Episode 12: Home of Shadows
Rhea sat cross-legged in her newly finished wooden cabin, nestled deep in the forest. A soft glow from spirit crystals lit the room gently, casting shadows on the walls. Outside, the sound of rustling leaves and chirping insects made the place feel alive. Peaceful.
Her panel hovered before her.
> [Balance: 190,000 Crystals]
[Abyss Points: 120]
[Daily Quest Complete – +2 Power Boost]
[Shop Reputation: Still Hidden (Perfect)]
She smiled. It had only been a few weeks, but she had changed more than she ever thought possible. Not just in strength—but in mind.
The girl who once cried alone after being laughed at for her "useless" skill... was gone.
She was now the owner of the most mysterious shop in the world.
And no one could even trace her.
Her monsters—still in small forms—had grown attached to her. They weren't just summons anymore; they were family.
She fed them. Talked to them. Trained with them.
"You're not just beasts," she told them once. "You're mine. My first real companions."
Today, she sat at a desk made from Shadow Bark wood, crafting new gear using materials her creatures fetched from abyss rifts.
A dagger formed under her touch. Black steel with glowing purple edges.
> [Abyss Dagger – Grade: Unknown | Effect: Pierces Magical Shields]
Perfect for the market.
She packaged it with other items: phantom seeds, anti-tracking powder, and soul mist.
Just then, her panel pinged again.
> [New Buyer Request: High-Grade Tracking Cloak]
Her eyes narrowed.
"Tracking... cloak?"
She paused. Most of her customers were high-level players or hunters. But a cloak like that could help someone find others—possibly even her.
She crafted the item but added a twist.
The cloak worked… but once someone tried to use it to track her, it would backfire. Her abyss powers allowed it.
"Let them try," she muttered, smirking.
After sending the order, she stepped outside. Her creatures ran toward her, eager for attention.
The winged cat curled around her neck, purring.
The wolf pup nudged her hand.
The squirrel-dragon floated in circles, chirping happily.
"Alright, alright, let's play," she laughed.
In that moment, she felt something she hadn't in a long time—happiness.
She had money. Power. Companions. A home. And a hidden life where no one could mock or hurt her again.
But even then...
Far away, in a distant part of the world, a man stared at a glowing red panel.
> [Shop Detected: Untraceable Seller - Abyss Signature?]
He frowned.
And smiled.
> "Found something... interesting."