While the villain was scheming and plotting, the residents of Viridis gave the newcomers, Ciel, Yayoi, and Sakuya, a tour of the place.

Viers and Dia made the place orderly, not like a wild jungle that grew uncontrollably. There was the Teleportation Hill where people usually entered from the outside world, the Residential Area with a nice, clean, cozy, and natural feel.

Farther out, there was a simple building designed like a traditional Japanese dojo, aptly called the Dojo, where people could hone their skills. Sakuya and Yayoi were surprised to see it for the first time. Viers placed some Power Spots that could be used for training nearby.

Next, they visited other Power Spots that Viers strategically placed. Potent Power Spots changed the surrounding terrain. These places then grew precious cultivation resources, drew and nourished monsters with complementing affinities, and with time, improved the effect of the Power Spots themselves.

Viridis had plenty of monsters, brought by its members. They thrived in this Biome. Some were domesticated and others retained their wild nature and kept getting stronger. The monsters created their own habitat near the Power Spots of their choosing. Viers then used them for food supply, harvesting them for parts, especially their cores, and reaped their souls. Furthermore, those who died in the Biome became fodder for the Biome itself thanks to a grand formation Circle of Life that Viers painstakingly built, making the ambient mana become richer and richer.

Ciel was amazed by the number of Power Spots in Viridis. Clarissa told her that Viers sent them to bring Power Spots that usually appeared in the wilds or dangerous places and brought their cores here. Viers then transplanted them in the Biome and voilà. Clarissa admitted that the success rate was far higher than she anticipated.

Power Spots had quality too, and Viers aimed for the best that he could get.

As Pathseekers, they couldn't resist the allure of Power Spots. They focused their tour on these special cultivation places. Not to mention, the locations were visually interesting to look at.

They visited a place of fire and wind, which Faiya and Futon used as their favorite playground. A rare mineral mine, where Boram usually turned precious rocks into dust using his Profound codex. A lake where water-shaped monsters, whose bones were sunk in the lake, walked on the water’s surface, and defeating them granted epiphany; Farley’s hunting ground. A singing forest, where Paina practiced her musical arts. The trees sang Paina’s musical delight back to the visitors. Paina accepted their praise humbly.

Since Viers went into seclusion for three years, the Biome had greatly improved, becoming more and more like a cultivation holy land.

There were Power Spots with more exotic nature too, like the valley of souls, battleground shades, mind cavern, rust poison swamp, cliff of ashes, and fountain of stardust. Some of the Power Spots couldn't be utilized by Farley and the others because of incompatible affinity, but their products were worth quite a bit or useful in other ways.

Ciel with her background as a daughter of one of the most powerful families in Latias and a distinguished member of the famed Silver Legion, had been exposed to these sorts of luxuries, but not so for Sakuya and Yayoi. They were like country bumpkins that had their eyes opened.

The young miss of the Valentine House showed interest in Viers’ more mundane but awesome projects, like Dia’s filter tree that created fruits of drinkable water from a dirty water source, or the wheat grain that made people full with a couple of spoonfuls. These could help a lot of people.

Sakuya and Yayoi also wanted to get their hands on the Biome’s amazing fruits, medicinal plants, and cultivation materials. A Pathseeker’s improvement was not only dependent on their talent and effort but also on their assets.

Farley told them that these all belonged to Viers.

“If you want them, you have to buy them. They all got a price tag, you know.”

“What!?” Yayoi gasped.

“Same thing for using the Power Spots. You can rent them for use, but you need to be able to afford them,” Paina added. “Also, while the more mundane goods can be bought with normal currency like gold coins and mana stones, for Viers’ high-end goods and services you need to use Credits. And to get Credits, you’ve got to do Viers’ tasks and assignments.”

Clarissa gave them two scroll magic items, one scroll containing the prices and goods for sale, with detailed descriptions. The other showed ‘quests’ and the amount of Credits they would gain upon their completion.

The quests were along the lines of obtaining water and soul rare resources, getting monster cores, getting other Power Spots, exploring unknown areas, Profound Codices and Artes, and so on.

“So basically we get Credits for making Viers stronger or improving the Biome, which in turn gives more opportunity and benefits to us,” Clarissa explained.

“Well thought,” Ciel said while touching her lips. “Big organizations have similar systems but what amazes me is the scope and how well organized this all is. My family uses hundreds of people to maintain a Biome half as big as this and not as rich.”

“Well, Mister Viers won't miss a thing or two, right?” Yayoi smiled.

“Yayoi, stealing is bad!” Sakuya berated.

“Firstly, I highly don't recommend it,” Paina said softly. “Viers is crazy strong and he doesn't extend his trust easily. Once he does and you betray that trust, no second chances for you. Secondly, look there.”

