Chapter 21: Rank One
The value of the items scattered along the Crimson Ocean’s shore didn’t escape anyone. Kids, teens, and adults all knew those treasures might keep them alive in this hellhole. No one wanted to end up a desiccated corpse.
Now that hope lay at their feet, the crowd rushed the nearest piles.
They remembered which monsters they had killed alone or with partners.
But when someone noticed his own loot looked worse than another’s, greed took over.
People began to snatch items earned by others. Fists flew and screams pierced the air. Mayhem broke out.
Amidst the chaos, one spot drew the most eyes. Ace had stacked an impressive mound of gear there. Thieves swarmed toward it.
"B‑Big bro! They’re going for your stuff!" Mercer yelled as Ace knelt by his backpack.
"Grab anything useful," Ace told his crew. "Weapons, clothes, potions first. I’ll handle the thieves."
He snapped together a few carbon‑composite parts and built a modern bow. He clipped a quiver to his hip, rose, and set an arrow. He drew, felt the wind, and fired.
The first arrow hissed past a thief and buried itself halfway into the sand. The man jerked back.
Before he could locate the shooter, a volley tore over the beach, freezing every would‑be robber.
[Archery Proficiency V