The next morning, Soren’s eyes opened to the pale light of dawn filtering through the window.
As soon as consciousness returned, he noticed the familiar notifications waiting in his vision, glowing faintly with soft blue light.
He sat up slowly, stretching his stiff muscles from cultivating all night, and glanced at the messages.
The first notification made him pause.
[Investment detected.]
[Target: Clara Hart]
A flicker of surprise ran through him. He’d half-expected this after yesterday’s meal, but seeing the confirmation with his own eyes was different. It meant his theory was correct—the Investment Authority wasn’t limited to just Ethea. Anyone he genuinely helped could trigger returns.
The implications settled in his mind as he stood and headed to the bathroom. If he could invest in multiple people, the potential for growth was far greater than he’d initially thought.
But he’d think about that later.
After splashing cold water on his face and brushing his teeth, he returned to his futon and settled down comfortably.
Now he could read the messages properly.
[Investment detected.]
[Target: Clara Hart]
[Analyzing investment...]
[Investment: You prepared a rare healing meal and invited the target to share it with you and your wife, treating her as family rather than hired help. You demonstrated genuine appreciation and respect for her service.]
[Analyzing target response...]
[The meal provided unexpected rejuvenation and relief.]
[Your kindness deepened the target’s sense of loyalty and belonging.]
[Evaluating investment significance...]
[Evaluation complete.]
[Investment grade: LOW-MODERATE]
[Calculating returns...]
[Calculation complete.]
[Returns granted:]
[1. Medical and Caretaking Knowledge (Basic)]
[Integrating returns...]
[Progress: 10%...30%...50%...70%...90%...100%]
[Integration complete.]
Soren felt new information settle into his mind.
Medical and caretaking knowledge. How to identify common injuries, recognize symptoms, and apply basic treatments. How to care for bedridden patients, prevent bedsores, and manage nutrition for recovery.
It wasn’t expert-level knowledge, but it was practical and immediately useful for Ethea’s care. He dismissed the first set of messages and focused on the next.
[Investment detected.]
[Target: Ethea Valmere]
[Analyzing investment...]
[Investment: You prepared a rare healing meal using specialized ingredients to alleviate the target’s chronic pain and improve circulation. You sought the target’s guidance in training, demonstrating respect for her expertise despite her current condition.]
[Analyzing target response...]
[The meal provided measurable relief from physical suffering.]
[Your request for guidance rekindled a sense of purpose within the target.]
[Evaluating investment significance...]
[Evaluation complete.]
[Investment grade: MODERATE-HIGH]
[Calculating returns...]
[Calculation complete.]
[Returns granted:]
[1. Frost Essence Crystal (Grade 4)]
[2. Pain Resistance (Passive)]
[3. Cooking Mastery +1]
[Integrating returns...]
[Progress: 10%...30%...50%...70%...90%...100%]
[Integration complete.]
Soren felt the changes settle into his body.
A heavy, cold object materialized in his inventory, probably the Frost Essence Crystal.
His pain threshold shifted subtly, his nerves adjusting to withstand more discomfort without breaking focus. And his cooking knowledge expanded further, techniques and ingredient combinations flowing naturally into his understanding.
He dismissed the notifications and sat back, processing everything.
Three returns from Ethea. One from Clara.
The Frost Essence Crystal was valuable. A Grade 4 cultivation resource could boost his Mana capacity significantly if he absorbed it properly.
Pain Resistance would help in combat. Less distraction from injuries meant better focus during fights.
And Cooking Mastery meant he could prepare even better healing meals going forward.
Soren stood and stretched again, feeling satisfied.
He then pulled out his phone and opened the Hunter Network app to check for responses.
As soon as he did, his smile deepened even more.
[Application Accepted - Moss Hollow Cave Party]
[Gate Time: Today, 10:00 AM]
[Meeting Point: East Gate Checkpoint, 9:20 AM]
"Good," he murmured.
He was finally going to have his first party raid!
He pocketed his phone and headed downstairs to prepare breakfast, his mind already working through the day’s schedule.
Clara would arrive at 8 AM as usual. He’d need to leave by 8:30 AM to reach the checkpoint on time. That gave him about two hours to eat, feed Ethea, and make sure everything was settled before departure.
As he turned on the stove, he mentally reviewed what he knew about Moss Hollow Cave.
He’d researched it last night after bookmarking the party listing.
First Circle Gate. Cave environment. Primary monsters: Stone Beetles and Moss Creepers. Boss: Greater Stone Beetle.
Stone Beetles had tough shells but were slow. Moss Creepers were vine-like creatures that attacked from walls and ceilings, fast but fragile. The boss was essentially a larger, more durable version of the regular beetles with an area-of-effect ground slam attack.
Standard cave hazards applied: low visibility, narrow passages, uneven terrain, and potential for ambushes.
His role would be support DPS. The party already had a tank to hold aggro, a healer for support, and two other damage dealers. His ice affinity would be useful for slowing enemies and dealing burst damage.
’Frost Palm Strike for the boss fight, and only when I have no choice. Quick Step for positioning. And if things get truly dangerous, I can always fall back and let the tank handle it.’
Despite having never been in a team, he already simulated battles in his head with different scenarios. He felt like he was being a bit paranoid and overthinking.
But he couldn’t help it.
Perhaps it was due to the excitement. Or the anxiety. Maybe both.
Whatever the case, he was determined to succeed.
_____ ___ _
The morning passed quickly.
Breakfast. Feeding Ethea. Clara’s arrival. Final preparations.
Before he knew it, Soren was standing at the front door with his spear in hand, ready to leave.
"I’ll be back by noon," he said to Clara.
"Take care, Mr. Valmere. And be careful."
He glanced at Ethea, and their eyes met for a brief moment. She gave a slightly encouraging nod.
Soren smiled and stepped outside.
____ ___ _
In what felt like the blink of an eye, an hour had passed, and he arrived at the meeting checkpoint.
The East Gate Checkpoint was a modest facility on the outskirts of the city, where Hunters gathered before entering the Gates located in the surrounding wilderness. A few trucks were parked nearby, equipment vendors had set up small stalls, and groups of Hunters stood in clusters, checking gear and discussing strategy.
Soren scanned the area, looking for his party.
’Hmm... The location should be here. But where are they?’
Just as he was about to take out his phone and call the party leader, a hand landed on his shoulder.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Soren?"