"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"

This time, similar to Russell Moon's experience during his birthday last October, it was now Freya Moon's turn to celebrate as the present day hit her birthdate, which was December 21, and was also just ten days away from the end of the year 2062 and welcoming the year 2063 of the Star Era.

But unlike Russell's birthday, this time, Amelie Rose Merveil and Amery Blight attended in their home in South Obelisk City. Ken Raven, on the other hand, didn't attend Freya's simple celebration even though the house that Russell had given to them was just a few blocks away from Moon's residence — it's all because he was embarrassed in front of Russell's family, which was one of Ken's sides that they didn't expect him to have.

"Thank you, Mom... Dad..."

With a group hug from her family, Freya spoke of her gratification.

"Sigh... I should be the one thanking you for being safe because of the terror attack that happened more than a week ago."

It was Melina Moon's words. She was worried when the sudden attack happened, but they had quickly informed their parents that they were safe at that time, but Melina just couldn't help to speak about such dangerous circumstances again.

"Don't worry, Mom. Oppa is always there for me."

With her words, Arche Moon glanced at his son with a proud smile on his face. Russell then nodded with the same genuine smile, causing Amelie and Amery to look at him as various thoughts surfaced in their minds.

"Alright. Amelie, Amery, join us for dinner."

Melina invited the two of them, which they gladly obliged. Though Russell and Freya's mother's face was painted with an expression that would take "No" for an answer.

"Thank you for the food-!"

With that, they enjoyed Freya's birthday in a simple, yet meaningful way.

***

After some time, the minor celebration ended and the bluish moon in the sky reached its peak, causing its moonlight to spread throughout the continent, along with the serenity that seemed to embody it.

On the roof of their home, where Russell was when he experienced his first vision that showed him what had happened inside the Oldest Root of Yggdrasil and seeing for the first time the numerous, ancient peculiar coffins that were still mysteries to this day, Russell, Freya, and the other two were sitting as though they were having an after-party for Freya.

"I have something to tell you. Consider this as part of my gift for you tonight."

Russell's words, as he looked at his beautiful younger sister, caused the three of them to look at him, waiting for his next words.

"But first, let's call Ken here."

After that, Ken arrived quickly since their new home was close by.

As they formed a circle, with some snacks in the middle, as well as some drinks, which weren't alcoholic in respect to Freya's birthday, Russell fell into deep thought.

'...We've grown this much in quite a short amount of time, but this isn't enough for us, especially when the Black Veil is destroyed...'

At this moment, with the help of the increase in Growth Rate after successfully conquering the Tower of Growth, their ranks had gone up in a short amount of time due to the fact that they had access, with Russell's help, to numerous Chaos Dungeons that would certainly be coveted if it became known in the world.

Russell Moon was now in C- Rank; Freya Moon was now in D+ Rank, which was also the rank of both Amelie Rose Merveil, as well as Amery Blight, while Ken Raven was in D+ Rank.

With Russell's rank, and with the nerfed Chaos-related Skill: Cull and Cut, the multiplier stats effect would be rendered useless since it was capped at only 999.

'Also, it's only a matter of time before ordinary players discover the existence of Micro-Strayed Dungeons.'

When Russell and his Chaos Companions had sold the rights for it, the Obelisk Organization, especially the branch where Emmanuel Lyncoster was the one leading, had been excellent in finding numerous Micro-Strayed Dungeons, but they wouldn't make any plans of exposing it to the public since they could capitalize it by themselves.

'Well, I guess new items will be on the market soon enough.'

Russell thought before he spoke to every one of them.

"To begin with, I'd like to know if you are satisfied with the strength you have now."

His tone was something that resembled loftiness as though at this moment, he was viewing them as students to be taught a lesson similar to disciples or apostles of martial artists and the church.

They shook their heads without even pondering for some time. Their minds were occupied by what had transpired in Alastor's capital.

Although Amery was alone in the Chaos Training Grounds at that time, she was informed of what had transpired so she was an exception when it came to the reason why she considered herself as not strong enough.

"Alright. I'm glad that every one of you doesn't think that way, so I'll be frank.

"We won't survive the next few months when we stay at our current strength.

"I can't tell you the reason for now, but I want the four of you to trust me, especially you... Ken. I know you're doubting or becoming confused as to why I seem to know unusual circumstances, but I apologize because it's not time yet for you to know.

"But I want to assure you that whatever I'm doing, whether openly or discreetly, is for the sake of everyone important to me."

Russell said in a serious manner. It was unusual for Amelie's perspective since she had known him to be truly introverted and had barely spoken even to people he was close with.

"Alright. I trust you. And sorry for having doubts, especially when you're one of the reasons why my parents survived the Mana Poisoning."

Ken replied apologetically for being short-sighted.

"There's nothing to apologize for. Since this world is something where the meaning of normal is ambiguous or rather cannot be defined anymore, just be prepared your body and mind because you'll probably see something more bizarre circumstances."

Russell spoke in the same manner, referring not only to Ken but also to the others.

"..."

