Luis lay awake in the dim candlelight, scrolling through his Crafting Tab while Zyx floated nearby making unhelpful comments.
"Ooh, look - another useless dagger design," the god of misfortune drawled as Luis flipped past yet another basic weapon schematic. "You know what would be actually useful? A nice spiked club. Simple. Brutal. No nonsense."
Luis ignored him until a particular item caught his eye - a delicate-looking Floral Wind Fan with intricate flower designs. His breath caught when he read its description:
[Floral Wind Fan]
+5% to all Gardener stats
-5% ability cooldown
Unlocks Secret Skill: [Flower of Hope]
When mixed with other herbs, increases their effectiveness by 30%
Crafting Cost: 5,000 Souls
Zyx peered over his shoulder. "Oh wonderful. You want to craft accessories now? Next you'll be opening a boutique instead of fighting for your life."
"It's for Rain," Luis said firmly, already getting up. "She's helped me. I want to return the favor before we leave."
"Let me get this straight," Zyx said, floating in front of him. "In the middle of a battle royale where people are dying by the thousands, you're going to... craft a thank-you gift?"
Luis grabbed his hammer. "I need about 2,000 more Souls. Let's go."
The mountain forest at night was alive with new threats - Moonhowl Jackals whose fur shimmered unnaturally and Shadowfang Hares with teeth like black glass. But at Level 2, Luis cut through them with brutal efficiency, his hammer strikes carrying new weight.
[SOUL ESSENCE: 5,118]
By the time he stumbled back into the village, dawn was just painting the eastern sky. He collapsed onto his bed just long enough to craft the fan before passing out.
Morning
Rain was already in her garden when Luis found her, her hands coaxing glowing buds from the earth. She looked up, silver hair catching the morning light.
"You're leaving today," she said. It wasn't a question.
Luis nodded, then held out the fan. "For you."
Rain's eyes widened as she took it. The moment her fingers touched the paper, the painted flowers seemed to bloom before their eyes. A soft golden light emanated from the fan as Rain gasped.
"I... I can feel a new power," she whispered. Without hesitation, she waved the fan in a graceful arc. A single, radiant Flower of Hope sprouted from nothingness, its petals pulsing with golden light.
Then, moving with sudden certainty, Rain plucked the flower and dropped it into a small vial she wore around her neck. The liquid inside flared brilliant gold before settling into a deep emerald hue.
"Take this," she said, pressing the now-glowing amulet into Luis's hands.
[Amulet of Last Breath - Enhanced]
+8% to all stats (was +6%)
Special Skill: [Last Breath]
When wearer's health drops below 10%, the amulet shatters, restoring 60% HP (was 50%)
Luis stared at the enhanced stats in awe. "Rain, this is..."
"A fair trade," she said, admiring her new fan. Then she frowned slightly at the empty air beside Luis. "Your... friend seems pleased."
Luis blinked. "You can see Zyx?"
Rain shook her head. "No. But sometimes... I can sense when Selune is watching something with interest."
Zyx, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly grinned. "Oh ho! Your moon goddess has good taste in entertainment, I see!"
As Luis prepared to leave, the villagers gathered to see him off. The little girl he'd saved hugged his legs fiercely before running back to her parents.
Rain stood apart, the fan now tucked securely in her belt. "When the war comes here," she said, "we'll need warriors. Come back if you survive."
Luis touched the amulet at his neck. "I will."
As he turned to begin his journey, Zyx floated alongside him, shaking his head.
"I still think we should've stolen some of those herbs before leaving," the god grumbled. "But fine. On to the next disaster, I suppose."
Luis adjusted his grip on the hammer and stepped onto the road, the amulet warm against his chest.