Rebirth : The Alchemist's Path

Chapter 3: Confrontation and Debt

As Sylvus released his killing intent, the old man felt a chill in his heart.

Though he was a powerful Saint Archmage, he was no more than an ant before a Mage Emperor.

With just one move, Sylvus could kill him a hundred times over.

Moreover, considering that Sylvus was a Mage Emperor, working for such a powerful figure wouldn't be shameful. In fact, it would mean gaining a strong backing.

"Master, I was wrong. I am willing to work here to repay my debt, and I must also thank you for saving my life."

The old man said hastily, suppressing the turmoil in his chest.

"I regret saving you earlier," Sylvus snorted coldly.

If he hadn't saved the old man, he wouldn't be stuck with a debt of a million magic crystals.

He wouldn't have cared about the old man's life or death if it weren't for this.

Hearing Sylvus' words, the old man looked embarrassed.

He hadn't expected such a small pill to be worth so many magic crystals.

"From now on, call me boss. Close the door and follow me," Sylvus said, glancing at the old man before heading inside.

The old man nodded hurriedly, preparing to get up and close the door. However, at that moment, a figure approached from the distance.

"Uncle, are you alright? You seem injured. Did the owner of this shop do this to you?"

A young man rushed over to the old man, helping him up while casting a glance toward Sylvus inside the shop.

The young man was named Sloane-Kennan, a member of the prestigious Sloane family, one of the top magic families in the sacred city.

However, despite being from a prominent magical family, Kennan's talent was quite poor.

At 16 years old, he was only at the Nine-Star Mage Apprentice level.

Many of his peers had already reached the rank of Mage, which left him ostracized within the family.

Today was the day of Archmage Lanster's memorial, but Kennan, who disliked crowds, had wandered into the small alley and happened upon this scene.

Raised with proper education, Kennan couldn't stand by and watch an old man being bullied, so he stepped forward.

"I'm fine," the old man quickly shook his head and stood up.

"Uncle, don't worry. I won't stand idly by. I can't believe someone would dare commit violence on the streets, even under Archmage Lanster's protection."

Kennan said, glaring at Sylvus.

"You must be the owner of this shop. How could you lay hands on such an elderly man? I suggest you apologize quickly, or else—"

"Old man, make him leave!" Sylvus snorted, walking deeper into the shop.

Already frustrated by the old man's debt of a million magic crystals, Sylvus wasn't in the mood to deal with another ignorant fool. The fact that he hadn't killed the boy outright was already a display of mercy.

"Young man, you'd better leave. I owe the boss money, and I'm staying to work and pay off my debt. This has nothing to do with you," the old man said quickly, turning to Kennan.

He was starting to find the young man a bit of a nuisance.

Why did he have to butt in?

The old man didn't care if Kennan provoked the boss, but if it involved him, things would get complicated.

Not only would he lose the chance to stick close to such a powerful Mage Emperor, but his own life might be in danger.

"Uncle, don't worry. It's just some debt. I'll pay it for you. Unlike some people, who would cruelly force an elderly man to work over such a small amount of money!"

Kennan said, giving Sylvus a disdainful look.

Hearing this, Sylvus chuckled angrily. He no longer felt the need to close the door and instead crossed his arms, watching Kennan with amusement.

"Since you're so kind-hearted, why not pay off the debt for him? It's not much—just one million magic crystals."

"Not much—wait, what? How much did you say? One million? And in magic crystals, not copper coins?"

Kennan stammered in shock.

Was this a joke?

One million magic crystals?

He wouldn't be worth that much even if he were sold!

And although he was part of the Sloane family, his lack of talent meant he only had five magic crystals to his name.

It had taken him years to save those, and it wasn't even close to enough to cover the debt.

"Where's all that bravery from before? You were so righteous just a moment ago. Go ahead, pay his debt," Sylvus sneered.

Looking at Kennan's downcast appearance, Sylvus could tell that he wasn't someone who had much money. There was no way he could come up with a million magic crystals.

And even if he could, Sylvus doubted anyone would be kind enough to spend that much on a stranger.

"Uhh... Uncle, did you really... really owe that much?" Kennan asked, wide-eyed in disbelief.

"Young man, the boss is right. I consumed one of the pills from his shop, and that's how I ended up owing so much."

The old man nodded.

Gasp!

When Kennan heard the confirmation, he couldn't help but gasp.

But then a hint of confusion crossed his face.

"A pill? What's a pill? Is it really worth that much?"

As a member of the Sloane family, one of the top magic families in the sacred city, Kennan wasn't entirely ignorant. However, he had never heard of something called a "pill."

"I don't know what a pill is either, but after consuming one, it did heal my injuries."

"Scam! Uncle, you must have been tricked. Even an Eighth-Rank potion is only worth a million magic crystals. There's no way anything from this shop could be worth that much."

Kennan said as he turned his gaze back to Sylvus.

"Show me this so-called pill from your shop. I want to see if it's really worth that much."

"Sorry, but we're closed for the day. If you want to see the pills, come back tomorrow. Old man, clear the place."

Sylvus wasn't interested in explaining further and turned to leave.

"Young man, you'd better go," the old man said, quickly stepping forward to close the door once Sylvus had spoken.

Kennan stood outside, watching the door close, his expression shifting constantly.

"That damn greedy shopkeeper. I'll bring the Enforcement Hall here tomorrow. If those pills of yours aren't worth the price, I'll make you regret it!"

Kennan muttered as he turned to leave. He wanted to report the incident to the Enforcement Hall right away.

But today was Archmage Lanster's memorial day, and all of the enforcement officers were busy maintaining order in the sacred city, so no one would listen to him.

Sylvus, of course, had no idea what Kennan was thinking, nor would he have cared even if he did.

At that moment, he was leading the old man upstairs.

The shop had two floors. The first floor was for selling elixirs, while the second floor served as a living space with five rooms.

Entering the living room, Sylvus headed straight for the couch, and the old man followed closely behind.

Just as the old man was about to step inside, he froze in shock at the sight of the room's interior.