CHAPTER 21: UNCHECKED REWARDS

Lucius leaned back against the cushioned headrest of his bed, the glow of his screen bouncing off his face.

His fingers hovered as he watched the little notification bubble pulse.

Vanessa was typing...

He allowed himself a small smile.

She was always the kind of woman who didn’t waste words.

She was mature and had weird taste but she knew how to put Business first, that was what was expected of a GUILD master of her caliber.

That was part of her charm after all.

Although it was also the reason Grimmaw had never risen as high as it could have.

Vanessa wasn’t someone who cared for advertisements or flashy self-promotion.

She believed in strength, discipline, and results.

That kind of virtue earned her respect, but in a world ruled by algorithms, rankings, and political maneuvers, it left her guild trailing behind.

In the original timeline, she never got the chance to change that.

Grimmaw only found success once Emilia von Eldhart — the prodigy and her younger sister joined the main cast and took over.

By then, Vanessa was already gone.

A raid had taken her life, leaving Emilia to carry Grimmaw into prominence.

Lucius clenched his fist.

Why waste all that potential again?

Grimmaw was very essential for his growth right now, especially with Emilia’s bloodline ability, she had it, Vanessa should have it as well.

The screen blinked with the final line of her message.

[GrimmawGUILDOfficial🔹]

[Well, I have to admit this is a pleasant surprise. I tried to get in contact with you twice today but they were fakes. I am pleased to hear that we share the same views on how Awakened are supposed to be and I’d like to say, if you are the one who requested, who am I to refuse?

While I will not be able to give you the allowances other top GUILDS can provide, I can provide you with personal guidance and resources within my power. Will you come to Northcrest to verify this, or shall I come to Aurelion?]

Lucius grinned faintly.

It was direct and professional although he’d love to see her face.

The kind of response that revealed her personality more than any introduction could.

She hadn’t changed one bit.

[LuciusHohenbergOfficial🔹: I’d prefer anyone you pick.]

Her typing bubble flickered back almost immediately.

[GrimmawGUILDOfficial🔹: I’d prefer Northcrest then. While I do want to visit Aurelion, I can give you a tour of Northcrest.]

[LuciusHohenbergOfficial🔹: That’s fine. Let’s do that the day after tomorrow. I have some arrangements tomorrow.]

The conversation ended with that.

Lucius closed the window and exhaled. "That’s done."

His eyes drifted to another tab. "Now... Luna."

The corner of his lips curved.

He’d nearly forgotten about her after his conversation with Vanessa.

Opening her profile, he noticed she had just uploaded a new post.

"Hmm?" He tapped it open.

Onscreen were two dresses neatly displayed across her bed: one sleek black, the other deep purple.

The lighting was soft, the fabric shimmering in a way that suggested they weren’t ordinary materials.

Each dress must have cost a fortune, but THEIR stream audience had been generous.

Lucius tilted his head.

Both were gorgeous. But the black — ah, the black would suit her far better.

Its design clung tighter, accentuating a slender figure, with flowing sleeves that balanced elegance with allure.

The purple was eye-catching, with silver-threaded embroidery running down its sides, but it was almost too regal, as though she were preparing for a coronation rather than a date.

Lucius smirked.

’Yeah, black wins.’

He screenshotted the post and slid into her DMs.

[@LuciusHohenbergOfficial🔹: I’d honestly prefer black.]

[Photo attached.]

The response was instant, his screen flashing with a notification before he even locked it.

[@Luna006: Yeah, I liked that one better as well. Do you think this is good for our date?]

Attached was a picture.

Lucius whistled. "Well damn."

Her hair was styled in a blend of braids and free-flowing strands — an elegant mix.

Two thin braids framed her cheeks before being tucked neatly behind her ears, while the rest cascaded smooth and straight down her back, glowing like spun silver beneath her room’s lamplight.

She wasn’t even in the dress yet, just a simple blouse, but the care in her hair said everything.

He replied without hesitation.

[@LuciusHohenbergOfficial🔹: I like it. Looks good on you.]

And then... nothing.

No typing bubble, She didn’t even bother to reply.

Lucius frowned lightly.

’Did I say something wrong?’

On the other side of the screen, however,

Luna was covering her face with both hands, kicking her legs wildly against her bed sheets, red creeping up her neck to the tips of her ears.

"’Looks good on you?!’ AHHH!" she squealed into her pillow.

She wanted to scream louder, but she restrained herself.

If her new followers saw her like this...

If they saw her like this, her composed image would shatter instantly.

Lucius tossed his device aside and stretched.

"Well, if she doesn’t want to continue, fine. Time for the important part."

His gaze hardened. "It’s been a while since I checked the system."

He straightened, summoning the familiar command.

[The System has been unmuted.]

A wall of notifications slammed into him, flooding his vision like a tidal wave of blue panels.

[Quest completed: Survive the Awakening Ceremony.]

[Reward: 30 Stat points.]

[Hidden Condition Cleared: Make your Ex-Fiancée uneasy.]

[Reward: Spatial Awareness (LV.1)]

[Achievement Unlocked: ’The Child of Space.’]

[Side Quest Completed: Gain Public Attention.]

[Reward: Peak Grade Talent Enhancing Crystal]

More and more piled in, a backlog of tasks he hadn’t realized he’d triggered since the last time he checked the System.

Lucius’ breath quickened, his grin splitting wider with each new line.

"Ohhh... so that’s why things felt off. It was muted this whole time. And all these rewards..."

His fingers twitched. The temptation to open them all at once was overwhelming.

"This... this is insane." He laughed, a sharp, breathless sound, eyes shining with greed and excitement. "Let’s see what you’ve been keeping from me, System."

[Author’s Note]

Phew I delayed the 2nd Chapter I promised, I apologize. Well I’m grateful that you all are enjoying this book, it’s a new week so time to grind.

50 Power stones for 3 Chapters hehe.