But instead of exploring this settlement for now, Neil returned straight into his domain, because he still did not trust Randy completely.

Even if the man had helped him and acted friendly so far, Neil knew that powerful people often hid their true intentions well.

One of the officers personally helped him move the domain inside and keep it at some distance from the other domains present there. They had all received direct instructions from the warden of the settlement himself, which naturally made many of them wonder just who this newcomer truly was.

Though despite their curiosity, none of them dared to probe further.

It was already nearing the evening by then. Neil had fully recovered to his peak state and was seated near the campfire, discussing several matters with Ileana, Leon, Bob and the others.

Just then, he noticed someone walking close to the domain.

"Hello, I have been sent here by the warden to deliver something to you." The officer spoke respectfully, though he was secretly surprised to sense so many presences inside a mere 2nd Order domain.

The walls were high, so without deliberately trying to look inside, he could not see much. The officer also did not wish to appear rude by peeking in unnecessarily.

Neil remained seated near the now extinguished campfire and simply gestured toward Leon.

Leon understood immediately, walked over and received the package.

It was even wrapped carefully in decorative paper and had something written neatly on top.

Neil took it from Leon and read the words slowly.

"A welcome gift. Be ready, we will be leaving for the special event early morning tomorrow."

With a slight frown, he opened the wrap, though not before first sensing carefully whether it contained anything dangerous.

After confirming nothing was wrong, he tore it open.

Inside were three gene potions, and all of them were 4th Origin Gold Class.

These were clearly from the creatures that Randy had killed earlier.

Taking these three into account, Neil now possessed five Gold Class gene potions and one Silver Class gene potion of the 4th Origin.

He would hold onto them for now and use them only after evolving himself.

After putting the potions away safely, Neil resumed discussing several matters with the others, such as the safety of the domain once he left the next day.

He also wondered whether he could even leave his domain here safely.

But then another thought emerged.

Would Randy not simply kill him if he truly wanted to? Why would a man that strong go through all this unnecessary drama?

Randy’s strength was so absurdly high that he could likely kill Neil instantly if he wished, so there seemed little reason for elaborate schemes.

’But what if he knows killing me is useless? What if he is aware of the Analyzer skill somehow?’ Neil rubbed his forehead lightly, wondering if he had become too paranoid lately.

Still, he had to consider every possibility.

In any case, he could only play along for now and wait to see what Randy actually planned.

Increasing his own strength remained the true priority.

Cynthia would be there tomorrow during the event, and that was the only thing keeping him relatively calm.

Maybe he could leave with her afterward, though bringing the domain along would be difficult.

Not only because of the distance, but would the humans even allow him to simply walk away with everything?

’Right, I also need to get my hands on that treasure to increase my life. Tomorrow is the day.’ He thought to himself, the true day of heist.

While thinking over all these matters, Neil absentmindedly caressed Magnar’s head, who was asleep beside him as usual and did not react at all.

"Lord, it is time for dinner." Fay meekly interrupted. The meeting had become so serious that everyone had forgotten how late it already was.

"Oh right, you can bring the food, thanks." Neil nodded while putting aside his worries for the moment.

"Do not worry lord, you can just go peacefully tomorrow. I have recently invented a better version of that bell. Even a slight sense of danger can be detected in advance and you will be notified instantly." Mob spoke proudly before quickly explaining further.

"In advance?!" Neil exclaimed in surprise. Though the difference would likely be no more than a second or two, it was still an excellent treasure in dangerous situations.

After hearing more details, Neil nodded with approval.

"Sure, do it and take however many Shards you need. If possible, try to complete it by tonight itself."

Mob instantly looked fired up after receiving approval.

"Leave it to me, lord."

Then Ileana, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke with clear worry in her voice.

"Hubby, will you truly be okay there though? Won’t there be many 5th Origin lords present?" She asked softly, because in the end, she was worried about him more than anything else.

