Ren and Elyra followed the group through the busy streets of the capital Aurelia City, eventually arriving at a well-known merchant shop.
A large wooden board hung above the entrance:
"Golden Crest Trading House"
As they entered, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a calm smile welcomed them.
"Ah, you're finally here, Captain Rudric," the merchant said warmly.
Rudric stepped forward and nodded.
"I'm doing well, Master Gareth. I've brought some goods to sell today."
Gareth smiled. "Of course. Show me what you've got."
Rudric signaled his party members, and they placed several items on the table—rare herbs, glowing magical stones, and other materials.
"These herbs," Rudric explained, "are used for curing rare diseases. And these stones can enhance magical attacks."
Ren's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait… magical attacks can be strengthened?" Ren asked.
Gareth chuckled softly.
"Yes, that's correct. But only with rare stones. Not every monster drops them. And even within the same species, it's not guaranteed."
Ren thought for a moment, then said,
"We also have a stone. Can you check it and tell us what it's best used for?"
He opened his Item Box and carefully took out the Oni Magic Stone.
The moment Gareth saw it, his expression changed.
"This… where did you get this?" he asked seriously.
Ren scratched his head.
"I found it in the forest. Just got lucky."
Gareth shook his head.
"Luck alone doesn't get you something like this. This is extremely rare. You can use it to craft high-level weapons, armor, or even special artifacts."
Ren nodded. "I see… thanks."
At that moment, Rudric spoke again.
"Ren also has something else… a special healing potion."
Gareth's interest immediately rose.
"Oh? Let me see."
Ren took out one of his potions.
Gareth carefully examined it… then his eyes widened.
"This is… far superior to anything in the market."
Everyone in the room fell silent.
"Where did you get this?" Gareth asked.
Rudric smiled slightly.
"He made it himself."
Gareth looked at Ren again—this time with a completely different gaze.
"You made this…?"
Ren nodded. "Yes."
Gareth leaned back and spoke in a lower tone.
"If people find out about this… it could become dangerous for you."
Ren stayed calm. "I understand."
Gareth continued,
"If you want, we can form a contract. I will sell your potions under my name. That way, your identity stays hidden, and you remain safe."
Ren thought for a moment… then nodded.
"I agree."
Without hesitation, Ren opened his Item Box and placed 50 healing potions on the table.
Everyone was shocked.
Gareth smiled.
"For these, I will give you 250 gold coins upfront. And you will receive 40% of the profit."
Ren frowned slightly.
"Isn't that too little?"
Gareth laughed.
"No, it's actually low. Market potions sell for 8 gold. Yours can easily sell for 15… maybe even 20."
Ren blinked.
"People will actually buy it?"
Gareth nodded confidently.
"This potion doesn't just heal—it restores mana too. That alone makes it priceless."
He paused, then added,
"But first, I will introduce it to the market at 10 gold. Then slowly increase the price."
Ren nodded. "That sounds fair."
Gareth continued,
"One more condition—You won't share this recipe with anyone else or deal with other merchants."
Ren didn't hesitate this time.
"Agreed."
The Contract Ritual
Gareth led Ren into a private room.
In the center was a small altar.
"A contract must be witnessed by the gods," Gareth said.
Both of them made a small cut on their fingers and let a drop of blood fall into a bowl.
A faint golden light appeared…
The contract was sealed.
When they returned, Gareth smiled.
"From now on, this potion is registered under your name. No one can copy or steal it."
Ren felt relieved.
Celebration Plan
Ren turned toward Rudric, his team, and Elyra.
"Today, dinner is on me."
Everyone smiled.
Gareth chuckled.
"In that case, go to my brother's place—Silver Flame Restaurant. Best food in the city."
Ren nodded gratefully.
"Thank you."
At the Restaurant
By the time they arrived, evening had already fallen.
A man stood at the entrance.
"You must be Ren," he said.
Ren nodded.
"My brother told me about you. I've reserved a table."
They were guided to a large table.
Soon, food was served.
Some party members ordered beer, laughing loudly.
Ren and Elyra sat quietly, enjoying juice and food.
Elyra looked at Ren and smiled softly.
"You've come a long way…"
Ren looked down at his hands.
"Not enough yet."
A Hidden Presence
From a distance…
Someone was watching them.
A figure covered in a black cloak.
"Interesting…" a cold voice whispered.
