Chapter 44: Crimson Reckoning

Leo sighed, shaking off the frustration of unanswered questions. "Let's forget it for now," he muttered to himself, his voice carrying a hint of irritation. As he turned to leave the scene of carnage, something caught his eye—a faint, pulsing light amidst the wreckage.

Walking closer, he saw it: the artifact the hooded figures had been clutching earlier. Its surface shimmered with an unnatural energy, radiating an aura that sent a shiver through the air. Leo recognized it immediately—the artifact responsible for evolving the monsters and driving them into a frenzied state.

Curiosity compelled him forward. Reaching out, he touched the artifact. The moment his fingers made contact, a wave of chaotic energy surged toward him, seeking to invade his mind. But Leo's mental fortitude, honed by countless battles and the system's influence, held firm. The artifact's power was strong, but it couldn't breach his defenses.