Chapter 9: Flaws

"Haa, don't feel too bad about it. If you had sold that necklace in Royal Capital, it might have sold for up to 50 or even 70 Gold coins. But we can't do anything about it. In this town, we can't go against Goren or any other big shop." Shirley said while waving her hand and soon added.

"But this is only a temporary measure. I'm not even sure if this potion helped his soul recover. It seems we have no choice but to buy the Wizard's Miracle Life Potion."

Upon hearing the potion's name, Athena's face turned gloomy.

She wasn't new to this potion name.

After they left the Royal Capital, Shirley had been using a black market information network and had been searching for a clue to healing Raven's soul.

After five years of searching, she finally found a clue about the appearance of a potion called Miracle Life potion in the Royal City Auction House from time to time. She learned from the multiple rumors that this potion had a miraculous effect. For example, Margrave Ashton brought this potion last time and extended his dying mother's lifespan!

There were also rumors that this potion saved people from the brink of death and even from dangerous curses and diseases.

But the problem was the cost.

Last time, this potion was auctioned for 950 Gold Coins! Before that, its worth even went past 1000 Gold Coins.

"I barely saved up to 50 Gold Coins. If we can have a little help from that man, things might go smoother." Shirley said slowly.

"No. Even if I beg him, I know he will not help my little brother." Athena firmly shook her head and then asked.

"What about hunting Monsters like some Roaming Walkers and earning money by selling Magic Stones?"

"Goblins can only have low-tier magic stones in their hearts, and they only sell for around 1 to 3 silvers. Although Hobgoblins drop Intermediate Tier magic stones, they always fight in groups. It's impossible to solo them unless you are an Elite Walker." Shirley said solemnly.

"But how much does an intermediate Magic Stone sell for?" Athena asked.

"Hmm, it depends on their size. But most of them would sell for around 1 to 2 Gold Coins. But it's not worth the risk."

"Then, what about the High-Tier Magic Stone?" Athena still didn't give up on the monster-hunting idea and asked.

"If you can hunt Orcs, Cyclops, Orges, and Trolls, you can get many Intermediate and even some High-Tier Magic Stones. But even an Elite Walker will find it hard to face a High-Rank monster. Moreover, they always gathered in groups and even formed a settlement where they lived. You need at least a dozen Elite Walkers and One Radiant Rank Walker to face against an Orc Settlement." Her words made Athena instantly give up on the idea.

"Athena, it's true that even a single High-Tier Magic stone would sell for around 20 to 30 Gold coins. But do you think it's an easy job? With one single mistake, you will lose your life. I'll think of something to get that potion, so you should focus on training your swordsmanship."

At that moment, Athena suddenly noticed Raven walking out of the restroom and added,

"I'm more worried about Raven. Although he looks energetic now, will he be okay? Is there no other alternative way?" Her voice was filled with full of worry and anxiety.

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"I'm also helpless in this matter, Athena. But sometimes, I worry more about your mother instead. I wonder how she is doing these days. Imagine losing both of her children and even her elder sister on a single day and not seeing them for five years. I even sometimes wonder if we made the right choice." She closed her eyes for a second and soon turned serious.

"But whenever I see that cute brat's face, I feel all those worries wash away like they never existed."

"Let's go, Aunt. We should at least do what we can." Athena said calmly.

"Indeed. Oh, I might come home late tonight. So, you guys eat dinner and sleep earlier." Shirley said as she thought of something.

"Work? Is it a dangerous job again, Aunt?" Athena asked with a suspicious look.

"It's just a regular scout mission to the outer area of the Mirage Woodlands. The best we can encounter inside the outskirts is Goblins and Kobolds. Even an apprentice Walker like you can take on two of them at once. So, you don't have to worry about my safety." Shirley said in a comforting tone and soon asked.

"Are you still not able to break the bottleneck?"

Athena nodded and answered with a trace of sadness in her tone.

"It seems what you said might indeed be true, Aunt Shirley. The Imperial Knight Technique given to me by the Royal instructor must be basic. Otherwise, I wouldn't be stuck in the same realm all this time. I also felt the Sword Technique to be an inferior one. I still lag in many areas, far from creating an invisible force around the sword edges."

"Of course, it's normal. Creating an invisible force around the sword can only be done through tens of years of training. Only the Elite Knights and those of higher rank can achieve that stage. From what I've heard from the rumors, they call that force ‘Aura.' And unless you learn a complete core swordsmanship technique, it will be impossible even if you practice for 100 years." Shirley said solemnly.

"But how strong is that father of mine, Aunt Shirley?" Athena asked curiously.

"He is one of the three Legendary Powerhouse of the Empire and even managed to comprehend his swordsmanship to an incredible level. While working at the palace, I witnessed him cutting an Iron Pillar into two with a single swing. Unlike the normally invisible sword Aura, his sword aura appeared purplish and looked destructive. Although he is a cold man, he is the strongest person in this Empire and could stop any army of soldiers alone." Shirley said in awe.

"But he has a nasty personality!"

"Never talk something like that again, child. We are too powerless to get near the gatekeeper outside the palace. In truth, our future looks dark. Unless some miracle happens, this situation won't change. I'll try to get a good Knight Technique from the black market that matches your affinity in a year or two. Until then, keep training your swordsmanship and improve your knowledge. Even though you can't progress faster like the ones using Imperial Knight Technique, you can at least reach the 'Elite Rank' in a decade or two." As she spoke, a young boy's voice came from the kitchen.

"I'm hungry. What did you make today, sister?"

At the same time, a loud clang sound followed, causing Athena to widen her eyes.

"Wait, I'll come! So, stop making a mess in the kitchen."

She hurriedly stood up from the chair and walked out of the bedroom. Shirley also followed Athena and started to get ready to work.

The small family soon had breakfast together and left the house around 9.30 A.M.

As usual, Athena dropped Raven at the Elementary School before working. On the other hand, Shirley took another road and moved toward the town's administrative building.

As Raven started walking on the smooth ground of the elementary school, he suddenly heard a running noise.

"Raven? Did you do today's homework? I did the homework but forgot to bring it on." A young, childish voice came from behind soon, causing him to turn around with a smile.

"Don't lie in the morning itself, Robert!" Raven giggled at his classmate and added.

"I know you didn't even take the Logistic Calculation book and Grammar book from the desk. Did you even check your bag after you went home?"

His words made Robert scratch his head awkwardly. He soon shook his head and stated proudly.

"Teacher Elizabeth's class is only after Lunch Period, so if you lend me your notebook, I can copy it quickly."

As he spoke, a slight sly grin appeared on his round face.

After looking deeply at Robert, Raven shook his head and spoke.

"Unfortunately, I also didn't do the homework today."

"What?" Robert's eyes went wide as he heard those words.

"What happened? Did you hit your head somewhere? Or did you have a fever yesterday? You must never lose the 100% homework mark at the end of this grade and lose your rank. If that happens, Mary Whitbard will snatch your position and become our class leader! Oh no! You must finish your homework before the class begins. Ah right! We have Play Class in the morning."

"Teacher Maxwell won't allow us to do other subjects' homework and nags us to death the whole class. He and his puzzle games." Even Raven looked annoyed as he thought of that teacher, Maxwell.

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the entrance to the school and started walking on the long corridor.