Omniscient Gacha you are too expensive!!

The village square was alive with tension. The usual hum of daily activity had been replaced by hushed whispers and nervous glances as the elders gathered near the well, their faces grim. Rayne stood at the edge of the crowd, his bow slung over his shoulder and his mind racing. The events of the past few days—the corrupted creatures, the strange artifact, and the spreading darkness in the forest—had finally reached a tipping point.

Alaric was among the elders, his presence a rare sight at such meetings. He leaned against a wooden post, his sharp green eyes scanning the crowd as he waited for the others to settle. Beside him stood Elias, his expression unreadable but his body language tense.

Rayne's parents were nearby, his father's arm around his mother's shoulders as they listened intently to the murmurs of the villagers. Sienna clung to Rayne's side, her wide eyes darting between the elders and the crowd.

"What's happening, Rayne?" she whispered.

"I don't know," Rayne replied, though the unease in his chest suggested otherwise.

Finally, Elder Mareth, a stooped man with a long white beard, raised his hands for silence. The villagers fell quiet, their attention fixed on him as he stepped forward.

"We are gathered here to discuss a matter of grave importance," Mareth began, his voice steady despite his frail appearance. "The forest, which has always been our ally and protector, has turned against us. Creatures unlike any we have known have begun to emerge, threatening our way of life."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, but Mareth raised his hand again, silencing it.

"Alaric and Elias have been investigating these disturbances," Mareth continued. "And they have brought troubling news. I will let them explain."

Alaric stepped forward, his posture rigid as he addressed the crowd. "In the past week alone, we've encountered two creatures that have been… corrupted. Their movements were unnatural, their strength far beyond what's normal for their kind. And they weren't acting on instinct. They were hunting—with purpose."

A wave of unease passed through the villagers, their whispers growing louder.

"What does it mean?" one man asked, his voice trembling.

"It means the forest is changing," Elias said, his tone grim. "Something is stirring in its depths, and it's spreading. If we don't stop it now, it won't be just the forest that suffers."

---

Rayne's mind raced as he listened. The corrupted creatures, the System's cryptic notifications, the artifact—all of it was connected. He glanced at Alaric, wondering if the hunter suspected him of knowing more than he let on.

Sienna tugged at his sleeve. "Rayne, what do we do?"

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, though his own confidence wavered. "We'll figure it out. I promise."

As the council continued, Mareth called for suggestions on how to address the threat. Some villagers proposed strengthening their defenses, while others spoke of abandoning the village entirely. The arguments grew heated, and Mareth struggled to maintain order.

Alaric finally stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise. "Running won't solve anything. If we abandon the village, the corruption will follow us. We need to take the fight to the source."

"And how do we do that?" a woman asked, her tone skeptical.

Alaric glanced at Rayne, his expression unreadable. "We form a small team to investigate the deeper forest. Elias and I will lead, but we'll need others—people who can handle themselves in a fight."

The crowd erupted into murmurs again, some villagers voicing their support while others protested the danger.

"I'll go," Rayne said suddenly, his voice firm.

All eyes turned to him, including his parents'. His mother's face was pale, her lips parted in shock, while his father's expression was a mix of pride and worry.

"No," his mother said, stepping forward. "He's just a boy."

"He's more capable than most adults," Alaric said, his tone calm but resolute. "Rayne's proven himself in the forest. He's the best archer we have, and he knows how to think under pressure."

His mother shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "He's my son. I won't let him risk his life for this."

Rayne stepped forward, his gaze steady. "Mom, I have to do this. I can't stand by while the village is in danger. You've always taught me to protect the people I care about, and this is my chance to do that."

His father placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle. "Let him go, Elara. He's not a boy anymore."

She looked at Rayne, her expression torn, before finally nodding. "Be safe," she whispered.

---

As the meeting concluded, Alaric pulled Rayne aside. "You're sure about this?"

Rayne nodded. "I am."

"Good," Alaric said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Because once we're out there, there's no turning back."

