After leaving the building, Moon began making his way toward the portal. He couldn't help but notice how quickly the renovation efforts were progressing throughout Ironpeak Base.

Although dozens of buildings had been destroyed or severely damaged during the siege, work teams moved with impressive speed. The base was recovering rapidly, and Moon estimated that it would at most take a day to get it back to normal.

Of course, the lives lost weren't going to return, but that was how life worked in the sanctuary. Some fought and lost their lives, whilst others fought, survived and became stronger.

Before departing, Moon remembered something important. He needed to check on Mirage.

He changed direction and headed toward the stables where mounts were housed and cared for. The facility was located near the eastern gate, partially protected from the worst of the western assault.

After searching and asking around, Moon found Mirage in a recovery stall, the white horse's injuries mostly healed.

The moment Mirage saw Moon approaching, the horse's ears perked up. He whinnied softly and moved toward the stall gate.

"Hey, buddy," Moon said quietly, reaching through to rub Mirage's neck. "You did good out there. Better than good."

Mirage leaned into the touch, pressing his head against Moon's chest in a gesture that was surprisingly affectionate for a mount that had known him less than three days. The horse's eyes held intelligence and what Moon could only interpret as relief that his rider had survived the onslaught of beasts.

"I know it hurt," Moon continued, stroking the soft white coat. "You could have run when I gave you the choice. But you didn't. You charged right into that hell with me."

Mirage snorted softly, his breath warm against Moon's shirt.

Moon spent several more minutes with the horse, checking his wounds and ensuring the stable hands were providing proper care. He left additional payment for premium feed and healing salves, knowing Mirage had earned that investment ten times over.

"Rest up," Moon said as he prepared to leave. "I'll be back soon. We've got more adventures ahead of us."

Mirage watched him go with glinting eyes, and Moon found himself smiling despite his exhaustion.

Arriving at the portal, Moon took one last look at Ironpeak Base. Then he stepped through the swirling energy and emerged back on Earth.

Moon exited the heavily guarded portal facility and made his way home through familiar streets. Despite being fully healed by the base's medical staff, he still felt deeply tired. Not physically, his body was fine. But mentally and spiritually, the extended combat had drained him.

After arriving home, Moon collapsed onto his bed without bothering to change clothes. He set a mental alarm for a few hours and let exhaustion pull him under.

The power nap lasted exactly three hours. Moon woke feeling substantially refreshed, his mind clear and his energy restored.

He decided it was time to return to that restaurant where the portal break had interrupted his meal days earlier. The food had been excellent before the crisis, and Moon found himself craving normalcy after the chaos of the First Sanctuary.

Moon had thought about buying some groceries and storing them inside the house. But after a second thought, he decided not to. He couldn't be bothered to cook, clean and do all the house chores.

He also needed to visit the Trading Centre to sell the bodies of the Wind Lynx and the other beasts he'd accumulated in his spatial storage. That would provide immediate cash flow while he waited for Kael's larger payment to process.

The restaurant had been completely renovated since the attack. The Awakener Association had clearly prioritized repairs to businesses damaged during portal emergencies, and the establishment looked better than before. New windows. Fresh paint. Reinforced structural supports that could withstand future incidents.

Moon entered and was immediately recognized by several staff members who'd been present during the portal break.

"It's him!" a waiter whispered excitedly to another. "The one who saved everyone!"

Word spread quickly. Within moments, the owner himself emerged from the kitchen, a portly man in his fifties with a smile of gratitude.

"Young man! Moon, wasn't it?" The owner approached with his hand extended. "I heard about what you did that day. You saved my staff, my customers and tens of others. Please, sit anywhere you like. Everything is on the house today."

Before Moon could speak, the owner spoke.

"I insist! You put your life on the line for strangers. The least I can do is feed you properly. Order whatever you want, as much as you want. It's my honor."

Realising that refusing would actually insult the man's genuine gratitude, and cost him some money, Moon accepted gracefully. "Since you insist, I will not decline. Thank you for the food."

He was seated at a premium table with an excellent view. The menu appeared immediately, and Moon ordered generously, not to take advantage, but because the owner clearly wanted to express his thanks through hospitality.

The food was just as excellent as Moon remembered. Better, even, as the chef seemed to be putting extra effort into every dish sent to his table.

Moon enjoyed the meal thoroughly, savoring both the cuisine and the brief moment of peace after days of constant combat and tension.

After finishing, he thanked the owner again and made his way toward the Trading Centre.

Inside the Trading Centre, Moon met once again with the same salesman that had handled his previous loot. It didn't take long for everything to get appraised, and for him to get a quotation.

Moon ended up gathering a total of $500,000 for his total loot, which he was very satisfied with. In total, Moon had about $1,500,000 currently, coupled with the reward that Kael had sent over to his account.

'I should have about $4,000,000 once that arrives. Not bad, I can buy me a few items for the second sanctuary once I gather some more money.'

Second Order items were exponentially more expensive compared to First Order items. Because they were much more powerful, and provided stat boosts.

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