I Can Extract Game Items

The sound of conversation filled Derrick's modest apartment as August sat comfortably on the worn couch, sipping from a steaming cup of tea that Tara had prepared.

The atmosphere was warm and lighthearted.

Tara sat across from him in a cushioned chair with her hands resting lightly on her growing belly. Her gratitude was visible and her eyes glistened with emotion as she spoke. "August, I don't even know how to put this into words. You saved me—saved us. I don't know how we'll ever repay you."

Derrick, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, nodded fervently. "She's right. I don't care what you say—this is more than we could ever ask for. You gave me my family back, man. That's something I can't put a price on."

August waved a hand dismissively. "You two really need to stop making such a big deal out of this. I did what anyone else would've done."

Derrick snorted. "You really think anyone else could've pulled off what you did? Come on, August. Don't downplay this. You're the reason my wife is sitting here with me, alive and well."

Tara nodded with a eyes full of warmth. "He's right. And I'm not going to stop thanking you, so you'd better get used to it."

August chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. But seriously, you don't owe me anything. Just focus on getting better, Tara. That's all I want."

The room settled into a comfortable silence for a moment, broken only by the faint clink of Derrick setting down his empty cup on the counter. August glanced at him, then subtly jerked his head toward the hallway.

"Derrick, mind giving me a hand with something?" August asked with a casual but pointed tone.

Derrick raised an eyebrow but nodded, following him into the hallway. Once they were out of earshot, August leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.

"So," his voice dropped into to a more serious tone as he began, "have you thought about what I asked before?"

Derrick's brow furrowed, and he scratched the back of his neck. "You mean about AM Coven? Yeah, I've been thinking about it. A lot, actually."

August nodded. "And? What's the verdict?"

Derrick let out a slow breath as his expression turned thoughtful. "It's a big decision. I mean, the pay you're offering—ten grand a month—is insane. Especially for someone like me. But you know how it is. With the baby on the way, I have to make sure I'm making the right call."

August leaned forward slightly. "I get it, Derrick. Believe me, I do. But you're exactly the kind of person I need for this. Trustworthy, resourceful, and someone I know has my back. AM Coven isn't just a business—it's something bigger. And I need people I can rely on."

Derrick ran a hand through his hair as his eyes narrowed slightly while he considered the offer. "What exactly would I be doing? You've mentioned the business, but you've been pretty vague about the details."

August smirked. "It's a little unconventional, I'll admit. But at its core, AM Coven is about bridging gaps. Letting players sell items they have retrieved from the game safely. A place where players can be at ease and meet and discuss and do business together. You'd be helping me manage that—keeping things running smoothly, handling logistics, and ensuring we're prepared for… well, anything."

Derrick arched an eyebrow. "You mean all this supernatural stuff you've been dealing with?"

"Exactly," August said simply. "It's a lot, I won't lie. But I wouldn't be offering this to you if I didn't think you could handle it."

The hallway was silent for a beat as Derrick weighed his options. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, August. I'm in. But I've got one condition."

August tilted his head. "Name it."

Derrick's smile widened. "When this business of yours takes off—and I know it will—I want to be fluid with how I work. If I'm putting my time into this, I want to make sure I also have enough time for Tara and the baby."

August grinned, clapping a hand on Derrick's shoulder. "Deal. Welcome to AM Coven, Derrick."

They shook hands, sealing the agreement with a firm grip.

"Now," Derrick's tone lightened as he glanced back toward the living room, "let's get back before Tara thinks we're planning world domination in here."

August chuckled. "Who says we're not?"

With that, the two men returned to the living room with shared laughter. Tara looked up with a curious smile. For the first time in a long while, the future felt full of possibilities.

...

...

Later that night, August's phone lit up the room as he leaned back in his chair, scrolling through his messages. His group chat with Lilo, Boris, and Ezran was buzzing with notifications.

Their names kept popping up in rapid succession.

Lilo: Guys, I can't believe we're actually part of Phoenix Celestial Guild now. It's still surreal.

