Selene spent the day gathering supplies with grim efficiency. Her movements were calculated, sharp, without wasted motion.
Each core she stored, each potion she brewed, and every weapon she checked over was another step toward the goal she couldn't turn away from.
She barely spoke, barely breathed. She just worked.
By the time dusk fell, the forest was painted in burnt orange and shadows. The air around her shifted.
The wind died all at once.
The trees stilled.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
Then came the voice.
[It's time.]
Selene froze, the weight of those words pressing down on her chest.
Her system flared to life before she even moved, projecting a glowing blue screen in front of her with a soundless ping.
[SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT: GLOBAL TOURNAMENT COMMENCING]
Time: 7 Days
Entry Requirement: 50 Monster Cores
Prize: Anything Within Reason – Including Resurrection Requests
All Active Hunters Are Eligible]
Her mouth went dry.
