"A thousand now?" he voiced in realization.


    Unlike before, he felt prepared. He knew what he was up against and possessed a new stack of health and mana potions so he decided to give it a try.


    One by one, he dispatched the phantoms with each defeat adding to the count. Stronger phantoms began appearing, each requiring a more strategic approach.


    August encountered one particrlyrge phantom. Its name floated above in blood-red letters.


    [ Dark Phantom Magus - Level 28 ]


    The Magus cast spells that exploded with shadowy energy, forcing August to dodge and weave as he countered with his own magical abilities. He cast Lightning Bolt stunning the Magus momentarily before closing in with Shadow Dance to strike unseen.


    [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250]


    [ -1000 HP ]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Dark Phantom Magus retaliated, sending a volley of dark orbs his way. August ducked and rolled, dodging two, but a third grazed his arm.


    [ -300 HP ]


    With a quick step forward, he delivered a critical Hidden Strike, piercing the Magus''s back and watching as it dissipated into wisps of darkness.


    [Critical Hit! -1500 HP]


    [Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom Magus +7000 EXP]


    [Progress: 250/1000]


    His kills steadily increased, and as the final count approached, he felt his strength and skills sharpening with every battle.


    After over an hour of relentless fighting and consuming potions, a new system notification appeared.


    [Side Quest 2 Completed: Defeat One Thousand Dark Phantoms]


    [Side Quest 3 Completed: Defeat A Dark Phantom Lord]


    [ Rewards: Health Potion x10, Mana Potion x10, Dark Orb, Gold +200 + Rank Up Card]


    ''Whoa... dark orb and rank-up card?''  August felt the dark orb was probably going to be a mage-based item or at least something he could auction.


    As for the rank-up card, he wasn''t so sure. But before he could check their information, another notification shed before him.


    [Congrattions! You Have Been Granted A Title: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness]


    The title, shimmering in a regal gold hue, added a boost to his stats against all dark-type creatures.


    <[ New Title Acquired: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness - Grants +20% Damage Against Dark-Type Enemies +40% Resistance against dark type enemies + Intimidation ]>


    "Well damn... this was unexpected," August smirked upon noticing this.


    When he thought more about it, he felt this made sense. It wasn''t the first time he was going against Dark Typed creatures or enemies. Even back at Unhidden Mist vige, he had to purify an ancient altar that had been corrupted by darkness.


    With the reward notifications and new title secured, August finally turned to make his way out of Tavirah. More Dark Phantoms were approaching and he decided he had enough already.


    "Now… let''s get back to Dumblore," he murmured, ready to return and im the rewards for his harrowing quest.


    ...


    ...


    August made his way back to Sir Dumblore''s forge after the grueling battle in Tavirah.


    He clutched the three rare materials tightly, knowing the rewards awaiting him would make it all worthwhile. As he approached, Sir Dumblore''s keen eyes met his, and a glint of approval crossed the old man''s face.


    "Well done,d," Dumblore said while nodding as he epted the materials from August''s outstretched hands. "You''ve done a service not many would dare attempt."


    [Quest Completed: Sir Dumblore''s Request]


    [Reward: +200,000 EXP, Mage Staff (Custom) to be forged, Gold x500, Mana Potion x5, Health Potion x5]


    August''s experience bar shot up as he absorbed the substantial EXP reward.


    [Current EXP: 298,300/520,000]


    He watched as Sir Dumblore set to work with the materials. The old forger''s movements were precise and methodical as he heated, hammered, and shaped the metals.


    Sparks flew from the forge, and the ringing of metal filled the air as the legendary cksmith brought his creation to life.


    Piece by piece, a majestic weapon began to take shape. It was a gleaming sword, adorned with intricate runes and a faint, ethereal glow. The weapon radiated power, and August could feel its aura even from where he stood.


    Dumblore looked up with reflective eyes as he admired his work. "This here," he voiced with reverence, "is a weapon meant for a great hero. Its destiny isn''t yet clear, but one day it''ll find its true wielder."


    August nodded, trying to understand the magnitude of what he was witnessing. But soon, Dumblore turned his attention back to him, setting aside the legendary sword and gathering fresh materials for a new piece—this one specifically crafted for August.


    Dumblore took a dark metal rod, embedding it with pieces of the rare minerals August had collected.


    With smooth movements, he fused each material into the rod, muttering incantations that made the weapon pulse with arcane energy.


