't fix everything, but they'll give us a chance—a chance to catch our breath, to rebuild, and to figure out what's next. That's more than we've had in a long time."

For a moment, the crowd was silent, the weight of his words settling over them. Slowly, some of the villagers nodded, their tension easing slightly.

Halrick seized the moment, his voice steady as he spoke. "Rayne's right. This isn't about the past—it's about the future. The corruption isn't going to wait for us to sort out our feelings. We need to be ready when the squad arrives."

---

As the crowd began to disperse, Lyra approached Rayne, her expression thoughtful. "You really have a way with words, you know that?"

Rayne huffed a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just said what needed to be said."

"And people listened," Lyra pointed out, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're a natural leader, whether you like it or not."

Rayne shook his head, his smile fading slightly. "I'm just trying to keep everyone together. That's what matters."

Lyra studied him for a moment, her smile softening. "Well, you're doing a good job. Don't forget that."

---

Back at the Lanier household, the warmth of the hearth offered a stark contrast to the tension outside. Rayne sat at the kitchen table, his hands wrapped around a mug of tea as his father sharpened a hunting knife nearby. Sienna sat cross-legged on the rug by the fire, humming softly to herself as she worked on a simple sewing project.

His mother bustled around the kitchen, her movements quick and efficient as she prepared dinner. The comforting scents of herbs and broth filled the air, momentarily pushing aside the weight of the day.

"You handled yourself well today," his father said, glancing up from his work. "Not everyone your age could stand in front of a crowd like that."

Rayne shrugged, his gaze fixed on the tea in his hands. "Someone had to say something. The last thing we need is the village falling apart right before the squad gets here."

His father nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. But don't forget to take care of yourself, too. You've been carrying this village on your shoulders for years. That kind of weight can break a man."

"I'm fine," Rayne said, though his voice lacked conviction.

His mother chimed in, her tone gentle but firm. "Your father's right, Rayne. You've done more for this village than anyone should have to. It's okay to let others help, too."

Rayne glanced at his sister, who was now carefully stitching a patch onto a worn piece of fabric. Her small, focused movements reminded him of why he fought so hard in the first place.

"I know," he said quietly. "But as long as I can fight, I will."

After dinner, Rayne stepped outside, the cool night air sharp against his skin. The village was quiet now, the faint glow of lanterns casting soft light over the cobblestone paths. He walked to the edge of the square, his bow slung over his shoulder as he scanned the treeline in the distance.

The System's presence flickered to life in his mind, its familiar cold precision cutting through the stillness:

[System Notification: Proximity Alert – Corrupted Entity Detected. Distance: 2.4 Kilometers.]

[Advisory: Patrol Suggested. Threat Level: Moderate.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, his muscles tensing as he prepared for another patrol. The fight never truly ended, and the corruption was always lurking, waiting for a moment of weakness.

"Rayne," Lyra's voice called softly from behind him.

He turned to see her standing a few paces away, her bow at the ready. She tilted her head toward the forest. "You going out again?"

He nodded. "Something's moving out there. It's not too close, but I don't want to take any chances."

"I'll come with you," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Together, they disappeared into the shadows of the forest, their steps silent as they moved toward the unknown. The fight wasn't over—not yet. But for the first time in years, Rayne felt a flicker of hope.

Tomorrow, the reinforcements would arrive, and with them, the promise of change.

The forest was quiet—too quiet. The usual rustle of leaves and distant calls of wildlife had been replaced by an oppressive stillness, as though the land itself was holding its breath. Rayne and Lyra moved cautiously through the underbrush, their bows at the ready. Moonlight filtered through the twisted canopy above, casting faint silvery light over the forest floor.

Rayne's sharp eyes scanned their surroundings, his senses heightened by years of experience. Every shadow seemed alive, every faint sound a potential threat. Lyra walked beside him, her movements deliberate as she mimicked his careful steps. Though she had come a long way in her training, the tension in her posture betrayed her unease.

"Feels like it's watching us," Lyra whispered, her voice barely audible.

"It always is," Rayne replied, his tone grim. "The corruption doesn't rest."

Ahead of them, the underbrush stirred. Rayne froze, motioning for Lyra to stop. He crouched low, nocking an arrow as he focused on the source of the movement. The System flickered to life in his mind, its cold text cutting through the tension.

[System Notification: Proximity Alert – Corrupted Entity Detected. Distance: 300 Meters.]

[Threat Level: Moderate. Recommended Action: Engage with Caution.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, the familiar weight of the System's warnings settling over him. He gestured for Lyra to take cover, and she nodded, slipping silently behind a thick tree. The underbrush stirred again, and this time, a low growl rumbled through the air.

