I grow stronger by making my wife happy.

Chapter 143: 143:Mission.

The reinforced doors of the premium training room slid shut behind Silver and Ravenna as they stepped back into the quiet corridor.

Both were still replaying the spar in their minds, examining every exchange and every mistake they had uncovered.

They continued toward the main lobby, where the quiet corridor gradually gave way to the familiar sounds of the Association.

Conversations echoed throughout the spacious hall. Contractors gathered around mission boards and screens, discussing rewards and danger levels while others lined up before reception counters to register completed assignments.

The atmosphere felt lively. Silver slowed as they approached the largest commission board.

"Let’s see what’s available."

Ravenna stepped beside him. The enormous screen was divided into several sections according to mission rank.

Escort Requests.

Resource Collection.

Patrol Assignments.

Investigation Requests.

Beast Extermination.

Emergency Commissions.

Missions covered nearly every available space, each displaying reward amounts, recommended contractor ranks, estimated beast activity, and expected completion times.

Silver began reading from the top.

"’Escort merchant caravan to Delta one.’"

He immediately shook his head.

"Too slow."

Ravenna continued reading another section.

"’Collect twenty Frost Lilies from the eastern wetlands.’"

She looked toward him.

"We’d spend more time searching than fighting."

Silver laughed.

"Probably."

His eyes drifted lower.

"’Assist construction crews repairing Green Zone communication towers.’"

He smiled.

"I don’t think they want me anywhere near heavy machinery."

Ravenna gave him an amused look.

"None of us are really good with heavy electronics."

"That is true. Except for communicators and trackers, I don’t think I can ever manage to repair anything... Now that makes me want to learn it."

She smiled quietly before continuing to scan the screen. Several investigation missions caught Silver’s attention. Reports of unusually aggressive beast movements, disappearances near abandoned settlements, and possible mutations requiring confirmation.

They were interesting, but each required several days to complete. He wasn’t looking for that yet, not like they had any time to spare.

Instead, he wanted practical combat experience. Something that allowed both him and Ravenna to continue refining what they had learned during their spar.

Eventually his eyes stopped on another commission.

*Rank Two Clearing Operation

Location: Green Zone Twelve

Objective: Eliminate Tier One and Tier Two beasts occupying an abandoned roadside maintenance facility.

Estimated Threat: Moderate

Recommended Contractors: Rank One (Experienced) or Rank Two

Expected Duration: One to Two Days

Reward: Beast materials retained by contractors. Association bonus upon mission completion.*

Silver read it twice before looking toward Ravenna.

"What do you think?"

She stepped closer to examine it herself.

"No reports of Tier Three beasts."

"No."

"Mostly Tier Ones with a few Tier Twos."

She remained thoughtful for a few moments.

"It suits us."

Silver nodded.

"It lets us practice without being reckless, and if something unexpected appears... We retreat."

Ravenna smiled approvingly.

"Agreed."

Neither of them had any intention of underestimating the wilderness. Strength meant knowing when not to fight.

Silver tapped the commission notice from the board before walking toward one of the reception counters after getting a small ticket from the machine just below the screen.

The receptionist accepted the ticket before checking several documents behind her terminal.

"This mission hasn’t been assigned."

She looked back up.

"Would you like to accept it?"

Silver nodded.

"Yes."

She quickly entered their contractor identification numbers.

"The mission is now registered under both of your names."

A printer quietly produced several sheets. She handed them across the counter.

"This includes a detailed map of the operation area, recent beast sightings, and emergency withdrawal procedures."

Silver accepted the documents.

"Thank you."

"The abandoned maintenance facility is approximately one hour from Delta Four by vehicle."

She pointed toward the map.

"The Green Zone roads remain mostly accessible, but several sections have deteriorated."

"We’ll be careful."

"I’m sure you will."

After wishing them good luck, the receptionist returned to assisting the next contractor. Silver folded the mission documents neatly before placing them inside his storage.

"Looks straightforward."

"For now." He smiled. "That’s usually when it stops being straightforward."

Ravenna couldn’t argue with that.

Together they left the main Association building and crossed toward the maintenance garages located beside the vehicle depot.

The familiar mechanic looked up from beneath the hood of another contractor’s truck. Recognition immediately crossed his face.

"Well, if it isn’t my favorite customers."

Silver laughed.

"I didn’t realize we ranked that highly."

"You keep me employed."

The mechanic wiped his hands on a cloth before walking toward them.

"Your car’s ready."

He gestured proudly toward the freshly repaired vehicle parked inside the garage. Silver immediately noticed the difference. The damaged glass had been replaced, the claw marks were gone, and even the cracked front bumper looked brand new.

The entire vehicle had been washed until its dark paint reflected the afternoon sunlight.

"It looks better than when I got it."

The mechanic grinned.

"I’ll pretend that’s a compliment."

Silver walked around the vehicle, carefully inspecting the repairs. The suspension sat evenly again, the wheels had been realigned, and even the reinforced undercarriage showed fresh plating where the previous damage had been repaired.

"Everything underneath has been checked," the mechanic explained. "Engine’s running smoothly."

He tapped one of the front panels.

"I also reinforced a few weak points while I had it apart."

Silver looked pleasantly surprised.

"You didn’t have to."

"I know." The mechanic shrugged. "But contractors tend to bring their vehicles back in interesting conditions. I figured it would save you another visit."

Silver smiled gratefully.

"I appreciate it."

The mechanic handed over the final invoice. Silver glanced at the amount before immediately paying it. The mechanic confirmed the transfer.

"All paid."

He tossed Silver the vehicle keys.

"Try not to introduce it to any oversized beast next time."

"I’ll do my best."

"No promises?"

Silver laughed.

"No promises."

The mechanic shook his head dramatically.

"I knew it."

As they turned to leave, Silver suddenly paused.

"...One second."

Ravenna looked at him curiously.

He quietly activated.

[Poller Trick.]

Tiny golden motes drifted together between his fingers. The mechanic blinked in surprise as delicate strands of light intertwined before slowly forming the stem of a flower.

Petals unfolded one after another. Within moments, a beautiful white rose rested in Silver’s hand.

He turned toward Ravenna.

"This one’s for you."

She accepted it carefully. For a brief moment, she simply looked at the flower, then a gentle smile appeared.

"...It’s been a while since I received the usual rose."

Silver smiled.

"I figured I should bring it back."

Her fingertips lightly brushed one of the petals.

"The blue flower was beautiful but..." She looked up. "This one feels familiar."

Silver nodded.

"I thought so too."

The mechanic quietly watched the exchange before clearing his throat with exaggerated awkwardness.

"I’m suddenly feeling very single."

Silver laughed.

"Sorry, I forgot you are here."

"Don’t apologize."

The older man waved them away dramatically.

"Go on. I’ve got work to do."

Still smiling, Silver opened the passenger door for Ravenna. She carefully placed the white rose across her lap before getting inside.

Once Silver climbed behind the wheel, he started the engine. It purred smoothly.

The mechanic folded his arms proudly.

"See? Runs perfectly."

Silver lowered the window.

"Thanks again."

"Just bring it back in one piece."

"I’ll try."

"All Contractors try but fail half the time."

Silver could only laugh before shifting into gear. The vehicle rolled smoothly out of the Association garage. Instead of heading directly toward the Sanctuary gates, they turned back toward the hotel.