SSS Awakening: I Can Create Skills By Will-Chapter 111: The Weight of What Was Gained

Captain Ryn, who had been watching quietly from the side, shook his head slightly but could not hide the faint pride in his expression.

The gold captain finally nodded.

"You have done well."

It was not casual praise. It was recognition.

Before he turned to his squad.

"Secure the remains. Document everything. This operation is now confirmed successful."

Relief spread through the gathered explorers again, stronger than before. They began moving across the battlefield, collecting monster cores, gathering materials, and securing the spoils of victory.

Voices rose with renewed energy.

They had survived.

They had won.

And now they had proof of the hidden threat behind the chaos.

Arthur simply stepped back from the captains, watching the activity around him. His expression was calm, almost thoughtful.

Ryn approached him quietly.

"You went alone," Ryn said.

Arthur smiled faintly.

"I said I’d be quick."

Ryn stared at him for a moment, then sighed.

"Next time, try not to go onto death alone."

Arthur chuckled softly.

"I’ll try."

Around them, the stronghold buzzed with life again. The fear that once ruled the battlefield had been replaced by hope, exhaustion, and quiet triumph.

And for many of the explorers watching Arthur from a distance, one thought remained clear.

The battle had been won long before they even understood why.

The road back to the stronghold was louder than when they had first set out.

Not because they were stronger.

Because they were alive.

Tired bodies moved slowly along the path, armor scratched, clothes stained with blood and dust, steps heavy from exhaustion. Yet the air carried a strange energy. Some laughed weakly, some spoke about the battle in excited voices, and others simply walked in silence, still trying to accept that they had survived.

The civilians who didn’t want to remain in the Ironroot pass stronghold followed closely behind the explorers, their fear gradually fading with every step toward the safety of the new stronghold walls. Children who once cried now clung quietly to their parents. Some people whispered prayers. Others looked back at the battlefield one last time as if confirming it was truly over.

Victory never looked beautiful.

But it always brought relief.

In the middle of the moving crowd, Arthur walked quietly with his hands in his pockets. Unlike the others, he wasn’t talking. His mind was far away, replaying everything that had happened.

Today had changed something.

He knew it.

He had stepped into something he normally should not have been involved in.

The ritual guardian.

Even thinking about it made him frown slightly. The way the gold captain reacted the moment he saw the head, the silent looks exchanged between the higher ranks, the guarded tone when they spoke. It was clear that the matter was not ordinary.

It was high level information.

Dangerous information.

And yet he had walked straight into it.

Arthur exhaled quietly.

"So that’s the kind of mess hiding out there..."

He had also noticed the stares.

The captains, the elite explorers, even the bronze squad members. They looked at him differently now. Some with disbelief, some with curiosity, and some with expectations he had never asked for.

He had left an impression.

A big one.

And he knew how fast news spread within the stronghold. By tomorrow, everyone would know what happened. Stories would grow, details would twist, and his name would carry weight he never planned for.

But strangely, he didn’t feel bothered.

If anything, he felt ready.

A faint smile formed on his lips.

"I guess I can’t stay at the bottom forever."

He could feel it clearly now. His strength, his growth, his results on the battlefield. He had already shown he could do more than what a bronze squad member was expected to handle.

Sooner or later, he would have to climb.

He did not know what awaited him at the top, but he welcomed it.

Still, putting aside the heavy thoughts, one memory brought simple joy to his heart.

Today had been a successful hunt.

His intent points had increased again. He could almost feel the steady accumulation, like invisible steps carrying him forward. More upgrades. Stronger skills. New possibilities.

And then there was the loot.

That thought alone lifted his mood.

Monster parts meant money. Money meant better equipment. And he badly needed a new dagger. The one he currently used had begun to wear down after repeated use of Fire Layered Manifest Intent. The blade had survived many battles, but it would not last forever.

"A new weapon would be nice," he muttered to himself.

The thought alone made the long walk easier.

By the time the stronghold walls came into view, the sun had begun to lower, casting long shadows across the ground. The heavy gates opened, welcoming the returning group.

Crossing into the stronghold felt like stepping into another world.

The tension disappeared.

The noise of battle was replaced by everyday sounds. Workers moved supplies, healers rushed the wounded toward treatment halls, and returning explorers reported their missions.

Everything was orderly.

Everything was routine.

It felt strangely distant from the chaos they had just survived.

The process after arrival was simple. Reports were filed, teams were dismissed, and responsibilities passed upward through the ranks.

Captain Ryn stopped beside Arthur briefly.

"I have to report to the commander," he said.

Arthur nodded. "Go ahead."

Ryn studied him for a moment.

"Don’t disappear."

Arthur smiled lightly. "No promises."

Ryn shook his head and left.

Arthur then headed toward a familiar place.

The mission hall.

The large building buzzed with activity as explorers lined up to submit reports, exchange materials, and receive rewards. The familiar scent of metal, parchment, and mana tools filled the air.

Arthur walked toward the counter he knew well.

Behind it stood the receptionist, Elena.

She looked up and immediately recognized him. Her eyes brightened with clear relief.

"You’re back."

Her voice carried genuine warmth.

Arthur smiled. "Still breathing."

She laughed softly. "I heard where your squad was sent. I wasn’t sure I’d see you again."

He rubbed the back of his head. "It wasn’t that bad."