---

The creature emerged from the shadows, its grotesque form twisted beyond recognition. Its body was a mass of blackened flesh and jagged bone, its glowing red eyes locked onto Rayne with predatory intent. Dark ichor dripped from its claws, staining the earth as it moved closer.

Rayne activated Dead Eye, the world around him sharpening into focus. The creature's weak points glowed faintly, and he adjusted his aim, his breathing steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

He loosed the arrow. The sharp twang of the bowstring cut through the silence, and the arrow struck the creature's shoulder, embedding itself deep into the corrupted flesh. The creature roared, its massive frame lurching toward him with alarming speed.

Rayne rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a swipe of its claws. He nocked another arrow, aiming for its leg this time. The shot struck true, and the creature stumbled, its movements unsteady.

Lyra stepped out from her cover, loosing an arrow that struck the creature's side. The impact sent it crashing to the ground, and before it could recover, Rayne loosed a final shot. The arrow pierced its chest, and the creature let out a guttural screech before collapsing, its body dissolving into black mist.

---

Lyra approached cautiously, her bow still drawn. "Is it gone?"

Rayne nodded, lowering his bow. "For now."

The System's familiar text appeared once more:

[System Notification: Corrupted Entity Neutralized. Progress Toward Resolution: 0.15%.]

Lyra glanced at him, her brow furrowed. "Does it ever feel like it's not enough? No matter how many of these things we kill, they just keep coming."

"It always feels like that," Rayne admitted. "But if we stop, they win."

Lyra nodded, though her expression remained troubled. "Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever really stop it. The corruption, I mean. What if it just keeps spreading until there's nothing left?"

Rayne's jaw tightened, but he forced his voice to remain steady. "Then we fight until the end."

---

The two of them continued their patrol, the forest gradually returning to its unnatural stillness. As they walked, Lyra glanced at Rayne, her expression pensive.

"Do you think the squad from the capital will make a difference?" she asked.

Rayne hesitated before answering. "I hope so. But I don't know what to expect. It's been years since the capital did anything more than send supplies."

"What do you think made them change their minds?" Lyra pressed.

"Politics," Rayne said bitterly. "Probably something to do with the tensions between kingdoms. Maybe they realized they couldn't afford to ignore us anymore."

Lyra frowned. "It doesn't seem fair. We've been fighting for our lives while they've been arguing over borders and treaties."

"It's not fair," Rayne agreed. "But at least they're sending help now. That's more than we've had in a long time."

Lyra nodded, though her expression remained somber. "I just hope they're ready for what they're walking into. The corruption isn't like anything they've dealt with before."

---

By the time they returned to the village, the moon was high in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths. The square was quiet, the villagers having retired to their homes for the night. Rayne and Lyra made their way to the well, setting their bows down as they took a moment to catch their breath.

"You're thinking again," Lyra said, her voice light but knowing.

"I always am," Rayne replied with a faint smile.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, sitting on the edge of the well.

Rayne hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the forest. "The capital's squad. The corruption. Whether or not we're ready for what's coming."

Lyra studied him for a moment before speaking. "You've been carrying this village for years, Rayne. You've done more than anyone else could've. If anyone's ready, it's you."

Rayne managed a small smile, though the weight in his chest didn't lift. "Thanks, Lyra. That means a lot."

---

As the night wore on, Rayne found himself standing at the edge of the village, his bow slung across his shoulder. The forest loomed before him, its twisted branches clawing at the sky like skeletal hands. The System flickered to life once more:

[System Notification: Countdown to Reinforcements – 12 Hours.]

[Advisory: Patrol Concluded. Rest Recommended.]

Rayne exhaled slowly, his muscles aching from the day's efforts. Tomorrow, the reinforcements would arrive, bringing with them the promise of change. For better or worse, the village's future was about to shift.

He turned and walked back toward his home, the flickering lights of the village guiding his way. Though the shadows of the forest still lingered in his mind, he held onto a faint flicker of hope.

Tomorrow, they wouldn't be alone.

The village awoke to the golden hues of dawn, but the air was thick with a quiet tension. News of the capital's squad arriving had spread to every corner of the settlement. Some villagers greeted the prospect of aid with cautious optimism, while others remained wary, their years of suffering leaving a bitter aftertaste that no amount of promises could erase.

Rayne stood near the square, watching as groups of villagers gathered to finalize their preparations. Makeshift defenses were inspected, weapons sharpened, and supplies redistributed. Though the capital's reinforcements were expected to bring much-needed relief, the villagers weren't ready to rely entirely on outside help—not after five years of fending for themselves.

Lyra joined him, her bow slung over her shoulder and a faint smile on her face. "Looks like everyone's trying to make the village look presentable."

Rayne smirked. "Or as presentable as it can be after years of fighting off monsters."

She nudged him with her elbow. "Think the squad will be impressed?"

