Chapter 14: Quiet After the Storm
Xavier and Serena returned to the apartment well past sunset, exhaustion clinging to both of them like a second skin.
After leaving the dungeon, they reopened Magical Delivery LLC for another five hours. Orders came in steadily—food runs, late-night meals, normal people doing normal things. Thankfully, no dungeon calls came through.
Xavier welcomed that.
As soon as the door shut behind them, Serena dropped onto the couch with a dramatic sigh.
"We should have just closed the business and come home," she said, puffing out her cheeks.
Xavier kicked off his shoes. "At least you work somewhere with air conditioning. I'm the one climbing stairs all day."
"So what?" Serena shot back. "I keep the business running with the food I cook."
Xavier raised his hands. "Alright, breadwinner. You can start making deliveries tomorrow."
She narrowed her eyes.
Smoothly changing the subject, Serena asked, "What are you cooking for dinner?"
"Don't dodge it, Your Highness," Xavier said dryly. "We commoners only have regular food."
"Mock me again and I'll leave and find something else to give my love to."
The words hung in the air.
Xavier froze and locked eyes with her.
Serena's face went pale—then bright red.
"I—no! Not love!" she snapped quickly. "Tolerance. I tolerate you."
"Sure," Xavier replied with a teasing smile. "No need to explain yourself."
Serena turned away sharply. "Have my dinner ready soon. I'm taking a shower."
She stormed off, the bathroom door slamming behind her.
Xavier chuckled softly.
"So… pasta sounds good."
He moved through the kitchen efficiently, preparing ingredients out of habit. Ten minutes later, everything was ready. He set the pan on the stove and sat at the small kitchen table while it cooked.
With nothing else to do, Xavier opened the system.
Three unread notifications blinked before him.
[Hidden Mission Complete]
First Dungeon Dive
Reward: D-Rank Weapon Ticket
[Hidden Mission Complete]
First Dungeon Delivery
Reward: Stat Multiplier (Level 1)
[Hidden Achievement Unlocked]
Wall of Achievement
"Hidden missions?" Xavier muttered.
Curious, he mentally selected Wall of Achievement.
Information flooded his mind.
The Wall of Achievement recorded every major accomplishment the host achieved. The more milestones reached, the greater the rewards—skills, unique weapons, rare bonuses, and more.
"…So it's like employee of the month," Xavier said, "but actually useful."
He moved on to the next reward.
Stat Multiplier (Level 1):
Multiplies all stats by 2 for 30 minutes.
Xavier leaned back in his chair.
"With Engine Sync and this…" he murmured, "my stats could break a hundred."
That thought alone sent a thrill through him.
But dinner came first.
Pulling out the D-Rank Weapon Ticket, Xavier hesitated.
"Weapon or skill first…?"
He shrugged and tore the ticket.
Light exploded across the room.
[Ding!]
[D-Rank Weapon Acquired]
Exhaust — Single-Edged High-Speed Saber (Engine Saber)
A jet-engine-inspired blade built for momentum and sustained motion.
Designed for long, arcing slashes.
Naturally supports RPM buildup through continuous swings.
Reduced wrist strain compared to thrust-based weapons.
Heat conducts efficiently from guard to tip.
Overdrive Capability:
At maximum RPM, it releases a compressed flame-wind crescent.
Stat Synergy:
Speed
Strength (cutting force scales with momentum)
Information flooded Xavier's mind, but he pushed it aside and reached for the rings instead.
The moment he slipped one onto his finger—
[Ding!]
[D-Ranked Wind Spell Acquired: Turbine Breathing]
Breathing rhythm synchronizes with airflow.
Increases oxygen intake and circulation.
Each sword swing draws air like a turbine, reinforcing the body slightly.
Xavier exhaled slowly.
"…Tomorrow," he said, glancing at the stove. "I'll dig into all this tomorrow."
He finished cooking just as Serena returned, hair damp and wrapped in a towel.
They ate quietly, exhaustion smoothing over any lingering tension.
Afterward, they washed the dishes together.
Later, Xavier headed toward his bed.
"What are you doing?" Serena asked flatly.
"It's my bed," he replied. "I'm sleeping on it—with you."
She huffed. "Don't touch me. Sleep on the edge."
"Fair," Xavier said, already lying down.
As the lights went out, the city outside buzzed on—unaware.
Far away, in quiet rooms filled with screens and data—
"They're calling it Magical Delivery LLC, sir."
"Threat or anomaly?"
"Too early to say. We're monitoring."
"Good," the voice replied. "And if they become a problem…"
The words were left unfinished.
But their meaning was clear.
And as Xavier slept, unaware of the eyes turning toward him—
The game truly began.