Dragon's Awakening: The Duke's Son Is Changing The Plot-Chapter 382 - 381 - The Deal Closed?

Luria’s temple trembled.

The molten veins running through her crimson hall pulsed erratically, divine energy crackling like storms chained in gold.

[Goddess_Luria]: "So that’s how it is, huh? You’re really nothing but a cheap god, Raven. A trickster with no dignity. Since this is what you’re going to do—fine, but don’t think your little backer will protect you forever."

Her words appeared across the divine interface like sparks of venom.

[Goddess_Luria]: "Even Grandpa_Hot_Pot has limits to his reach. You might think you’re untouchable, but when the hordes of my followers—my loyal gods—come for you, not even he will be able to stand against all of them."

The message paused. Then came another—colder, calmer, and sharper.

One could feel her intent from that message.

[Goddess_Luria]: "I was willing to talk because war is a nuisance. But if you insist on provoking me, then so be it."

Raven stared at the glowing text for a while, his fingers drumming lazily on his desk.

Then, with an audible exhale through his nose, he typed.

[Raven]: "First of all, you’re dreaming if you think you’ll ever find me."

It might seem like he was being arrogant, but it was true.

The reason he wasn’t much scared of gods now was that Arietta, the strongest god, had told him that she couldn’t find where he came from.

She said that perhaps because he was a mortal and that he had gained the system through some mysterious power, no gods could track him.

Now, if even the strongest god couldn’t find him, how could someone who wasn’t even strong enough to squeak in front of her possibly do so?

So, after a pause, his crimson eyes narrowed as his grin curved back into existence.

[Raven]: "Secondly, I never went back on our deal. I just changed a few points."

Omni’s amused snicker vibrated from his tattoo. "Boss, that’s the divine equivalent of saying, ’terms and conditions updated, no refund.’"

Across the Network, the goddess’s reply came fast and furious.

[Goddess_Luria]: "Changed? What do you mean, changed?!"

Raven’s response was patient—infuriatingly patient.

[Raven]: "Just because I’m not giving you the image doesn’t mean I’m selling it to anyone else. I’m keeping it. Personally. As long as you keep your promise and don’t kill anyone over dues, that image stays locked in my storage."

He leaned back in his chair, the faint blue light of the Celestial Network glinting off his crimson eyes. "Simple trust insurance."

Luria froze. Her fingers hovered mid-air, twitching as though itching to strangle him through the divine screen.

Then came her reply, drenched in disbelief and venom.

[Goddess_Luria]: "So that’s it? You’re keeping it because you can’t resist me? You want my image for free! Admit it, you—"

Raven scoffed so hard it practically shook a squirrel that was hiding in a corner, looking at how Raven seemed to be talking to himself.

It even took note, thinking that this was what made Raven so powerful, wondering if it should start doing the same.

Raven, on the other hand, replied.

[Raven]: "Woman, how many times do I have to repeat myself? I’d rather frame a photo of a rotting scarecrow than stare at your face. The only reason I’m keeping this image is so I have leverage over you. Nothing more, nothing less."

Omni burst into laughter. "Daaaamn, boss! That’s stone-cold. Even I felt my ego die twice."

Somewhere across the realms, in that crimson temple, divine silence followed.

Luria’s jaw clenched so tightly that her throne cracked beneath her fingers.

The flame of her aura dimmed—not from calm, but from the kind of fury that burns too hot to glow.

Finally, her last message blinked onto the screen.

[Goddess_Luria]: "...Fine. Have it your way."

And just like that, she went offline, as if this was all she had to say.

She didn’t say what she was going to do, nor did she tell him if she was fine with the deal.

Raven, however, didn’t care.

Soon, Bumble’s message came, asking what he was going to do now, still unaware of what had happened between Raven and Luria.

"Boss," Omni drawled, a smirk in his voice. "How about telling him everything? It would be fun to see—or more like, read—his reactions."

Raven squinted his eyes, considering his options.

After a few seconds, he decided to do just as Omni said.

As a result, when Bumble, who now knew everything, sent the next message, Raven could feel respect in the text.

[Bumble_Fluff_69]: "Sir... did you... just outsmart a goddess... and get paid for it?"

Raven smirked, leaning back as Omni hummed approvingly. "Pretty much."

Bumble’s misty eyes glowed brighter, his pink fluff puffing up like a cloud about to burst with pride.

[Bumble_Fluff_69]: "That was incredible! You didn’t just scam her—you saved countless gods! Think about it! All those poor divine workers who were dying because they couldn’t pay! Sir Raven, you’re a hero of the oppressed gods!"

Raven, grinning on the other side, said. "...No, Bumble. I just wanted money."

[Bumble_Fluff_69]: "No, no, no! You’re too humble! I’ll tell everyone! The Great Raven, protector of divine debtors!"

