Chapter 102
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Chapter 102: At the End of the Adventure
To most, the “successful conclusion of an adventure” boiled down to one thing: enjoying the rewards.
Why else would anyone risk their lives if not for that fleeting moment of unlocking a treasure chest or plunging into a vault overflowing with gold coins? Without rewards, all the bloodshed and hardship would’ve been meaningless, wouldn’t it?
Yet Midi was certain he’d delivered a flawless result this time. Even facing Fina Hamilton, whose standards were sky-high, and the notoriously critical Alice Otolopas, his confidence held firm.
Forget the extinct rare materials or powerful weapons and armor—even the skill books, magic tomes, and countless crafting formulas alone were priceless. These were precisely what the Eagle’s Nest desperately needed now.
The Eagle’s Nest’s system hinged on exchanging contribution points, which required highly desirable rewards. Without them, no adventurer would bother.
Understanding this, Fina had initially stuffed the exchange list with rare gear to entice recruits. But even a century’s worth of noble hoards were finite—like a river without a source. Once depleted, how would the Eagle’s Nest keep attracting talent?
The Elven Kingdom’s heritage now solved this crisis.
Skill books and magic tomes were treasures craved by adventurers and nobles alike. Mastering higher-tier skills meant instant leaps in combat strength—power earned through personal effort, not borrowed from others. These could be traded at premium prices, with only copies handed out. Established safeguards against leaks made this a near-zero-cost enterprise.
Alchemy formulas, potion recipes, enchanting methods, and weapon blueprints further supercharged the exchange system.
Fina’s monster-hunting missions had addressed mutated creatures post-Gran Forest’s inferno. Adventurers’ efforts kept the Asreks lands peaceful while others descended into chaos. Yet monster materials had mostly served as kill trophies.
Now, every claw and scale found purpose. The Palace’s archives included lost techniques—even methods to process Vengeance Worm parts into high-end gear. The “Worm Bone Blade” blueprint, for instance, required their scales and spines. Overnight, “worthless” monsters became goldmines.
While skills fueled profitable trades, formulas added production to consumption.
The Eagle’s Nest issued material-gathering missions for contribution points. Adventurers earned points to exchange gear crafted from those very materials. A perfect loop.
Of course, creating potent potions or enchanted weapons demanded skilled hands. Blueprints alone meant nothing.
But Midi had the answer—Norton’s artisans. These production-focused adventurers were already seasoned craftsmen. Memories from his past life told him many would rise as industry authorities.
With these masters, the Palace’s formulas, and adventurers’ endless material flow, the exchange list would grow irresistible. Alice’s impressed reactions during discussions with Norton hinted at imminent magic laboratory projects. Soon, new skills and spells might join the arsenal.
The Eagle’s Nest had once been a fragile illusion. Now, enriched by elven heritage and bolstered by Norton’s craftsmen, Mountain Wolf’s tactics, and Morning Star’s experience, it stood firm.
It couldn’t yet rival entrenched noble houses. But this engine of fresh talent and innovation? Given time, surpassing them was inevitable.
After all, the nobility only knew how to accumulate and wait, while the Eagle’s Nest transformed daily.
This gamble was undoubtedly a complete success.
"…But compared to this, the Palace’s heritage of the Elves pales in significance," Alice remarked with emotion.
"Indeed, this goes far beyond exaggeration," Fina sighed deeply – a rare occurrence.
Both girls’ gazes settled on the small sealing pouch resting on the table.
Within lay the seed from the "Branch of Yggdrasil" – the sacred Tree of Life itself.
A divine artifact.
Possessing it meant gaining the qualification to found a nation.
The trio now sat in Alice’s bedroom, protected by multiple overlapping magic arrays. Combined with existing defenses, this room stood as the most impregnable location in Eagle’s Nest, perhaps even throughout all Asreks territory.
Only in such absolute secrecy, with just the three present, did Midi dare reveal the seed and disclose their adventure’s greatest secret.
The sight of the nine-pored seed breathing rhythmically left both girls speechless.
Freshly brewed black tea steamed untouched on the table.
Silence reigned, broken only by hurried breaths and the clock’s mechanical whispers.
After an eternity, words finally pierced the quiet.
"My mind… completely blank…" Alice murmured.
"Same here…" Fina echoed faintly.
"This… feels so blissful…"
"Me too…"
The girls exchanged dazed glances before turning to Midi, their meaningless exclamations hanging in the air.
Their expressions mirrored someone struck by flying gold bricks – pure, uncomprehending shock.
Simple-minded bewilderment.
One was the Hamilton heiress who’d handled countless treasures since childhood. The other commanded five Elven tribes from her magical tree mansion filled with infinite wonders.
Yet here they sat, gaping like common treasure hunters – a sight that would amuse any observer.
Midi couldn’t laugh.
In twenty years of his past life, he’d never witnessed such expressions on Fina or Alice.
So they could look like this too.
The realization brought bitter ache.
Previously, Fina’s confidence and Alice’s frosty composure seemed unshakable. The Queen of Magic and Mist Sorceress never faltered, making him believe that was their true nature.
But through deepening bonds in this life, Midi discovered their youthful, feminine sides. Even the Hawk Brigade leadership meant little to Fina now – the red-haired girl kept urging Midi to take charge.
Their past strength wasn’t innate, but forced.
His former weakness had condemned them to bear burdens until death.
How much happiness had his foolishness stolen?
Did this reincarnated self truly deserve to protect them?
"Midi?" Fina’s voice sharpened with concern.
Alice’s icy gaze now held unmistakable worry.
"Hm?" Midi touched his face, finding dampness at his eyes.
Tears?
No explanation sufficed for such vulnerability. He stayed silent, offering an awkward smile.
The girls exchanged knowing looks.
Their sensitivity caught every shift in Midi’s demeanor, like dandelion seeds sensing breezes. Since the noble war, they’d suspected hidden truths involving them.
This carefree moment should have been relaxing, yet Midi’s strange behavior confirmed their suspicions.
But seeing his pained expression, they abandoned questions for comfort.
There would be time.
At adventure’s end, all mysteries would unravel.
