Chapter 180: The Road Ahead

Frey stood near the entrance of his family’s residence, watching two security guards inspect a vehicle before allowing it through the front gate.

Additional personnel had been stationed around the property, and every visitor was now required to undergo identification checks.

Although Damian Visconti remained imprisoned, O.R.D.O. had warned the surviving expedition members that several individuals connected to his criminal operations were still being investigated.

Frey had no intention of leaving Zenith City until he was satisfied that his family would be protected.

Inside the residence, Laurent sat at the dining table reviewing the security arrangements, while Celeste examined a list of emergency contacts.

Lucien and Amélie had joined them earlier, and together they had spent most of the morning discussing how their daily routines would change.

"Everything looks reasonable," Laurent remarked, placing the documents on the table. "The additional guards will remain until O.R.D.O. determines that the immediate threat has passed. We’ve also arranged alternative transportation whenever someone needs to leave the property."

Frey nodded, although his expression remained serious. "Make sure nobody gets careless. Damian might be locked up, but that doesn’t mean everyone who worked for him has been arrested. If anything suspicious happens, contact O.R.D.O. immediately."

Amélie sighed, folding her arms. "You’ve repeated that warning several times already, Frey. We understand, and we’ll be careful. You should worry about your own safety too."

Frey grinned, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. "Come on, Amélie. You’re talking to someone who survived an expedition that nearly turned into a disaster. A little traveling shouldn’t be a problem."

Lucien shook his head at the remark. "That’s exactly the kind of confidence that makes people worry about you. Try thinking before throwing yourself into danger."

Celeste chuckled, while Laurent smiled faintly at their exchange. Despite everything that had happened, Frey was relieved to see his family behaving normally again. The fear that had dominated their conversations over the past several days was gradually beginning to fade.

After confirming the final arrangements, Frey prepared to leave. Celeste accompanied him to the entrance, where she stopped and straightened the collar of his jacket.

"Take care of yourself," Celeste said, looking at him affectionately. "And make sure you contact us regularly. I don’t want to hear about your adventures from someone else."

Frey smiled and embraced her. "I will. Besides, I’ll probably have plenty of ridiculous stories about Jet to tell you."

With his family’s protection arranged, Frey finally departed.

Meanwhile, at O.R.D.O. headquarters, Adesewa was reviewing the latest developments in the investigation alongside Marcus.

Several suspects had already been arrested, and investigators were examining financial transactions, communication records, and evidence recovered from properties associated with Damian’s operations.

However, the investigation was far from complete.

"Another set of payments has been traced to intermediary companies," Marcus explained, examining the documents displayed on his tablet. "Some of the transactions appear connected to the hired attackers, but identifying everyone involved will require additional verification."

Adesewa studied the information carefully. "Then we continue cooperating until the network has been properly investigated. I don’t want anyone assuming the danger has disappeared simply because Damian is in custody."

Marcus nodded before opening another report. "There’s also the remaining financial documentation concerning the Palladium Fruits. O.R.D.O. wants the expedition’s transactions properly accounted for while they examine the money connected to Damian’s activities."

"Handle it with the investigators," Adesewa instructed, setting aside the document she’d been reading. "The expedition members have already endured enough. Their legitimate interests shouldn’t become another casualty of this investigation."

Their conversation was interrupted when Safiya and Bastian entered the room. Both had come to discuss their departure arrangements, having decided to return to their respective responsibilities rather than remain in Zenith City indefinitely.

"Looks like we’re finally wrapping things up," Bastian remarked, pulling out a chair. "I never imagined one expedition would leave us dealing with this much trouble afterward."

Safiya glanced at the reports covering the table. "The expedition itself was successful. Everything that followed is another matter entirely."

Adesewa nodded in agreement. "You two can return to your responsibilities. Marcus and I will continue assisting O.R.D.O. If anything concerning the surviving expedition members requires your attention, we’ll contact you."

By early afternoon, Jet was sitting with Cassian, Frey, and Mikhail in the temporary residence. A large map displaying several cities occupied the screen of Cassian’s communication device, although none of them had reached a decision about where they would relocate.

"So, let me understand this," Cassian began, looking toward Jet. "You’ve decided to leave Zenith City, but you still haven’t chosen your destination?"

Jet leaned back against the sofa, careful of his injured arm. "Pretty much. I want somewhere with opportunities for Awakeners, but I also need to consider Inez. I’m not moving her somewhere dangerous just because there are profitable Dungeons nearby."

Frey nodded, stretching his legs beneath the table. "And preferably somewhere we won’t have people trying to murder us every few days. I’ve developed a strong dislike for that particular activity."

