Time passed.

Over two months had passed since the group from the Black Swamp arrived in the Magic Forest. After some initial confusion, they had gradually adapted.

Under the High Tower's arrangements, everyone had their own duties.

Their work and Cultivation were now on the right track.

Oma, the most talented among them, officially became Bella's apprentice and stayed to train at the Wizard Tower under the guise of working.

Carl had established himself at the medicine shop and was busy hiring an assistant.

Hodgson and Nancy... had taken over a shop.

BANG!

Fireworks bloomed, their light coalescing in mid-air to form the words: "Magnolia Flower Magic Artifact Shop."

The magnolia flower, a symbol of love in the Gando Kingdom, was chosen for the shop's name, suggesting it was run by a couple.

Radiant, Hodgson, dressed in a magnificent Wizard Robe and a tall hat, shouted to the crowd,

"The shop is now open! For the first three days, all Demonized Items are twenty percent off, and we also have two Advanced Demonized Items for sale!"

"Welcome, everyone, to make your purchases!"

WOW...

The crowd first erupted, then applause broke out.

CLAP! CLAP!

Regardless of their private thoughts, everyone present stepped forward to offer congratulations.

"Congratulations!"

"Best wishes for your grand opening! May your business prosper!"

"Thank you! Thank you!"

Hodgson smiled, returning the greetings one by one, but his smile faltered slightly upon seeing Carl.

Hmph! he snorted internally, a trace of disdain in his eyes. Even without your Magic Stones, I could still open this shop.

Outwardly, however, he casually said,

"Carl, you're here too! Let's go to the tavern for a drink later. My shop is finally up and running."

"Congratulations."

Carl smiled and presented his gift.

"I wish you a thriving business."

"Thanks." Hodgson accepted the gift, casually passed it to an employee behind him, and gestured inside.

"Please come in."

After they had taken a few steps inside, Oma, who had specially taken leave to be there, approached him. She glanced back and asked,

"The atmosphere just now seemed a bit off. When did you offend him?"

"Um..." Carl touched his chin.

"Maybe it's because he asked to borrow some Magic Stones from me, and I refused."

"I didn't either." Oma laughed.

"But I genuinely don't have any money. Living expenses here are high, and I suppose among our group, you're the only one with some savings."

"My expenditures aren't low either." Carl explained,

"My Wizard Talent isn't high, so I rely on consuming Potions to keep up with my training. That means I use a lot of Magic Stones."

"By the way, why isn't Nancy here today?"

As one of the shop's two owners, Nancy definitely should have been present on such an important day as the grand opening.

"Elder Marian took her back to the Wizard Tower."

Oma whispered,

"She even got a stern lecture and was told to focus on her Cultivation. She probably won't be allowed out for several months."

"Oh!" Carl raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"I heard—and this is just hearsay," Oma said,

"that to raise funds for taking over the shop, Nancy privately borrowed money in her own name, a staggering five thousand Magic Stones."

"A loan? Five thousand Magic Stones?" Carl's expression changed.

"How could she dare?"

Loans between Wizards require signing a contract. These contracts not only have legal force but also carry powerful binding obligations.

If she can't repay, simply defaulting on the debt isn't an option.

Through his research on Divine Domain Fragments, Carl had become familiar with various runes and appellations.

The very names of certain entities represented power.

Once a contract is signed, if the borrower cannot repay the loan, the lender could very well gain control over the borrower's soul.

At that point, the loan contract becomes a contract of indentured servitude!

SIGH!

Oma sighed.

"Love truly makes people blind. I heard Elder Marian was furious about this matter."

"Just taking over the shop costs two thousand Magic Stones. Then there's stocking up, hiring staff, and various other preparations. Without several thousand Magic Stones, it's difficult to manage. I hope Hodgson can keep the business afloat. Otherwise, Nancy..."

SIGH!

She sighed again.

Carl shook his head.

Five thousand Magic Stones! Nancy has really sold herself out. Her feelings for Hodgson are truly... deeply rooted.

Carl had limited experience in business management, but he could already see quite a few problems with the shop.

But in business... sometimes luck is more important.

「A few days later.」

"Mr. Karl."

The salesclerk, Trish, came to the backyard and asked,

"A Doctor wishes to use our shop to treat patients. He says he'll give thirty percent of the income to the shop."

"A Doctor?" Carl asked, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked towards the front of the shop. "What's his Cultivation level?"

"He's an Advanced Wizard Apprentice from Mulan Market. He claims to be a well-known Doctor there," Trish explained. "Recently, there have been signs of a beast tide. Since Mulan Market is too close to the forest, he came here looking for opportunities."

As they spoke, they arrived at the front of the shop.

An old man in a tattered Wizard Robe, with flowing white hair and a deeply wrinkled face, was sitting in the waiting area.

Seeing them approach, the old man quickly stood up.

"You must be Mr. Karl?"

"I am." Carl nodded, gesturing for the old man to sit. "And how should I address you, sir?"

"Mike Donald. Those who know me usually just call me Mike," the old man said, stroking his beard and smiling.

"Mr. Karl, you truly are remarkable. Your medicine shop is arguably the best in the market."

"I was just fortunate enough to develop a new formula. Unfortunately, imitations have already appeared in the market," Carl sighed. "The good times are likely coming to an end."

"How can that be?" Mike Donald shook his head.

"Mr. Karl, you're too modest. For a medicine shop like yours, the good days should just be beginning."

"Let's not dwell on that," Carl said, waving his hand.

"You mentioned wanting to set up a consultation spot here?"

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