Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

”Where are we going, Mr. President?” Soren asked curiously, glancing around the corridor.

The walls down here were thicker, lined with heavy steel plating and reinforced with glowing defensive runes that pulsed with a rhythmic, low hum. The air grew noticeably cooler and crisp, carrying a faint, earthy scent that felt strangely out of place deep beneath a concrete bureau building.

”Hehe, you will know once we get there,” President Marron replied with a small, mysterious chuckle, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead.

”Oh, alright,” Soren said, letting a faint smile slip. He knew better than to push for answers when the President was clearly enjoying the surprise.

”By the way,” President Marron continued, his tone shifting into a more relaxed, conversational note as they walked. ”The list you requested is almost ready. We can arrange the meeting tomorrow if you want.”

”Oh, that would be great,” Soren nodded in genuine gratitude. A wave of relief washed over him. Getting that list was a crucial piece of his plans, and having the Bureau expedite it saved him an immense amount of time. He just didn’t expect it to happen this soon. The President must have pulled some serious strings behind the scenes. ”Thank you, sir.”

”Haha, don’t mention it. As long as you agree to my proposal, I can even arrange for that girl Zoe to marry you.”

”Please, don’t joke like that, sir! I am already happily married!”

”Haha, I know, I know. It is just fun teasing you.”

Soren let out a quiet defeat. ”Urgh... You are her uncle without a doubt.”

With that, the two shared a bit more light small talk, their footsteps echoing softly against the pristine floor.

Marron then asked briefly about Soren’s current living arrangements, while Soren kept his answers polite and brief, his attention continuously drawn to the increasing security measures they were passing.

Soon enough, they arrived at their destination.

The corridor opened up into a massive, circular observation deck.

In front of them stood a giant wall of reinforced, multi-layered glass overlooking a breathtaking, subterranean biome.

Below them lay a vast artificial sanctuary filled with lush green trees, rocky terrain, and flowing streams, all illuminated by a massive simulated sun ceiling.

Various creatures roamed peacefully in their designated habitats. Some were covered in sleek scales, while others possessed majestic feathers or glowing fur.

Soren stepped closer to the glass, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sheer scale of the facility. ”This place is...”

”The Bureau’s primary Subterranean Hatchery and Bonding Sanctuary,” President Marron announced, standing beside him with his hands resting behind his back. ”A place where hunters or individuals of exceptional merit come to form contracts with beast companions.”

”A Bonding Sanctuary, huh...” Soren murmured, his eyes tracking a large, scaled creature lazily crossing a nearby stream.

The sight triggered fragments of old lessons from his school days regarding modern zoology. When the apocalypse hit, humanity wasn’t the only species forced to adapt. Just as people awakened to incredible powers, animals underwent their own radical evolutions, transforming into what the world now classified as Magic Beasts.

In the two centuries since that cataclysm, the sacred ritual known as Bonding had transitioned from a chaotic, experimental art into an almost highly developed system.

Today, a beast companion was the ultimate symbol of high status and martial power.

Yet, Soren knew the glittering prestige hid a mountain of strict prerequisites. Beyond the demanding mental willpower and the internal space required to house such an entity, the most glaring barrier was the sheer financial strain. Between specialized diets and elemental catalyst stones, maintaining even a single juvenile beast could bankrupt a standard hunter.

But in his opinion, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks.

A successful contract meant gaining a fiercely loyal companion, a massive boost to your combat power, and a much higher chance of surviving a dangerous dungeon raid. It was a guaranteed way to skyrocket your market value as an Awakened.

Heck, if luck was truly on your side, there was always that microscopic chance of bonding with legendary creatures like dragons or phoenixes.

Who wouldn’t want that?

It had literally been his dream since childhood to bond with a dragon, to soar across the open skies and battle enemies from the back of a mythical apex predator.

A faint smile touched his lips at the boyish thought, his eyes still locked on the magnificent habitats below.

”Impressive, isn’t it?” President Marron remarked, breaking Soren’s train of thought as he stepped up to the glass. ”Impressive, isn’t it? The Bureau pours an immense amount of resources into this place every year just to cultivate them.”

Before Soren could reply, the crisp, rhythmic sound of elegant footsteps echoed from the secure entrance of the observation deck.

The President turned toward the sound, a welcoming smile breaking through his neat white beard. ”Ah, perfect timing. She is finally here.”

Soren turned toward the sound. Walking toward them was a tall woman with long, silver hair tied back neatly, her pointed ears instantly indicating her elven heritage. She wore a clean white lab coat over sharp corporate attire and held a digital tablet in one hand. Her expression was calm and strictly professional as she glanced between the President and Soren.

”Mr. President,” she greeted, giving a polite, efficient nod before shifting her attention fully to Soren. Her amber eyes appraised him with a quiet, observant curiosity. ”And this must be the guest you mentioned in your notice.”

”Right, this is Hunter Soren. And Soren, this is Director Elenaria,” President Marron introduced, gesturing toward her. ”She is an expert from the URF who oversees this entire facility. She handles the magic beasts, coordinates the nursery, and completely oversees the bonding process to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Director,” Soren said, offering a respectful nod.

”The pleasure is all mine,” Elenaria replied, giving a brief nod. She then turned back to the President, her gaze shifting slightly toward the glass wall. ”I assume you are here for...”

”That’s right,” President Marron nodded, a cheerful smile breaking through his beard. ”We are here to find a companion for our friend here.”