Chapter 92: The Next Day, Time To Go

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Riven closed the tablet with a quiet, satisfied smile after reading through the forums once more.

The messages from ordinary people thanking him for what he was doing filled him with a deep sense of purpose. Those hunters who could finally afford high-quality gear and actually begin progressing in life made every risk feel worthwhile.

Even though there were clear dangers involved in selling such powerful weapons at dirt-cheap prices, he refused to let that stop him from continuing. Nothing in this world came without its own risks, and with only three years left before a gigantic abomination arrived to claim Earth as its meal, he simply could not afford to waste time worrying about every possible consequence.

Whatever dangers came his way, he would face them with his own strength and the people standing beside him.

For now, what truly mattered was making waves — putting real pressure on those powerful groups that had never before believed they could be challenged.

It had not even been two full weeks since everything began, and the world was already changing in noticeable ways.

And this was still only the beginning.

He had secured just one gate so far.

How much more would the world transform once he gained control of multiple gates?

Tomorrow he was finally going to meet that certain important person and officially kickstart his plan to create a real competition against Claymore.

He knew that the Darkshadow Herbs, the Phantom Roses, and the Myconid Mushrooms that grew naturally inside his dungeon were all key ingredients for high-ranked potions once they were properly detoxed.

Using those rare materials, together with her specialized help and the solid backing of Sunrise Pharmaceuticals, he was going to begin distributing cheap and affordable medicine, antidotes, potions, and even powerful elixirs to the wider population of hunters.

Even F-Rank Hunters would be able to afford his cheapest products. This was his way of helping them endure the harsh reality of their world and giving them a reason not to give up.

Soon enough, a wide variety of gates would open for everyone to freely enter and challenge.

But still, he had to take things one careful step at a time.

This was only the beginning of something far bigger than Claymore Enterprises or Frostbane Holdings had ever expected to face.

Enigma was going to sweep the world like a storm once he finally started selling SSS-Rank Items.

And that moment was going to arrive very soon.

"Dear! I think the chicken’s ready," Elisa called from the kitchen.

Riven was briefly taken aback. He quickly looked toward the oven while a small thought crossed his mind. Did she just call me dear?

He hurried over to check. "Ah, thankfully it didn’t burn. Alright everyone, let’s set the table. Dinner time."

This rotisserie chicken was actually a Giant Cockatrice that Riven had purchased from the Hunter Market. He had carefully detoxed it of its dangerous petrifying poison and fully absorbed the remaining energy.

The long snake-like tail was especially tasty and meaty, full of rich flavor. It had been neatly cut into long steaks and served separately on its own platter.

Everyone began eating with clear enjoyment. The cockatrice was accompanied by plenty of grilled potatoes and a variety of other vegetables on the side. Riven had also prepared a thick gravy along with several other sauces to go with the meal, plus a large fresh salad.

"A toast for what we’ve accomplished," Riven said, raising his glass. "And for what’s still to come. There’s a long road ahead of us, but I am sure that we’ll persevere as long as we stay together."

"Yes," Elisa nodded, lifting her cup of wine and leaning over to kiss his cheek once more. "Thank you for this. It’s really good. It was a wonderful day."

Riven nodded with a warm smile and simply enjoyed the meal together with his wife and the rest of the household.

Vladimir ate in silence. Something deep stirred in his heart as he tasted the delicious food while surrounded by the quiet warmth of a family he had never been allowed to have in his previous life.

"..."

Even though he still hated Riven, he could not help but admit that this treatment was still better than anything he had received under his last boss.

"Gruuff..."

On top of that, he was allowed to spend time with Fenrir’s son himself. Little Noir sat nearby, and Vladimir secretly fed him small pieces of chicken under the table.

♢♢♢♢

The next morning, Riven woke up early and quietly looked at Elisa, who was still sleeping soundly while hugging her pillow tightly.

He leaned down and kissed her cheek a couple of times. She looked so cute in that moment that he felt he could keep kissing her all day if he had the chance.

He whispered softly near her ear. "Elisa, I’m going."

"Hmm?" Elisa slowly opened her eyes. "Ah, right... good luck... Mooch." She gave his chin a gentle kiss. "Take care..." Then she settled back against the pillow and drifted off to sleep again.

Riven nodded quietly and walked out of the room. The children were still sleeping peacefully, but Vladimir was already awake and waiting near the entrance.

"Vladimir, I’ll be going on my own today. Protect the house."

"...Understood."

Vladimir gave a short nod without saying anything else as Riven prepared to leave.

He had already been given strict orders not to harm any member of the family and to protect them with his life if necessary, so there was nothing he could do to resist.

Besides... he truly held no personal grudge against Elisa or the children. His hatred was reserved only for Riven, and he still planned to settle that score one day in the future with a proper rematch once he had grown strong enough.

And, on the plus side, there was little Noir.

"He’s coming with me. Come on, boy."

"Woof!"

"What?!"

Vladimir was left completely heartbroken and suddenly lonely as Riven walked out the door with the small wolf pup following happily behind him.

"Young master..." Vladimir groaned under his breath as he watched Noir leave without a second glance, as if Vladimir meant nothing to him at all. "Ugh... Damn you, Riven Claymore...!"

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