At first, Pixie had expected the Becker family’s retreat into the wilderness to spell nothing but disaster. But to her surprise, what began as a crisis soon turned into an unexpected boon.

  As she looked at the steadily growing supply reserves in the family warehouse, her heart swelled with hope and excitement.

  Unable to contain her joy, Pixie quickly shared the news in the world chat.

  “Who would’ve thought it would turn out like this…”

  “Fortune favors... I seriously underestimated Eirik and his golden card!”

  The reactions were swift, filled with a mixture of surprise and awe. Everyone had expected Pixie to struggle terribly this round—who could’ve known that Eirik’s luck would turn a potential catastrophe into a vast opportunity?

  Not only had they uncovered countless treasures, but the entire family had undergone a profound transformation. The Becker family, once made up of idle, pampered youths, was now a tightly knit, battle-hardened unit.

  While they had always possessed strength and loyalty, they often struggled in combat. But now, after countless battles with beasts and monsters, each family member had grown. They were no longer just a wealthy house—they were warriors.

  Together, they had mastered teamwork and combat tactics, functioning almost like an army of magical scholars. With this newfound strength and unity, the Becker family would no longer be idle or waiting for the emperor’s envoy to arrive. They had power now, power that could turn the tide in their favor.

  This newfound strength could not be overlooked. Even a small squadron of soldiers, when joined with the Becker family, could stir up a storm. The emperor of the Dawnstar Dynasty would surely think twice before messing with them. After all, would he really risk further retribution just for the loss of a single son? Not likely. If the Becker family stayed strong, even a prince’s death would mean little to the emperor.

  "New artwork unlocked!"

  Pixie’s eyes lit up as a fresh scene illustration appeared. The title was "Fighting Together."

  In the illustration, Eirik and Pixie stood back-to-back, facing down a massive beast. Towering like a mountain, the monster seemed to dwarf them, but their expressions showed no fear. United, with swords drawn, they stood resolute.

  【Artwork Effect (Purple): Significantly boosts family morale and increases the holder’s damage output.】

  A purple effect?

  Pixie smiled widely, scrutinizing the image. The purple effect was something she had only experienced once before, and it had come as a family gift. Now, with this artwork, she’d gained yet another purple effect. The feeling was exhilarating.

  More importantly, Eirik looked incredible in the illustration, and she herself appeared like a celestial being. The beauty-obsessed Pixie couldn't help but admire her own depiction.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Is it really thanks to Eirik’s golden card that Pixie’s life has taken such a turn?”

  “Looking at her life, and then back at mine... I feel so ordinary. How boring...”

  A few players in the chat sighed quietly, some even resolving to win Eirik’s favor next time.

  “Isn’t it just about becoming friends with this guy? If Pixie can do it, why can't we?"

  【After months of enduring hardship, you finally discover a vibrant elemental mountain range called Starlight Range, where the elemental index has reached purple level. Would you like to settle here?】

  After three long months of exploration, the system finally sent a special notification.

  Eirik’s heart raced.

  Finally! They had found a suitable location.

  While it wasn’t a golden mountain—those had likely already been claimed by other hidden clans—a purple-level one was still exceptional. Finding such a place was no small feat.

  【Your husband Eirik suggests settling here. What is your opinion?】

  Pixie didn’t hesitate. “Do I even need to say? Let’s settle!”

  Pixie nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable.

  “Heh, you always agree with Eirik’s suggestions. Why not just let the system handle everything for you?” someone anonymously mocked in the chat, clearly envious of Pixie’s devotion.

  Pixie ignored the spiteful comment. To be honest, letting the system manage things didn’t seem like such a bad idea—after all, with a powerful husband and son, why not sit back and enjoy the perks?

  “It’s already daylight... I still need to study magic with Eirik in the real world...” Pixie muttered, reluctantly closing the prediction panel. As thrilling as the future simulations were, she couldn’t afford to neglect reality—especially not with Eirik’s tutoring.

  “Hmm... I wonder if he’s awake yet?” Pixie grinned mischievously. She didn’t rush out immediately but instead roused the sleepy maid and began preparing herself. After all, a girl had to look her best when heading out!

  Meanwhile, Eirik was still in the game.

  The system flashed another notification.

  【Your family has settled in the Starlight Range. The area is rich with elemental energy, and the breathtaking scenery is a true gem. The family is joyfully constructing their new home, filled with hope for the future. But soon, the first challenge of seclusion will arrive.】

  【The Starlight Range was once the territory of a tribe of monkeys. Your arrival has angered the Monkey King, who now seeks revenge. These monkeys have frequently clashed with your family, and despite your efforts to appease them with Elemental Stone magical items, they remain ungrateful.】

  【The greedy Monkey King believes you are easy prey and has escalated his attacks. Your conflicts with the monkeys have now reached an irreconcilable state...】

  Damn monkeys!

  Eirik clenched his fists. This was the moment for a policy change.

  He wasted no time in making a plan to deal with the monkeys. While the Monkey King was a formidable opponent—his strength at Practitioner Lv8 was higher than Eirik’s team, who was only at Lv7—Eirik knew it was not uncommon for protagonists to take on enemies stronger than themselves.

  Teaming up with Pixie, they executed a powerful combo, forcing the monkey horde to retreat. Unfortunately, the Monkey King managed to escape despite their victory.

  With the monkeys gone, peace returned to the Starlight Range. Eirik and Pixie focused on their magical studies while their son, Thal, continued to grow stronger every day.

  But as always, peace was short-lived. About a year later, Eirik’s screen flashed with a new red exclamation mark.

  Upon opening it, he saw another system notification.

  【Destiny Warning: The Monkey King's revenge is imminent.】

  【The Monkey King, whom you drove away, has been plotting his revenge. He recently encountered a hunter from Aelsryel City, who, with the hunter’s information and his own experiences, has deduced your true identities.】

  【The Monkey King has transformed into a human and infiltrated Aelsryel City. He has informed the emperor’s envoy, who is now searching for you.】

  【In less than a month, the emperor’s envoy will arrive at the Starlight Range.】