Chapter 22: Can you do it? Yes, you can.

Poor, broke, and weak—I can’t afford to raise these two kids.

On my own, my earning ability is fine, but with two kids, it’s a different story.

But what can I do? Cook and eat the egg babies?

I can’t.

Maybe it’s Su Mengmeng’s soul influencing me, or our blood connection, but I genuinely care for these eggs.

The warmth and comfort when I hold them… it’s something I’ve never felt before.

I may be an outsider, but right now, I truly see them as my children.

“Sigh… guess I’ll settle for less. Pick the best of the low-tier crystals. Six or seven hundred silver coins should do… I’m still broke, but setting a goal is better.”

I glanced at the prices, ready to leave, but as I turned and stepped forward, I bumped into something.

“Ow!”

I stumbled back but didn’t fall, my strength still modest.

“Ugh… why’re you standing right behind me?!”

Rubbing my head, I glared at the person, annoyed.

A tall man, over a head taller than me, stood there.

He looked in his early twenties, about 1.8 meters tall, dressed plainly like me. Black hair, striking red eyes, a handsome but icy face, and a strong smell of blood clung to him.

This guy’s dangerous.

I judged instantly.

“…Sorry, but you’re in my way.”

He frowned, responding in a low, slightly irritated voice.

It was a decent voice, but he was clearly impatient.

“…Watch it next time! Don’t creep up behind people!”

I shot him a look, tossed out the remark, and hurried off.

He’s trouble, and I sensed he was injured. Best to steer clear.

He was holding a heavy bag of crystals—mid-to-high-tier, expensive ones. Someone with that many crystals is no weakling.

I clutched my backpack and left the crystal section, but instead of leaving the exchange, I lingered in the hallway, thinking.

How can I earn more money to raise the kids while still having time to train?

“All I can do now is make potions or magic items… Potions are fine, but magic items need complex tools I don’t have… Am I stuck with potions?”

After pondering, I concluded potions were my only option.

But… do I have a chance?

Looking around, I realized I was in the Golden Skull Auction Exchange!

It’s mainly for trading goods, but with high foot traffic, people often post commissions here.

In a border city like this, high-tier or specialized potions are rare, so clients commission Golden Skull to make them.

…But how do I prove I’m a high-tier alchemist?

I’m just Su Mengmeng now, with no credentials…

“Sigh… whatever, I’ll check the potion section.”

I blinked, sighed, and headed to the potion section—worst case, I’d use my old identity code.

But as I entered, I was stunned to see the man from the crystal section already there—had he gotten here while I was thinking?

A loud bang startled me.

“What do you mean my order isn’t here?!”

The man, frowning, demanded answers from a staff member who seemed like a supervisor.

“P-Please calm down, Mr. Xuanyun. Your potion was completed, but… but…”

“But what?”

His face was ice-cold.

“…Unfortunately, the airship transporting it was shot down by demons yesterday. All cargo… was lost.”

“…”

The man clenched his fists, knuckles cracking, making the supervisor step back in fear.

My eyes lit up—this was my chance!

He’s clearly rich! I’m confident I can make most potions, so if I gain his trust and complete his commission, I could earn a fortune!

Ignoring his menacing aura, I approached.

“Um… I’m an alchemist. What kind of special potion do you need?”

I stepped closer and asked.

The man, called Xuanyun by the supervisor, turned to me.

“…You? An alchemist? What rank?”

He sneered, sizing me up.

“…Rank doesn’t matter. Can you tell me what potion you need?” I blinked, dodging the question and pressing on.

“Hmph, Holy High-Tier Revival Potion. Can you make it?”

“Sure can.”

I blinked, answering without hesitation.