Rebirth : The Alchemist's Path

Chapter 22: An Unexpected Reward

"What's going on here? It seems like the Stanway family is making quite a scene."

"Isn't that the head of the Stanway family? And the young man must be their young master, Corvin?"

"The Stanway family is one of the biggest in our sacred city. But why are they making such a grand entrance just to visit this small shop?"

These were some of the murmurs from the gathered crowd as Sylvus opened the shop's door, hearing the discussions from the onlookers.

"Boss, I'm back!"

As soon as Corvin spotted Sylvus, he rushed forward, his eyes filled with respect.

It was this man before him who had helped him capture an Eighth-Grade magical beast.

"What's all this about?"

Sylvus looked at the small alley filled with people playing drums and gongs, a bit confused. Was this really necessary just to show some gratitude?

"Are you the boss? May we come inside to talk?"

Teddy, standing nearby, smiled at Sylvus as he spoke.

"Boss, this is my father, the head of the Stanway family. He's come personally to thank you. And this is Grandfather Muir, a one-star Saint Archmage," Corvin quickly introduced.

Sylvus glanced at Muir without much reaction.

"Come in, but have the rest of the people outside leave."

Corvin nodded quickly, instructing the people outside to disperse before leading his father and Muir into the shop.

"Boss, I am Teddy Stanway, the head of the Stanway family and Corvin's father. May I ask your name?"

Upon hearing Teddy introduce himself, Sylvus was a bit amused by the name choice.

"You can call me Sylvus."

"Sylvus, thank you for helping Corvin. Without the beast trap you provided, he wouldn't have been able to capture a magical beast as his mount," Teddy said with a respectful bow.

If anyone had seen this scene, they would have been utterly shocked.

Teddy Stanway, the head of the wealthiest family in the Stanway Empire, didn't even need to bow before the Emperor of the Bok Empire. Yet, here he was, bowing to a small shop owner. This act alone showed how much Teddy valued Sylvus.

"No need for thanks. I was just doing business," Sylvus said, waving his hand dismissively.

As he spoke, his eyes landed on the small "cat" sitting on Corvin's shoulder.

"Is this the beast you captured?"

"Boss, yes! This is the magical beast I caught!" Corvin said proudly as he held up the small cat-like creature.

"Hmm, not bad."

Sylvus gave a nod, though inwardly, he couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.

So Corvin had used such a valuable trap... just to catch a cat?

"Boss, we came here today not only to thank you, but I also want to purchase more of your 'meatballs.' You mentioned one that can help a magical beast speak, right?" Corvin asked eagerly.

Sylvus almost choked on his words. The wealthiest family, willing to spend so much money... just so a cat could talk?

The item Corvin was referring to, a Lingyan Pill, was not cheap. But Sylvus wasn't going to refuse such an easy profit.

"Meylan, bring the Lingyan Pill."

"Thank you, Boss! Without you, I wouldn't have been able to capture this Eighth-Grade Double-Winged Thunder Tiger," Corvin added excitedly.

Yesterday, when Corvin had returned to his family with the Eighth-Grade magical beast in tow, the entire Stanway household had been shocked.

They had anticipated Corvin might catch a Third-Grade beast at best, and some had already begun planning how to prevent him from ever becoming the head of the family.

But now? He had returned with an Eighth-Grade magical beast.

Anyone who dared to challenge him would likely end up as food for the tiger.

Sylvus, who had been listening idly, suddenly froze at the words "Eighth-Grade magical beast."

Quickly using his system's scanning function, he looked at the "cat" on Corvin's shoulder.

Indeed, it was an Eighth-Grade Double-Winged Thunder Tiger.

"What the...? This guy's luck is through the roof, catching an Eighth-Grade beast?"

Sylvus couldn't help but stare at Corvin.

With his strength, the chance of successfully capturing such a beast was only 30%. Yet somehow, Corvin had pulled it off.

"A Three-Star Apprentice Knight riding an Eighth-Grade magical beast... the scene must be... interesting."

The image popped into Sylvus' mind, and he found it both amusing and absurd.

"Sylvus, I know you're not a man driven by fame or fortune. After all, you sold such an incredible magical tool to Corvin for just 100,000 crystals. That speaks volumes about your character," Teddy said, smiling.

"I had thought about offering you a few billion crystals as thanks, but Corvin said that would be insulting to you. And the more I thought about it, the more I agreed. So, I've decided that if you ever need anything, Sylvus, just ask. I promise I'll do everything in my power to make it happen."

As Teddy spoke, he couldn't help but feel a bit proud.

A promise from the head of the Stanway family was worth far more than a few billion crystals. People from all over the continent would pay vast sums for such a promise.

But when Sylvus heard this, he nearly choked again.

Billions of magic crystals?

Then why didn't you just give me the money? What do I need your promise for?

"I suddenly have the urge to strangle Corvin... Since when have I ever been 'not driven by fortune'? I clearly need the money!"

Sylvus couldn't help but shoot a glance at Corvin.

Unaware of the murderous thoughts directed at him, Corvin continued playing with his Double-Winged Thunder Tiger, shivering slightly as if feeling a sudden chill in the air.

Strange. The sun was out, but why did it suddenly feel cold?