Rayne met his gaze, his voice steady. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

---

That evening, Rayne prepared for the journey ahead. He checked his bowstring, sharpened his blade, and packed his satchel with essentials. The pendant around his neck pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power that lay dormant within him.

As he sat on the edge of his bed, Sienna appeared in the doorway, her eyes red from crying.

"You don't have to do this," she said, her voice trembling.

Rayne stood and pulled her into a hug, his hand resting on her head. "I do, Sienna. But I'll come back. I promise."

She sniffled, clutching his shirt tightly. "You'd better."

---

The moon was high in the sky when Rayne joined Alaric and Elias at the edge of the forest. The tracker nodded in greeting, while Alaric handed him a quiver of fresh arrows.

"You ready?" Alaric asked.

Rayne adjusted his bow, his expression determined. "Let's go."

The three of them stepped into the shadows of the forest, their figures swallowed by the darkness as they ventured deeper into the unknown.

Rayne's heart raced, but his resolve was unshaken. Whatever awaited them in the depths of the forest, he knew he would face it head-on.

For his family. For his village.

For himself.

The group trekked deeper into the forest, the familiar sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls giving way to an eerie quiet. Alaric led the way, his movements steady and deliberate, his bow always at the ready. Behind him, Elias crouched low, scanning the ground for tracks, his sharp eyes catching every detail. Rayne brought up the rear, his bow gripped tightly as he tried to keep his breathing steady.

"This quiet isn't normal," Alaric muttered, his voice low.

Rayne glanced around, his instincts agreeing with the hunter's words. The forest, usually alive with subtle noises, now felt oppressively silent. Even the air seemed heavier, as if the trees themselves were holding their breath.

Elias stopped suddenly, raising a hand. "Tracks," he said, crouching beside a patch of disturbed soil. "Large. And recent."

Rayne knelt beside him, studying the tracks. They were deep, clawed prints that sank into the earth as though the creature had been unnaturally heavy.

"Another corrupted beast?" Rayne asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Elias nodded. "Most likely. And it's big. Whatever it is, we're getting close."

---

They continued in silence, following the trail through the dense undergrowth. As they moved, Alaric glanced back at Rayne, his expression thoughtful.

"You've been quiet, kid," he said. "Nervous?"

"A little," Rayne admitted, his fingers tightening around his bowstring. "It's not just the creature. It's… everything. The forest feels wrong."

Alaric nodded. "You're not wrong. It's like the forest is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen."

Elias, still crouched over the trail, chuckled darkly. "Let's just hope whatever it's waiting for isn't us."

Rayne tried to smile at the joke, but his unease only deepened.

---

The trail led them to a narrow stream, its water dark and sluggish. Alaric knelt at the edge, dipping a finger into the water before pulling it back with a grimace.

"Corrupted," he said, wiping his hand on his tunic. "The source is spreading faster than I thought."

Elias crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "If the water's contaminated, the animals in the area will be, too. We're walking into a hornet's nest."

"We don't have a choice," Alaric said, standing and gesturing for them to continue. "If we don't figure out what's causing this, the village won't stand a chance."

---

They reached a clearing just as the sun began to dip low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor. At the center of the clearing stood a massive tree, its bark blackened and twisted, its branches bare. The air around it seemed to shimmer, and a faint hum filled the clearing, almost too low to hear.

"This is it," Elias said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alaric stepped forward, his expression hard. "Keep your guard up. Whatever did this could still be nearby."

Rayne felt the pendant in his pocket grow warm, its presence a constant reminder of the System's influence. He glanced at the tree, its darkened bark seeming to pulse faintly, as though alive.

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

[System Notification: Corrupted Zone Detected. Anomaly Present.]

Rayne swallowed hard, keeping the notification to himself as he nocked an arrow and scanned the clearing.

---

The attack came without warning.

