43

Felix and Ashton were deeply engrossed in their reading when Ashton let out a frustrated sigh. He had been researching magical plants to grow in his dimensional farm, but there was a big problem—he couldn't buy any.

Even though he had the knowledge of plants from the system, he still needed seeds. The Tier 1 magical plants available at the academy shop cost a ridiculous amount of credits, but the worst part?

> [Ding! Shop function is currently locked. Unable to purchase items.]

Ashton's fingers twitched slightly as he closed his book. Seriously? He finally found something useful, yet the system wouldn't let him buy anything.

After finishing his third book on magical plants, another system notification appeared.

> [Congratulations! You have gained +5 Soul Coins and unlocked the Basic Botany Skill.]

Ashton's mood lightened slightly. Soul Coins? Interesting. And the Basic Botany Skill—this could make his farming more efficient. But none of this mattered if he couldn't even get seeds!

"Where in the academy can I buy magical plants?" Ashton asked, turning to Felix.

Felix frowned. "Magical herbs and plants? I don't really know, but I can find out for you."

Before they could continue, Samael walked in.

"Hello, Ashton," Samael greeted, his golden eyes fixed on him.

Ashton nodded in acknowledgment, but before he could say anything, Felix smirked.

"I swear, this guy looks like a stalker," Felix muttered. "He's following us everywhere."

Samael visibly controlled his expression, ignoring the provocation.

Ashton, however, chuckled, amused.

Samael turned to him and asked, "Can I join you two?"

Felix scoffed. "Even if we say no, you're going to be clingy anyway, so just sit down and help my friend with his magical plant research."

Samael rolled his eyes before focusing on Ashton.

"I can help you," he said. "So, how do you want me to help?"

Samael raised an eyebrow as he listened to Ashton's frustration. Instead of questioning him, he simply said, "If you need magical herb seeds and plants, I can take you to buy them."

Ashton blinked. "You know where to get them?"

Samael nodded. "Yes. There's a market nearby that sells magical plants and herbs."

Ashton hesitated. "Wait... are we even allowed to leave the academy?"

Samael smirked. "Who said anything about leaving? The entire city is part of the academy. There's a market within the academy district."

Felix immediately perked up. "I'm coming too."

Ashton glanced at him and shook his head. "Felix, you don't have to. You've got your own training schedule, and I can handle this."

Felix frowned. "You sure?"

"No problem," Ashton reassured him.

Felix sighed but nodded. "Fine. Just don't let this guy kidnap you." He shot a look at Samael.

Samael rolled his eyes. "Relax, werewolf."

With that, Ashton and Samael left for the magical plant market.

Ashton and Samael walked side by side, the evening sun casting long shadows across the academy streets. The city within Xerth Academy was lively—students, hunters, and merchants filled the streets, exchanging goods and discussing their latest dungeon runs. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension.

Ashton remained silent for a while, his mind still occupied with thoughts of magical plants. He had to grow his own supply if he wanted a sustainable way to use his farm system. But right now, he couldn't even purchase anything from the system shop.

Samael, noticing Ashton's thoughtful expression, casually asked, "You're really into this farming thing, huh?"

Ashton glanced at him. "It's not just farming. Magical plants have a lot of uses, from healing to combat enhancements. If I grow them myself, I don't have to rely on the market or other hunters."

Samael smirked. "Efficient. I like that."

They continued walking, passing a group of students practicing magic in an open training ground. The sound of spells crackling in the air barely distracted them.

After a few moments of silence, Samael spoke again, "You seem different from most first-years."

Ashton raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Samael tilted his head slightly, watching him. "Most people get overwhelmed by the academy, especially someone without a strong background. But you… You're calculating. You don't waste time. You know exactly what you want and how to get it."

Ashton gave a small chuckle. "You're making it sound impressive. I'm just trying to survive."

Samael's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he said, "No, you're planning for the future."

Ashton didn't reply, but Samael's words made him think.

A few moments later, Samael smirked again. "You know, Felix might be right."

"About what?"

"That I look like a stalker." Samael's smirk widened. "I do seem to keep running into you."

Ashton actually chuckled this time. "At least you admit it."

Samael shrugged. "What can I say? I find you… interesting."

Ashton rolled his eyes but didn't comment.

They finally approached the entrance to the market. The scent of rare herbs and alchemical ingredients filled the air, and colorful magical lights illuminated the stalls.

Samael stepped forward. "Come on. Let's find your magical plants."

