I stood alone in the aftermath of the battle, the air heavy with the remnants of energy and destruction. The Phantom Leader was nothing more than a corpse now, and the chaos around me had settled into a strange kind of calm.
I didn't want to linger too long. There was more to do, more to conquer. But there was one thing I needed to know first—what exactly had I just earned?
I turned my gaze toward the System screen, still hovering in front of me, flashing with the reward message. I needed to see what I had unlocked.
"System," I said, my voice steady, "What exactly is the special item I received?"
The blue screen flickered again, and a new message appeared before me.
---
[Special Item Unlocked: Gauntlets of the Phantom]
- Effect: Increases your attack potency by 10%.
- Additional Ability: Can be stored in your Inventory and automatically summoned to your hands whenever you desire.
---
I smirked as I read the details. 10% more power in every attack? That was a significant boost. But the ability to summon them at will was the part that really caught my attention. These were no ordinary gauntlets.
I ran my hand through my hair, feeling a rush of satisfaction. "This… this is perfect."
With a thought, I reached into my Inventory. The Gauntlets of the Phantom materialized instantly, appearing on my hands with a faint glow. The black metallic surface gleamed, intricate designs etched along the forearms—markings that pulsed with an eerie energy, like the essence of the Phantom Syndicate itself had been absorbed into the gauntlets.
"Unbelievable," I murmured, flexing my fingers as I felt the weight of the powerful artifacts. "A perfect fit. These things feel like they've been made for me."
I turned my hands over, testing the grip. The gauntlets were light yet sturdy, the fit perfect, and as I focused, I could feel the subtle hum of energy coursing through them. It wasn't just about enhanced power; these gauntlets had a certain connection to my body—like they were part of me now.
"The more I grow, the more power I unlock," I said, feeling the thrill of it all. "I feel unstoppable."
Then, with another thought, I summoned the gauntlets back into my Inventory. The moment they disappeared, I felt a slight pang of loss, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of control. "Whenever I need them, they'll be there."
The System chimed once more.
---
[Would you like to equip the Gauntlets of the Phantom?]
[Yes] / [No]
---
"Hell yes."
I selected yes without hesitation. The gauntlets materialized back into my hands, their weight comforting, like a part of my growing strength had settled into them.
I clenched my fists, feeling the energy surge through my arms. "Now, let's see what kind of damage these can do."
I walked out of the room, heading to a nearby alley where the air still smelled faintly of smoke and decay.
"Time to see what they can do."
I snapped my fist forward, testing the air around me as my Gauntlets of the Phantom absorbed the energy from my movements. I threw a series of quick, sharp punches, and with each one, I could feel the additional power surging from the gauntlets. The air vibrated, and I could feel the impact as if my own body were a weapon.
"This is insane."
I quickly adjusted my stance, raising my fist and aiming it at a nearby dumpster. I punched with a violent force, and the moment my fist made contact, there was an explosive sound—the dumpster crushed under the power of my blow, debris scattering everywhere.
I looked at my fist, almost surprised.
"10 percent boost?" I grinned, "I can feel it. This is more than enough."
The Gauntlets of the Phantom were perfect. Not only did they enhance my strength, but the control and flexibility they offered made me feel invincible. I didn't need to be tied down by traditional combat strategies; with these, I could decimate anyone who stood in my way.
I laughed softly, the weight of my growing power settling into my bones.
"The real challenge is coming," I muttered, "And when it does, I'll be ready."