Chapter 45: The weakling trying to become stronger (Part 7)
Gu Xuanyun looked at me, curiosity written all over his face.
He knew I was an alchemist, a caster, and most casters don’t bother with gravity fields—they just chug potions and call it a day.
“Want to dual-cultivate magic and martial arts, is that a problem?”
“…Dual-cultivate… uh… no, nothing wrong with that.”
I shot him a glare, snapping back, leaving him speechless.
“Oh, by the way, your potion’s ready. Convenient to deliver now?”
Realizing he’s my big client, I softened my tone and asked.
“…A week from now.”
“Why?”
“I haven’t saved up the two hundred gold coins to pay Golden Skull yet.”
“…”
His brutally honest reply left me silent.
“I planned to train and rest today, then hunt tomorrow. Should have enough by next week.”
“…Oh, okay.”
His words stunned me, but it clicked—Gu Xuanyun’s just a hard-working grunt like me.
I don’t know how someone as strong as him ended up like this. Without those wounds, he’d easily be a Platinum-rank powerhouse. But now, I felt a kinship, like we’re both struggling souls. My opinion of him rose slightly.
Not because he’s generous, obviously…
But really, Gu Xuanyun’s like me, grinding monthly for what he needs. He earns two hundred gold coins, while I scrape by with thirty-some.
Still… if he’s funding himself with hunt spoils, that’s insane. Has he nearly wiped out all the valuable beasts around Black Obsidian City?
I thought, sizing him up.
Gu Xuanyun’s actually pretty handsome—sharp features, a cold demeanor, with an aura of killing intent and reliability that feels… trustworthy.
A potential ally?
The thought popped up, unsure if it was genuine or influenced by my emotions. Part of me felt he might be someone I could seek protection from…
“…No, no, what am I thinking! We’re just business partners. I don’t even know who he really is!”
Snapping out of it, I realized I couldn’t just trust him and hand over my safety.
With our power gap, I’d have no way to resist—entrusting everything to him would be foolish.
Besides, I’m not in any life-or-death crisis needing a protector…
Lost in thought, I stood there dazed. Gu Xuanyun glanced at me, preparing to enter the gravity field.
“You’re done, right? I’m going in. See you in a week.”
He spoke, looking at me.
“…Yeah, go ahead. I’m done training.”
I replied, and he entered the field while I grabbed my stuff to head home.
“…Ha? Double gravity? That’s just a tickle… Huh? What’s this puddle…?”
“…”
Hearing his muttering, my face flushed, and I bolted—double gravity is a huge load for me, but for him, it’s probably laughably weak.
…So what if I’m a weakling! Can’t a weakling train in double gravity!?
Fuming internally, I’d never say that in front of him.