"Yes, that’s why I told you everything in the first place," Raven muttered, but what he typed was different.

[Raven]: "...Don’t you dare."

But Bumble was already flying off—literally evaporating from the chat in a puff of pink mist.

Omni’s laughter filled the air. "Congratulations, boss. You just became a divine Robin Hood with a side hustle in emotional chaos."

Raven chuckled at that. "Well, at least I wouldn’t have to worry about my image among the gods anymore. After all, now, I’m Robin Hood of the lower gods."

Omni chuckled darkly. "I love your scheming side more, boss."

Raven mirrored Omni’s laugh, leaning back in his chair as the Celestial Network faded from his sight.

"Three million and two hundred thousand divinity richer, a goddess pissed, and my reputation somehow improving... yeah," he muttered, "I call that a productive evening."

Omni chuckled from his tattooed form, his voice lazy and amused. "Boss, that was art. Divine extortion with flavor."

Before Raven could reply, his door exploded open—literally blasted off its hinges by a mix of shadow, ice, and vibration mana.

"RAVEN!"

The shout was followed by a blur of colors and chaos.

Selena, Clara, Siris, Lia, Graye, Jessy, Jake, Alex, and Nibbles stormed in like a festival parade gone wrong.

Siris was the first to speak, daggers gleaming on her belt, bloodlust practically vibrating off her. "Why are you just sitting there?! The party’s starting! I already sharpened my blades for the dance floor!"

Clara sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You’re not supposed to stab people at the party, Siris."

Siris blinked. "...You’re not?"

Selena folded her arms, the royal calm in her voice entirely at odds with the smirk tugging her lips. "Depends on who spills a drink on Raven."

"See?" Siris grinned victoriously. "Selena gets it."

Lia, meanwhile, was twirling in place, flower petals blooming out of nowhere as she hummed, "I told the trees about the party, and they’re all so excited! One even offered to bring fruit juice!"

Raven blinked slowly. "Lia... trees can’t drink."

"I know," she said with a dreamy smile, "but they feel the vibe."

Omni snorted in Raven’s mind. "Boss, the vibe’s about to strangle you with a vine garland."

Raven just buried his face in his hands.

Then came Graye—armored, shining, and very much bouncing. "Raven! I brought snacks! And look—new armor for the party! It’s heat-resistant!" She struck a heroic pose.

Unfortunately, her armor was less "defensive equipment" and more "fashion statement for distraction."

Clara coughed softly, cheeks reddening. "Graye... are you sure that’s, um, practical?"

"It’s for dancing!" Graye said proudly. "If I spin fast enough, no one can hit me!"

Jessy lazily waved from behind them all, yawning. "Can’t believe you guys dragged me here. I was sleeping..."

She blinked at Raven, deadpan. "Also, why does your room smell like burnt divinity and smugness?"

Raven’s lips twitched. "...You don’t wanna know."

Alex clapped his hands dramatically, cutting in. "Come on, boss! Enough sitting! You gotta get ready too! You’re the main attraction!"

Raven raised an eyebrow. "Since when am I the attraction?"

Nibbles—the smug telekinetic squirrel sitting on Alex’s shoulder—flashed a tiny wooden sign with glowing letters, "Since you’re dating half the main attraction of the event."

Siris immediately grinned like a wolf. "Hehe, I’ll dance with Raven at the party."

Selena gave a short smile as well. "It would be best if I went first so you guys could learn a thing or two."

For a while, a strange tension enveloped the chamber.

That was until Omni cracked up, his voice bubbling through Raven’s skin. "Boss, you’re about to be the most loved—and most murdered—man at that party."

Jake, the only one silent till now, just sighed and muttered, "At least it won’t be boring."

Clara turned to Raven with her usual serene smile, stepping closer. "Come on, love. You’ve been working all day. No more auctions, no more gods, no more... schemes."

Raven glanced at her with a soft grin. "Who said I was scheming?"

Omni coughed. "The guy who just conned a goddess for three million?"

Selena’s eyes narrowed slightly. "...You what?"

Raven froze for exactly one second.

Then Omni went silent so fast that even Nibbles blinked.

"Uh," Raven said slowly, "metaphorically conned. Like... in a spiritual, emotionally fulfilling way."

Graye gasped. "Wow! You emotionally scammed a goddess? That’s so romantic!"

Siris whistled. "He’s leveling up in charm and crime. I love it."

Jessy groaned. "Someone get me a drink before this conversation gives me brain damage."

As laughter, chatter, and chaos filled the chamber, Raven just leaned back, arms crossed, a faint smirk pulling at his lips.

He’d just outplayed a goddess, outsmarted bureaucracy, and now...

He was about to survive a party with his girlfriends and a squirrel general.

Omni chuckled darkly. "Boss... honestly? The goddess was the easier fight."

Raven sighed. "Yeah. I know."