Resolve

Strider stood by the window, watching Silvia practice her martial arts with unwavering determination.

Her movements were graceful yet powerful, a clear testament to her immense talent and dedication.

For a few moments, he simply observed, admiring her perseverance. But his thoughts soon turned practical—how could he ensure a consistent supply of spirit stones to power the Demon God Simulator? Without them, his path to cultivation and strength would remain blocked, and his ambitions unfulfilled.

He reflected on his current resources. Due to his intelligence and knack for learning, Strider had started teaching as a schoolteacher at the age of 13.

Despite his inability to cultivate, his vast knowledge of history and other subjects had earned him respect in the local school under the barony.

Over the course of five years, his dedication to teaching had allowed him to save up a total of 180 gold coins. However, gold coins alone couldn't help him; spirit stones were what he needed.

Strider frowned at the thought of exchanging gold coins for spirit stones within his own family.

His father, Baron Cromwell, or any other family member would certainly question why someone who lacked cultivation talent would require spirit stones, which were essentially useless to non-cultivators.

Strider had no intention of revealing the existence of the Demon God Simulator, so he needed to find another way to make the exchange without arousing suspicion.

After some thought, he decided to visit the Dark Moon Trading Organization.

Dark Moon was a powerful and widespread trading company with branches scattered across the continent.

Known for their discretion and ability to source rare items, they were the perfect choice for someone like Strider who needed anonymity.

Later that morning, after freshening up and changing into clean clothes, Strider headed to the school where he taught history classes.

He conducted his lessons with his usual thoroughness and enthusiasm, ensuring that his routine appeared normal. By the time the day's classes ended, Strider had planned his next steps carefully.

The Dark Moon branch was located in the most populated market area of the barony. Strider made his way there, moving casually to avoid attracting attention.

Upon reaching the bustling market, he found a secluded alley where no one was present. Taking a deep breath, he decided it was time to test the power of the Ghostling in the real world for the first time.

Summoning the abilities he had gained from the Demon God Simulator, Strider altered his appearance. Within moments, his form shifted, taking on a sinister yet strikingly feminine look.

His new appearance radiated an aura of authority and danger, enough to make anyone think twice about crossing him. As he emerged from the alley, passersby instinctively stepped aside, avoiding his gaze and making way for him. Strider smirked inwardly at their reactions.

When he entered the Dark Moon branch, the atmosphere inside grew tense. The shopkeeper and his assistants immediately noticed him and hesitated, unsure of how to approach someone who exuded such an intimidating presence. Strider didn't waste time with pleasantries.

"I want to exchange gold coins for spirit stones," he stated coldly. "180 gold coins for 18 spirit stones."

The shopkeeper glanced at Strider's appearance and demeanor, his mind racing. Someone with such a commanding aura and a mysterious background wasn't someone to offend.

Without arguing or haggling over the price, the shopkeeper nodded and prepared the exchange. In fact, to ensure he didn't anger this seemingly powerful individual, he added two extra spirit stones to the deal, bringing the total to 20.

"Here are your spirit stones," the shopkeeper said, handing over the small pouch. "Thank you for your patronage."

Strider accepted the pouch with a casual air and placed it into what appeared to be a space ring.

To the shopkeeper, this nonchalant attitude toward spirit stones and the possession of a space ring—an item rare even among high-level cultivators—confirmed his suspicion that Strider came from an influential background. Little did he know that the space ring was merely for show; the spirit stones were actually stored safely in the system space of the Demon God Simulator.

Leaving the Dark Moon branch, Strider returned to the same secluded alley. Once there, he used the Ghostling's abilities to revert to his original appearance.

Feeling relieved that his first attempt to use the Ghostling's power in the real world had gone smoothly, he made his way back home as the sun began to set.

By the time he arrived, it was evening, and the practice field was still filled with the sound of Silvia's training.

Strider paused to watch her from a distance, his heart aching. He knew that her diligence wasn't just born of ambition; it was fueled by the immense pressure placed upon her as the family's brightest hope.

Everyone in the Cromwell household, including their great-great-grandfather Alex, had pinned their dreams of seeing another Energy Accumulation cultivator on Silvia.

But at only 14 years old, Silvia had sacrificed much of her childhood to live up to those expectations.

Strider couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and responsibility. He loved his sister dearly and wished she could experience the carefree joys of being a child rather than carrying such a heavy burden.

As Strider stood there, a new resolve took root in his heart.

Silvia doesn't have to carry this weight alone. I'll find a way to help her, to share the burden. If I can reach the peak of the Energy Accumulation realm through the Demon God Simulator, I'll become strong enough to protect her and the family.

His gaze shifted to the pouch of spirit stones now stored in the system space. With these, he could recharge the simulator and begin another simulation.

Strider believed that with each simulation, he could grow stronger and closer to his goal. He didn't just want to support Silvia; he wanted to give her the freedom to live her life without feeling trapped by the expectations of the family.

That night, as Strider prepared to begin his next simulation, he silently vowed to himself. No matter what it takes, I'll rise above the limitations of my birth. Not just for myself, but for Silvia and the Cromwell family. One day, she'll be able to smile freely, unburdened by the weight of everyone's hopes.