The glow of the loot chest pulsed brighter, like it knew its master had claimed victory. Elior wiped blood from his mouth, stepping toward it. His sword dragged along the stone, leaving a faint crimson streak behind.
The chest was unlike the shimmering orbs that flew into his inventory—it was tangible, carved with runes that glowed faintly. A heavy lock clamped it shut, yet the moment his hand brushed the surface, the systems responded:
> [Tier 1 Loot Chest – Ready to Open]
Confirm? Yes / No
Elior's lips curved into a thin smile. "Yes."
---
Loot Reveal
With a flash, the chest cracked open. Light poured out, dazzling and blinding. Items floated up, shimmering like constellations:
[Steel Fang Blade] – A wolf-forged longsword, sharper and sturdier than his broken iron.
[Minor Healing Draught x2] – Red liquid sloshing in small glass vials.
[Wolf Totem Charm] – Grants resistance to fear and suppression effects.
The Overflow Engine chimed in delight:
> [All items stored automatically. Inventory: 100/100.]
[Warning: Inventory Full. Drops beyond capacity will auto-convert.]
Elior exhaled slowly. His broken sword clattered to the ground as he grasped the new Steel Fang Blade. It was heavier, perfectly balanced, the edge gleaming with menace.
"Better," he muttered. "Much better."
---
The Deeper Roar
Then the cavern shook again. This time, dust fell in thick sheets, cracks snaking along the ceiling.
A roar bellowed from the depths, so loud Elior's bones vibrated. The Alpha's cry had been fierce. This was ancient. This was wrath.
> [System Alert: Unknown Beast approaching. Threat level: ???]
The dragon system rumbled, almost reverent:
> "Now you hear the voice of a true apex. Beyond pack, beyond Alpha… something greater waits."
The vampire hissed with hunger:
> "Blood like that will either kill you—or remake you."
The Overflow Engine chirped almost giddily:
> [High-tier loot detected.]
Elior gritted his teeth, new sword in hand. His body ached, his blood still hot with borrowed strength. He was exhausted… but his eyes burned bright.
"Fine," he growled. "If the Alpha was the trial—then you're the real prize."
From the far end of the cavern, two massive eyes flared open. Not gold. Not yellow. But burning crimson, wide as lanterns.
The darkness itself seemed to move as the colossal form stepped forward, claws scraping stone.