Jeremy meticulously examined the Dark Core before placing it in the deepest recesses of his storage space.
The Dark Core was undoubtedly one of the most important items in Jeremy's possession, second only in significance to the gemstone entrusted to him by the "World."
After attending to all necessary matters, Jeremy collapsed onto his bed, succumbing to sleep almost immediately.
In the past couple of days, Jeremy had been overwhelmingly busy, leaving him utterly exhausted.
He absolutely needed a good rest, after his break, there would still be numerous other matters to attend to.
After all, there had been an overwhelming number of recent events in Moonlight City.
While Jeremy was resting, Bonnie, under the protection of two soldiers, finally arrived at the Moonlight City government building by helicopter.
At the helipad of the government building, Benjamin, accompanied by his secretary, stood waiting with a furrowed brow as the helicopter descended.
During the descent of the helicopter, Bonnie gradually discerned the expression on her father's face.
She knew that her father must be extremely furious at that moment.
Once the helicopter had come to a complete stop, Bonnie disembarked and slowly walked toward her father.
Benjamin stared at his daughter with a blank expression.
"Father, I can explain why this situation occurred."
She said, hoping to offer an explanation. From her perspective, her actions had been merely a bit reckless but not gravely problematic.
However, Benjamin immediately shook his head, cutting her off.
"The wind here is too strong, let's discuss this once we're back in the office." he said.
After uttering those words, Benjamin turned and headed back to his office, leaving Bonnie behind.
Benjamin's secretary felt slightly awkward but waited for Bonnie for a moment.
"You don't need to worry too much, Mayor Benjamin has been very concerned about you. Now that he knows you're safe, he can finally attend to other matters." the secretary reassured.
He isn't indifferent to you, nor is he extremely furious about your previous actions."
In response to Benjamin's secretary's explanation, Bonnie gave a slight smile.
"You don't need to explain my father's feelings to me, I am his daughter, after all. I know exactly what he's thinking."
After saying that, Bonnie followed the secretary to Benjamin's office.
When Bonnie entered Benjamin's office, he was busy working on some documents at his desk.
"Since you're here, close the door. It's time for a private conversation between father and daughter. Even if we argue, no one else should hear it." Benjamin said without looking up.
She hadn't expected her father to be so understanding this time.
"But don't start celebrating just yet, I'm not finished. Although I've forgiven your previous actions, this doesn't mean I'll allow you to act rashly as you did before." he continued sternly.
"In your future endeavors, if you need to enter an instance, you must act alongside others. Preferably, you should team up with strong individuals like Jeremy or Ella." he concluded.
"If both of them are occupied and unable to accompany you into the instance, then you must team up with General Howard's subordinates." Benjamin stated firmly.
"And if even General Howard's subordinates are unavailable, then you are required to act alongside the Awakened ones directly under Moonlight City's jurisdiction." he added, leaving no room for argument.
Benjamin's intentions were crystal clear.
He was willing to let his daughter continue her adventures and improve her abilities, but he refused to let her face undue peril.
Bonnie's expression turned visibly dejected after hearing her father's words.
"Father, the reason I want to improve my skills is so I won't be a burden to others. If I always need these people to protect me every time I enter an instance, wouldn't that make me a hindrance to them?" she protested.
In response to Bonnie's objection, Benjamin slammed his hand heavily on the table.
"Don't you get it yet? Even if you wish to act alone, you must wait until your abilities are strong enough. Until you reach the point where you can handle an instance on your own, you will have to act with others." he declared, his voice leaving no room for further debate.
After finishing his statement, Benjamin waved his hand dismissively.
"Alright, there's no need for you to continue arguing with me. No matter what you say, I won't change my decision. Now, go back home and get some rest." he commanded firmly.
Since Benjamin had made his position clear, Bonnie had no other choice but to leave the office.
Although she was no longer permitted to act alone.
Her father had not forbidden her from entering instances altogether.
Bonnie thought to herself that she could still team up with Jeremy. With Jeremy's protection, she believed she wouldn't face any significant danger.
"It seems I really overestimated myself. Father is right, my current abilities are still lacking. I'll act alone only when I'm truly strong enough." Bonnie murmured to herself as she headed back home.
She planned to rest well and consider her next steps in the morning.
Thus, Bonnie managed to navigate through one of the biggest crises she had faced.
However, what Bonnie didn't know was that the crises confronting Moonlight City were far from over. Even if she could temporarily rely on Jeremy's protection to stay safe, new challenges would continue to arise.
When Moonlight City faces an actual cataclysm, Jeremy will be unable to provide any protection for Bonnie.
At that critical juncture, Bonnie will have no choice but to rely on her own strength to ensure her safety.
However, even in such dire times, Bonnie can always count on her father. Regardless of the circumstances, Benjamin would never abandon his daughter.
In the city government's office, although Benjamin was extremely furious because of his daughter's actions,
after calming down, he acknowledged that his daughter indeed possessed a strong sense of ambition. At the very least, she aspired to become stronger through her own efforts.