Mikhail chuckled before pointing toward the map. "Don’t forget employment opportunities. I’m following you guys because I want my porter career to improve, not because I enjoy carrying your luggage for free."

Cassian laughed at their exchange before returning his attention to Jet. "Then you need to think carefully about what kind of opportunities you’re looking for. Different cities offer different advantages. Some have more active Dungeon operations, while others have better infrastructure, stronger security, or more established Awakener organizations."

Jet nodded thoughtfully. He had several possibilities in mind, but choosing somewhere to live wasn’t the same as selecting a location for a temporary expedition. Inez would need a suitable school, a comfortable home, and enough stability to enjoy an ordinary childhood.

"There’s something else worth considering," Cassian continued, adjusting the map. "Have you ever thought about establishing your own Raid Team?"

Frey immediately straightened.

"A Raid Team?" Frey asked, looking between Cassian and Jet. "You mean instead of joining different expeditions whenever an opportunity comes along?"

Cassian nodded. "Exactly. A dedicated group of Awakeners who regularly undertake Dungeon expeditions together. You’d develop coordination, learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and gradually become capable of handling more difficult challenges."

Jet considered the suggestion carefully.

During his previous life, he’d witnessed how powerful experienced Raid Teams could become. Some had earned considerable reputations through successful Dungeon expeditions, while others had collapsed because their members couldn’t cooperate or trusted the wrong people.

Having powerful Divine Runes wasn’t enough to guarantee success.

"That sounds interesting," Jet admitted, leaning forward. "But forming a reliable team wouldn’t be easy. We’d need trustworthy people with complementary Divine Runes, and everyone would have to understand their responsibilities."

Cassian smiled approvingly. "That’s precisely why I brought it up. A Raid Team isn’t simply a collection of strong Awakeners. You need people who can work together under pressure, especially when something unexpected happens inside a Dungeon."

Mikhail raised his hand, interrupting the discussion with an unusually serious expression.

"And you need porters," Mikhail declared. "Preferably highly skilled, hardworking porters who deserve excellent salaries and generous bonuses."

Frey turned toward him with a grin. "You haven’t even joined this imaginary team, and you’re already negotiating your salary?"

Mikhail shrugged shamelessly. "Of course. Someone has to make sure the working conditions are reasonable. I know how you people behave when there’s treasure involved."

Jet laughed, shaking his head. "Don’t worry, Mikhail. If we ever establish a team, we’ll make sure you receive fair compensation."

Cassian waited for their laughter to subside before continuing. "You’ll also need reliable logistics. Transportation, equipment maintenance, medical supplies, accommodation, and proper arrangements for handling whatever resources you obtain from Dungeons. Those things become increasingly important as expeditions grow more dangerous."

Jet nodded. "And enough money to maintain everything between expeditions. A team that can’t afford supplies won’t last very long, regardless of how strong its members are."

"Exactly," Cassian agreed, tapping the table. "Which is why I’d recommend starting small. Don’t rush into recruiting people simply because they possess impressive Divine Runes. Build a dependable foundation first, then expand when you’re ready."

Frey folded his arms, considering the suggestion. "Well, Jet already has me. That’s one excellent member secured."

Mikhail snorted. "Excellent at what? Making jokes while everyone else works?"

Frey glared at him. "I’ll have you know my talents are highly appreciated."

Jet grinned. "By whom?"

Cassian burst into laughter as Frey stared at both of them in disbelief.

Once the joking subsided, Jet turned toward Cassian with a more serious expression.

"What about you?" Jet asked. "If I eventually decided to establish a Raid Team, would you consider joining?"

Cassian considered the question before nodding. "I’d be interested. We’ve already worked together, and I know you have considerable potential. But I wouldn’t want you making promises before you’ve even decided where to settle."

Jet appreciated the answer. Cassian possessed valuable experience, and having someone like him involved would make establishing a proper team considerably easier. Nevertheless, he understood that rushing the process could create problems later.

"So where would you recommend we start looking?" Jet asked, gesturing toward the map.

Cassian examined several locations before answering. "Rather than choosing somewhere immediately, I’d compare a few cities based on Dungeon activity, living conditions, security, and opportunities for independent Awakeners. Once you’ve narrowed the options, we can discuss which would suit your plans."

Jet nodded. "That makes sense. I’ll look into them before making a final decision."

Cassian smiled before leaning backward in his chair.

"There’s also someone I know who might be worth recruiting someday," Cassian added. "But before I recommend anyone, let’s see what direction you decide to take. Building the right team matters more than gathering members quickly."

Jet looked toward the map again, his interest growing.

For the first time since deciding to leave Zenith City, his future was beginning to take shape.

And the possibility of establishing his own Raid Team had given him something new to consider.