Chapter 36: 36 Fragmented Heights

Zoe watched as debris from ValueMart floated along, a surreal, fragmented procession. 

Empty cars drifted beside countless shopping carts, pieces of asphalt, and flickering lights, all mingling with shimmering water orbs that defied gravity. 

The remnants of shattered bridges, made of ethereal light, flickered into view then out again, as though Nytheria itself was trying to establish a foothold in their world, grasping at the reality of Warren and refusing to let go.

With Snacks perched on her shoulder, Zoe browsed the Loom interface, absently upgrading some of her common spells. 

She remembered how Arcane Bolt had barely tickled that "overgrown garden hose" during her brief battle with the serpent-like shard monster. 

She was level 24, and she realized she'd hardly invested anything into upgrades. 'Maybe it was time to get serious about that.'

Then another thought hit her. She remembered the Loom's earlier attempt at blackmailing her.