Chapter 109: Chapter 109 A Hope.

After the handshake they made, Soma began to explain what he currently wanted and the things he needed. Malik listened to Soma's explanation quietly with the other two, who accidentally got swept by the flow.

"So, can you help me with that?".

Soma looks straight at Malik's face, who is now gazing down, for he has the solution for Soma's problems. Malik's right hand suddenly emits a white light. Soma and the other duo raise their brows.

"Use this!".

In Malik's hands, there is a Gold badge that has some intricate marks from some organization. It was a hexagonal plate that fit on Soma's palm. In the middle of the badge it has a picture of a carving of the six-pointed star that is painted in platinum. The badge is the proof or symbol of the Merchant Association, which holds the most vital economic power in the current world.

Soma knitted his brows to take a closer look at the badge. His eyes opened wide as he remembered what the badge was. That was the highest badge the merchant association could give to a person.

There are multiple badges besides that. It also represents how valuable the guest is to the association. The badge rank was started from the lowest copper, silver, gold, and platinum star as the highest.

"Who is going to enter the venue?".

"... I have someone in mind right now…".

Currently, Soma has only one person in mind, even though there are many people beside him who are willing to help him. But circumstances were holding his mouth back from asking. His first choice would be Hiroshi, and next is Hisako, but she is currently off-limits, so maybe only the two of them will go. As for Hina, she is also currently gone.

"Take me with you".

"Eh?! Are you sure?".

"Yeah, I could act as your bodyguard later if needed".

Soma notices a slight change in Malik's expression. He seems to hold a slight rage after listening to his plan to disturb the demon's way of getting things. Soma raised his brow and tried to act obliviously before opening his mouth.

"...Do you have something with demons?".

Malik jerked his head to the side, but his expression was showing a rather terrific change that stiffened his body and the other duo. Realizing that he was scaring the kids, he shook his head to the side and sighed.

"...Forgive me".

"No, I should be the one to apologize for being insensitive".

It seems the topic of his past was still off-limits to open in discussion. Soma wiped the cold sweat that streamed on his forehead and sighed. This conversation also benefited Soma because Malik's background was still the same as in the novel.

Eiji and Eri, who witnessed the sight, gulped their saliva as they kept staring at Malik, who was currently glancing down. The atmosphere turned awkward and gloomy. as no one dared to open their mouth.

Soma, who couldn't stand the atmosphere that hung in the room, smacked both his palms, creating a crisp sound that reverberated in the room, bringing everyone's attention to him.

"...Okay, Mr Malik, where will we meet tomorrow?".

"Tell me where you live. I will pick you up".

"Okay".

After that, the duo Eiji and Eri start their transaction regarding the item they would buy. Eri, who is pleased with the shield and the sword, has no objection. It also happened with Eiji, who parted his lips away, feeling pleased with his control upon mana that seemed better.

The three items that were given to the two were Epic rank items that Malik crafted and forged himself. The two were also lent the appraisal glasses that bulged their eyes after witnessing the detail of the equipment. Malik, who heard the acceptance from two new customers, nodded his head, pleased with the facts he did.

"The total amount was seven million".

""Seven million?!"".

Eiji and Eri raised their voice simultaneously, shaking each other eardrums. Soma, who understands their feelings, chuckled from the side. Then he connected his thoughts to his ring and took the gold that Eiji had won at the lottery earlier.

Soma had no idea if he should cry or laugh in Eiji's place. It seems Eiji was a first-timer visiting the blacksmith shop. Luckily, the goddess of fortuna supported his back, giving him an enormous sum of gold from some stupid random man.

"Here".

He put the gold bars Eiji had on the counter. The shape of the gold was almost identical to the gold he brought at that time.

Malik, who saw the gold, started to take the measurement tool.

"...Okay, that is enough. Thank you for your purchase".

"See you later, Mr. Malik".

"Hm".

They were finished with their business here. Soma and the two exited the place while also accompanied by the chime of the clear bell that hung on top of the door, seeing their retreating figure. After placing their feet outside, their body was grazed by the warm breeze that softened their tensed muscles.

"It's finished".

"Yeah, it is".

Soma saw the two figures who walked side by side, bringing a shield that was larger than her body, and Eiji, who had a loose expression plastered on his face. He began to ponder as to the second problem he is currently facing right now.

Currently, Soma is in a dire situation where he needs a considerable sum of gold for the auction that will be held tomorrow. There were many ways that came to his mind, but most of them were exploring the dungeon that could only be accessed by the people in the academy. The Ark was not just some facility to learn or teach.

It also acted as a fortress that could protect its citizens in dire situations. If he tried to force his way, he could be risked being reported and blacklisted from the academy. That was a huge red flag for him. As for the other method,

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Eiji's leaked voice made the two people beside him turn to his side. They followed Eiji's gaze and found a single gold coin lying on the ground in this deserted place.

"What should we do, Eri, Soma?".

"...".

"Let's take it, it's good to increase our pocket money in hands".

"... We shouldn't do that and beside Eri, that was the line I could never expect to come out from a Japanese person".

"What should we do then?".

"I don't know. What about you, Soma?!".

Soma grips Eiji's shoulders who seemed having a blast talking with Eri. Eiji's body stiffened, he glanced at Soma's face up close to see Soma's face was solemn. The event that had been thrusting in their face since the morning kept bugging Soma mind but also gave him a big opportunity for him to solve his second problem.

"Eiji, we need to talk!".

"Eh? What happened?".