Ashton followed, feeling, for the first time in a long while, that he wasn't walking this path alone.

Ashton and Samael stepped into the market district of Xerth Academy, a place bustling with merchants, alchemists, and hunters looking to buy rare resources. The air was thick with the scent of dried herbs, burning incense, and the faint metallic tang of mana-infused potions.

Ashton's eyes swept across the various stalls, each one displaying an assortment of magical plants, rare herbs, and alchemical ingredients. There were small glowing flowers, roots that pulsed with energy, and vials filled with liquid essence extracted from plants.

---

Curious, Ashton stopped at one stall and asked about Phoenix Emberflower seeds.

The merchant, a middle-aged man with a knowing smirk, tapped the wooden counter. "Phoenix Emberflower, huh? Good choice, but it's no joke to grow. Needs volcanic soil and constant flames. Even experienced botanists struggle with it."

Ashton frowned. "How much?"

"2,000 credits per seed."

His mind went blank for a moment. 2,000 credits? For a single seed?

He moved to another stall, asking about Abyssal Nightshade.

"That one's dangerous," the merchant said. "It grows by feeding on fear and darkness. Only the Reaper Guild has a steady supply. 1,800 credits per seed."

Everywhere he went, the story was the same.

"Rare magical plants are difficult to cultivate."

"Most people fail to grow them."

"Only top guilds and researchers can afford them."

The more Ashton learned, the more he realized how valuable and scarce these plants were.

Ashton and Samael stood in front of the stall selling the Holy Radiant Lily, the vendor eyeing them with mild impatience.

"500 credits," the merchant reminded them.

Samael reached into his balance and sighed. "I'll take it."

But before he could complete the transaction, he turned toward Ashton. "This is for you."

Ashton stiffened. "I don't need your charity, Samael." His voice was firm, rejecting the offer immediately.

Samael frowned. "It's not charity. You're planning to grow magical plants, right? This will help you. Think of it as an investment."

Ashton shook his head. "I appreciate it, but no."

He didn't want to rely on others, especially knowing how the academy worked. Everyone had to fend for themselves. No matter where they came from, they were all competing to survive.

---

Ding! Systems notification

Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed in Ashton's mind.

[Ding! New Information Unlocked!]

[1 Soul Coin can be converted into 1,000 Academy Credits.]

Ashton's purple eyes widened slightly.

He had 5 Soul Coins from his last reward. That meant he had 5,000 credits just sitting there.

"System, convert 10 Soul Coins into Academy Credits."

[Conversion Complete! 10,000 Credits Added.]

Ashton exhaled quietly. Now he had enough money.

But now, another problem arose.

Samael was struggling to afford a 500-credit plant. If Ashton suddenly pulled out thousands of credits, how would he explain it?

His background was well known—an orphan with no support. No guild, no family, no sponsorship. There was no logical way for him to have that much money.

Samael gave him a questioning look. "Are you sure you don't want me to buy it for you?"

Ashton forced a small chuckle. "I'll manage."

Samael sighed but didn't push further. For now.

Ashton had money, but now he needed a believable way to spend it.

Ashton watched in frustration as Samael bought the Holy Radiant Lily without another word and stored it in his spatial ring.

"I told you not to buy it for me." His voice held irritation, but deep down, he wasn't truly angry.

Samael turned toward him, his golden eyes glowing softly under the flickering market lights. He took a slow step forward, his voice calm yet firm.

"I wanted to."

Ashton sighed, crossing his arms. "Why do you care so much?"

Samael didn't answer immediately. He simply gazed at Ashton with an intensity that made him shift uncomfortably.

Then, in a tone both serious and oddly gentle, he said:

"Ashton, I like you."

For a moment, Ashton froze. His mind blanked, and his heart skipped a beat before pounding uncontrollably.

"…You like me?" He let out a nervous laugh, tilting his head. "Ha… You don't even know me."

Samael didn't waver. Instead, he exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck, searching for the right words. "You're right… I can't explain it properly." His golden eyes softened. "But I can tell you everything—just not here."

His voice dropped lower, almost invitingly seductive. "Come to my room. I'll tell you everything."

---

Ashton stared at Samael, feeling a strange heat crawling up his neck. He could hear his own heartbeat in his ears.

"Why is this happening…?"

He wasn't the type to be easily shaken, yet something about Samael's words unsettled him in a way he didn't understand.

After a long pause, he finally nodded. "Fine."

---