Silence settled over the Rift Channeler's chamber, heavy and absolute after the chaos. Dust motes drifted through the fading glow of Katrina's sunrod, casting soft light across the cavern that now felt strangely purified. The oppressive energy that once lingered had vanished with the Channeler's fall.
"Well," Hailey said, breaking the quiet, her voice a little hoarse, "that was a party. My daggers need a serious date with a whetstone after those Brutes."
Isaac rested against a stalagmite, turning his axe over in his hands. "It held up, even after all that. That thing was a nightmare, glad it's gone." There was a grudging respect in his tone, perhaps for the challenge, or for how they'd overcome it together.
David felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, but it was tinged with immense satisfaction. He checked his system panel. The 150 EP from the boss was a welcome boost, bringing his total to a healthy sum. And the quest completion notification was a cherry on top.
Katrina was methodically checking the area where the Rift Channeler had stood. "Bosses of this tier usually leave something behind, beyond just EP."
Indeed, amidst the crystalline dust, two items shimmered faintly. Katrina picked them up. One was a small, dark amulet that pulsed with a faint, internal light. The other was a shard of what looked like obsidian, humming with a strange, concentrated energy.
[Void-Touched Amulet (Uncommon Accessory)]
[+5 Spirit, Minor Resistance to Void/Shadow Damage (5%). A faint connection to the energies beyond the veil lingers within.]
[Riftstone Shard (Rare Material)]
[A concentrated fragment of interdimensional energy. Highly unstable, but potent for specific enchantments or system evolutions.]
"Decent finds," Katrina commented, showing them to the group. "The amulet would suit someone who channels energy or faces shadow creatures frequently." Her gaze shifted to David, whose [Nova Strike] was a prime example of channeling radiant energy. "The Riftstone Shard is more specialized. Likely valuable to mages or enchanters, or perhaps your system could make use of it, David."
"The amulet offers spirit and void resistance," David mused. "Katrina, your arrows seemed to have a spiritual component. Or Hailey, for your senses?"
Hailey shook her head. "My stuff is more about awareness than direct spirit power. Katrina's the fancy arrow-witch here."
Katrina considered. "My current amulet focuses on archery precision. This one… David, given your frequent use of light-based attacks and direct confrontation with these void entities, it might benefit you most immediately. The spirit could enhance your radiant damage, and the resistance is always good."
"If you're sure," David said. He wouldn't say no to a stat boost and more resistance. He equipped the [Void-Touched Amulet]. A subtle coolness spread through him, followed by a feeling of heightened mental clarity. His Spirit stat, previously a modest 5, ticked up to 10. He felt the potential of his [Nova Strike] thrum a little stronger.
"As for the Riftstone Shard," Katrina continued, "it's a rare material. We could sell it for a good price in Newhaven, or hold onto it. David, does your system indicate any use for it?"
David focused on the shard in Katrina's hand, then on his own system. An intriguing option popped up under his [Livingwood Aegis]: [Infuse with Riftstone Shard (Requires 1x Riftstone Shard, 50 EP): Potential to Evolve with Void-Reactive Properties.]
"Actually, yes," David said, surprised. "My shield might be able to absorb it, evolve with 'Void-Reactive Properties,' it says. Costs 50 EP on top of the shard."
Isaac whistled. "Your system eats some weird stuff. But if it makes that shield even tougher against these void freaks, might be worth it."
"Agreed," Katrina nodded. "If it enhances our ability to deal with these threats, it's a better investment than coin." She handed the shard to David.
With the immediate looting done, they began the trek out of the Sunstone Mines. The journey back through the now-silent tunnels was uneventful, the lesser Riftspawn having vanished with their master.
Back in Newhaven, they went straight to the Guard Barracks. Veteran Kaelen was still there, poring over maps, though some of the tension had eased from his shoulders.
"You're back," he said, his keen eyes taking in their weary but intact forms. "Report."
Katrina once again gave a concise summary, detailing the types of Riftspawn, the Void Terrors and Brutes, Hailey's trap-spotting, Isaac's vital tanking of the Brutes, and David's [Nova Strike] being key against the void creatures, culminating in the destruction of the Rift Channeler. She made sure to highlight the teamwork involved.
Kaelen listened intently, stroking his beard. When Katrina finished, he gave a single, satisfied nod. "Excellent work. You've not only confirmed our fears but eliminated a significant, active threat to this city. The reports of missing miners have ceased since you entered the mines. You've done Newhaven a great service."
He gestured to a nearby adjutant. "See to their rewards. Full City Contribution Points as promised, the coin purse, and the EP allocation."
A system notification popped up for David: [Quest: "Clearing the Old Mines" - Rewards Received!]
[+1000 City Contribution Points!]
[+500 Gold Coins!]
[+300 Evolution Points!]
Three hundred EP! That was a fantastic bonus on top of what he'd earned from the kills.
"And now," Kaelen said, turning to a locked chest in the corner of the room, "your choice of skill scrolls." He opened it, revealing a selection of neatly rolled parchments, each labeled with a basic skill. There were scrolls for [Basic Swordsmanship], [Basic Archery], [Basic Shield Bash], [Minor Heal], [Elemental Bolt (Fire)], and a few others.
"One each," Kaelen stated.
Katrina, predictably, chose the [Basic Archery Manual], likely to refine her already impressive skills or perhaps unlock a new shot type within her own system. Hailey, after some thought, picked a [Sensory Enhancement Scroll], hoping to further boost her perceptive abilities. Isaac grunted and took the [Basic Shield Bash Manual], clearly wanting to add more offensive capability to his shield work.
David looked at the [Basic Swordsmanship Manual]. It seemed like the most logical choice to complement his [Trainee's Blade] and [Nova Strike]. More techniques could only be a good thing. He selected it.
[Acquired: [Basic Swordsmanship Manual]!]
"Use them wisely," Kaelen advised. "These foundational skills are the building blocks of true mastery." He then gave them a stern look. "Rest and re-equip. Your names are becoming known in Newhaven, both for your capabilities and for taking on dangerous tasks. Others will take notice. Be prepared for what that brings."
As they left the barracks, David felt a sense of accomplishment. He had new gear, a significant amount of EP, and the city's recognition. He looked at the [Basic Swordsmanship Manual] in his inventory, then at the [Riftstone Shard].
It was time for some serious evolutions. Newhaven was noticing him, and he needed to be ready for whatever came next.