0039. Between Survival and Beliefs

The room fell into deep thought as the younger ones considered Nile's question, the weight of responsibility settling over them like an invisible burden.

"To cultivate," Jessica suggested confidently.

Nile shook his head. "No."

"To earn money?" Lyra tried next, a hopeful glint in her eyes.

Nile denied it again, his expression giving away nothing.

Arin, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke. "To establish a base of operations for living."

Nile nodded, satisfaction flickering across his face. "Correct."

Lyra frowned and turned to her brother. "Hey, we already have a place to live right here!" She gestured around, confused.

Arin exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Yes, sister, we do. But this is temporary, and it comes at the constant expense of our dwindling funds."

The weight of his words sank into Lyra's mind. She bit her lip, finally realizing their situation was more precarious than she had thought.

Nile picked up the explanation, glancing at his mother for reassurance. Seeing her approving nod, he continued, "Our first priority is securing a permanent place—a place of our own. We already have the land where the shop stood, but—"

Arin cut in. "But we can't build a house in the market."

Jessica leaned forward. "The overseer only approves construction for shops."

Nile frowned. "Then why don't we just rebuild the shop?"

Arin sighed and shook his head. "Because it can't function as a mana recharge center anymore."

Jessica tapped her fingers against the wooden table. "Without the necessary certifications and tools, the overseer won't approve it."

A silence settled over them. Nile looked toward James and Veena, searching for alternatives. But before he could ask, James spoke firmly, his voice carrying an edge of caution.

"We can't reveal our specialization badges. It'll draw too much attention."

Jessica, noticing Nile staring at her, raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Nile hesitated before asking, "Didn't you say you wanted to study alchemy? Can't you just—"

Jessica's eyes widened before she cut him off, "I said I'll study alchemy when I reach Level 2. I haven't even started yet!"

Nile furrowed his brows. "Why not start early?"

Jessica groaned and rubbed her forehead. "You idiot."

Arin took a deep breath and leaned back. "Alchemy isn't something you just 'start early.' It's expensive, complicated, and requires both talent and resources."

Lyra added, "Even at Level 2, a beginner can barely afford to practice using Level 1 materials."

Arin nodded, his expression serious. "And success with Level 1 materials doesn't make much money—just enough to survive."

Jessica crossed her arms, frustration evident. "To actually profit, you need Level 2 proficiency, which takes years of practice and resources."

A deep silence followed.

Nile leaned back in his chair, staring at his palm. Something stirred within him. A strange, almost instinctive sensation coursed through his veins, like butterfly wings fluttering at the edge of his consciousness. Information began unfolding in his mind, revealing a knowledge he hadn't even known he possessed.

His fingers curled into a fist. A plan was forming.

"How does one become certified as an alchemist?" Nile asked suddenly.

The shift in his tone caught everyone off guard. Arin blinked, confused. "You take a test at the Trade and Commerce branch."

Jessica nodded. "It's in the cultivation market. That building governs all businesses here."

Nile narrowed his eyes. "Is the test observed, or just a task to complete?"

Arin hesitated, exchanging glances with the others.

"It can be done privately, but…"

Lyra finished his sentence. "The product is assessed by a Level 3 alchemist."

Arin added, "And if you try anything suspicious, the consequences are severe."

Nile exhaled, nodding. He had expected as much.

"That works for me. I'll get a Level 1 badge. After that, can we certify the shop?"

Silence.

Lyra was the first to break it, her voice laced with concern. "If you somehow get that badge, certifying the shop won't be the problem. Your safety will be."

Nile frowned. "What?"

Lyra folded her arms, staring at him intently. "Alchemy isn't just about skill. It's about secrecy. If you succeed too fast, people will start asking questions."

Jessica leaned forward, her expression grave. "Where did you learn it? Who trained you? What resources do you have?"

Arin's face darkened. "If they think you're hiding something valuable, they'll come after you."

A chill ran down Nile's spine.

Lyra exhaled. "Your life will be in danger."

Arin confirmed, "Most Level 1 alchemists need a Level 3 bodyguard."

Nile shrugged. "Then we hire one."

James shook his head, his voice firm. "Hired guards won't take a Dao Oath. Without that, how can we entrust your life to a stranger?"

The room grew tense.

Nile's thoughts raced. If a guard couldn't be trusted, what alternatives were left?

His gaze flickered to the others, watching as realization dawned in their eyes.

A grim solution formed in his mind.

Taking a deep breath, Nile lifted his gaze, his voice steady.

"That leaves us with only one option—we'll have to buy slaves."

The moment the words left his mouth, the air in the room turned heavy.

Jessica stiffened. Lyra inhaled sharply. Arin's jaw tightened.

Even Veena and James were momentarily caught off guard.

For Nile, who loathed the very concept of slavery, to suggest this himself… it was unthinkable.

Lyra's voice was barely above a whisper. "Are you serious…?"

Nile's expression remained unreadable.

"I know what it means," he admitted. "But this isn't about morality. It's about survival."

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken emotions.

Jessica, normally the first to protest, hesitated. She understood the reality of their situation, but accepting it was another matter.

Arin leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "And if we go down this road… are you prepared for the consequences?"

Nile's gaze didn't waver.

"There's no other way."

His voice was quiet, but it carried the weight of finality.

One by one, the others absorbed the gravity of his words.

This wasn't just a decision.

It was a turning point.

And there would be no going back.