The return path was calm.
No rush, no tension, just the sound of our steps and the weight of the bags filled with collected materials. The fight against the orcs had been efficient, clean, exactly as I expected. There was no loss of control, no unnecessary risks.
It was execution.
Lyannis walked beside me, rolling one of the magic stones between her fingers. "You know… it's been a while since we took a mission like that."
"It has," I replied.
Rai'kanna came right behind. "They were organized, but still predictable."
Scarlett agreed. "They lacked real strategy."
Elara added. "Limited coordination."
Vespera said: "Even in larger numbers, they weren't a threat."
Liriel looked at all of us. "But they served as a test."
I nodded. "That was the objective."
We continued forward until Vailor's walls appeared again on the horizon. The city's movement was already visible from afar, as always.
As we crossed the gates, the feeling returned.
Gazes.
Different, but constant.
Lyannis gave a faint smile. "This is already becoming routine."
Rai'kanna kept her eyes forward. "Ignore it."
Scarlett said: "It doesn't interfere."
Elara analyzed. "Growing social impact."
Vespera added. "Consolidated relevance."
Liriel simply walked beside me in silence.
We went straight to the guild.
As soon as we entered, normal activity continued, but this time there was less surprise. Still, some adventurers stopped to watch.
I didn't care.
I walked to the counter and placed the materials on it.
The receptionist slightly widened her eyes. "You… already came back?"
"Yes."
She quickly looked at the magic stones and other items. "This… this all from the orc mission?"
"Yes."
Lyannis crossed her arms, amused. "It wasn't that hard."
Rai'kanna replied immediately. "It was enough."
Scarlett maintained a neutral tone. "Mission completed as expected."
Elara said: "Maximum efficiency."
Vespera added: "No deviations."
Liriel smiled. "Everything went well."
The receptionist began organizing the items, clearly impressed. "I will… calculate the reward."
I nodded.
We waited in silence for a few minutes while she carefully wrote everything down.
"Rank S mission completed… base reward: 3000 gold coins."
She paused while adding up the materials.
"Item sales… approximately another 3200 coins."
Lyannis raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."
Rai'kanna nodded. "Worth it."
Scarlett said: "High return."
Elara added: "Excellent margin."
Vespera analyzed: "Above-standard result."
Liriel looked at me. "Did you expect that?"
"Yes."
The receptionist finished organizing everything and placed two bags of coins on the counter.
"Total: 6200 gold coins."
I picked up the bags.
The weight was considerable.
But more than that…
It was accumulated value.
We left the guild without lingering.
Once we were back on the streets, Lyannis commented: "So… what are you going to do with all that?"
Rai'kanna looked at me. "Keep it stored?"
Scarlett asked: "Investment?"
Elara said: "Strategic application."
Vespera added: "Necessary planning."
Liriel stayed silent, simply waiting for my answer.
I kept walking for a few seconds before speaking.
"I'm going to organize everything."
Lyannis tilted her head. "Organize?"
"Money can't be left scattered."
Rai'kanna understood immediately. "You want control."
"Exactly."
Scarlett nodded. "Makes sense."
Elara said: "Efficient management."
Vespera added: "Foundation for growth."
Liriel smiled faintly. "You're changing."
"I'm learning."
We arrived at the mansion.
The staff opened the gate immediately. We entered without delay.
As soon as I reached the main hall, I went straight to one of the smaller rooms. A simple but private space.
I placed the bags of coins on the table.
The sound of metal echoed softly.
Lyannis approached. "So this is the beginning."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "It's still little."
"For now," I replied.
Scarlett analyzed the space. "You'll need more organization."
Elara said: "Storage system."
Vespera added: "Security."
Liriel looked at me. "You're already thinking about it."
"Yes."
I paused for a moment, looking at the coins.
Everything I had been doing… wasn't just about fighting.
It was about building something.
Strength.
Influence.
Stability.
"I won't depend on anyone for this."
Lyannis smiled. "Now that's getting interesting."
Rai'kanna said: "You're thinking like a leader."
Scarlett added: "And not just like a warrior."
Elara stated: "Confirmed evolution."
Vespera said: "Clear direction."
Liriel simply said: "We'll help."
I nodded.
"I know."
I closed my eyes for a moment.
And then it became clear.
This money…
Was only the beginning.
And I needed to do more.
Much more.
I opened my eyes.
"Tomorrow, we'll organize everything."
I looked at all of them.
"And after that…"
I paused briefly.
"I'll start expanding."