After the joyful celebration, Levi gathered all of the gifts the Godmother had given him, including the money, the artifacts, and the beautiful golden chest his father had left behind.
He told no one about the inheritance.
Not even the twins.
For now, he kept everything hidden, holding those precious gifts close to his heart.
Meanwhile, Carter reunited with the group at one of the many safe resting spots travelers used while journeying between the districts.
When he saw everyone, he couldn’t wait to share his good news.
Instead…
They were still talking excitedly about Levi’s birthday.
Joshua walked over with a wide grin.
“Man, you should’ve been there.”
“The Godmother threw Levi a birthday celebration.”
“There was so much food, dancing, and we even got to stay at the inn.”
Carter forced a smile.
“Really?”
Everyone nodded excitedly as they continued talking over one another, laughing as they remembered the celebration.
But Carter barely heard any of it.
His chest tightened.
While he had been swallowing his pride…
Begging the woman he hated most…
Everyone else had been celebrating.
His fingers slowly tightened around the red identification booklet hidden inside his jacket until it crumpled in his hand.
A small seed of resentment quietly took root inside his heart.
Levi noticed Carter’s expression.
The smile on his face faded.
“Where did you go?”
Carter quickly composed himself.
“I went to visit an old friend.”
“I wanted to see if they could help me get an identification card.”
No one expected what Carter said next.
“I got one.”
Immediately, everyone’s attention shifted toward him.
Exactly what Carter wanted.
He slowly pulled the red booklet from his pocket, smoothed out the wrinkles, and proudly held it up.
Cheers erupted throughout the forest.
He passed the booklet around while everyone admired it.
Most of the group could barely read.
To them, it was simply proof that Carter had succeeded.
Only Levi, the twins, and Carter himself understood what was actually written inside.
Levi’s smile disappeared.
His eyes briefly stopped on Carter’s noble title before he quietly handed the booklet back.
He said nothing.
They exchanged uneasy glances but chose to remain silent.
This wasn’t the time.
The others were too happy.
Without wasting another moment, the group hurried back to the elderly woman waiting near the edge of the forest.
She stood exactly where they had left her.
Hands resting on her cane.
Perfect posture.
Almost as if she hadn’t moved at all.
When she saw them approaching, she smiled politely.
“Would you like to buy my land?”
“I’ll sell it to you for a very reasonable price.”
Carter stepped forward confidently.
“Yes.”
He handed her the identification booklet along with the credits.
The elderly woman accepted both.
Almost instantly, a familiar blue screen appeared before Carter’s eyes.
Congratulations.
The first territory has been successfully acquired for the Vanguard.
The once-black puzzle piece on his map lit up with color.
For the first time, he could clearly see the land he now owned.
At the same time…
Another black puzzle piece became visible.
Location: District Three.
Their next destination.
A second notification appeared.
Mission Complete
Rewards Received
Along with experience points, Carter received several rare crafting materials used to forge powerful weapons.
He smiled proudly.
The Vanguard was slowly beginning to reveal itself.
While everyone else celebrated and began walking back toward the truck…
Levi remained behind.
The elderly woman was staring at him again.
The same strange look she had given him before.
Curious.
Almost nostalgic.
Levi finally asked the question that had been bothering him.
“Why do you keep staring at me?”
The woman didn’t answer.
Several long moments passed.
Levi sighed.
“…Never mind.” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
He turned and began walking away.
“Levi.”
The calm voice stopped him instantly.
His entire body froze.
Slowly…
He turned around.
His heart pounded.
No one…
Not once…
Had spoken his name while standing before the woman.
“How do you know my name?”
“I never told you.”
The elderly woman blinked.
Then smiled sheepishly.
“Oh…”
“I suppose you didn’t.”
“That was a little slip.”
Levi remained cautious.
“You don’t need to be afraid.”
“I have no intention of hurting you.”
“I’m simply curious.”
“About what?”
She smiled warmly.
“About you.”
Levi frowned.
“Why me?”
“Because…”
“You remind me of someone.”
“A man who loved telling stories.”
“He would spend hours talking about his adventures.”
Her smile became almost nostalgic.
“He was… very entertaining.”
She leaned slightly on her cane.
“So…”
“Would you tell me your story?”
“In return…”
“I’ll answer any question you have.”
“Anything within my power.”
“Even questions about the Vanguard.”