The man continued to explain the supposed battle options. While they were commonly known as battle options, truthfully, they were in essence runes—a mysterious language that seemed to be prevalent before the universe's creation. Its purpose? To control, to manifest, and to create nature at its source.

"Haha, mages and magic in general also use runes. In a way, you could say battle options or engraving is simply a branch of magic." The man finished his explanation and looked over at Oliver with an elated chest. Although he wasn't too knowledgeable about the actual process, he still felt pride that he was a part of it.

"Interesting. So, what options are available?"

"Haha, we have many! Here is our catalog."

Oliver held the large book the man had seemingly pulled out of nowhere. He stared for a few more seconds and then focused his attention on the book. Although he was interested, he wasn't interested enough to stand half-naked at the entrance to read through it.

"Ahem! D-do you perhaps have a room I can borrow to look through this?"

"Hehe, of course, valued customer!"

Oliver was shown to a small luxurious room, fitted with a coffee table in the middle of two small couches. He sat down and went through the entire catalog. He noticed quite a few options that he found nice, such as resistance to heat or cold. However, he found a few that were more suited to him. He first narrowed down the items he was going to purchase to clothing and even accessories, then fitted each item with an appropriate engraving.

"Will that be all, valued customer?"

"Mhm, that is all."

"Very well. We will need to take your measurements, but we can provide you a set of basic clothing for free."

"I would appreciate that."

"Now, let's go over your order. You have purchased the Immortal Night Suit, a suit woven by the Night Widow's silk and the Dawn Silk found in the Elven Forest. You've selected the Maintenance enchantment, thus making the item in perfect condition at all times.

Next, we have a total of five sets of clothing. These have been finely crafted by the Birthmother Silk, and each set is engraved with the same enchantment, the Monk Enchantment. This enchantment gives the user an all-round increase along with a slow constant health, stamina, and mana regeneration.

Lastly, you have also bought a watch made of Moon Silver with the enchantment Pocket. This enchantment creates a small pocket in space connected to the item, allowing the storage of lifeless items. Along with a pair of glasses created with Blood Iron and the enchantment Database. This enchantment is popular among glasses and lens wearers. It allows the user to create a database of known information and reminds the user once that information becomes relevant."

Although Oliver knew everything was amazing, he was slightly worried about the price. In total, his assets reached only around $53,000, a lot normally, yet he felt it was inadequate compared to the items he was about to purchase. He hoped that it wouldn't reach more than what he had; however, it seemed luck wasn't on his side at the moment.

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"In total, everything reaches the price of $300,000!!"

Oliver visibly coughed up a few drops of blood from the price. However, he tried to keep his confidence and asked,

"Y-you see, recently my financial situation isn't the best. W-would I be able to put it on credit?" Oliver tried to smile after his statement, but it was crooked. He swiftly covered his face as his attempt at being confident failed before it even began.

The man nodded slightly and explained,

"We do accept credit; however, we have an added interest of 5% every month."

"That's fine. I can work with that."

"Very well, if you would just give me your address, we will deliver them when you're ready."

"Hmm, instead, could I leave my phone number and pick them up?"

"That works too. Also, please sign here."

Oliver took the pen that was handed to him and signed the few papers in front of him. As he did, a strange feeling filled him. It was nothing magical in nature; instead, it was more about the situation he found himself in. In the span of 24 hours, he was exposed to a supernatural side hidden from the world, gained $50K, and now had a debt of $300K.

Still, Oliver was excited by this new world in front of him. Whether it was a brawl with werewolves or the vanquishing of evil vampires, he wanted to experience everything!

As Oliver left the store with a plain white t-shirt and some light blue shorts, he stared at the artificial sky. He found it amusing. He had been here for a good amount of time, yet the artificial sun never moved. Amano City, a place light never leaves—Heaven's City. He let out a small sigh and decided to make some money this summer. As such, he found himself back at the Mystic Association, with both a grudge and an objective. When the person who administered his exam noticed his presence, he leisurely walked up to him.

"It's good to see you again, Sir Oliver."

"Yes, while I do have something I want to ask, I first need to know something." Oliver responded to him with a forced smile, while also placing his hand on his shoulder. He placed his face closer to the person's face and asked, "Why would you let me leave with such a hideous appearance, hmmm?"

"A-aha, y-you see, L-lady Amano s-said it was your preference…."

"Oh, did she? Isn't that something? I guess me and her have a future talk we need to have. Sigh! I'll let this matter rest, for now."

"T-that would be appreciated."

"Now for my real goal, how do I earn money as a Rank 2 Associate?"

"Oh, just that? It's quite simple. You simply deal with Fissures."

"I see. Does that mean I will get a reward for the Fissure I dealt with earlier?"

"Aha, you already got it. The 50K, remember?"

Oliver resisted the urge to strangle the person in front of him, and likely sensing that, he coughed slightly and continued to say,

"T-that was a joke, of course! Hmm, w-while we don't know the rank of the Fissure, c-can we end it with another 50K?"

"Ahem! I guess it can't be helped." Oliver responded with a smile about another sum of money he gained. Although he would later learn how much he was ripped off, whether he would still feel happy about such a pitiful amount is yet to be seen.

XII