Despite his disregard for Japanese law, Zhang Fan naturally couldn't actually go for a drink with Mutou. After a brief chat, Zhang Fan returned to his dormitory, reflecting on the enjoyable day. However, relaxation time was over; from tomorrow, he would resume his rigorous training and new missions.
Riko acted swiftly. Within just three days, she found a buyer for the exquisite yellow sapphire that Zhang Fan had provided, fetching a staggering price of 2.3 billion yen. Zhang Fan was surprised by the high price but didn't press Riko for details, knowing the sale was primarily to aid Sayana's family in settling their debts.
Seeing the twenty million yen that Zhang Fan had given her, Sayana was overwhelmed with gratitude. What had seemed like an insurmountable crisis turned into a ray of hope after meeting her master. Now, she could finally afford her father's medical treatment.
"By the way, Sayana, I remember your mother also works part-time as a waitress and does some handicrafts at home, right?" Zhang Fan inquired, an idea forming in his mind.
"Yes, Master. My mother works part-time and engages in craftwork at home," Sayana confirmed.
"Well, Sayana, you know I've come into some money recently. It's just sitting idle with me. Instead of that, I was thinking of starting a small shop. Why don't you ask your mother if she would be interested in managing it for me?"
"Master..." Sayana's eyes welled up with tears again. She might be naïve, but she was quick to understand Zhang Fan's intention. It was clear that he was offering this as a way to support her family. How could she ever repay such kindness?
"Come on, no need to be so emotional. Just ask your mother. I've been thinking about opening a pastry shop. With your mother's skills, and a bit of training, I'm sure she can manage it well," Zhang Fan reassured her, tapping her head affectionately. The idea of a pastry shop seemed quite appealing to him.
"I understand, Master. Thank you," Sayana said, wiping away her tears and smiling like a blooming flower.
"That's more like it. We're all one family, aren't we?"
"One family, I understand, Master!" Sayana bowed deeply, seemingly resolved about something, though Zhang Fan didn't dwell on it. Doing a good deed had indeed lifted his spirits.
Soon, Zhang Fan's pastry shop opened, conveniently located near the Taichō Commercial Street on Gakuen Island. The business flourished under the management of Sayana's mother, especially after her father recovered and returned to work. Sayana's family gradually overcame their financial troubles, a cause for celebration.
Time flew, and a year passed. During this period, Zhang Fan completed over fifty missions, maintaining a 100% success rate. These were not ordinary tasks; they included missions of A-level and above, a feat not even achievable by S-class martial detectives within a year.
Zhang Fan had gained a modest reputation in the martial detective world. Known as the 'Master of Gun and Sword', a title he found somewhat cliché, he had no choice but to accept it. It was, after all, better than being called the 'Bane of Human Fortresses', a moniker he comforted himself with.
The year brought significant growth for Zhang Fan. He reached the pinnacle of an intermediate divine servant, just shy of advancing to a higher level. This growth, achieved without using game points, was a testament to his strenuous effort and solid foundation.
His skill levels had also increased significantly. He had mastered the fourth-tier skill of Huashan School - 'Deadly Three Immortals Sword', and the fifth-tier skill - 'Lone Nine Swords'. Except for 'Lone Nine Swords' which he had recently acquired, his proficiency in the other skills was quite high. Their special abilities always brought 'surprises' to his adversaries in battles.
Additionally, Zhang Fan learned the 'Dexterity' skill from the 'Call of Duty' shop. At V1 level, it reduced his reloading time by 50%, and at V3, by 70%. The skill also enhanced his hand speed, a bonus he was eager to explore further as it leveled up.
His weapons had also been upgraded. After completing an A-level mission, he accidentally unlocked a new shop - the Crystal Shop, selling red and blue crystals for embedding into weapons and armor to enhance their attributes.
Though these crystals served only one purpose, they delighted Zhang Fan, providing him with a means to upgrade his weapons. The cost was higher, but the improvements they offered were well worth it.
His trusted weapons, the 'Legion. Flame Magnum' (Bronze Level) and 'Hunter. Freeze Maple Longsword' (Silver Level), had been upgraded with these crystals, adding significant power and special attributes like fire and freeze effects.
A year of experiences had not only brought improvements in his combat abilities but also exposed him to the darker aspects of the world, maturing him and hardening his resolve against enemies.
But Zhang Fan was not alone in his journey. Alongside him were Bai Xue and Riko, occasionally joining forces with Lei Ji for missions. Sayana, too, would visit him under the pretext of seeking advice but mainly to spend time with him. Their presence motivated Zhang Fan to strive harder, not just for himself, but for the sake of these girls who had become an integral part of his life.