A guttural roar shattered the silence, and a massive shadow burst from the underbrush. It was a creature unlike anything Rayne had seen before—a hulking beast with matted fur, jagged claws, and glowing red eyes. Its body seemed to ripple and distort as it moved, as though it wasn't entirely solid.

"Move!" Alaric shouted, loosing an arrow that struck the creature in the shoulder. It barely flinched, its attention focused on Elias, who dodged to the side just as the beast lunged.

Rayne activated Dead Eye, the world slowing as he drew his bowstring and aimed for the creature's chest. He released the arrow, watching as it struck true, but the beast didn't go down.

"It's stronger than the last one!" Alaric called, circling the creature as he fired another shot.

Rayne moved to higher ground, his heart pounding as the fight unfolded below. Elias slashed at the beast with his knife, drawing its attention long enough for Alaric to fire another arrow.

The beast roared, swiping at Alaric with claws that gouged deep furrows into the ground. Rayne loosed another arrow, aiming for the creature's head. The shot hit, but it only seemed to enrage the beast further.

"Rayne, stay focused!" Alaric shouted, dodging another swipe.

---

The fight dragged on, the beast's strength and resilience pushing them to their limits. Rayne's arms ached from drawing his bowstring, but he refused to back down. Finally, a well-placed shot from Alaric pierced the creature's eye, and it collapsed with a final, guttural snarl.

The clearing fell silent once more, the hum around the tree fading as the beast stilled.

Alaric approached cautiously, his bow at the ready. When he was sure the creature was dead, he turned to the others. "Everyone okay?"

"Mostly," Elias said, brushing dirt off his tunic.

Rayne nodded, though his hands still trembled from the fight.

As they examined the creature, the System's screen appeared again:

[Anomaly Neutralized. Gacha Points Earned: 20.]

Rayne clenched his fists, hiding the notification as Alaric and Elias discussed the creature's origin.

"We need to report this to the elders," Alaric said finally. "This isn't just a random event. The corruption is getting worse."

Rayne glanced at the blackened tree, its presence a dark omen against the fading light. He nodded, his resolve hardening. Whatever was happening in the forest, he wouldn't let it reach the village.

And he wouldn't let it take the people he cared about.

The trek back to the village was quiet, each member of the group lost in their thoughts. The fight with the corrupted beast had taken its toll—not just physically, but mentally. Rayne kept glancing over his shoulder, half expecting another creature to lunge from the shadows. The weight of the System's cryptic messages gnawed at him, though he knew better than to share them.

"You handled yourself well back there," Alaric said, breaking the silence. He gave Rayne a sidelong glance, his tone lighter than the tension in the air. "For a kid who used to flinch at the sight of a boar, you're not half bad."

Rayne smirked faintly, his fingers tightening on the bowstring slung across his shoulder. "You're the one who taught me."

"That's true," Alaric said with a teasing grin. "Guess I've got a knack for turning brats into hunters."

Elias snorted, not looking up from the ground as he examined a fresh set of tracks. "Don't let it go to your head, Alaric. The kid's got his own instincts."

Rayne appreciated the banter—it helped ease the lingering tension from the fight. Still, he couldn't shake the image of the blackened tree and the beast's glowing red eyes. The corruption wasn't just spreading—it was growing stronger.

---

By the time they reached the village, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the faint glow of lanterns lit the dirt streets. Villagers gathered at the square as the group approached, their faces pale with worry.

"What did you find?" Elder Mareth asked, stepping forward. His frail frame seemed even smaller under the weight of the villagers' anxious gazes.

Alaric set down his pack and straightened, his expression grim. "It's worse than we thought. The corruption is spreading fast, and it's not just affecting the animals. There's something in the forest—something unnatural."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, the villagers exchanging nervous glances.

"We fought another creature," Alaric continued. "Stronger than the last. If this keeps up, it's only a matter of time before the village is directly attacked."

The murmurs grew louder, some voices rising in panic. Rayne's mother stepped forward, her hand clutched tightly around Sienna's shoulder. "What do we do?"