    Sparks of blue and green shed as he infused it with spells and boons, carefully etching runes along the staff''s length.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dumblore held out thepleted weapon to August—a Mage''s staff, uniquely tailored to his dual-ss abilities.


    [New Item Acquired: Arcane Infusion Staff (Custom)]


    As August took the staff, a flood of information filled his screen, detailing its properties:


    ---


    Arcane Infusion Staff


    ss Restriction: Mage/Assassin (User-bound: Aleman)


    Attributes:


    - MP Increase: +50%


    - Spell Potency: x2


    - Special Effect: Grants unique effect to spells (e.g., poisonous fireball, gravitational lightning)


    - Custom Spell: (Unlocked) - Ethereal Storm: Unleash a storm of energy that deals massive damage to all enemies within a radius.


    - Unique Bond: Cannot be equipped by any other Mage or yer.


    ---


    August''s eyes widened as he read through the stats. The staff was beyond anything he''d imagined, amplifying his powers in ways that would make him a force to be reckoned with.


    "Thank you," his voice was filled with genuine gratitude.


    Dumblore simply nodded as a slight smile crossed his face. "A weapon is only as great as the one who wields it. Use it wisely."


    With the questplete, Dumblore handed August a bundle of rewards, which included additional gold, health, and mana potions. August epted them, feeling a sense of aplishment wash over him.


    [Additional Rewards: Gold x500, High Tier Health Potion x5, High Tier Mana Potion x5]


    Just as August was about to leave, Dumblore reached into his satchel, pulling out a small, folded letter. He held it out to August with a solemn expression.


    "This here is for you," he said. "It''s nk now, but when the timees, it''ll guide you. There''s a storm brewing,d, something big. And I reckon this kingdom will need someone like you in the days ahead."


    August epted the letter, ncing at its nk surface before tucking it away carefully.


    [Quest Reward: nk Letter (Unique Item)]


    He looked up at Dumblore, nodding respectfully. "I''ll keep it safe."


    The old forger gave him ast, approving look as he began to pack up his forge. "Good. Then I''ll take my leave now. But don''t forget, Aleman—the paths we walk may seem uncertain, but they''re meant to lead us somewhere. Be ready for what''s toe."


    With that, Dumblore shouldered his bag and walked off into the misty woods, leaving August alone with his new powers and the knowledge of a looming fate.


    After an intense and rewarding journey in Enders Light, August realized that a lot of time had passed His adventure in Tavirah and the battles he''d faced had kept him in-game for over a day.


    In the real world, an entire night had already passed. Knowing he had a meeting with a second potential buyerter in the day, he decided it was time to log out and return to reality.


    With a final look around the quiet streets of Tagharuim Kingdom, he summoned the logout screen and selected his option. The familiar sensation of detachment enveloped him as his consciousness left the game.


    Moments after August logged out, arge party entered the abandoned tunnel on the outskirts of Tavirah.


    The group consisted of skilled yers from Phoenix Celestial, one of the most famous guilds in Enders Light. The leader of this particr party was a tall striking figure with short silver hair and an aura of authority.


    He was known across the yermunity as Vandross, the Stormbringer. A level 35 yer. However, the group with him was not as high in levels. They seemed to be around levels 25 to 27.


    As Vandross and his party descended deeper into the tunnel, whispers erupted among the few yers nearby.


    "Hey, isn''t that Vandross?" one yer murmured, eyeing the party leader with awe.


    "Yeah, it''s him—the Stormbringer. I heard he''s ranked among the top one thousand yers in the game!"


    Vandross didn''t pay attention to the chatter, his intense gaze focused on the path ahead.


    He moved with purpose, as if tracking something elusive, until he reached the spot where Sir Dumblore''s forge had once been. He looked around with brows furrowing when he saw nothing but an empty space.


    Turning to a yer nearby, he asked, "The old forger called Sir Dumblore. Was he here?"


    The yer nodded, ncing nervously at the famous party leader. "Yeah, he was here… but he left just a while ago."


    Vandross''s eyes narrowed. "Did anyone get him to respond?"


    The yer hesitated, then answered, "A guy named Aleman finished his quest before he left. Apparently, he got the rewards and everything."


    For a brief moment, Vandross looked taken aback, clearly not expecting someone else to have beaten them to it. He repeated the name under his breath, "Aleman…"


    His eyes took on a contemtive look. The wheels turned in his mind as he processed the information. After a long pause, he nodded slightly, as if making a silent decision. "Aleman, huh? I won''t forget that name."