Chapter 226: The Miller Group...

Published Mar 17, 2026, 04:15 AM

Chapter 226: The Miller Group... It was expensive, but not unreasonable for an S-Rank item with permanent attribute enhancement. The +10 Mana alone was worth at least $2-3 million by standard market rates, and the regeneration boost added substantial value for use of high-rank skills. Since it was a bracelet, Moon was certain that it would remain useful even in the Second Sanctuary for some time before he needed to replace it again. But he wasn’t about to accept the first price offered without at least attempting negotiation. "I notice you mentioned a twenty percent regeneration boost," Moon said calmly, "but I’m seeing closer to fifteen percent in the enchantment structure. And I don’t detect any purification effects, are you sure about that?" The saleswoman’s smile flickered slightly in surprise. She gave the item a quick check before sighing, "Ah, you’re quite right, I may have been slightly... optimistic in my initial assessment. The regeneration is indeed closer to fifteen percent, and the purification effect is more subtle than I suggested." She paused, clearly recalculating her approach. "I apologize for my honest mistake. I can offer a discounted price of $3.8 million for my mistake. That’s the absolute minimum the Trading Center can accept for an authentic S-rank artifact with permanent attribute enhancement." Moon considered. With his current net worth of $15 million, spending $3.8 million on a single item would consume over a quarter of his liquid assets. But the +10 Mana and +15% regeneration would significantly enhance his combat sustainability, especially as he accumulated more high-cost skills. The price of the piece was more reasonable at $3.8 million. In fact, slightly lower than market price. It was clear that she had indeed lowered the price below market valuation for being caught out. And if he was going to be hunting forty-seven more S-rank beasts, having equipment that let him fight longer without mana depletion could literally save his life. "I’ll take it," Moon decided. "For $3.8 million." The saleswoman’s smile became pleased. "Excellent choice, sir. I’ll process the transaction immediately." As she moved to handle the paperwork and payment authorization, Moon examined the bracelet more closely. With his enhanced mana pool and now boosted regeneration, he’d be able to cast [Ignite] and [Lightning Raiju] multiple times in succession. The investment would pay for itself in survival value alone. Sometimes, spending money on the right equipment was just as important as earning it in the first place. Moon fastened the Tidecaller’s Bracelet around his wrist, feeling the artifact’s enchantments activate and begin synchronizing with his mana circulation. His available funds had dropped, but his combat effectiveness had increased. A worthwhile trade. ♢♢♢♢ After purchasing the Tidecaller’s Bracelet, Moon took his time checking out the other floors containing S-rank items. The eighth floor’s defensive equipment was impressive—armor pieces that could withstand attacks from B-rank beasts without any damage, shields capable of projecting barrier fields, protective artifacts that activated automatically when the wearer’s life was threatened. But nothing specifically suited his combat style or filled a gap in his current capabilities. The ninth floor’s offensive weapons were equally impressive. Whether it was gauntlets, staff, or swords, they were all powerful, but nothing that he truly needed. He had wanted to make his own staff with the Fire Spirit and Druid’s cores, but that plan was no longer viable. Also, after gaining his [Lightning Raiju] Skill, he no longer needed offensive weapons. Again, nothing that meshed well with his existing skill set. He already had a solid B+ rank dagger from the assassin. Finding nothing else worth the substantial investment, Moon made his way back down to meet up with Selene and Yara. They reunited at the Trading Center’s entrance, and the three of them began walking through the city streets toward Moon’s house in the residential district. The streets were moderately busy with awakeners, and ordinary civilians going about their daily life. As they walked, announcements suddenly rang across various public speakers and display screens positioned throughout the commercial area: "Miller Group Prodigy Marcus Miller has completed his first class evolution, successfully entering the Second Sanctuary, becoming an Evolver and evolving his Blade Storm class to the prestigious Sword Saint class! The Miller Group is celebrating his evolution by hosting a grand celebration and inviting all the powerful families in New Avalon to attend! In even more exciting news, rumors suggest that the Ascender known as the Drunk Swordsman is planning to take Marcus as his personal disciple, a development that’s sending tremors of speculation across the capital!" Before that announcement could fully fade, another followed: "Glassy Group President Tom Glassy has completed his second class evolution, successfully entered the Third Sanctuary, and achieved Ascender Status! His business empire is expected to expand dramatically with this advancement. His son, Kael Glassy, is reportedly following in his father’s footsteps and preparing to complete his first class evolution to enter the Second Sanctuary!" Moon stopped in his tracks. His eyes slowly rose to look at the massive billboard where the newsagent continued forecasting important developments in the United Terran Alliance’s awakener community. Two familiar names being broadcast simultaneously. Kael—the Pyromancer he’d fought alongside during the beast siege at Ironpeak Base. Someone Moon had decent rapport with, whose strength he respected. [Ignite] was evolved from Kael’s class after all. But that wasn’t what made him stop walking. The first name did. Marcus... Miller. The same Marcus that Sarah had left him for. The "better prospect" she’d chosen when Moon was casted aside as a null. After everything he’d been through for the past months, Moon no longer felt the sharp sting of betrayal or heartbreak. He’d realized, not just told himself, that having someone like that removed from his life early was far better than discovering her true character later, after deeper investment and commitment. The betrayal wound had almost healed cleanly after meeting so many people. Yara, and Selene had managed to make him feel like the world wasn’t entirely against him after all. Although he’d barely spent time with Yara, something inside of him, told him that she was different. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he knew it was real. As for Selene, she had managed to gain his trust after everything they’d been through together.

React

Discussion