Chapter 2192 Shops

Chapter 2192 Shops

After hearing the distressing news, Emery swiftly concluded the meeting and made his way toward his apothecary shop in Golden City. The Merlin's Shop had been a cornerstone of his financial stability, generating an impressive average income of 50 million spirit stones per month. The orchestrated attempt to close it down was a clear strategy to cripple his ability to pay off the half-billion spirit stones debt owed by the Terra faction.

The reason for the closure, as cited by the council, was the expiration of the shop's five-year permit. Additionally, the ongoing land dispute involving the Terra faction served as a convenient pretext for the council to justify their actions. Despite the blatant unfairness, the council had the legal grounds to prevent Emery from operating any business in Golden City under the current circumstances.

As Emery arrived at the shop, he was greeted by a scene of controlled chaos. Aeon, the shop manager, was diligently coordinating the staff to pack up all the equipment and remaining stock while city officials stood by, ready to seal the premises.

Karin, along with the other apothecary masters and practitioners, stood anxiously, awaiting Emery's plan. He gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry... We will be reopening the shop soon enough."

At that moment, a group approached, led by the strikingly beautiful Victoria Qin. "I hope you aren't giving these hardworking people false promises," she said with a hint of sarcasm.

Emery turned to the Qin heiress and greeted her casually. "They have indeed worked too hard. It's really good that they could have some time to rest. I have to thank the city for reminding me of that."

Victoria chuckled lightly before her expression turned more serious, letting out a small sigh. "Actually, I have tried my best to help... This is, after all, one of the most popular shops in the city. Unfortunately, the city really needs to maintain its regulations."

"I understand," Emery replied, his tone even. He had no interest in being drawn into a confrontation in the middle of the busy city main street.

Emery decided to take stock of his remaining resources, inventory, and funds. After a thorough review, he discovered that he had nearly 150 million spirit stones in the remaining funds. Cedric, noticing Emery's thoughtful expression, asked, "What are you planning?"

Combining these funds with his personal savings and those kept at the Terra faction, Emery calculated that he could gather around 300 million spirit stones.

It was 200 million short of the total debt owed to the Nephilim but Emery had no intention of paying even a single spirit stone to them. Instead, he devised a bold plan to expand his business and strengthen his position.

Emery sent messages to his allies, and the following day, he gathered Karin, Helena, Winri, and the three other Master Apothecaries along with 30 practitioners who had been working with him for the past five years. They all met in the apothecary center workshop, filled with anticipation and curiosity.

He stood at the front, his expression determined. "We won't be able to reopen the shop for at least two or three months," he began. The group exchanged concerned glances. "However," he continued, "let's use this chance to open up a new branch!"

Emery shared an aggressive plan to expand their operations by opening another main branch in the Alpha Quadrant. This plan had been on hold due to how busy the Merlin shop was but now seemed like the perfect time to implement it.

The strategy involved transporting all equipment and stock to Centauri City, where Nyx and the Proxima faction were ready to assist him. Additionally, Emery planned to open three smaller branch shops in Terra City, Zodiac City, and Utopia City. He was determined to invest all the funds necessary to properly establish these new locations until the time came to reopen the Golden City shop. The room buzzed with excitement as Emery's team eagerly embraced the ambitious expansion plan. Their enthusiasm was palpable, and everyone was more than willing to support such an endeavor.

Another day passed, filled with the hustle and bustle of preparations. Despite the frenetic pace, Emery remained vigilant, always aware of the looming threat from his enemies.

In the midst of these preparations, Emery received a message from Tessa Karat.