Chapter 774: Arthur Richter

Watching the way Moon looked at Arthur, the contempt barely veiled beneath that pleasant grin, the Association representative realized he needed to make his own stance crystal clear.

The last thing he wanted was to be seen as aligned with the Richter Group against Moon, not when Moon was the Association’s golden boy, backed by a Sword Saint and an Ascender.

Although he valued his friendship with Arthur, he didn’t value it over his own job and path.

"Arthur," the representative said solemnly, "Is this true?"

In his heart, he hoped it wasn’t, even knowing it almost certainly was. The Richter Group’s reputation for strong-arming young talents wasn’t exactly a secret in certain circles.

Arthur recovered his composure smoothly, smiling through it all, attempting to damage control the situation.

"I wouldn’t dare call Moon a liar," he said carefully. "But I’ll look into this matter personally the moment I return home. If anyone in my group did such a thing, acting without my knowledge, I’ll ensure they receive the harshest possible punishment for it. The Richter Group does not condone threatening talents."

Moon smirked, "Do you plan on punishing yourself, then? That’d be quite the kink you’ve got there."

Everyone’s jaws dropped at once, unable to believe what they had just heard. The sheer audacity of Moon’s words, calling the headmaster of a powerful group a liar to his face, implying Arthur himself had ordered the threat, and wrapping it in a such an offensive joke, left the entire gathering stunned in shock.

Arthur had been clearly, visibly trying to de-escalate, offering a graceful exit, a face-saving excuse. And Moon had simply refused to take it, slamming the door shut and twisting the knife instead.

Garrett choked back a startled laugh.

Priya’s eyes went wide.

Dmitri stared, half in disbelief and half in admiration.

Theo pressed his lips together, recognizing that Moon had decided, for whatever reason, that he wasn’t going to let the Richter Group off easy, consequences be damned.

The representative coughed loudly, stepping in before things could spiral further, and patted Arthur on the back in a clear gesture of dismissal.

"Why don’t you head out first, Arthur? I’ve got some matters to discuss with the team regarding the gate clearance. Official business. I’m sure you understand."

It was a lifeline, an exit, and Arthur took it.

He remained silent for a long moment, his composed mask firmly in place, but his eyes, when they settled on Moon one final time, were cold.

Clearly, he wasn’t the type to forget grudges. And, Moon didn’t care. If Arthur Richter had a problem with him, then he can meet him in the second sanctuary, otherwise, he could bark from a far all he wants.

Then Arthur turned and left, walking away without another word.

Moon watched him go, his grin never wavering, entirely unbothered by the enemy he’d just made or the threat in that parting glance.

He’d been the one threatened once, powerless and alone, told he’d die a mysterious death if he didn’t fall in line. Now the roles had reversed, and he had no intention of extending the Richter Group the courtesy they’d never shown him.

The representative let out a breath once Arthur was gone, turning back to the team with an apologetic expression. "My apologies for that. I didn’t realize there was such dark history there, I’d never have brought him along if I’d known."

He paused, then added more quietly, "Though I’d watch your back where the Richter Group is concerned, Sir Moon. Arthur isn’t a man who takes humiliation gracefully."

Moon shrugged, unconcerned. "If the Richter Group wants to finish what they started, they’re welcome to try."

The confidence in his voice was absolute, and no one who’d just watched him clear the gate doubted it for a second

Nodding, the representative shifted gears, setting aside the unpleasantness with Arthur. "Now, regarding the spoils of the clearance..."

◇◇◇◇

Moon and his team divided the spoils of war.

The mountain gate had been generous. Between the Mountain Stalker corpses, the Mutated ruler’s valuable golden hide and core, the captured prey beasts, and whatever else the valley had held, the total haul was worth the time and effort put in. After the split, Moon’s share came out to a little over ninety million dollars.

He was satisfied with the haul and although it was not Rivergate money, it was still a solid return for a B-Rank gate, and the Lives he’d banked from the Surpasser kill were worth far more to him than the cash anyway.

Eighty million. Moon turned the figure over in his mind, already planning how to put it to use. This could buy a couple more Surpasser-rank corpses for Mirage and Honeybun to feed on when they need a boost. Keeping them growing is worth every coin.

Another thought surfaced, one that had been brewing for a while now.

And it’s about time I found a better place to live. The mansion that Tom had provided me is nice and all, but it has its problems. An estate of my own, away from the noise and crowds of the city would be ideal. Somewhere with space, privacy, room to train, room for my beasts to roam. Somewhere Selene and Yara could stay comfortably too.

His current home was fine, secure and in a good zone, but it was still a city property, surrounded by neighbors, and traffic of urban life.

Training his ever-growing arsenal of skills required discretion, all of it would be far easier on a massive secluded estate.

He had the money now. Eighty million from this gate alone, hundreds of millions banked from Rivergate and the serpent’s hoard and everything else. He could afford a genuinely impressive property, the kind of estate that befit the rising star of New Avalon.

I’ll consult Tom about it.

The old fox’s connections made things like this effortless.

Moon gave the payment confirmation a final glance before thanking the representative for the trade.