"We prepare," Alaric said firmly. "Fortify the village, train anyone willing to fight, and keep a close eye on the forest."

Elder Mareth nodded slowly, his hands trembling as he leaned on his staff. "Do whatever you must, Alaric. The village's safety is in your hands."

---

The crowd dispersed reluctantly, some villagers muttering darkly about curses and omens. Rayne stayed behind as Alaric and Elias began unpacking their gear, his thoughts racing.

"I'm going back tomorrow," Alaric said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We need to find the source of this corruption and deal with it before it's too late."

Elias frowned. "We barely made it out today, and you want to go deeper? You're insane."

"Maybe," Alaric admitted. "But if we don't stop this now, the village won't survive."

Rayne stepped forward, his voice steady. "I'm coming with you."

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? This isn't just another hunt. It's going to get worse."

"I know," Rayne said, meeting his gaze. "But I'm not going to stand by while the village is in danger."

Alaric studied him for a moment before nodding. "All right, kid. But you'd better keep your head straight out there."

Elias sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. But if we all die, I'm blaming both of you."

---

That night, Rayne sat outside his family's home, the cool air brushing against his skin as he stared up at the stars. The pendant in his pocket pulsed faintly, a steady rhythm that mirrored his heartbeat. He pulled it out, watching as the System's screen flickered to life before him.

[System Notification: Corruption Escalation Detected. Prepare for Increased Anomalies.]

Rayne frowned, his fingers brushing over the glowing artifact. The System's messages were growing more frequent, more urgent. It wasn't just watching—it was pushing him toward something.

"What are you hiding from me?" he muttered, the words swallowed by the night.

"Rayne?"

He turned to see Sienna standing in the doorway, her violet eyes wide with worry.

"Can't sleep?" he asked, tucking the pendant back into his pocket.

She shook her head, stepping closer. "Are you really going back to the forest tomorrow?"

"I have to," Rayne said, his voice soft but firm. "It's the only way to keep everyone safe."

Sienna hesitated before sitting beside him, her small hand reaching for his. "You always try to protect everyone. But… who's going to protect you?"

Rayne felt a lump form in his throat, but he managed a smile, ruffling her hair. "I'll be fine, Sienna. I promise."

"You always say that," she whispered, resting her head against his shoulder.

Rayne stared at the stars, his resolve hardening. He didn't know what the forest held, but he knew one thing: he wouldn't let it take his family.

The forest was darker than usual as the group set out the next morning, the dense canopy above blocking most of the weak sunlight that filtered through. The chill in the air felt unnatural, and even the birds seemed reluctant to sing. Rayne adjusted the strap of his quiver and followed Alaric, who walked with his usual confidence, though his eyes scanned the forest with more vigilance than before. Elias brought up the rear, his knife in hand and his steps unusually quiet.

"This doesn't feel right," Elias muttered, his voice barely audible. "Even the air feels wrong."

"It's the corruption," Alaric replied, not looking back. "It's spreading faster than I expected."

Rayne glanced at the older hunter. "Do you think it's… alive? Like it has a will?"

Alaric paused, turning to face him. "I don't know. But it feels like it, doesn't it? Like it's watching us."

Elias shivered. "Great. Now I'm paranoid."

---

As they ventured deeper, the forest began to change. The trees grew twisted, their bark blackened and their branches bare. The undergrowth was sparse, replaced by patches of dark, oily grass that seemed to pulse faintly. Rayne felt the pendant in his pocket grow warmer with every step, a silent warning from the System.

"This is new," Alaric said, crouching beside one of the patches of grass. He reached out, hesitating before pulling his hand back. "Don't touch it."

Elias knelt beside him, his expression grim. "It's spreading through the soil. If this reaches the village…"

"It won't," Alaric said firmly, standing and motioning for them to move on. "Not if we stop it here."

---

The trail led them to a small clearing, where the remains of a camp lay scattered. Broken tents, charred wood, and scraps of cloth littered the area, and the air smelled of decay. Rayne's stomach churned as he spotted claw marks gouged deep into the surrounding trees.

