A month in the priests' village passed for Eni in a strange, almost meditative rhythm. This place was an oasis of comfort in an ocean of chaos: here, nothing tried to eat her every second, and the people in golden masks treated her with unsettling respect. Eni didn't waste time—she methodically cleared the area of small creatures, getting used to the weight of her new body and the specifics of the Tank class.

  The Voice had fallen silent. It hadn't been heard for over four weeks, and this silence was more telling than any threats. Eni understood: if this "Nick" hunted entities like the Voice, then the parasite was simply hiding, like a burrowing tick beneath her skin. She was no longer fooled by its sarcastic friendliness. The Voice had its own motives, and a long, happy future for Eni was unlikely part of its plans.

  The village turned out to be a real treasure trove for those called "Heroes" here. In the center of the square stood the Obelisk—an ancient artifact capable of reading the very essence of a being. When Eni touched the cold stone, dry numbers of her progress floated before her eyes:

  Vitality: +140% (She felt incredibly resilient)

  Defense: +30%

  Armor Bonus: +2 points (Passive skin hardening)

  Attack Power: +35%

  Speed: +10%

  Corruption Collection: +5%

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Resource Gathering Speed: +25%

  Using the piles of gold she had so "successfully" expropriated from marauders and in other villages, Eni equipped herself with the best gear available. She acquired enchanted iron armor—thin, almost weightless plates that went over her uniform. This armor had a strange property: it was somewhat "ethereal," didn't restrict movement, and was nearly invisible to the eye, but upon impact became harder than diamond. In addition, she took a massive shield and a sword with the grim name "Sin." Its blade absorbed light, and when Eni gripped the hilt, it felt like the blade itself thirsted for blood.

  One morning, as Eni was checking her corset laces, one of the priests approached her. He bowed low, the gold of his mask glinting in the sun.

  "Lady Hero, forgive the interruption," the priest's voice was soft, full of humility. "But it seems to me you're ready to kill your first dragon. If you defeat it, that will prove you can travel this cruel world on your own. You'll finally be able to truly stand up for yourself."

  Eni froze for a moment, remembering the searing flame and fangs of that red monster in the forest. "Oh, that... But... They're dangerous. Very dangerous," she said warily, instinctively touching the hilt of her sword.

  The priest chuckled quietly, kindly. "Forgive my bluntness. I too was once an ordinary mortal. My only purpose was either to become someone's meal, or to continue my line and die in a ditch from typhus. But thanks to the Archons..." He abruptly stopped, as if not wanting to say more. "However weak you may feel now, it's only temporary. Soon you'll be able to kill even gods. In this world, dragons are equal in power to demigods. If you take one down without too much trouble, it means you're truly ready."

  Eni swallowed. Talk of gods sounded insane, but the priest's confidence was infectious. She felt excitement stir inside her, mixed with old resentment. "Um... Okay. Where is this dragon? Do you have a map or..." She looked around uncertainly.

  "Of course!" The priest joyfully raised his hand, pointing south where jagged peaks were visible beyond the horizon. "About a mile from here lives a yellow-red dragon. I hope you emerge victorious from the battle."

  He bowed deeply again. "May the Archons protect you."

  The priest quickly left, leaving Eni in a strange stupor. A mile. Just one mile separated her from the creature that had once been the embodiment of her worst nightmare. She adjusted her shield, felt the corset firmly holding her posture, and turned south.

  An unkind light flickered in her eyes. "Time to settle the score," she whispered with malicious glee. "Let's see how you like the taste of iron, you stupid lizard."

  Eni began walking, and every step toward the monster's lair was filled with icy determination. A month of preparation was over. The hunt had begun.