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[Store Unlocked]

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The items on display were categorized by types: Weapons, Skills, and Consumables. Jace scanned through each, his heart pounding. His eyes were drawn to the Weapons section—his focus narrowed on the Daggers displayed there.

Three options.

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[Dagger of Nightshade]

Type: Stealth Dagger

Description: Forged from the essence of shadow, this dagger allows the user to blend with the darkness, increasing stealth by 50%.

Price: 3000 Gold

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[Dagger of the Viper]

Type: Poison Dagger

Description: A blade that inflicts venom with each strike. The poison works over time, causing paralysis and reducing agility by 10% with each successive hit.

Price: 4000 Gold

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[Dagger of the Tempest]

Type: Elemental Dagger

Description: A blade infused with the essence of wind, granting the wielder increased speed and a chance to create shockwaves with each strike.

Price: 5000 Gold

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Jace’s mouth went dry. The weapons in front of him were powerful, each offering a unique advantage. He could almost feel the cool touch of the Dagger of Nightshade, its blade glinting in his mind’s eye.

But his pockets were empty. He had nothing.

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Then, a notification flashed:

[Current Balance: 6000 Gold]

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He had just enough.

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Jace sighed and clicked on the Dagger of Nightshade.

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[Purchase Confirmed: Dagger of Nightshade]

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The cold weight of the dagger appeared in his hand instantly, the hilt wrapped in a dark, silken material. It felt… right. The shadowy aura around it was palpable. It was an item designed for someone who had been through the darkness.

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Remaining Gold: 3000

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Jace looked down at the blade, testing its weight. It fit perfectly into his hand. This was the weapon he’d need to survive. The store interface flickered once more, offering him a chance to buy something else—but he had no more money.

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He sighed, closing the interface and letting the cool night air fill the room. He had made his choice, and now, it was time to test it.

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Just as he turned to leave the room, his phone buzzed, an incoming call from the Hunter’s Association.

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He picked up, the voice on the other end brisk and professional.

“Jace,” the voice said, “We need you at a C-rank gate. A new rift just opened, and we need experienced hunters to contain it.”

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Jace’s pulse quickened. A C-rank gate was nothing to scoff at. It was dangerous. But it was a chance to prove himself, to get more experience. More gold.

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“Where?” he asked.

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“Meet at the designated location in thirty minutes,” the voice instructed. “There will be others joining you—some specialists. They’ll be your team for this mission. Don’t keep them waiting.”

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The line went dead.

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Jace grabbed his gear, slinging the Dagger of Nightshade onto his waist, and left his apartment. He was more than ready for this. The mission ahead would test him. It had to.

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When Jace arrived at the designated area, he was greeted by six individuals, each standing in a loose formation. A few of them were already chatting, exchanging quick introductions, while others stood quietly, their eyes scanning the surroundings.

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“Well, well,” one of them said, glancing up as Jace approached. “Another lone wolf, huh? You must be the new recruit they called in.”

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Jace nodded, sizing them up.

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One of them—a tall, lean man with sharp eyes and a leather cloak—extended a hand. “Zane,” he said curtly. “I specialize in magic barriers. I’ll keep you safe from any surprises.”

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“Clara,” a woman with a bright red scarf waved as she spoke. “I’m an archer. You’ll see me from a distance.”

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Another man, this one with short-cropped hair and heavy armor, grinned at him. “Derek. I’m your front-line tank. Don’t worry, I’ll take the hits while you all clean up.”

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A tall woman with glowing green eyes, her hands cracked with a faint aura of energy, smiled warmly. “Sierra. Elemental mage. I’ll burn down anything that tries to hurt you.”

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A wiry, older man with a grizzled face and a quiet demeanor stepped forward last. “Roy. I’m a support specialist. I’ll keep an eye on the battlefield for anything you might miss.”

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Jace nodded, watching them closely. He’d never fought alongside a team before. But this was a C-rank gate. They couldn’t afford to underestimate it.

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“Alright,” Zane spoke again, breaking the silence. “We all know our roles. Let’s get this done quickly. Keep it tight, no one goes off on their own.”

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Jace nodded, adjusting the Dagger of Nightshade at his side. “Let’s move.”

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The chapter ended with the team gathering, ready to face the unknown dangers within the C-rank gate. As they walked toward the entrance, the swirling rift before them seemed to pulse, as if it were alive. Danger was coming.

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