Free Web NovelChapter 28: 28 | Meeting Rachael!
Rachel looked up from her tablet. "The processed value of the beast carcasses amounts to approximately... sixty thousand dollars. That is the maximum compensation we were able to extract from the remains."
Dexter thought for a moment, doing quick mental calculations. It was a significant sum and with his system he could double it.
But he wanted more.
Then he shook his head. "I’ll take half the money."
Rachel frowned, clearly not expecting that response. "And the other half?"
Dexter smiled, a plan already forming in his mind. "I want the half of the monster nexus core given to me."
Rachel immediately shook her head, her expression apologetic but firm. "That won’t be possible."
Dexter blinked, not understanding the refusal. "Why?"
Rachel explained calmly, her tone suggesting this was a common misconception she had to address regularly. "Nexus cores can only be issued to registered heroes. You’re currently unlicensed. If you want access to resources... you’ll need to officially register with the Hero Association first."
Dexter slowly nodded, processing this information.
"I see." Then he smiled,
"Well... looks like I’ll have to become a licensed hero then."
Rachel smiled back, the expression transforming her face from attractive to genuinely beautiful. "I figured you’d say that."
Then her expression shifted, becoming more personal. "From what I’ve heard... you killed beasts two levels above your rank during the outbreak." She leaned slightly closer, her vanilla-jasmine scent washing over him again. "With feats like that... passing the Hero Association exam shouldn’t be difficult for you."
Dexter smiled awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable with the praise. "Thanks."
For a brief second— neither spoke.
"Well then, I will be leaving."
Then suddenly, Rachel stood up and before Dexter could react— she stepped forward. And hugged him.
Dexter froze, his body going rigid with surprise before instinct took over and he used one hand to hug her back.
Rachel slowly pulled away, and when she did, a strange smile had formed on her lips.
She lightly licked her lower lip.
Then she said softly. "I’ll be seeing you very soon."
With that, she turned around and left.
Dexter stared at the closed door for several seconds, then shook his head and chuckled.
Then he turned around.
The moment he did— Mira had opened her eyes. And was glaring directly at him.
"So..." She said slowly, each word measured and precise. "That’s who you’ve been going out to see these past two days."
Dexter stared at her blankly. Then sighed. "She’s not. And I already have the three of you to deal with. Why would I want another woman added into the mix?"
Mira narrowed her eyes, her glare intensifying. "Oh? So now we’re burdens?"
Dexter immediately groaned, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "There you go twisting my words again. You know that’s not what I meant."
Mira simply snorted.
Dexter shook his head helplessly, then looked at all three girls, taking in their varied expressions. "Do any of you need anything? Food? Room service?"
Lyra immediately nodded. Mira remained silent, still pouting.
Selene said nothing, but judging by her expression— she was clearly still annoyed, though whether at him or at Rachel or at the situation in general was impossible to tell.
Dexter sighed, the sound carrying an acceptance of his role in this strange domestic dynamic they had developed. "Fine. I’ll order food."
While waiting for room service, he suddenly remembered the herbs he had obtained from the system.
The Star-Shaped Leaf and Icy Lotus Leaf. A thought crossed his mind.
Quietly, so as not to attract attention, accepted the rears and they appeared in his hands as if materializing from thin air, their presence somehow feeling both natural and otherworldly.
The Star-Shaped Leaf lived up to its name, its five points arranged in a perfect star pattern, each point tipped with a faint luminescence that seemed to pulse gently.
The Icy Lotus Leaf was its opposite in appearance, a deep blue-green color that seemed to radiate cold even without direct contact.
Walking toward the kitchen area— he carefully prepared tea using both ingredients, following instincts of a Master Chef.
A soothing aroma slowly began spreading through the room, It was unlike any tea Dexter had ever encountered, carrying with it a sense of calm that seemed to seep directly into the bones.
Minutes later— Dexter returned carrying three cups, each one steam rising in delicate spirals. Placing them on trays, he handed one to each girl.
Mira frowned suspiciously, eyeing the cup as if it might contain poison. "What kind of tea is this?"
Dexter simply crossed his arms, not rising to her suspicion. "Just drink it."
Mira clicked her tongue, the sound sharp with irritation. She still felt annoyed after seeing Rachel earlier, the woman’s obvious familiarity with Dexter stirring feelings she didn’t want to examine too closely. So naturally— she wanted to refuse, out of pure spite.
But then— the aroma reached her nose.
A strange sensation immediately spread through her body. Warm. Refreshing. Like sunlight breaking through clouds on a winter day, or the first breath of spring air after months of cold.
Even before drinking it, she felt her entire body becoming lighter, the constant background ache that had become so familiar she had almost stopped noticing it beginning to fade.
Her eyes widened slightly,
’What... is this?’
---
Mira opened her mouth and Dexter poured the entire tea in her mouth.
As it hit her throat, her expression changed instantly.
A strange sensation immediately spread through her body.
Warm. Refreshing.
Even before drinking it, she felt her entire body becoming lighter.
Her eyes widened slightly.
’What... is this?’
The moment Dexter brought the tea to her lips and she took the first sip—
Her lips quivered.
She could feel mana moving brought her body.
Not just moving—
It was flowing through her body far more smoothly than usual.
Even more shocking, it wasn’t painful and she could feel her damaged meridians being nourished.
Tiny strands of energy were gently repairing the broken channels inside her body.
Her breathing immediately grew heavier.
She looked at Dexter then and the teacup he was holding, clearly stunned beyond words.
[A/N: 26 more powerstones to mass release!]
[This extra one is a teaser!]
