Chapter 399: Plans

They shared a few more lighthearted laughs before continuing their conversation over the meal. Soren learned more about the shifting political tides, local rumors, and minor events in the outside world, gradually catching up on everything he had missed while in seclusion. Eventually, as the dishes were cleared, the long lunch came to a natural end. Zura stood up with a satisfied stretch, bidding them both farewell before taking her leave to attend to her duties, leaving Soren and Ethea alone in the villa.

After taking a relaxing bath and changing into comfortable clothes, the two shared some intimate quality time, enjoying the gentle affection and sweet closeness they had both missed when they were apart.

Mentally and physically relieved and content, Ethea gradually yielded to a sweet fatigue and fell asleep by evening, resting peacefully in his arms. Soren looked down at her serene face, his expression softening. He carefully shifted her onto the pillows, pulled the blanket over her shoulders, and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead before quietly slipping out of the bedroom.

He had sent a message to Ryan revealing his emergence and success. And now, as he looked at his phone, he saw a notification with a congratulatory message from him. While he was pleased to receive his little friend’s enthusiastic words, his attention quickly shifted down the screen.

His focus landed on the next unread message, sent from a contact simply named Panther.

[Congratulations on your successful breakthrough, boss. I knew you could do it...

...I’ve already secured most of the materials you requested, with just a few remaining things to settle on my end. You don’t need to worry about anything here because everything is under my control...

...Take care and see you soon.]

’...For a panther, he certainly knows how to stay in character.’

Being called ’boss’ still sounded a bit strange to his ears, making him feel like some sort of underworld gang leader. But since this was the exact disguise and cover identity they had agreed upon, he let the thought slide.

More importantly, a wave of relief washed over him as he read through the details. Everything on that end was progressing smoothly, and Malakor had already managed to track down and secure most of the ’materials’ they needed. With those groundwork preparations moving forward according to plan, Soren could direct his full attention to the upcoming matters involving his little sister and lovely wife.

’Of course, I can’t forget about the sponsorship plan too.’

He was currently sponsoring Ryan, and the other candidate was Darian, the lucky yet unlucky boy they met at Morning Dew during their date. Although he hadn’t awakened yet, he had been keeping an eye on him. He had 8th-circle potential and Supreme investment value, after all.

’I should meet with his family and discuss it with them soon.’

The freshman exam was going to start soon, and if Darian wanted to enter the academy, they had to hurry with his awakening. Soren could easily handle all the necessary resources and arrangements as long as he received the family’s agreement.

However, one troubling detail lingered in his mind: from what he’d learned, Darian had already failed his awakening during the official public ceremony.

Soren frowned slightly, puzzling over it. With a talent capable of reaching the 8th Circle, an ordinary awakening ritual should have been a breeze. Why had it failed back then?

Could it be for a reason similar to his own? Perhaps Darian possessed an authority of his own that required specific conditions to awaken. Or was there some hidden physical/mental ailment, a blockage in his mana pathways, or another underlying issue altogether?

’Ha... Whatever the reason, we can only hope he can awaken this time...’

With that in mind, Soren shifted his thoughts to his own progress. Now that he had achieved his breakthrough, his control over mana and delicate elemental nuances had improved immensely, meaning he could prepare even more effective magical meals than before too.

And after meeting his little sister, he decided to cook the last batch of ingredients he had set aside for her meal. Next, he would dive into studying new recipes and experimenting with complex culinary techniques, aiming to create something perfectly tailored to aid Ethea’s current condition and speed up her recovery.

’I shouldn’t forget training and Gate clearing with Ryan too.’

After all, it was the fastest way to increase his mana and battle experience.

’However, I should increase my hunter rank first.’

Although he could technically enter 4th Circle Gates with a C-rank license, attempting them with just a two-man team would be difficult since the Bureau banned it. The Bureau strictly mandated a minimum party of five C-rank Hunters for 4th-Circle Gates or at least one B-rank or higher, given the immense danger involved.

So, upgrading to a B-rank license would not only streamline access for him and Ryan, but it would also open up the flexibility to join higher-tier raid parties for 5th- or even 6th-Circle Gates whenever Ryan was unavailable.

’Ryan told me he would increase his rank to C rank too. I wonder if he already did it...’

With Ryan’s rapid growth and power rivaling higher circles, passing the promotion evaluation shouldn’t have been a problem for him. If both of them secured their rank upgrades, their options for Gate raiding would expand dramatically, giving them more freedom in choosing their next targets.

’Hmm... Should I invite him to our meeting with Nura too?’ He pondered the idea for a moment before deciding it was a good plan. Since Ryan intended to stay at the academy for at least the entire upcoming year, introducing him to Nura early on made sense. If the two formed a genuine bond, keeping an eye on her and ensuring her safety when they weren’t around would become much easier for both of them. ’...Alright, tomorrow, let’s take care of all of these. Meet with Darian’s parents, increase my rank, invite Ryan to the meeting, and prepare to meet Nura.’