Chapter 80: An Unexpected Opportunity

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A week had passed since the events that shook Dabi's world. He had spent most of his time in quiet reflection, focusing on his training and spending time with his siblings, Eli and Mira. However, today was different. The headmaster, Raghnall Ferrin, had called Dabi to his office, and though Dabi didn't know why, he felt a sense of anticipation.

As Dabi entered the headmaster's office, he noticed a middle-aged man already seated, waiting for him. The headmaster motioned for Dabi to sit down. Once seated, the man introduced himself.

"I am Butler Beriz, the man said with a respectful bow. "Sir Dabi," he addressed, much to Dabi's surprise.

The man continued, explaining that the problem Dabi had with the Vantore family had been resolved. "No elder of the Vantore family will come to harass you any longer. They spoke with Garrick Vantore, leader of the family. He said that now the matter is left to the younger generation to handle. Reniel Vantore and you will have to solve your problems; no elder will come in between you. However, I must warn you," Beriz added with a serious tone, "Reniel Vantore is quite narrow-minded. He will likely continue to come after you in various ways. Be careful."

Dabi listened intently, unsure of what to make of the situation. This was the same Vantore family that had caused him problems in the past, and now a butler from an unknown noble family was addressing him so respectfully and offering assistance. Dabi's mind raced with questions. Who was this Beriz, and why was he helping him? Why had he called Dabi "sir"? None of these answers came, as Beriz continued speaking.

"How are your siblings, Sir Dabi?" Beriz asked, his expression softening with a smile. Dabi, still confused, nodded and gave a brief response.

Satisfied, Beriz stood up. "I'll be on my way then. Remember to stay vigilant." With that, he left the room, leaving Dabi alone with the headmaster.

Dabi's thoughts spun in circles. Who was that man? Why was a noble family's butler helping him, and why was he shown such deference? Before he could dwell too much on it, Raghnall's voice brought him back to the present.

"Do you need anything else, Dabi?" the headmaster asked, his tone as calm as ever.

Dabi had been meaning to discuss something with the headmaster for days now, but the timing had never seemed right—until now. In his mind, Dabi had been toying with a potential business opportunity, but he wasn't sure if it would work.

"Well," Dabi started cautiously, "I've been thinking… What would it cost if the item you needed to heal your injury went up for auction? The one you mentioned before."

The headmaster raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "The Heart of Eternity? That's a legendary item, lost in history. If it were ever to appear in an auction, it would easily fetch 1.2 billion gold, perhaps even more cause it's a legendary item and many wealthy and Nobel fight for it."

Dabi nodded, already anticipating the answer. "Suppose," he said slowly, "I could get you the Heart of Eternity. How much would you be willing to pay?"

For a moment, the headmaster stared at Dabi in disbelief, unsure whether the boy was serious or just joking. After all, the Heart of Eternity was a long-lost artifact, thought to be unattainable by anyone. But Dabi's expression remained unreadable, calm, and serious.

"If that's the case," the headmaster said slowly, "I'd be willing to pay 1.5 billion gold coins. That's the amount I have earned and set aside for such an impossible miracle."

Without missing a beat, Dabi responded, "Then prepare the money. Once I receive it, I will get the item for you."

The headmaster blinked, taken aback by Dabi's confidence. Was he serious? Could he really get the Heart of Eternity? And if so, how? Questions swirled in the headmaster's mind, but he could see the conviction in Dabi's eyes. The boy wasn't joking.

The headmaster sat back in his chair, unsure how to respond. The room fell silent, and the weight of the moment hung heavy in the air.

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