Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

Veyra’s expression grew more serious.

”This one costs 100,000 Credits per month, or again, you can fulfill obligations instead. Premium Members must clear at least ten Gates per month or complete two to three Bureau missions. Emergency response calls are higher priority, meaning you’ll be called more often and for more dangerous situations.”

”And the benefits?”

”Priority access to high-value Gates, equipment loan programs with favorable terms, advanced training with Bureau instructors, and significantly higher pay for missions. Premium Members also get quarterly performance reviews, which can lead to promotions or government contracts.”

”And the fourth tier?”

”Elite Membership.” Veyra smiled slightly. ”This is invitation-only and reserved for Hunters who’ve proven themselves exceptional. Elite Members are essentially full-time Bureau employees. They get access to exclusive Gates, personal training from top-tier instructors, direct contracts with government officials, and a stable monthly salary.”

”Obligations?”

”Full-time work. You’re on call at all times. You handle the most dangerous Gates, respond to national-level emergencies, and represent the Bureau in official capacities. It’s not for everyone, but the pay and benefits are unmatched.”

Veyra leaned back and picked up her tea.

Soren absorbed the information. For the current him, Standard Membership was perhaps the most suitable. The obligations weren’t unreasonable, and the benefits would genuinely help him. Premium also sounded great, but he feared he wasn’t strong or experienced enough for it yet.

”If I choose Standard,” Soren said slowly, ”can I upgrade or downgrade later?”

”Absolutely. You can change tiers at any time, as long as you meet the requirements. There’s no lock-in period.”

That was reassuring.

”And the party matching system you mentioned—how does that work?”

Veyra smiled. ”I’m glad you asked. That’s one of our most useful features...”

Veyra set down her teacup and leaned forward slightly.

”The party matching system is designed to help Hunters like you find compatible teammates. It’s especially useful for those who don’t have established connections or who’ve been... let’s say, overlooked by independent parties.”

Soren nodded, understanding the subtle reference to his rejections.

”When you register as a Standard Member, you gain access to the matching board. Parties looking for members post their requirements—rank, role, Gate type, schedule—and you can apply directly through the system. Because it’s Bureau-managed, there’s built-in accountability. If a party mistreats members or violates terms, they can be reported and penalized.”

”So it’s safer than independent recruitment.”

”Exactly. And it goes both ways. If you form your own party, you can recruit through the system as well. Background checks, performance records, compatibility assessments—it’s all handled for you.”

Soren considered this. It solved his immediate problem.

They continued talking for a while longer. Veyra answered his questions about Gate scheduling, mission types, emergency protocols, and training facility access. She was thorough and patient, never rushing him.

Finally, Soren made his decision.

”I’d like to sign up for Standard Membership.”

Veyra’s smile widened. ”Excellent choice.”

She pulled out a tablet and brought up the contract. The process was swift and smooth: digital signatures, identity verification, and payment setup. Within minutes, everything was finalized.

Veyra extended her hand across the table.

”Welcome to the Kalmira Awakened Bureau, Mr. Valmere. I wish you success in your future endeavors.”

Soren shook her hand. ”Thank you, Administrator Lewis.”

”Veyra,” she corrected with a slight smile. ”And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. My door is always open.”

They stood and exchanged polite farewells before parting ways.

_____ __ _

Soren stepped out of the Golden Terrace and hailed a taxi.

On the way back, he stopped by the hunter market and purchased the materials needed for one of the healing meals he’d received as returns—the Bone-Warming Ginger Stew, to be more specific. After all, it would reduce chronic pain and improve circulation.

The taxi dropped him off at home around 11:00 AM.

Soren opened the front door and stepped inside.

Clara was in the kitchen, preparing to cook lunch.

”Mr. Valmere, welcome back! How did the meeting go?”

”It went well. I’m officially registered with the Bureau now.”

”That’s wonderful!” Clara smiled warmly. ”I was just about to start lunch. Would you like me to prepare something special?”

Soren shook his head. ”Actually, I’ll take care of it today. You can focus on Ethea in the meantime.”

Clara looked surprised but nodded. ”Of course. If you need anything, just let me know.”

She excused herself and headed toward the living room, where Ethea was sitting.

Soren moved into the kitchen and began preparing the Bone-Warming Ginger Stew.

About forty minutes later, the rich aroma of ginger and herbs filled the kitchen.

Soren carefully ladled the meal into bowls. The broth was a deep amber color, with tender chunks of meat and vegetables floating among fragrant ginger slices and medicinal roots.

Thankfully, Clara had already prepared the table while he cooked, setting out plates and utensils.

”Lady Clara,” Soren called out. ”Please, join us for lunch.”

Clara appeared in the doorway, looking hesitant. ”Oh, I couldn’t impose—”

”You’re not imposing. I made plenty, and you’ve been helping us so much. Please.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Clara smiled and nodded. ”Alright then. Thank you.”

The three of them sat around the table. Soren positioned Ethea’s wheelchair close, while Clara settled into the chair across from him.

As Soren reached for the spoon to feed Ethea, Clara gently stopped him.

”Let me handle that, Mr. Valmere. You must be tired from your meeting this morning, and besides, this is my job.”

Soren hesitated, then relented. ”Alright. Thank you.”

Clara picked up the spoon and began feeding Ethea with practiced care, blowing on each spoonful to cool it properly.

Soren took his first bite.

The warmth spread through his body immediately. A soothing sensation that eased tension in muscles he hadn’t realized were tight.

As they continued eating, the effects became more pronounced.

Clara paused mid-spoonful, blinking in surprise. ”This is... I feel rejuvenated. What kind of ingredients did you use, Mr. Valmere?”

Soren smiled faintly. ”Just some medicinal herbs I picked up. Nothing too special.”

But internally, he was paying close attention to his own body.

His Mana circulation felt smoother, more responsive. Like pathways that had been slightly clogged were now clear and open. Absorbing Mana would definitely be much easier in this state. He would have to test it later.

Half an hour passed as they finished the meal, the conversation light and comfortable.

Clara stood, gathering the dishes. ”That was truly wonderful. I haven’t felt this refreshed in years.”

”I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

After helping clean up, Clara prepared to leave for the afternoon break before her evening session.

”I’ll be back at 4 PM,” she said at the door. ”Take care, both of you.”

Once she left, Soren wasted no time.

He closed his eyes and activated the Glacial Emperor Scripture. He began drawing in ambient Mana. Immediately, he noticed the difference. The Mana flowed faster, smoother, with less resistance. His Core absorbed it more efficiently, compressing and refining it with noticeably less effort.

’At least thirty percent faster.’

His theory was correct. The healing meal significantly enhanced cultivation efficiency.

Satisfied, Soren opened his eyes and turned toward Ethea, who was watching him quietly from her wheelchair.

He wanted to know how it affected her.

After all, he’d done all of this for her alone.

”Ethea... How are you feeling?”