I woke to the insistent buzzing of my phone. Squinting at the screen, I saw Roman's name flashing, along with the time: 6:30 AM. Too early for casual conversation.
"Roman?" I answered, my voice still rough with sleep.
"Liam!" His voice practically exploded through the speaker. "Those pills—they're incredible! I've never felt anything like it!"
I sat up, instantly more alert. "You took one?"
"Last night, right after I left you. I thought I was being scammed, but..." He paused, lowering his voice. "My cultivation improved more in one night than it has in months. My energy levels are through the roof. I feel like I could run a marathon!"
I smiled, satisfaction warming my chest. "I told you they were worth the price."
"Worth it? They're worth triple what I paid!" Roman exclaimed. "And that's exactly what everyone's offering me this morning. My phone hasn't stopped ringing since dawn."
This caught my attention. "Everyone? Who exactly?"
