Eren approached the crystal cautiously.
Up close, it was no larger than a fingernail, its surface layered with faint internal patterns—like compressed veins of light.
A Sanctuary resource.
He reached out and picked it up.
The moment it touched his skin, warmth spread through his palm.
Item identified: Low-grade Sanctuary Gene Fragment
Compatibility: High
Absorption: Optional
Eren didn't hesitate.
He clenched his fist.
The fragment dissolved into light, sinking into his skin.
Pain flared—sharp, concentrated—but it vanished almost as quickly as it came, leaving behind a faint sense of strength, subtle yet unmistakable.
Eren straightened.
He felt… different.
Not stronger in an obvious way.
But steadier.
Grounded.
"Worth it," he said quietly.
A sound echoed nearby.
Footsteps.
Multiple.
Eren moved instantly, slipping behind a broken stone outcrop and lowering his presence. He peered through the gap and saw three figures approaching—hunters, armed, alert.
One of them laughed. "Told you this area would have leftovers."
Another kicked a corpse nearby with his boot. "Pathetic. Didn't even last five minutes."
The third man stepped forward, taller than the rest, scar running across his jaw. His eyes were sharp, predatory.
Korr Dex.
Eren didn't know his name yet.
But he would remember him.
Korr crouched, scanning the ground. "Careful. Someone survived here."
Eren's grip tightened around a jagged stone shard.
His heart rate slowed.
He didn't feel fear.
Only focus.
This time, he wasn't prey scrambling to survive.
This time—
He had something to protect.
And something to take.