Neil looked at Ileana after hearing her worried question, and the concern in her eyes remained so sincere that even the many calculations inside his mind slowed down for a brief moment.

She had always been gentle in the way she cared for him, never loud with her feelings, never dramatic with her concern, yet somehow it always reached him more deeply than noisy words from others ever could.

"There will definitely be many 5th Origin lords there tomorrow, and perhaps several people stronger than that as well, but they are not gathering there simply to target me personally." Neil replied in a calm tone while gently smoothing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ileana lowered her gaze slightly after feeling his touch, though the worry did not leave her beautiful expression.

"I know hubby is strong and thoughtful, but places where many powerful people gather are often dangerous without reason, and I cannot feel calm hearing about such things." She replied softly while moving a little closer beside him.

"That is true, but if I avoid every dangerous place forever, then I would remain weak forever as well." Neil answered while resting one arm around her waist.

She gently nodded because she knew those words were correct, yet accepting logic never erased emotion completely.

"Then please just be careful there tomorrow, because this wife only wishes for hubby to return safely." She said while placing one hand over his.

Neil smiled faintly after hearing that answer and squeezed her hand lightly.

"I will return, so stop making that face already." He replied.

She looked slightly confused for a moment before speaking again.

"What face is hubby talking about exactly?" She asked honestly.

"The face of a wife who already imagines herself waiting sadly by the door." Neil replied with a small grin.

Ileana’s cheeks warmed immediately after hearing those shameless words.

"Haha I would never imagine such a thing, I know you always will return to me." She answered quickly.

"Good, because I forbid such thoughts from entering your mind." Neil replied casually.

Leon looked away at once while Bob openly laughed nearby, because they had no wish to become involved in another strange exchange between husband and wife.

Dinner soon arrived after that, because Fay and several others carried trays of food toward the campfire area where everyone was still gathered. The smell spread quickly through the domain and made even Magnar wake from sleep before running toward the trays with sudden enthusiasm.

"You useless beast only wakes when food appears before you." Neil muttered while grabbing Magnar by the neck and dragging him backward.

The meal was much better than expected considering recent movement and uncertainty. There was roasted meat from hunted creatures, thick vegetable stew, warm bread, grilled roots with spices, and even a sweet dish Fay had somehow created from stored ingredients.

Neil looked at Fay with slight surprise after seeing the spread.

"You managed all this from what we had left?" He asked.

Fay lowered her head shyly and nodded once.

"Lord is leaving tomorrow, so everyone should eat properly tonight." She replied quietly.

Neil gave a small approving nod after hearing that.

"You did well preparing everything tonight, again." He said simply.

Her face reddened immediately, and she hurried away before anyone nearby could tease her further.

Dinner continued while they discussed practical matters regarding the next day. Neil instructed Leon to remain alert inside the domain, Bob to avoid causing trouble unless truly necessary, and Mob to complete the improved warning bell no matter how late he had to remain awake.

Mob accepted that order like a priest receiving sacred purpose.

"I shall not fail lord after receiving this mission." He declared proudly.

"You usually fail several times before succeeding anyway." Leon replied dryly.

"That process is called experimentation and genius." Mob answered without shame.

The meal ended gradually, and most people returned to their duties or resting places afterward. The domain became quieter with each passing minute, while the distant sounds of the settlement outside hummed faintly beyond the walls.

Neil remained seated for a short while, still considering tomorrow’s possibilities, but Ileana had not moved from beside him during that time.

When he finally stood, she rose at once as well.

"Come with me, Eli." He said while walking toward the core building.

She followed without asking any unnecessary questions and stayed close behind him the entire way.

Inside their bedroom, the atmosphere changed immediately into warmth and privacy. A crystal lamp near the wall filled the chamber with gentle golden light, while the bed looked inviting after the long and tiring day.

Neil turned after closing the door and found Ileana standing quietly near the bedside, hands folded before her in that graceful manner she often carried whenever they were alone together.

❖❖❖

Thanks for reading...