I Can Extract Game Items

"Looks like he sold yet another... Aleman..." The pair of eyes watched the comments go bonkers.

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[SystemFanatic]: This is epic.

[GlitchHound]: Yo, Victor, drop that seller's name! We need more gear!

[Cassie_Slays]: Okay, now I wanna see a weapon in action for real. Swing it around!

---

As the live stream continued, the video began circulating, rapidly picking up shares and comments, eventually trending across multiple platforms.

Enders Light players from all over were tuning in, watching in awe as Victor and his friends showed off the rare in-game item like it was the night's party trick.

After a few more laughs and poses, Victor ended the stream, feeling the thrill of their newfound internet fame. The party carried on with even more energy as everyone rode the high of their viral moment.

Back in the unknown location, the person watched their screen go blank and put the phone away.

"We'll be meeting soon... Aleman..."

...

...

Sophia stretched as the morning sunlight filled her small bedroom.

It was Saturday, a day that usually meant an easy morning for her and August. But something on the table caught her eye—a white envelope with her name scrawled on it, and a small note tucked underneath.

She reached over with a look of curiosity and picked it up.

Unfolding the note, she read, "New school uniform cash... You can use the change to get ice cream or something."

A smile spread across her face as her eyes lit up. She quickly opened the envelope, expecting a bit of money for her new uniform.

But her jaw dropped as she pulled out a small stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills. "Oh my gosh," she whispered to herself, quickly counting the bills.

Five hundred dollars. Way more than enough to get her uniform, with a good chunk left over.

A giddy laugh escaped her, and she hugged the envelope to her chest. "Thank you, Auggie," she said softly, looking around as if hoping he'd magically appear so she could thank him in person.

He'd already left for work, though, so she made a mental note to surprise him with something nice when he got back. She knew his favorite meal, and she'd make sure to cook it perfectly tonight.

---

Find more to read at empire

Across town, at the factory, August was already deep into his shift. The steady groan of machines filled the large, industrial space, accompanied by the clanking of metal and the low rumble of conveyor belts.

The factory floor was bustling, workers moving from station to station, lifting heavy loads, and operating machinery.

The familiar rhythm of the place made August feel oddly comfortable, but something in the air shifted when Derrick walked in. A murmur ran through the other workers, and a few voices called out in friendly greeting.

"Look who's back!" one of their coworkers, a short slim man named Jake, clapped Derrick on the shoulder. "Thought you'd run off and left us in the dust!"

Derrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, just needed to recover a bit. Can't let you guys have all the fun," he joked, though there was a flicker of weariness in his eyes.

Even the supervisors took notice. They exchanged a few glances before nodding in Derrick's direction.

One of them, a large older man named Mr. Collins, raised his voice just loud enough to reach him. "Glad you're back, Derrick. Let's not make a habit of these absences, yeah?"

Derrick gave him a polite nod, managing a small smile. "Understood, sir. Won't happen again."

Finally, Derrick made his way over to August, who had been watching with a grin. "Well, well, look who decided to show up! I thought you went and found a hidden fortune somewhere."

Derrick laughed while rolling his eyes. "If only, man. Some of us don't have those fancy game connections like you."

August chuckled, getting back to his work as he spoke. "Not a fortune yet, but I hit level 25 last night. Things are picking up. If I keep this up, I might not have to work this shift forever."

Derrick's smile widened, but there was a hint of something else in his expression. "That's great, man. I know you've got big plans."

August shot him a sidelong glance, sensing something was off. Derrick's usually easygoing nature seemed a bit muted. Like something was bothering him.

But rather than pressing, August kept it light, giving him a gentle nudge. "If you say so. Just know, that once I'm out, I'm dragging you with me. No way I'm leaving you here to deal with all this alone."

Derrick let out a low chuckle. "Hey, if anyone can break out of this place, it's you, August. I don't even know how to play games haha... Just don't forget the rest of us when you hit it big."

They both laughed and moved onto focusing on work. For a while, they worked in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging jokes or banter about the supervisors' endless rules and each other's missteps.

---

As the shift wore on, the atmosphere in the factory became more routine. Workers moved in sync, lugging boxes, tightening bolts, and managing the heavy machinery.

August and Derrick worked side-by-side and their camaraderie made the long hours bearable. They shared a few light-hearted jabs at each other's expense.

Just as the shift was winding down and the end was in sight, a sudden crash erupted from the other side of the factory floor.

The sound of metal hitting metal reverberated through the air, followed by a scream that sent chills down everyone's spine.

"Arrrrghhhhhh!"

August's head snapped in the direction of the noise. One of their colleagues, a younger guy named Leo, was pinned beneath a massive piece of machinery that had somehow shifted out of place.

The weight was pressing down on his leg, and he was writhing in agony while trying to push it off himself.

"Oh my God, help! Please, someone, help!" Leo's voice was strained, bordering on hysteria as he tried to pull his leg free. Every tug made him scream louder.