Something for you

Kyren hadn't even considered Lydel's level-up rewards until they appeared in front of him. Without hesitation, he claimed the first set.

+25 stat points

Basic White Clothing Set added to inventory

He opened his inventory and checked the clothes. They were white but had the same trim design as Siren's. After a quick glance, he put them back and returned to the rewards screen.

Kyren claimed the next reward.

+25 stat points

Silverfang added to inventory

He immediately pulled out the weapon.

Silverfang (Short Sword)

Effect: When taking an action, leave behind a brief "afterimage" of the user—an illusion that mimics the action he would have taken if he hadn't adjusted based on foresight.

Kyren was stunned. The sword was beautiful—its pearl-white handle was accented by a golden lion with a silver mane just below the handguard. The double-edged blade was razor-sharp, ideal for both thrusting and slashing.

He admired it for a moment before storing it back in his inventory. As he scrolled through the rewards, something caught his attention. So far, Lydel's equipment seemed tailor-made for him, just as Kyren's had been. That wasn't surprising. But what was strange was how intertwined their gear appeared—the Black Lion and the Silver Lion.

Was this a reference to an old battle? Some kind of mythological symbolism?

Kyren didn't have enough knowledge to piece it together yet, but he made a mental note to stay alert for any clues. Shaking off the thought, he focused back on the screen and claimed Lydel's next reward.

Improvement Plan Level 2 unlocked

Beggar's Bag added to inventory

Curious, he checked the new item.

Beggar's Bag (Utility Item)

Effect: A special bag that can hold more than it should. Decreases the weight of stored objects by 50%.

A spatial storage item. Perfect.

Kyren pulled Lydel's rewards from his inventory and packed them into the bag. As he worked, he considered their stat points. Between them, they had a total of 100—50 each.

Actually… how did this work for Lydel?

Kyren opened his stat menu, debating his upgrades. For himself, he allocated:

+25 to Constitution

+20 to Mana Pool

+5 to Strength

All three moved up to B- rank.

Then, he switched to Lydel's stats and clicked on Sidekick Improvement Plan.

Would you like to start an improvement plan?

Cost: 25 stat points

[Yes] / [No]

Kyren confirmed. The screen shifted.

To complete the improvement plan, move up one Hero Rank.

That was all it said. He closed the menu, gathered his things, and headed downstairs.

Dusk Falls

The sun was beginning to set, meaning it was time to meet Lydel. They had agreed to regroup near the convenience store when dusk fell.

Lydel was already there, waiting.

"Bro, you're la—"

A small bag smacked him in the face.

Lydel gasped as it dropped into his arms. "The hell?!"

"Everything in it is yours," Kyren said before he could ask. "I sold the monster hides and mana stones from last night."

Lydel opened the bag, and his jaw nearly hit the pavement. Inside, he found a new sword and a new set of clothes—matching Kyren's, except his were white instead of black.

"Okay, but where'd you get this?" Lydel asked, holding up the bag. "Wait—'Beggar's Bag'? Why'd I call it that? And how the hell does my sword fit in here?"

Kyren shook his head. "Powered items. If they're strongly imbued, they tell you their name and function."

Lydel nodded, surprisingly satisfied with the answer. "Makes sense… but still, where'd you get the bag?"

Kyren didn't hesitate. "I've had that bag since I left my dad's. Kept all my stuff in it."

The lie came easier than expected.

Lydel frowned. "Then you should keep it."

Kyren smirked. "Nah, I have this." He summoned Lion's Requiem to his hand from his inventory.

Lydel's eyes widened. "Damn."

"I have this ring for storage," Kyren added, quickly dismissing the sword. Fortunately, Lydel was too focused on the weapon to notice the sheath appearing at Kyren's hip at the same time.

Kyren turned toward the alley. "Tonight, we become real heroes."

Lydel grinned. "Been planning for this all day."

Kyren raised an eyebrow. "What have you been planning?"

Lydel's grin widened. "You're not the only one who can think. I've been watching the stim users today—figured out which house they frequent before heading off to use their next dose."

Kyren's smirk matched his friend's. "Let's go see if we can find out who's making this shit."

The Rooftop Approach

Lydel led the way, slipping into a dark alley. Their target was just ahead.

The plan was simple—sneak in, find the top guy, beat him up, and get answers. But as they got closer, Lydel suggested a better way in.

"See that?" He pointed to a warehouse next to the drug house. "We use that to get onto the roof, then jump across. There's an attic window we can slip through."

Kyren eyed the gap. "That's a long jump."

Lydel shrugged. "Only if you miss."

They climbed up a tree beside the warehouse, using a thick branch to reach the roof. From there, the real challenge began. The outskirts' buildings were old—one wrong step, and they'd crash through.

Lydel took off at full speed and leapt across the gap. He landed hard, rolling onto his back.

Kyren followed, landing smoothly beside him. He reached out a hand. "You good?"

Lydel grunted, grabbing his arm. "I meant to do that."

Kyren chuckled, then nodded toward the attic window. "That's our way in."

They stepped carefully across the rooftop. Each movement sent faint creaks through the rotting wood. As they neared the window—

Rumble.

The roof shifted beneath their feet.

CRASH.

The entire section gave way, sending them plummeting into the building below.

Kyren hit the ground and rolled to his feet in an instant. Lydel groaned beside him, already scrambling up.

Before they could react, the room exploded into chaos.

Figures moved in the shadows. Someone shouted.

Shit.

Kyren barely had time to think before the first attack came flying toward him.