SSS Awakening: I Can Create Skills By Will-Chapter 81: First Rewards

Arthur glanced toward Commander Lyra.

Her expression changed subtly as she listened. It was not shock, but a quiet seriousness settled in her eyes. She understood the implications immediately.

The gold squad leader did not elaborate further, and the commander did not ask publicly. Some matters clearly remained hidden from ordinary explorers.

Lyra nodded once more.

"Thank you for your work."

The gold squad stepped back and withdrew.

The atmosphere remained heavy for a moment, then the commander turned toward the gathered explorers.

"We return to the stronghold."

No long speech.

Just a clear command.

The efficiency of her command impressed the new explorers once again. Orders were simple, yet everything moved smoothly because of them.

As the group prepared to move, Arthur studied her quietly.

He had watched her since she took charge of the mission. She was strict, direct, and unyielding, yet her actions always focused on protecting her people.

She trusted her captains.

She acted quickly in danger and took responsibility without hesitation.

The rumors about her were not exaggerated.

Around him, the new explorers whispered similar thoughts.

"She really cares about the division."

"No wonder they follow her like that."

"I would risk my life under a commander like her."

Even the experienced bronze squad members showed respect in their eyes.

Ryn walked nearby, speaking briefly with other squad leaders while guiding the formation. His calm presence alone reassured the group.

Arthur watched him and then looked back at Lyra.

Strong leaders.

Reliable comrades.

A system where strength and trust worked together.

This world was harsh, yet it had something he respected deeply.

The march toward the stronghold began.

The formation moved steadily across the path, the tension of the dungeon slowly fading behind them. The new explorers walked with tired bodies but lighter hearts. They had survived their first true mission.

Some discussed their mistakes, others joked about their fear.

Some walked in silence, lost in thought.

Arthur walked at the edge of the formation.

He listened to the conversations around him, yet his mind remained focused on something else.

Growth.

Strength.

Possibility.

He replayed the battles in his mind, analyzing every movement and decision. He remembered the flow of his intent, the feeling of control, the thrill of combat.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"This is just the beginning," he murmured quietly to himself.

He wanted more.

More battles, more challenges. And more chances to rise. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Ahead of him, Commander Lyra led the group with steady steps, and behind her followed explorers who had chosen a dangerous path toward power.

And among them walked Arthur, a quiet storm of ambition, already preparing for the next climb.

The road back to the stronghold was quiet.

After everything that had happened inside the dungeon, the calm almost felt strange. No monsters, no tension, no sudden danger. Just the steady sound of footsteps and tired breathing as the explorers walked together.

Within a few minutes, the stronghold walls came into view.

A wave of relief spread through the group.

Some of the new explorers let out long breaths, others stretched their sore bodies, while a few simply stared at the massive structure like they had just returned from war. The heavy gates stood open, welcoming them back into safety.

As they entered, the different squads began to split off naturally.

The silver squad moved toward their own quarters, already discussing reports and follow up duties. The few gold squad members disappeared even faster, their presence quiet yet commanding. The experienced bronze members also drifted away toward training grounds and other responsibilities.

But the new explorers had only one destination.

The Guild hall.

It was time to conclude what could truly be called their first mission.

Ryn gathered them with a simple gesture and led the way. His pace was relaxed, yet everyone followed without hesitation.

"You did well surviving," he said as they walked. "Now finish the process properly. Rewards are part of the job too."

His tone was calm, almost casual, yet it carried weight. To him, completing the mission meant more than fighting. It meant discipline from beginning to end.

They soon arrived at the exchange center.

The hall was lively, filled with explorers coming and going, trading monster parts, submitting reports, and collecting payments. The air smelled faintly of metal and parchment, mixed with the low hum of constant conversation.

Ryn directed the new explorers toward the reception counter.

"Line up and submit your loot one by one," he instructed. "Follow the process."

The group formed an orderly line.

Arthur joined them quietly.

As they stood waiting, different emotions filled the air. Some were excited, some nervous, some restless. It had been a successful first mission, and now they were finally getting paid.

The thought alone made their hearts beat faster.

Their earnings depended on what they had collected, but none of them truly understood the value of monster materials. They could only hope that the twenty percent share would be worth something.

"Do you think it’ll be enough?" one whispered.

"I just hope it’s not disappointing," another replied.

Arthur listened but said nothing.

From his own calculations, he was confident. The share he would receive should be well above fifty yen. His previous exchange had already given him an idea of the value of cores, and this time he had far more.

The skeleton knight alone had raised his last reward greatly.

And this time, he had something just as good.

Mutated cores.

And the hobgoblin cores and parts.

A small smile appeared on his lips as he waited.

The process began.

The first explorer stepped forward, placing his collected materials on the counter. The receptionist handled everything with swift precision. She examined each item, recorded the details, calculated the value, and then announced the total.

After deducting the required portion, she handed over the explorer’s share in a small money pouch.

Her movements were smooth and efficient.

Then the next person stepped forward.

And then the next.

A / N: Please Encourage Me, Magic castle isn’t too small🥹