"Whoever was here didn't stand a chance," Elias said, kicking at a torn piece of fabric. "Looks like travelers or hunters. Maybe a week old."

Rayne's eyes scanned the clearing, his fingers tightening on his bow. "Do you think the creature we fought did this?"

"Maybe," Alaric said, his tone hard. "Or maybe there's more than one."

The words hung heavy in the air, and Rayne's heart sank at the thought.

---

As they searched the clearing, the System's screen flickered to life in Rayne's mind:

[System Notification: Corrupted Zone Expansion Detected. Danger Level: High.]

Rayne's pulse quickened as the message faded. He glanced at Alaric and Elias, who were examining a set of tracks leading away from the camp. They didn't notice his reaction, and he took a deep breath, pushing the notification to the back of his mind.

"This way," Alaric said, motioning toward the tracks. "Whatever did this isn't far."

---

The air grew colder as they followed the trail, the faint hum of corruption growing louder with every step. Rayne activated Dead Eye for a brief moment, the world slowing as he scanned the forest ahead. His senses sharpened, and he spotted a faint movement in the shadows—something large, lurking just out of sight.

"There's something ahead," he whispered, his voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through him.

Alaric and Elias stopped, their weapons ready. "What do you see?" Alaric asked, his voice low.

Rayne pointed to the shadows. "There. It's moving."

The three of them crouched, their movements slow and deliberate as they crept closer. The creature came into view—a massive, corrupted stag with antlers twisted into jagged, unnatural shapes. Its body was covered in blackened fur that rippled unnaturally, and its glowing red eyes scanned the forest with an unsettling intelligence.

"That's… new," Elias muttered.

"Stay low," Alaric said, his voice barely audible. "We need to hit it fast and hard. Rayne, aim for the eyes. Elias, you take the legs. I'll go for the heart."

Rayne nodded, drawing an arrow and steadying his breathing. His heart pounded as he activated Dead Eye, the world slowing as he focused on the stag's glowing eyes. He loosed the arrow, watching as it flew true and struck its target.

The stag roared, its head jerking back as blood spurted from its eye. Alaric and Elias moved in, their attacks precise and coordinated. Elias slashed at the creature's legs, while Alaric fired two arrows in rapid succession, one of which embedded itself deep in the stag's chest.

---

The fight was brutal and chaotic, the stag's strength far surpassing anything they'd faced before. It moved with terrifying speed, its antlers sweeping through the air like blades. Rayne narrowly dodged a swipe, his heart racing as he drew another arrow.

"Keep at it!" Alaric shouted, his voice strained as he fired another shot.

Rayne's next arrow struck the stag's other eye, blinding it completely. The creature bellowed, its movements growing erratic as it thrashed wildly. Alaric seized the opportunity, firing a final arrow that pierced the stag's heart.

The creature let out a guttural roar before collapsing, its body twitching before finally going still.

---

The clearing fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of the three hunters. Alaric lowered his bow, his expression grim as he approached the fallen stag.

"Everyone okay?" he asked, glancing between Rayne and Elias.

Rayne nodded, though his hands still trembled. "I'm fine."

Elias wiped blood from his blade, his face pale. "That was… something else."

Alaric crouched beside the stag, examining its body. "It's getting worse," he said quietly. "The corruption isn't just spreading—it's evolving."

Rayne felt the pendant in his pocket pulse again, the weight of the System's warnings pressing heavily on his mind. Whatever was happening in the forest, it was only the beginning.

The journey back to the village was solemn. The fight with the corrupted stag had left its mark on all of them—physically and emotionally. Alaric walked ahead in silence, his bow slung over his shoulder, his sharp eyes scanning the forest for any signs of movement. Elias followed closely behind, his usual quips replaced by an uncharacteristic quiet.

