Extracting the alpha wolf's genome, unfortunately, ends in failure. Much like with the goblin shaman, there was only a 5% success rate, and this time, luck wasn't on my side. Still, I'm not disappointed.
The EXP I gain from the fight pushes me to level 8, and I immediately summon more golems to fill the now eight available slots.
Bolt levels up alongside me, confirming my theory that his level is tied to mine. He stands nearby, vigilant as always.
"I have an idea for how you can use those mana crystals," Hinata says. "For now, just absorb what you can into your [Item Box]."
I follow her instructions without hesitation. When it comes to gate-related matters, Hinata's judgment is sharper than mine. If she told me to jump while we're inside a gate, my only question would be, "How high?"
"Make enough mana steel pickaxes for all the golems and distribute them," she continues. "Then, have them pile up all the loot."
She's absolutely right! Why waste my own energy when I have a team of reliable constructs to do the work for me?
Bolt remains on guard while I prepare hot meals from my [Item Box]. Hinata and I sit down for lunch, chatting casually while the golems mine mana crystals from the clearing around the fallen alpha.
"So," I ask between bites, "now that you've seen what I can do in a gate, what do you think of my abilities?"
"In a word, mystifying," she says with a smile. "Your stats have clearly made you a capable fighter already, but your summons? That's what really sets you apart. You're like a commander with soldier units. I don't doubt you could clear an entire D-rank gate solo, once you've gained a few more levels."
"That's good to hear," I nod. "The real question is… should I keep clearing gates, or should I go back to being a porter?"
She pauses, her expression softening. "I was going to wait until tonight to bring it up, but I suppose a little preview won't hurt. How would you feel about partnering with me full-time? Not as a porter, but as a proper gate-runner. We take on D-rank gates and below for now, and split everything fifty-fifty."
"To be honest," I say, "I'd given up on that kind of dream. I thought being a porter was all I'd ever amount to. But when I first awakened… I had big dreams. Conquering gates, becoming someone strong. Maybe this is my shot to actually chase that dream."
"I always thought so," Hinata says quietly. "You've got a warrior's instinct. Even before all this, you kept throwing yourself into danger, gate after gate, getting injured because something inside you refused to hold back. That's why I've always worried about you… and why I kept my distance. But now that you're stronger, I want to move forward. So, will you partner with me?"
"Yes," I say, without hesitation. "I trust you completely. After this, let's register with the association as an official team."
"Perfect. And just so we're clear, everything from today's raid is yours. Don't argue with me. I barely did anything. From our next run onward, we'll split everything, but this one is all yours."
Arguing with Hinata is useless when she's like this, so I accept it gratefully.
With my [Item Box] stuffed full of wolf corpses and mana crystals, I get to work. I refine as much mana steel as possible, using it to craft five more swords for my golems. I also manage to create enough shields and medium armor sets to fully outfit all eight of them, plus some spare sets in case they break or I level up and summon more golems.
My masterpiece, though, is a custom pair of clawed gauntlets, forged specifically for Bolt. With his agility and lightning-enhanced attacks, these new weapons will amplify his already terrifying combat abilities.
Sure, I could have sold the crystals for a tidy profit, but investing them into gear for my summons feels like the smarter long-term play.
Two hours after defeating the alpha, we exit the gate and return to the city to cash in our spoils.
The association offers $120 for each regular wolf corpse, $180 for each Thunder Wolf, and $350 for the alpha. Altogether, I make over $6000 just from the monster corpses. Add another $5000 for clearing the gate, and I've made more money from one raid than I used to earn in a month.
Before I leave, I'm called in for an extended debriefing on my reawakening. I don't hold anything back. I tell them about the unlockable pillars, my stat gains on level-up, and even register my official partnership with Hinata.
Registering as partners makes our team official. Teams are limited to four members unless they become registered guilds, though many skirt the limit by forming secondary teams or using long-term subcontractors as pseudo-members.
Back at my apartment, Hinata and I settle onto the sofa and crack open the wine she promised we'd share. She leans back, swirling the glass in her hand before turning to me.
"Today confirmed a few things for me," she says. "First, I don't have to worry about you the way I used to. You're more than capable now, and honestly, I think you're going to surpass me."
"I kno—" I begin, but she places a finger gently on my lips, signaling me to stay quiet and let her finish.
"Second… if you're going to keep growing stronger, and you should, you'll need to unlock every one of the Seven Pillars. Including the Harem Pillar."
I blink, staring into her eyes. She's blushing slightly, clearly uncomfortable saying this, but determined not to break her rhythm.
"I hate the idea of that pillar," she admits. "We're not dating, but we're also not just friends. And now that I don't have to worry about you dying every time you step into a gate, I want to move forward."
She closes the space between us on the couch and rests her head against my chest, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
"I can't stop you from unlocking that pillar, but I also can't stand the idea of not being by your side anymore. So instead… I want to be the first member of your harem."