As Kael made his way home, one thought kept nagging at him: "Not having a car is really inefficient."
He'd made a fortune he could afford a car now. Their house even had a small parking lot, just enough space for one. So, he stopped by a local dealership on the way.
Unlike the cold treatment at the skillstone shop, the dealership staff were actually friendly. One of the male employees greeted him with enthusiasm and guided him through the showroom.
"Sir, I suggest the Nordic Sedan. It's practical, elegant, and fuel-efficient. Starts at around $200,000. Seats four," the salesman said confidently.
Kael scratched his head. "Do you have something… bigger?"
"Oh, definitely!" The man's eyes lit up. "How about the Mubaru JG1 SUV? Seats nine, family-friendly, efficient, and a great choice for big households."
That sealed the deal.
"I'll take the SUV," Kael said, nodding.
The salesman offered a 2-year payment plan, but Kael waved it off. "I'll pay in full."
The man lit up like a Christmas tree. "Y-Yes, of course, sir!"
They finalized the paperwork. The car would be ready for pickup tomorrow.
With a little more time to kill and a lot of money to burn, Kael went on a shopping spree.
He bought a full wardrobe worth $100,000 branded shoes, a sharp tuxedo, casual wear, and even a new phone and laptop for himself.
He was living it up.
And why not? Another $20 million was scheduled to hit his account tomorrow. Spending now didn't even put a dent in his plans.
As he browsed his phone, a real estate ad caught his attention. A house in City 1, located near a panic shelter prime real estate in case of a monster attack. Not that attacks were common there anymore; the area was filled with powerful hunters, making it one of the safest zones in the region.
Kael didn't hesitate. He headed straight to the office of Amarifo Construction, a real estate company owned by Selena's family one of his classmates from Valencia University.
Dressed in his new clothes, Kael might've still looked a little chubby and oily, but now? He looked like a second-gen tycoon. And that was enough to send the sales clerks into a frenzy, each one trying to serve him first.
A smart-looking agent named Arvin won the chance.
"Good morning, sir! I'm Arvin. I'll help you find the perfect home in City 1. Do you have anything specific in mind?"
"I'm looking for a house. Big enough for a family of six… no, make that seven," Kael corrected himself. He had to count his dad, still in a coma. Kael never gave up hope.
"Perfect!" Arvin said. "We have a few options near the Black Fang Guild, and another closer to Azure Guild. Prices start at $30 million."
"I'd like to pay in installments," Kael said. "What's the down payment?"
"Fifteen percent. That would be $4.5 million."
"I want a one-year plan."
"We can make that work! If you pay early, you'll save on interest as well."
"Sounds good. Can I see the house?"
"Absolutely! I'll drive you there."
They drove through the clean, high-security streets of City 1, where only B-rank hunters and above or government officials were allowed to reside. Eventually, they pulled up to a stunning home: a 250-square-meter house with four parking spots, five bedrooms, a spacious living room, a full kitchen, a private rooftop pool, and a luxurious master suite.
It was more than Kael had ever dreamed of.
"I'll take it," he said without hesitation. "Let's sign the papers."
"Of course, sir," Arvin replied. "Just make sure the monthly payments are on time. If you're behind for more than three months, the bank takes it back."
"No problem."
They shook hands.
"Sir Kael, you can move in today," Arvin beamed.
Kael signed the documents and paid the down payment.
Ding!
Transaction Complete: -$4,500,000
With just $300,000 left in his pocket, Kael took a taxi home… dressed in his expensive new tuxedo.
It was a Saturday, so there were no classes. As soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by excited screams.
"Kuyaaaa!" shouted his younger brothers Duke, Luke, and Mel racing toward him.
His mom and Maya looked stunned. He looked ridiculous in the fancy suit.
"Pffft!" Maya snorted. "What are you even wearing, big bro? You look like a cartoon villain."
"Son… what's going on?" his mom asked, concerned.
Kael sat on the couch with a dramatic sigh and flashed them a thumbs-up. "Mom, Maya, pack your bags. We're moving."
"What?!"
"I got rich," he said with a grin. "Really rich."
Maya squinted. "Are you serious?"
