Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

Soren and Ethea arrived at the Teleportation Gate on time. Surprisingly, the City Lord was already there, with a small group of guards stationed nearby.

”Mr. Everly, Mrs. Everly,” He greeted them with a warm smile as they approached. ”I’m glad I could see you off personally.”

”Lord Asad,” Soren and Ethea returned the greeting with polite nods. ”Thank you for coming all the way here.”

”It’s the least I could do.” Asad waved a hand before stepping closer. He reached into his coat and pulled out a simple spatial ring, holding it out to Soren. ”Here. Everything you requested is inside, along with a few extra supplies for your journey.”

Soren accepted the ring and slipped it on his finger. ”Thank you. Truly.”

Asad shook his head. ”No thanks needed. You saved this city. I should be the one thanking you.” He paused, glancing at Ethea with a respectful nod. ”Take care on your journey, both of you. And remember, Bagdad will always welcome you with open arms.”

Ethea smiled from her wheelchair. ”Thank you, Lord Asad.”

After a few more words and farewells, Soren bent down and gently lifted Ethea into his arms. Her wheelchair was stored away safely, and with one last nod to Asad, he stepped into the Teleportation Gate. The light flared around them, and in the next moment, they were gone.

”...” Lord Asad continued staring at the portal before turning to his right. ”You can come out now, Your Highness.”

A moment later, the air where he was looking shimmered, and a figure materialized in front of him. It was Princess Roya, her expression unreadable as she watched the space where Soren and Ethea had just disappeared.

Lord Asad wanted to ask why she hid in the first place and didn’t see them off like him, but knowing her circumstances and the weight of her position, he chose to keep the question to himself. Some farewells were easier from a distance.

”...Let’s go.” She muttered after some time, already turning around to leave. ”We still have a lot of work to do.”

”Yes, Your Highness.”

Lord Asad nodded and followed after her.

───────

It seems like the City Lord had already made arrangements on the other side. As soon as Soren and Ethea emerged from the portal, a staff member was waiting to greet them.

”Welcome to Adamery City.” The staff member bowed politely. ”Are you both feeling alright? No dizziness or discomfort from the teleportation?”

Soren shook his head. ”We’re fine. Thank you for asking.”

”Glad to hear it.” The staff member smiled and motioned toward the counter. ”Please proceed to the checkpoint. Your identification will be processed there.”

Soren and Ethea moved through the basic procedures smoothly. With their documents in order and Lord Asad’s prior arrangements, the process was quick and without issue.

As they stepped outside, Soren finally got his first real look at the streets of Adamery City.

The city carried a similar energy to Bagdad, but its style was vastly different. The buildings were taller, and their designs reminded him of the ancient architectural style with stone pillars, carved archways, and tiled roofs that curved upward at the edges.

And yet, the modern style was woven into them seamlessly as well. Holographic signs floated beside old-fashioned storefronts, mana-powered lamps lined the streets, and sleek vehicles glided past buildings that looked like they had stood for centuries. Well, they had, but only for over a century. Still, in the current dangerous world, it was a miracle that any structure survived that long without being destroyed by monsters, wars, or the constant march of time.

Soren exhaled slowly as he took it all in. ”This place... is really something else.”

”This is just the outer district,” Ethea said with a small smile. ”The inner city is even more impressive. You’ll see it properly when we go to the academy.”

Soren chuckled. ”Then I’m looking forward to it. For now, let’s head to the hotel and rest.”

Ethea nodded. ”Let’s go.”

With that, they made their way through the streets until they reached their hotel. The check-in process was smooth, and before long, they were in their room. Soren collapsed onto the bed with a long sigh after helping Ethea settle into a comfortable position beside him.

”Goodnight, dear.”

Soren whispered as he gently embraced Ethea.

”Goodnight, dear...”

Ethea closed her eyes and leaned into his warmth. The day had been long, but this moment made it all worth it. With his arms wrapped around her and his heartbeat steady beside her, she let herself drift off with a small smile on her lips.

───────

[Ding!]

[Daily Return from bound Threads: +2,352 Refined Mana.]

[Note: Current Active Threads: 5]

’...Not bad.’ Soren thought as he opened his eyes, the morning light filtering through the curtains. Waking up to notifications like this was certainly a pleasant way to start the day. A little over two thousand refined mana without lifting a finger. It wasn’t a massive amount, not compared to what he could earn from a single gate or a day of cultivating, but it was still amazing. If only he could add more Threads, it would be even more rewarding. But for now, he was satisfied.

He dismissed the messages with a thought, and his gaze drifted to the woman beside him. Ethea was still asleep, facing toward him, her breathing soft and even. The soft glow from the window fell across her face, tracing the gentle curve of her jaw and the dark sweep of her lashes.

His lips curled up on their own. ’...Beautiful.’

He then gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his touch light so as not to wake her. But even in sleep, she seemed to lean into the warmth of his hand, her expression softening. Soren’s chest tightened at the sight, and for a moment, he simply watched her, letting the peaceful moment of the morning stretch on.

Then, out of habit, he activated Advanced Appraisal, his eyes scanning her status.

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Name: Ethea Everly

Status: Unconscious (Recovering / Critical)

[Age: 21]

[Rank: 7th Circle [Crippled / Regressed]]

[Mental Cultivation: Stellar Soul Weaver Sutra — Stage 1: Intent Foundation]

[Current Mana Level: 0 (Sealed)]

[Current Mental Power: 49340 / 50000]

[Core condition: 80% destroyed...]

[Mana pathways: 27% functional...]

[Physical Condition:]

- Paralysis

- Chronic Pain (Level 3/10 - Managed / Temporarily Soothed)

- Nerve Damage

- ...

- ...

[Authority Status: Frost Sovereign - Sealed/Dormant]

[Affliction Detected:]

[Curse: Eclipse’s Corrosion - Grade: Eighth Circle]

[Details: ???]

[Effect: ???]

[Origin: ???]

[Estimated Survival Without Treatment: 9-10 months]

[Mental State: Sleeping (Subconscious peace)]

[Investment Value: MYTHIC]

[Potential: Immeasurable]

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