"They'd better be," Rayne replied, his tone wry. "If they're not ready to handle what's out there, they're going to have a rough time."

---

The morning passed quickly as Rayne moved from one task to another. He helped repair a section of the western barricade, his hands deftly securing planks of wood while offering quiet words of encouragement to the younger villagers assisting him.

"Do you think the reinforcements will be enough?" one boy asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Rayne paused, meeting the boy's gaze. "They'll help," he said firmly. "But we're the ones who've been fighting this long. We know the land, the people, and the threats. That's not going to change just because someone else shows up."

The boy nodded, a flicker of resolve replacing his hesitation. "I'll do my part."

"That's all anyone can ask," Rayne said, clapping him on the shoulder before returning to his work.

---

Later, Rayne found himself back at his family's home, where his mother was bustling around the kitchen and Sienna was humming a cheerful tune as she braided her hair. The warmth of the hearth and the scent of freshly baked bread offered a rare moment of peace amid the day's chaos.

His father sat at the table, inspecting a set of hunting traps he had been maintaining for years. Though the traps were worn, they were reliable—a testament to his skill and resourcefulness.

"You've been busy today," his father said, glancing up as Rayne entered the room.

"Trying to make sure everything's ready," Rayne replied, setting his bow against the wall.

His mother turned, wiping her hands on her apron. "You've been doing that for years, Rayne. Let someone else take some of the burden."

Rayne smiled faintly. "I'm not sure I know how to stop."

Sienna piped up from her spot by the hearth. "Maybe you should try relaxing for a change. You know, like normal people."

Rayne chuckled, ruffling her hair as he passed by. "Normal's never been my strong suit."

---

As the afternoon wore on, the preparations began to wind down. Villagers gathered in the square, exchanging nervous glances and whispered conversations as they waited for the squad to arrive. Rayne stood at the edge of the crowd, his sharp purple eyes scanning the horizon.

"They should be here soon," Lyra said, appearing at his side.

Rayne nodded, his expression unreadable. "Let's hope they're as good as the mayor says they are."

"What if they're not?" Lyra asked, her voice quiet.

"Then we keep doing what we've always done," Rayne replied. "We survive."

Lyra studied him for a moment before nodding. "You make it sound so simple."

"It's not," he admitted. "But it's the only choice we have."

---

The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon with hues of orange and gold. The villagers grew restless, their anticipation mounting with each passing minute. Rayne remained still, his gaze fixed on the road leading into the village.

Finally, a faint sound reached his ears—the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the low rumble of wagon wheels. The tension in the crowd shifted, a ripple of energy passing through the villagers as the first figures appeared in the distance.

"They're here," someone murmured.

Rayne narrowed his eyes, watching as the squad came into view. They were clad in gleaming armor, their weapons polished and well-maintained. A large banner bearing the insignia of the capital fluttered behind them, its bold colors a stark contrast to the muted tones of the village.

At the head of the group rode a man in his early thirties, his posture straight and commanding. His dark hair was cropped short, and his piercing gaze swept over the crowd as the squad entered the square. Behind him, a dozen soldiers dismounted from their horses, their movements efficient and disciplined.

The man dismounted, his boots hitting the cobblestones with a solid thud. He approached Mayor Halrick, who stepped forward to greet him, his expression a mix of relief and apprehension.

"Mayor Halrick, I presume?" the man said, his voice calm but authoritative.

Halrick nodded. "That's right. And you must be the leader of the squad."

"Captain Ardyn Voss," the man introduced himself. "We've been sent by the capital to assist with your… situation."

---

Rayne studied the captain closely, his sharp eyes noting the way the man carried himself—confident but not arrogant, experienced but not weary. There was an air of competence about him that was both reassuring and unnerving.

"Captain," Halrick said, his tone carefully measured. "We're grateful for your assistance, but I have to ask… why now? Why did it take the capital five years to send help?"

The crowd murmured in agreement, their frustration bubbling to the surface once more. The captain's expression didn't waver as he responded.

"The capital has been dealing with rising tensions between two neighboring kingdoms," he said. "Resources have been stretched thin, and logistical constraints delayed our response. But we're here now, and we're committed to helping you contain the corruption."

His words were met with mixed reactions. Some villagers nodded, their hope outweighing their bitterness, while others crossed their arms, their skepticism clear.

Rayne stepped forward, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "How much do you know about what we've been facing?"

The captain turned to him, his sharp gaze meeting Rayne's. "Enough to know it's unlike anything we've dealt with before. That's why we've brought supplies and specialists to assess the situation."

Rayne's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Then I hope you're ready."

---

As the crowd began to disperse, Rayne lingered near the square, his thoughts heavy. The arrival of the squad was a turning point—whether it would be a step forward or another disappointment remained to be seen. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the village, he felt a flicker of something he hadn't felt in years.

Hope.