"I mean it. We're moving to City 1. A safe zone, near your schools, right next to the guild districts."
"But son… this house your father worked so hard for it. It's our home."
"I know, Mom. And I'll never forget that. But I need you all safe."
They were silent.
City 1 wasn't just safer it was expensive. The kids chimed in:
"My friend Madel lives there!" Maya said. "Her dad's a pilot. She said their house near Azure Guild cost $20 million!"
Even they knew how pricey it was.
"Are we really moving?" Mel asked, wide-eyed.
Kael gave them a wide grin. "Yes! Your Kuya struck gold! Investment paid off. I already bought the house. We're moving today."
The three boys jumped in joy, screaming and celebrating.
His mom and Maya looked at each other and smiled then hugged, quietly wiping tears from their eyes.
They'd always loved their home, but they remembered the monster invasion four years ago. Even if they never said it aloud, they never truly felt safe since then.
Finally, they could rest easy.
"I'll start packing!" Maya shouted.
"No need," Kael interrupted. "Just give our stuff to the neighbors. We're buying everything new."
Kael nodded, then leaned in and quietly said to his mom, "But keep this house in my name. I'm planning on turning this place into something."
"Oh… okay. Sure," she replied, still processing everything.
Kael glanced around their modest home, the memories heavy in every corner. I'll build my own guild here someday. This place… this is still home.
City 12 used to be a bustling hub but after the monster invasion four years ago, the area was left behind. Those who could afford it fled to safer zones in Cities 10 to 1. Only poor families remained here now, clinging to homes they couldn't afford to leave.
Kael had a vision.
Someday, I'll manage this territory. First, I'll start buying up the land. I'll acquire the whole block from the government… it'll take billions, but I'll make it happen.
He called a taxi. The family piled in, and they headed straight to the biggest shopping mall in the city.
Kael gave each of them his mom, Maya, and the three little rascals $10,000 to shop for clothes. More than enough to fill up several wardrobes with branded clothing.
He bought Maya a new laptop, the same high-end model he picked out for himself. He gifted their mom a sleek new phone, too.
After hours of shopping, they capped off the day with dinner at a classy restaurant. The whole family was glowing with joy.
It was the first time they had ever spent so freely.
Kael leaned back in his chair, watching them laugh.
"So this is what it feels like to be rich…" he thought.
I'll earn more. My family deserves this life.
A black SUV taxi drove them through the upscale neighborhood of City 1, winding through well-guarded streets until it pulled up to a massive villa worth $30 million.
Maya's jaw dropped.
"Woahhh… Is this seriously our new house?!"
Their mom, Martha, blinked in disbelief. "Son… are you sure this is the right place?"
Kael smiled. "Yup. Welcome to our new home Vireal Residence."
The kids burst with excitement.
"Woah! It's so big!" shouted Mel. "Can I invite my friends over to play games here, bro?"
Kael laughed. "Of course. Just wait until we finish unpacking."
"Me too," Maya chimed in. "My friends are gonna freak out."
"Fine, fine, invite everyone," Kael said with a grin.
They stepped inside.
The living room was bigger than their entire old house. The bathroom alone was the size of their former bedrooms. A chandelier sparkled overhead, casting warm light over marble floors.
Martha gasped in delight when she saw the kitchen setup modern, spacious, everything perfectly placed. It was a dream come true for her.
And now, no more sharing rooms each of them had their own private bedroom.
Then they found it.
A rooftop pool.
They stood frozen for a moment, stunned by how luxurious everything was.
Later that afternoon, the appliances and house essentials were delivered. Kael spent $150,000 on furniture, groceries, and electronics. Another $50,000 had gone toward clothes and gadgets.
In just one day, $20 million had vanished from his account.
Only $50,000 remained.
That night, Kael stepped into his new master bedroom, sat down at the alchemy desk he had delivered, and got to work.
He brewed potion after potion, over and over again. His skill slowly ticked up with every completed vial. After a few intense hours of grinding...
Ding!
[Potion-Making Skill: F → E Rank]
His hands moved faster now. His concentration was sharper.
He could now brew a full batch of potions in just two hours significantly faster than before.