Rebirth : The Alchemist's Path

Chapter 2: Unexpected Debts

Sylvus looked at the old man with a smile on his face.

Although this old man was a Nine-Star Saint Archmage, one of the most powerful beings on the continent, Sylvus felt no fear at all.

Even though Sylvus currently had no cultivation, the system had already provided him with a protection mechanism: "My Territory, My Rules!"

"My Territory, My Rules": A buff granted by the system for free. As long as Sylvus is within 200 meters of the shop, he can control everything within that range.

In other words, this buff can be summarized in two words: Invincible!

It didn't matter if the old man was a Saint Archmage, or even if a Ruler Mage came, as long as Sylvus willed it, a simple spit could kill them instantly.

When Sylvus extended his hand, the old man paused momentarily, then regained his composure.

"You're right, young man. I won't take such a treasure without paying for it. But, how much is this treasure worth? Do you have more in stock? I'd like to buy a few more."

The old man smiled as he stood up and looked at Sylvus.

As a Saint Archmage, he certainly wouldn't leave his debt unpaid.

Besides, the pill he had just consumed was indeed miraculous. If he had more of these on hand, he could save himself if he encountered danger again.

Sylvus' eyes lit up. As expected from a Saint Archmage, the man was indeed wealthy!

If he could sell more of these pills, he could finally buy some items from the system's store.

"Sir, the pill you just consumed is not expensive, only one million magic crystals. If you need more, I have as many as you want."

Sylvus said with a smile.

The truth was, his elixirs were limitless. Every time he sold one, the system would automatically restock. The only problem was getting people to buy them.

"Only one million magic crystals? I'll just—what? How much did you say the pill I took costs?"

The old man's body stiffened, his face filled with disbelief as he looked at Sylvus.

That tiny pill, the size of a finger, cost one million magic crystals?

"Wait a minute, the effects of this pill are incredible. It didn't just heal my injuries instantly and restore my heart, but it also cured my old ailments."

"And the remaining power is still providing me with magic energy. I might even be able to use the pill's power to break through to the Mage Emperor level."

As the old man thought about this, he suddenly realized that the pill wasn't just expensive, it was incredibly cheap.

Even a Grade Nine potion wouldn't have been able to pull him back from the brink of death.

And a Grade Nine potion also costs upwards of a million magic crystals.

"Sir, you're a Saint Archmage. You're not planning to dodge payment, are you?"

The smile on Sylvus' face vanished.

He had been counting on the old man to help him complete his first transaction and get the system's newbie gift package.

"Well... young man, I left in a hurry and didn't bring that much money with me. How about..."

The old man said, embarrassed.

For a Saint Archmage like him, a million magic crystals was nothing.

But for this particular trip, he hadn't thought to bring such a large sum.

"No money?"

Sylvus' voice instantly rose a few notches.

He never would have guessed that a Saint Archmage didn't even have a million magic crystals.

And this guy had the nerve to talk about buying more pills? Wasn't that just mocking him?

"Ahem... young man, what if I leave now and return with the money? I swear I won't default on the payment."

The old man quickly suggested.

He felt ashamed of himself. As a Saint Archmage, being saved and then not being able to pay a million magic crystals? If word got out, it would be humiliating!

Sylvus took a deep breath. Trust you?

I trusted you had money earlier, and now look where we are. How could I trust you again?

And besides, as long as the old man stayed within 200 meters of the shop, Sylvus could confidently face him. But if he left and didn't return, who would he turn to?

"System, how do I deal with someone like this who doesn't have money?"

Sylvus asked directly in his mind.

Although he was tempted to slap the old man to death, he still needed the million magic crystals. So, he asked the system if there was a compromise.

**[System]: You can kill him and recycle his body, but the host will bear 50% of the cost.**

When Sylvus heard this, he frowned. He didn't mind killing the old man, but taking on 50% of the responsibility meant he would have to pay 500,000 magic crystals.

At the moment, he didn't have a single crystal, and he had no idea when the shop would make its first sale. Forget 500,000 magic crystals, he didn't even have five!

"System, is there no other solution?"

Sylvus asked again. The current option was too much of a loss for him.

**[System]: There is another solution. The host can make the person work in the shop to pay off the debt, receiving a small monthly wage. Once the debt is cleared, they can leave.**

Sylvus' eyes brightened. This solution was much better; at least he wouldn't have to bear any responsibility.

Besides, he was running the shop by himself right now. Having someone else help out would lighten his load.

Even though the shop didn't have any customers right now, who's to say there won't be any in the future?

"You've been silent, young man. What do you think?"

The old man asked cautiously, noticing Sylvus hadn't spoken.

Although he was a Saint Archmage, his reputation mattered to him.

After all, he was the one in the wrong, and he wouldn't have acted this humbly otherwise.

"Old man, it's fine if you can't pay. You can stay here and work to pay off the debt. Once it's cleared, you can leave."

Sylvus said calmly.

"What? Young man, are you asking me to work here to pay off my debt? Do you know who I am?"

The old man protested immediately upon hearing Sylvus' words. He was a Saint Archmage! Even if he owed money, working to pay off the debt was unthinkable. How could he face anyone if this news got out?

"Really? So you'd rather die?"

"Boom..."

Sylvus let out a cold snort, and an overwhelming aura surged from him, pressing down on the old man.

"Ugh..."

The old man was about to speak, but the next moment, it was as if he had been struck by a powerful force. Blood spurted from his mouth as he was sent flying backward.

"You... you..."

The old man finally came to a stop after crashing into the wall, looking at Sylvus in disbelief.

He was a Saint Archmage, and although he hadn't been prepared, he never expected to be sent flying by the mere release of Sylvus' aura.

Just a sliver of his energy had seriously injured him. What level of power did this young man possess?

"Could he be a Mage Emperor?"

The old man couldn't help but wonder.

Thinking back to the miraculous pill he had consumed, he became even more convinced of this.

If Sylvus wasn't a Mage Emperor, how could he possess such treasures?

How could he so easily injure him with just a release of aura?

"Old man, have you made your decision yet?"

Sylvus asked calmly, though his body emitted a faint killing intent. If the old man dared to refuse, he would show no mercy!