Then—
He vanished.
No one noticed.
End of the Night
After dinner, everyone said their goodbyes.
Ren and Elyra returned to their inn.
The night had grown quiet over Aurelia City.
After a long and exhausting day, Ren and Elyra returned to their inn.
"Good night," Elyra said softly.
"Good night," Ren replied.
They both went into their separate rooms.
A Silent Night
Elyra quickly lay down on her bed.
Within moments… she fell asleep.
Her breathing became calm, her expression peaceful—something she hadn't experienced in a very long time.
But Ren…
was still awake.
He sat near the window, quietly looking up at the night sky.
The moon shone brightly, illuminating the city below.
A gentle breeze flowed through the room.
Ren rested his chin on his hand.
"…I can finally do something," he whispered.
"For myself… and for Mom and Dad."
His eyes softened for a moment.
But then—
his expression turned serious.
The Question That Never Left Him
"…But why?"
Ren clenched his fist.
"Why does everyone have magic… except me?"
His voice was low, filled with frustration.
"All those kids… even Elyra…"
He looked down at his hands.
"…but not me."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then—
he slowly stood up.
His eyes burned with determination.
"No matter what…"
"I will prove it."
His voice became firm.
"Even without magic… I will rise."
"I'll become stronger than anyone."
"I'll reach the top of this world… and show everyone."
A faint aura of resolve surrounded him.
It wasn't magic.
It was something else.
Something deeper.
Finally, Ren lay down.
And slowly… he fell asleep.
Above the World… The Gods Watch
High above the mortal realm…
Beyond the skies…
The divine realm shimmered with golden light.
A figure stood there, watching everything.
It was the Supreme God — Zephyros.
He had been observing Ren the entire time.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"…Interesting."
"I want to see… what you'll do next."
At that moment—
another presence appeared.
A tall figure surrounded by a soft blue glow.
It was the Creation God — Aetherion.
"Supreme God," Aetherion said seriously,
"There's a problem."
Zephyros didn't turn.
"What is it? Don't tell me… the sealed demon has been released?"
Aetherion shook his head.
"No. It's not that."
He paused.
"It's about a boy."
Zephyros raised an eyebrow slightly.
"A boy?"
"Yes," Aetherion continued.
"He has created a new type of healing potion… one far superior to anything in the current world."
Zephyros remained calm.
"So? That's not a problem."
"In fact… it helps people."
He gave a small laugh.
"Less work for us."
But Aetherion's expression didn't change.
"This isn't a joke."
Zephyros finally turned and looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
Aetherion spoke slowly.
"That boy… possesses an unknown power."
"A power that enhances anything he creates…"
"…up to 10 times its original level."
Silence.
For the first time—
Zephyros's smile faded slightly.
"…10 times?"
Aetherion nodded.
"Yes."
"And if he continues…"
"He might create something beyond control."
"Something that could disrupt the balance of this world."
Zephyros stayed quiet for a few seconds.
Then—
he smiled again.
But this time…
it was different.
More interested.
More excited.
"Isn't that… even better?"
Aetherion frowned.
"This is serious."
But Zephyros simply laughed softly.
"If used correctly, that power could help countless lives."
He looked down toward the mortal world.
"…or destroy everything."
Aetherion sighed.
"So what should we do?"
A Decision is Made
Zephyros crossed his arms.
"Keep an eye on him."
Aetherion nodded.
"I was thinking the same."
At that moment, another divine presence appeared.
A sharp-eyed deity clad in silver armor.
The Observer God — Velkaris.
"You called, Supreme God?"
Zephyros looked at him.
"Yes."
"Send one of your most trusted agents."
Velkaris bowed slightly.
"For what purpose?"
Zephyros spoke clearly:
"To watch the boy."
"To stay close to him…"
"At all times."
Velkaris understood immediately.
"As you command."
And in the next moment—
he disappeared.
The Supreme God's Interest
Aetherion looked at Zephyros one last time.
"I hope you're right about this."
Then he, too, vanished.
Now…
only Zephyros remained.
He looked down toward Ren.
His eyes gleamed with excitement.
"…Now this will be interesting."
"I can't wait to see…"
"…what you become."
And then—
he laughed.
A quiet… echoing laugh that spread across the divine realm.
Far Below…
Ren slept peacefully.
Unaware…
That the gods themselves…
had begun watching him.