The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 167 - 167: Grief

[00 Months: 17 Days: 15 Hours]

The cool breeze whispered through the night, rustling the leaves above. The sounds of the encampment had quietened to a dull hum.

As we stood there, the weight of the news I bore pressed heavily upon my chest.

My eyes locked onto Theo's, and I could see the glimmer of hope,

Theo had no idea how long he stayed there, or how much time had passed since.

As dawn began to break, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, Theo lay on the ground, his body wracked with exhaustion.

The pain was still there, sharp and relentless, but now, it was accompanied by a burning determination.

He would not let his family's deaths be in vain.

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[00 Months: 17 Days: 23 Hours]

As I leaned against the rough bark of a tree, the cool early morning air surrounding me, I couldn't help but get lost in my thoughts.

The weight of the events that had unfolded was overwhelming, but it was in moments like this, away from the world's prying eyes, that clarity came to me.

"Taking all the plunder from the Lyma Capital..." I thought, my eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

"Is it right?"

A voice inside me questioned my intent. But it wasn't about right or wrong; it was about survival, strategy, and positioning for what lay ahead.

These resources could help the Lyma Family rise from the ashes, and if dispensed judiciously, everyone that mattered could benefit.

I had no intention of hoarding it. In times of need, it would serve as a resource, a way to rebuild what was lost.

'With my resources, I'll remain very relevant to Theo and his rise to power. In fact, one could say I'll hold the most power.'

I wasn't doing this just for the power, but out of the genuine desire to help the Lyma Household. Regardless, I planned on doing it my way.

I imagined the capital, reborn from its ashes.

"Rebuilding it won't be easy," I mused.

Using my minions from the Skill, along with hired labor, I could orchestrate the resurrection of the Lyma Capital.

It wasn't just about buildings and infrastructure, but a sense of security and trust that had been shattered.

'We need to re-establish the Lyma Family—specifically Theo—as powerful and formidable.

But leadership... that was a complicated issue.

Theo was the rightful heir, no doubt about it. The boy had a spirit and determination beyond his years. But he was only eight.

There would be power-hungry individuals within the family, and outside it, eyeing the vacuum left by the Duke's passing.

Theo needed support, guidance, and most importantly, strength by his side.

I was resolved to be that pillar for him.

And once the dust settled, once a semblance of normalcy returned, there was the Grand Southern Dungeon to consider.

'It's said to be the greatest known Dungeon in the Southern Kingdom. I should be able to get something out if it…'

"But timing," I whispered to myself. For now, I had to put that on hold.

I wasn't satisfied with my current strength, but I couldn't abandon the Lyma Family's current situation in pursuit of strength.

'All in due time…'

"I wonder if I'll be able to make it before the First Floor's appearance. Haa… there's so much to do and so little time."

A smile crept onto my face as I thought of Francis, the malefactor who seemed to always be lurking in the shadows.

And then Lucy, my unexpected benefactor.

My path was currently laid out with obstacles and opportunities, allies, and adversaries. I felt a surge of excitement amidst the troubling thoughts in my head.

"I can't wait to become even stronger."

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[A/N]

One more chapter, and we'll call this Arc a wrap.

I hope you all had fun.