CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 168 - TWO DAYS OF PEACE

The first Echelon Chest Tave had unlocked had given him a free Sigil. That alone had awakened his Dark Element. It was, without a doubt, the most incredible starter pack he could’ve asked for. Especially since, back then, this body hadn’t even awakened any elemental affinity at all.

The second chest had granted him a token to summon a relic spirit. That, in turn, led to an enormous leap in power. A sword relic, bound with a Unique-grade spirit, and not just that, it had gifted him a new elemental affinity.

No, more than that, a second core entirely. Just one reward, and it had transformed him.

The third chest had given him an item, technically, a consumable one. But that item had saved both him and Vanya in the final moments inside the rift. It had drawn the demons out, baiting them into a full-scale battle, which ultimately led to Skarathor’s appearance and its furious rampage.

Yes, the item was gone now. But it had bought him his life. It had changed his fate in a way few things ever could.

And then...

The fourth chest, earned after his breakthrough to Gaia Master.

Tave had opened it inside the rift. But at the time, the item it granted didn’t serve any immediate use. So, he’d simply stored it away. Until now.

He reached into his storage ring and pulled it out, a rough, crystalline object that shimmered faintly in his palm. It was a silver crystal, coarse in shape, but when sunlight touched it, it gleamed with a subtle hint of violet.

[ Eclipse Silver ]

[ Pulled from meteorite fragments during lunar eclipses. ]

So yes... what he had received was a crafting material. But not just any material, this one held exceptional value, especially for someone like Tave who had a natural affinity with the Shadow element.

This was a resource designed specifically for forging. Judging by its properties, it would be ideal for creating armor

A rare metal with attributes that reduced incoming Shadow Element damage and decreased stamina consumption when used in darkness. That combination? Practically made for Tave.

If he could get armor crafted with those exact attributes, it would perfectly complement his fighting style.

The Shadow resistance might not be universally useful. It was situational—dependent on the enemy—but even so, a super rare material was still just that: undeniably extraordinary.

He could give this to Fokil and ask him to forge something out of it. The only catch? Explaining where he got it from.

Would he need a convincing story? Or should he just bet on the fact that the dwarf wouldn’t care and would be more than happy to accept the commission?

Well, the truth was, he didn’t have much of a choice. Right now, Fokil was the only one he could turn to. So yes, he would return to the dwarf. This time with the Ellipse Silver in hand.

Done with his thoughts, Tave began tidying up. He took his time in the bathroom, letting the water soak him thoroughly. A long, indulgent shower.

He let the fresh water ease the tension in his muscles, let the steam cling to his skin until he felt completely human again. Only once he was satisfied did he step out, get dressed, and emerge back into the room.

There, waiting on the table, was food. Smoked meat, still slightly warm. And next to it, a note in Lily’s handwriting:

"This is all you get. If it’s not enough, find something outside. Seriously, two days of sleep?"

Ah, damn. So he really had

slept for two whole days. He’d stirred a few times, sure, but each time he’d just rolled over, far too comfortable to care. Truth be told, he’d been more hungry for sleep than food.

Now, though, the hunger hit him full force. His mouth watered the moment he caught the scent. He sat down and tore into the meat, savoring every bite as it eased the gnawing emptiness in his stomach.

From the shadows, the wolf emerged.

Tave glanced sideways, tilting his head slightly when he noticed something odd. Fang, simply standing there, was already at his eye level.

"You’re growing too fast, Fang," he muttered.

He blinked, realizing he hadn’t fed Fang since escaping from the rift. Then he raised an eyebrow.

"Well... did you go hunting in the forest while I was sleeping?"

The wolf gave a low growl. Tave recognized it as confirmation.

"That’s good." He reached over and scratched lightly behind Fang’s ears. "Just make sure no one sees you roaming around. The city’s still on edge after the last attack. Especially if Elincia spots you. She might take out her frustration on you since she can’t exactly do anything to me."

He chuckled softly, a dry smile tugging at his lips.

Once he was finished, Tave left the house, giving Fang a silent signal to slip back into his shadow, as usual.

The city had begun to recover. The streets looked cleaner, though several areas were still under reconstruction. It was clear the number of casualties had been significant.

Technically, Tave should’ve been helping with the rebuilding efforts. He still held the title of Knight, after all.

But then again, he’d never fully committed to the role. He had already made the decision to step back and follow his own path. So no, he didn’t feel particularly obligated.

Besides, Tave knew he wouldn’t be able to sell any of the loot he’d gathered from the rift, not yet. So for now, he kept everything in storage. Especially the Monster Cores and Monster Soul Stones. He’d find a use for them himself when the time came.

With nothing left to take care of in the city, he turned his focus to the next task at hand. It was time to visit Vanya, and prepare himself for whatever reaction Elincia might throw his way.

Tave made his way to the inn where the forest elves were staying. And, surprisingly, it was in better condition than most other areas of the city.

He stepped into the courtyard and entered through the front doors, where the innkeeper greeted him immediately.

"You’re expected," they said.

That only made Tave more uneasy.

He took the lift up to the top floor and knocked on the designated door. Moments later, it opened, to reveal Vellion.

"Hi, Tave. How are you holding up?" he asked softly.

"Still alive, I guess?" Tave replied just as quietly, peering over Vellion’s shoulder into the lounge beyond.

There, in the center of the room, was a relaxed seating area. And in the middle of it, seated with one leg elegantly crossed over the other, was a woman. Elincia.

"Lady Elincia has been waiting for you," Vellion said, offering a slight bow before stepping past Tave and leaving the room.

Tave swallowed and moved into the lounge.

The Imperial Knight’s gaze was fixed on him. Sharp, unreadable.

"Lady Elincia," he greeted her. "I believe there’s something we need to discuss."

But Elincia didn’t respond with words right away.

She rose to her feet, stepped forward, and stopped just a breath away from him. Her eyes locked onto his, unwavering and piercing.

"Your life is in danger," she said at last.

Tave swallowed hard at those words. He wasn’t ready to face another nightmare. Not after barely surviving the last one.