They saw a Pukupuku, a mushroom-like life form that was really marketable as a plush toy, looking at them from behind a tree. It adoringly panicked after being stared at and hid back.

“This place is Viers’ base. He takes care of this place like it is his baby. The security here is really good. Trust me, I know. He had us trying to break in and out of this place or heist practice every few months. Dangling a bunch of Credits for every flaw we find,” Paina said while looking at a far distance like recalling a traumatic memory.

“There are easier ways of courting death,” Clarissa said to Yayoi.

“Alright, alright,” Yayoi raised her hands. “I’m just saying what we’re all thinking. Relax you all. I’m not taking anything.”

“Wise choice,” Farley nodded. “Else, as one loyal to Lord Viers, I would have to act.”

Yayoi playfully extended her tongue. Sakuya sighed in relief.

The tour ended without incident. Since it was almost evening, Paina, Farley, and Clarissa decided to pinch in their hard-earned Credits to treat the other three newcomers to a hot spring Power Spot, Dragon Mist Hot Spring.

It was a favorite Power Spot for the womankind by far. Not only did the soak feel heavenly, but it also had cultivation, healing, and beautifying effects. The guardian dragon statue, the white air that gently wrapped the bodies, and the falling red leaves made the place very picturesque and relaxing.

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“Umm… I’m sorry to be direct, but I realize there are a lot of women here, and you’re all really pretty… are you all… with Viers-sama… lovers?” Sakuya spoke about the topic that had been tormenting her mind.

“Not at all. Viers made it clear to us that he isn't seeking a relationship. Not before he finished growing. Bluntly put, he likes people that can be useful to that cause,” Clarissa said while submerging in hot water from the neck down.

“Sakuya, If you want to wrest Lord Viers’ heart, you have to work hard,” Farley smiled.

“Ehh!?”

“See auntie?” Yayoi chuckled. “You’re too obvious.”

“I’m only having Viers pretend to be lovers on the outside. Nothing is going on between us. It’s purely transactional. Don't worry.”

Farley had so much to say towards Ciel’s comment but she stayed her tongue.

Paina thought of the women around her.

Clarissa, who loved Viers but didn't desire to monopolize him. Farley, who wouldn't refuse to come to Viers’ bed if he called her. Jessica, who sometimes Viers looked at with kind eyes. Sakuya, who held the feeling of love since the Book World and had now returned. Ciel, who didn't realize how deeply Viers planned on using her for his designs. Dia ,who Viers treated like a daughter. Zerri, who possessed unbroken loyalty toward her Overlord. Luca, who Viers kept feeding adoration and goodwill for the future… and herself.

Their happy endings wouldn't come easy or anytime soon.

An hour later, their fatigue went away completely. Their skin was glossy and silky, with a healthy tinge of warm color.

They had dinner at the dining hall, along with Viers and the rest. It was like a big family gathering. Like in a restaurant, even if they each order a different dish, it wouldn't pose a problem. The army of Pukupuku fierce chefs was ready to cook their orders to the best of their ability, like the Palicoes that feed the hunters before they hunt big monsters.

***

When night came, Viers brought the card-holders to the club meeting. Yayoi couldn't come because she didn't have a card. As a recompense, Viers allowed her to enjoy the benefit of a Power Spot of her choosing. She chose one suitable for a wind Pathseeker.

In the hidden realm of Viridis, Velvet Sea, there was a gathering held twice a month, when one of the two moons was full. In an undersea-themed realm, the secret club conducted their business.

“Good evening, Young Boss,” the Hermit greeted. “Your presence here indicates you have a successful Ascension?”

“Hehehe. Who do you think you’re talking to?” Viers replied with a pleased smile.

“I see we have two new members,” the Hanged Man said. “Welcome, newcomers. May we have success together.”

The people still looked like robed figures in other people’s eyes, except for Viers. Most members were in Viridis so they could attend in person but Hermit and Hanged Man were just projections.

“On to business then, Magician, Hermit, Strength, your orders have arrived,” Hanged Man said and three boxes appeared in front of him. “You may check the quality of the goods. Star’s order will take some more time.”

“It’s fine. I’m not in a rush,” Jessica the Star replied.

“My gratitude.”

“I have procured seven Level 4 souls, confirm it,” Izabella the Hermit materialized a lantern with seven wisps of light inside it.

“...Confirmed,” Viers checked. “Sending the Credits to your card right now.”

“Additionally, I have gotten a bunch of water and earth Arte Infusion materials for those who might be interested,” Hermit said again.

“I am. I have rare resources from Zetel and further south. We can trade,” Paina the Temperance said.

