I was determined to get this origin art today. So without further delay, I asked about the price. But he gave me another booklet with a list of price tags.

I was confused, why write in another book? Just mention the price beside the description. I opened the booklet and searched for Advent of Thunder king. And guess what, my whole sky broke on my head.

"15000 AC!" I screamed as I couldn't control my voice.

Feeling that I was seeing things, I rubbed my eyes and counted the 0's again. But, to my dismay- those 0s were still there. Thinking that this was outrageous, I hurriedly checked other arts too. And every price tag was like a hammer strike, smashing my head.

12000!

17000!

16000!

The lowest I could find was 8000 AC!

This…..

"Does the Academy not want its student to buy origin art?"

When I was investigating the authority's real intention in pricing the origin arts, the elder dumped a box of Lightning elemental crystals in front of me.

I couldn't help but ask,

"Sir, isn't that price a little outrageous? 15k AC for one origin art!"

He looked at me with a bored expression. As if he expected my outburst.

"Did you check Origin arts from other elements?"

I stopped yelling and checked fire origin art price tags, and my eyes widen. The highest origin art I could find was only 10,000 AC!

"What's the meaning of this? Why is the academy bullying students with Lightning elemental affinity? Isn't that elemental discrimination?''

Instead of showing sympathy, the Elder burst into laughter.

"Boy, how much do you know about Lightning Elementalists?"

"I come from a Rural area. And, I have never met a Lightning Elementalist."

He sat in a comfortable position and spoke,

"Let me tell you something, in the last 100 years, Krieger academy had only 7 lightning Elementalist. Other academies maybe got some too but that's the number in Krieger."

I was confused. I know lightning elementalists are rare but what's that have to do with these outrageous price tags? And if we are so rare, Isn't the Academy doing the opposite? Shouldn't they spend more effort nurturing Lightning users?

" So that means, Krieger Academy has way fewer alumni than others when it comes to lightning users. And most of the students with lightning have practiced only basic origin arts that come from the council's Elemental Association. So, a few decades ago- the authority decided to increase the number of High-grade lightning-origin arts. They used plenty of resources to hire lightning elementalists to create suitable origin arts or share theirs. When other element's origin arts were provided by alumni and professors at a pretty low price."

So that's why the price was so high. The academy spent money, so it wants students with enough qualifications to practice them. According to the authority, if I can't sum up mere 15k AC to exchange these arts, what qualification do I have?

The elder continued, "If you want these advanced origin arts, you have to show that you are of value. Not just anybody can receive them. For example, the origin art you picked is from a strong Elemental manipulator from the federation! After the news of his, selling Advent of Thunderking was exposed, he was hunted by the Federal government! Do you think he didn't know about the consequences?"

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Maybe?"

"No, he knew it very clearly. But still, he decided to sell it to Krieger! This just shows how much the Academy expended."

I couldn't help but sigh. Poor guy, he sold something that belongs to him. But was hunted by others because of that!

'What did he exchange for anyway? Something that can make you last in bed ten times more than on the battlefield?' I chuckled.

But as I looked at the price tag, my mood became sour again. Gritting my teeth, and told him that I will be buying it.

"Well, I must say, you made the right decision today. You will find this worthwhile in the future."

"I hope so."

Then he put the box in front of me,

"10 lightning crystals. 8000 AC."

Clunk!

The list book slipped from my hand as I heard him.

"Umm, elder. Wasn't that supposed to be 5000AC?''

" Yeah, but that's for other elements. I reckon Yours is lightning." That smug expression was attached to his face like a magnet. This made me want to punch that face eagerly but I controlled myself as that could cost me dearly.

But, I was really on verge of losing my composure. That again! A 40% increase in price just because they are lightning crystals! This increase was way too for me. The price of the origin art was acceptable as it was a one-time purchase. But, this was a consumable item! Elemental Crystals will become worthless after I absorb the pure elemental energy in them. So, I had to buy these regularly if I want to cultivate, become stronger or replenish my depleted energy core.

'If you want to do robbery in broad daylight, open a bandit den. Why open an academy?.' I cursed inwardly.

But as I remembered these ACs were also given by the academy, I shut myself up. I had to follow their rules if I want their resources. Simple equation.

I felt exhausted as various calculations went through my mind. But there was no way out. Helplessly, I could only exchange 23000AC for one origin art and 10 lightning crystals.

I have been planning on buying some Volcan Steaks for a while. These ACs were to make my wish come true. Just when I thought of having another feast at KFC, my pocket became empty again.

"Aryan, you can't be a miser when it comes to cultivation resources. You can stop eating at KFC, but can't stop cultivating."

I repeated this to calm myself.

And for some reason, the elder looked happy.

'Does he also get a bonus for scamming students? Who knows.'

I had to sign in an Agreement paper that I would never share this origin art with anyone, nor I could make a copy of it. And if I breach the agreement, the academy will have the right to punish me accordingly. And, how would they know if I breached it? I didn't know. But, I wouldn't share it even if I were to die.

'I bought this by staying steakless for days! How dare you ask for this origin art.'

After everything was done, I had only 7000 Ac left. That was like my allowance for the next six months. So, I had to use these leftover AC wisely before the tournament.

If I multiply the monthly rate by 6, around 2000 of them will go to tuition fees, and 1000 for dorm fees. The rest will be for buying a good spear and my other expenses.

After distributing the rest of the credits, I went back to my dorm with a dejected expression.

"Money, Oh my money. I loved you so much. But you didn't love me back. Abandoning me like a whore just after coming to me."

Totally ignored the fact that I was the one who abandoned those shiny golden beauties to that lustful elder.