Rayne lagged slightly behind, his thoughts swirling. The corrupted creatures were becoming stronger, more coordinated, and it was clear this was no longer just an isolated problem. The System's cryptic warnings and the growing tension in the forest weighed heavily on him.

As they approached the edge of the village, the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, bathing the fields in a soft, golden glow. It was a stark contrast to the darkness they had left behind, but it did little to ease the unease that clung to them.

---

The villagers were already awake, many gathered near the square as the group returned. The news of the corrupted creatures had spread, and whispers filled the air as curious and worried faces turned to meet them.

"Did you find anything?" Elder Mareth called, stepping forward with his staff in hand.

Alaric nodded grimly. "The corruption is spreading faster than we anticipated. The creatures are getting stronger—and smarter. If we don't act soon, it'll be at our doorstep."

Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Mareth's weathered face grew even more pale. "What do you suggest, Alaric?"

"We need to fortify the village," Alaric said, his tone steady but firm. "Everyone who's able to fight should train. The rest need to prepare defenses—traps, barriers, anything that will give us an edge."

"And the source of the corruption?" Mareth asked.

Alaric hesitated, glancing at Rayne and Elias before responding. "We believe it's deep in the forest. But we can't face it without more preparation. For now, we need to focus on protecting the village."

Mareth nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the situation. "Very well. Do what you must. The safety of the village is in your hands."

---

As the crowd began to disperse, Rayne felt a small hand tug at his sleeve. He looked down to see Sienna, her wide violet eyes filled with worry.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rayne forced a smile, crouching to her level. "I'm fine, Sienna. Don't worry about me."

"You're lying," she said, her lips trembling.

Rayne sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's my job to keep you safe, remember? I'll be okay."

Sienna didn't respond, but she hugged him tightly, her small frame shaking against his. Rayne closed his eyes, his resolve hardening.

---

Later that day, Alaric called a meeting at the edge of the village. A small group of villagers, mostly hunters and farmers, had gathered to discuss the next steps. Rayne stood beside Alaric and Elias, listening as the older hunter outlined their plans.

"We'll start training anyone willing to fight," Alaric said. "Rayne and I will lead the archery lessons. Elias will handle close combat."

Rayne blinked in surprise. "Me?"

Alaric smirked faintly. "You're the best shot in the village, kid. It's time you shared that with the others."

The group murmured in agreement, and Rayne felt a flush of pride, though it was tempered by the weight of responsibility.

---

The days that followed were a blur of activity. Rayne spent his mornings training the younger villagers in archery, teaching them the techniques Alaric had passed down to him. His afternoons were spent with Alaric and Elias, fortifying the village's defenses and planning for the inevitable confrontation with the source of the corruption.

Despite the tension, there were moments of levity. Alaric often teased Rayne during training, exaggerating his mistakes to lighten the mood. Elias, too, had started to crack jokes again, though his humor was darker than before.

"Don't let Alaric fool you," Elias said one afternoon, as Rayne demonstrated how to nock an arrow. "He missed just as many shots when he was your age."

"Lies," Alaric retorted, grinning. "I was a prodigy. Right, Rayne?"

Rayne chuckled, shaking his head. "If by 'prodigy' you mean 'stubborn as a mule,' then sure."

The group laughed, the sound carrying across the fields. For a moment, the heaviness of their situation seemed to lift.

---

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Rayne sat by the fire outside his family's home. His parents were inside, preparing supper, while Sienna sat beside him, her head resting against his shoulder.

"You're really brave, you know," she said softly.

Rayne glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I don't know about that."

"You are," she insisted. "Even when you're scared, you keep going. I wish I could be like that."

Rayne ruffled her hair, his smile growing. "You already are, Sienna. You're the bravest person I know."

She blushed, burying her face in his arm. Rayne laughed quietly, the sound blending with the crackling of the fire.

---

As the stars appeared overhead, Rayne leaned back, gazing up at the sky. The pendant in his pocket pulsed faintly, a reminder of the System's presence. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he knew one thing for certain: he would protect his family and his village, no matter the cost.