“Me too,” Boram the Strength followed. “But I’m low on money so I might not be able to afford it.”

“You can pay it later,” Hermit offered.

“Appreciate the offer, but no thanks. My master said you should not buy things that you cannot afford.”

“Can someone tell me what this is? I found it at a night market. I have a feeling it’s something special but I can't crack its secret,” Farley the Magician came forward.

“Let me see,” Hanged Man’s projection examined the object. “I think I have an idea what this is. You got a good find. This will fetch high in a certain circle.”

Transactions, favor tradings, information circulations, all conducted fairly under the guarantee of Viers, the Young Boss. He basically ran the show since Big Boss, which was Viers in disguise but not everyone knew that, never showed himself again.

With the opportunities, they could get things that were suitable for them and it was much easier to obtain them. This led to their power growth. The stronger they were, the more good things Viers could get his paws on. Also, he got a small cut from all the dealing conducted, cause, taxes.

All as Viers intended, the devilish businessman.

Speaking of business, the Hermit and Hanged Man were the major players in the club. Izabella had connections and ran her own branch of the Blood Church, while the Hanged Man was the owner of a merchant firm.

This Hanged Man was the third one. Before Viers suffered for three years for No Pain No Gain Arte, he tasked Paina who traveled far to Zetel to recruit a merchant for the club. That she did.

But the first Hanged Man tried to get clever and skimmed funds. Viers found out and disposed of him. He wasn't able to move directly so he sent Farley and the familiars. Hanged Man the first was dead and recycled. His assets, liquidated and acquired.

Hanged Man the second tried to extort the other club members after a while, thinking he had gotten some leverage. He wanted to have control over Paina and the others. Viers did not tolerate such a stance. The only one above the table was him. He didn't listen to Viers’ only warning and then got the dead and recycled treatment too.

This happened because Paina wasn't able to see the soul and nature of the person she recruited like Viers. In her defense, Paina recruited great merchants, but their personality, not so much. He didn't blame her and sent her to find another. At that time, the club really needed a merchant as soon as possible.

That led to the current Hanged Man the third. He was the latest head of an old line of a named shop. Used to be big and successful but now on the verge of bankruptcy and heavily in debt, unable to compete with the giant corp, the Magisterium.

Paina brought him into the fold after making a more measured judgment. The Level 4 turned out to be hardworking and fitting for the role as the pipe connecting the wealth of Viridis to the wider world. For her success, Viers rewarded Paina’s efforts with a hefty amount of Credits.

Let it never be said that Viers Corporation was a black company that oppressed its employees unfairly.

As fate would have it, Hanged Man III had a destiny with Viers. His name was Carlo, previously a Level 4 dean from a prestigious School in Zetel. He got fired after the exchange students under his charge had an untimely death by Tanael in the events of the Book World. When Viers found out, he found it hilarious.

The Zetelian found the hope to pay off his massive debt to a bigger firm in the Arcanum Club. The produce of Viridis alone priced a hefty sum in the market thanks to their quality and Viers had a lot of them. The former teacher still had a passion for teaching so he sometimes gave guidance to younger members about Pathseeker things. Even Jessica sought pointers from him to be a better teacher. Luca, Gwen, and Tim had attended his classroom.

In Zetel, the Magisterium was a super corporation. They controlled almost everything in the Pathseeker market. In time, Viers planned to utilize the Hanged Man to enter that market but the conquest of Zetel was still far off. Now Viers’ focus was on Latias.

Fun fact, Jito, Viers’ henchman that he sent for low to mid-tier jobs, worked in Hanged Man’s shop now. Additionally, he was still a member of the Bone Ravens, the assassin devil cult. He knew his place and his lot in life had improved, unlike a certain Mer that brought destruction to his kingdom.

After the initial fervor died down, Viers introduced Ciel and Sakuya to the other club members. He purposely delayed their introduction, letting the two see how the players played.

“Now that everyone's finished. Let me introduce you to Miss Justice and Miss Lovers. I’m sure they both will have great things to offer.”

Ciel as the Justice and Sakuya as the Lovers. Viers picked their code quite easily.

There was some buzz towards Sakuya’s codename but Viers said that the name signified her nature that treasured bonds with other people, not only for him but others too.

“We are not romantically involved… for now.”

Because of the last two words that Viers spoke softly but made sure Sakuya heard them, the sullen kunoichi’s mood brightened up like a sun after an eclipse.

The club meeting ended after Ciel and Sakuya made some transactions. Sakuya bought a gift for Yayoi since she couldn't be here.

The world still didn't know the growing hidden power under the depths of the Velvet Sea. When they did, Viers would make sure it was a grand reveal.

A new day came and with it, the curtains of the Latias Grand Prix opened.