Boris: Surreal? This is the life, Lilo. Have you seen the perks? I've got access to exclusive items, rare loot pools, and weekly bonuses. We're literally getting paid to play.

Ezran: Don't forget the guild hall parties. I've never seen so many people in one place just celebrating after a successful raid. It's like a second family.

August smirked as he read the messages while quickly typing a reply.

August: Sounds like you guys are living the dream. Guess I'm the only one still freelancing.

The chat bubbled with replies almost instantly.

Boris:Come on, Aleman, when are you going to join us? You're practically part of the guild already. Just make it official.

Ezran: Yeah, what's the holdup? You'd fit right in.

Lilo: They're right, August. The guild's Vice Leader been asking about you again. Phoenix Celestial Guild is still very interested in having you join. You'd bring so much to the table.

August leaned back, rubbing his temple. He'd heard this pitch before—multiple times, in fact. Not that he didn't appreciate the thought, but he just didn't think it was for him.

August: I appreciate it, really. But I haven't made a decision yet. I need to focus on my tier 2 qualification tests first.

The chat went quiet for a moment before Lilo replied.

Lilo: Fair enough. But after the test, we're talking about this again.

Boris: You're too good to stay unaffiliated for long, man. Trust me, you'll thank us later.

Ezran: Agreed. In the meantime, good luck with the tests. They're no joke.

August's lips twitched into a grin. He appreciated their enthusiasm, even if he wasn't ready to commit just yet. Typing his reply, he kept it simple.

August: Thanks, guys. I'll let you know how it goes. And congrats again on making it into Phoenix Celestial Guild. You've earned it.

Lilo: Thanks, August. Oh, and don't forget—Phoenix is watching. No pressure, though.* She added a winking emoji.

Shaking his head with a laugh, August typed his final message before setting his phone aside.

August: No pressure at all. Talk to you soon.

The phone buzzed with one last reply from Boris:

Boris: Kick some tier 2 butt for us, Aleman!

With that, August dropped his phone onto the desk and reached for his VR pod.

He got in, sliding the helmet on and took a deep breath.

[ Aystem Notification: Logging into *

Enders Light… ]

---

The transition was seamless, and August soon found himself standing in his usual spot within the bustling Kingdom of Tagharium.

The vivid colors and constant noise of activity surrounded him.

[ System Notification: Welcome back, Aleman. Current Level: 32 | Class: Mage/Assassin | Progress to Tier 2 Qualification: Pending. ]

August instantly began to make his way toward the designated location for the tier 2 qualification tests.

Merchants hawked their wares, adventurers bartered for gear, and NPC guards patrolled the green zone, keeping the peace. Amid the clamor, August walked hastily with his fingers swiping through his skill menu as he reviewed his arsenal.

---

Skills:

- Shadow Dance (Assassin) [Level 7]

- Stealth (Assassin) [Level 6]
Stay updated via empire

- Hidden Strike (Assassin) [Level 6]

- Dash (Assassin) [Level 5]

- Dual Wielding (Assassin) [Level 4]

- Lightning Bolt (Mage) [Level 3]

- Arcane Shield (Mage) [Level 3]

- Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) [Level 2]

- Phantom Splice (Assassin) [Level 2]

- Wind Surge (Mage)[Level 2]

- Light Reverie (Mage [Level 2]

...(see more...)

He frowned slightly as he checked through the list.

'Everything will reset to level 1 if I pass this test. I'll lose all my progress… but the payoff will be worth it.' The thought didn't entirely comfort him. Starting over, even at tier 2, was still starting over.

"Tier 2 spells are supreme," he muttered to himself. "Even a level 1 tier 2 spell will outshine a level 10 tier 1. I just have to keep reminding myself of that."

His train of thought was interrupted when a large figure stepped directly into his path, forcing him to stop. August looked up and immediately sighed.

A 6'5 tall warrior stood before him with his broad shoulders blocking the morning sun.

"Xyron," he muttered with a flat tone.