Freya, Amelie, and Amery were just listening, perhaps having their own flood of thoughts within their minds.

"Alright then, let's go with something you all need to learn."

With his words, Russell proceeded to explain to them the existence of Inherent Powers.

***

"...I-is such a thing really exist? I mean— is it possible to have something that's not recorded in the Status Window?"

Amelie's mouth trembled in excitement. Freya and Amery looked at Russell in disbelief, but with anticipation of the potential of Inherent Powers, while Ken glanced at him with a mix of admiration and confusion that just couldn't easily leave his mind.

"Yes. Inherent Powers are either Passive or Active Skills that can be acquired by utilizing the preferred skills and meeting various conditions, mostly environmental in nature.

"For you to understand more..."

Russell Moon then took out the mysterious Egg from his Dimensional Inventory.

'Thanks to that, there's another blessing for us.'

When the Egg reached the 17% hatch rate when the Administrator of the Tower of Growth has given Russell the book titled Bestiary of the Chaos Dungeons, he also received a blessing, which for some mysterious reason, was delayed.

But this blessing was not similar to the one that allowed him to combine the two mysterious weapons, rather, it was the blessing of getting pieces of advice, just like when Russell shared the bites of Fruit of Chaos with three of them before.

"W-what's that?"

Ken was taken aback for a moment because the mysterious Egg, which size was the same as an ostrich's egg, was floating beside Russell, and seemed to be looking at him.

"...Hmm... It's your first time seeing it, right? Well, let's just say it's part of me because it was entrusted to me by my Goddess.

"But that's not what's important right now. Please, look at the Party Notifications on the holographic screen."

After Russell asked them, somewhat politely, he then asked the Egg for the activation of blessing.

"Egg, recommend them suitable Inherent Powers to learn, and how to achieve it."

[The mysterious Egg is giving its blessing to the Chaos Companions of the temporary Mediator of Chaos.]

[Information regarding the Inherent Powers will be unlocked.]

[The individual, Freya Moon, is advised to learn the Inherent Powers that...]

[Learning Conditions...]

[Estimated Learning Duration...]

[Estimated Inherent Powers Effects...]

[The effects of the Inherent Powers heavily depend on the individual's time and effort in learning them.]

Every one of them, except for Russell, received various System messages as the Egg had bestowed to them its blessing.

"T-this is unreal..."

"For now it is, but in the future, it'll become a thing. Although it's rare, it doesn't mean that it's only for us to have, so put your time and effort into acquiring them."

Russell respond to Amelie's admiration, while the other three's eyes widened in shock.

"By the way, Inherent Powers are something to be named by yourselves."

'I don't even have the memory of naming my Inherent Powers or where the hell they came from...'

Russell inwardly lampooned as he spoke to them.

After a few seconds, as they were scrutinizing every detail of what was recommended to them according to their respective professions, Russell added, though this time, his words were for his younger sister only.

"Freya... This is my gift to you. Again, Happy 17th Birthday."

With that said, the cold night quickly flew by as the bluish moon hide under the horizon, giving the sun its turn to shine.

***

A week after Freya's birthday, as the normal vacation, not due to the terror attack, started, the envoy from the Elnira Kingdom had already informed the Obelisk Organization, as well as the Council of Vulcan from the Vulcan Kingdom or the Dwarven country, of the matter regarding the vampires.

Artorious Hall, along with the other main heads that were informed regarding Tanya Drusilla's case, which was fabricated as being a failed player from the Tower of Growth, acted ignorant because they couldn't fully trust the Elves as they were only informed of such information just because they needed aid against the Vampire Clans.

In the end, after discussing the pros and cons, the alliance was made, not because the Humans or the Dwarves fully trusted the Elves, but rather because if the Vampires' influence were to spread further, the safety of their own races would be in jeopardy.

The Three-Way Alliance between the Humans, Elves, and Dwarves became a heated topic before the year 2062 would end, especially the contents of how the bond between the races was to be strengthened.

"What a freaking cliche."

Russell scoffed upon reading the posted news using his laptop. He had just finished managing his stocks to keep the money flowing, and with Thorn of Rose, his identity was anonymous.

historical

The content of the news, although he had known about it as the author of the mysterious unpublished novel, were the following:

[Three-Way Alliance: Fourteen Days of Founding Deep Connections!]

1. Capital Tour

— Allowing representatives from each race to tour the capitals they are not familiar with.

2. Students Exchange

— Allowing the students or aspiring full-time players to admit to an educational institution that is being run by the other races.

3. El-Vul-Or Tournament

— Elnira–Vulcan–Orion Tournament, where the best-selected players from each country's respective prestigious academies will fight for honor and rewards.

"Sigh... These events, though necessary, are an embodiment of cliches and foolishness."

Russell mustered in the air as he closed his laptop before putting it in his Dimensional Inventory.

After that, he left by blending into shadows as wore the Mask of Night.

Sometime later, he arrived at a certain building just near the headquarters of the Obelisk Organization.

Seeing the digital logo, Russell couldn't help but smile as he muttered the words that were digitally written.

"Obelisk Mercenary Guild."