NOVEL NEXT Chapter 43: 43. Preparation.
Zach stared at the holographic contract screen in front of him.
"A five-year contract, now we're talking."
Alfred sipped his tea.
"You haven't read the full details."
Zach could see that the contract said after the contractual period, Zach was unable to sign any other contracts with other enterprises for the next three years.
"Huh..."
"I hope you understand..." Alfred sipped his tea once again.
Alfred looked like he was in his thirties, which was strange considering he looked like he was 50 years old last time they spoke.
At least Zach could relate, the W.D.E didn't want Zach to immediately sign a contract with rival parties after the five years was over.
Zach wasn't planning to, anyways.
Zach placed his hand on the screen in front of him, and it glowed a faint red, signaling the contract had been signed.
"Great! Now pack your bags, you are heading off to the Saint Academy next month."
Alfred clapped his hands excitedly.
"Wait! Isn't that too early?" Zach panicked a bit.
He still needed time to prepare mentally and physically for the challenges that were yet to come.
"Yeah, we would have given you more time, but the academy's entrance exams are happening next month, so we really can't wait."
"Wait! The academy still has entrance exams?"
Alfred smiled.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll pass."
Alfred waved it off.
He tossed the Tether link on the table, dismissed the system screen, and began to walk away.
"Umm, Alfred..." Zach called out.
"Do you perhaps know where I can get my hands on some astras?"
Zach was just trying to be polite; he knew Alfred at least had a place he goes to.
"Oh, that."
Alfred took out his phone.
"Just download the Astra Transfer Market on your phone. You'll be able to buy astras remotely and have them delivered to your doorstep," he spoke.
"And you can also get the latest news about any astra for sale and auction events. It's what seekers use to find valuable treasures."
Zach listened attentively.
When Alfred walked away, Zach stood alone in the office. He quickly downloaded the app.
Zach leaned against the polished desk as the app finished downloading.
Astra Transfer Market installed
The logo shimmered faintly, and an animation of a falling star crossed the screen as Zach tapped it open. Immediately, a clean holographic screen sprung to life in front of him.
Please input your credentials to proceed.
Zach frowned.
"Credentials? What am I, applying for citizenship?"
The app began requesting details like:
Full Name...
House address...
Postal code... (whatever that meant) and
Enterprise affiliation...
Zach filled in the options, although he had to ask his browser about this postal code thingy.
He paused at the last requirement and filled in "W.D.E. Holdings."
The app was fully running and ready to go.
Verification complete, welcome Zachariah Keal.
The marketplace opened like a star field of glowing orbs, each one representing items that were for sale.
There were astras listed for sale in all different forms.
Recent astras were displayed for sale. Zach had to refrain himself from buying unnecessary things.
He was here for a protective astra.
Something like the Dark Scales.
He scrolled through the interface for a while before seeing something that caught his eye.
Astra: Skin of reflection
Type: Defensive/Offensive Relic
Appearance: A dull, obsidian-black dragon scale about the size of a man's palm.
Function: The Scale absorbs damage dealt to its wielder. Physical blows, elemental strikes, even spiritual pressure are siphoned into it. Once it has accumulated enough, the wielder can release the stored damage back in a retaliatory shockwave.
Special Effect: The backlash ignores conventional defenses. Even seeker bodies tempered at the Curiosity Stage can be burned, fractured, or torn apart if they take the full release. The more damage absorbed, the stronger the retaliation. However, the user also feels a fraction of the pain endured.
Limitation: The wielder must willingly accept the incoming damage for the Scale to store it. Dodging or blocking prevents the Scale from charging. If the stored energy isn't released within 24 hours, it disperses painfully back into the user's body as backlash.
Lore: Said to be ripped from the underbelly of a Judge Dragon that ruled over fallen realms, the Scale holds the concept of balance. Those who wield it are judged by their endurance: the more suffering they bear, the deadlier their vengeance.
Zach read through the descriptions, smiling.
He tapped on the astra, and the seller review said that the weapon was a premium, whatever that meant.
He clicked on purchase, and the astra's price was displayed.
15,000 gold coins and 50 silver.
"Zach nearly collapsed right there."
He just tapped the "Add to Cart" icon. He didn't have the willpower to spend such money yet.
He scrolled a few moments later and found another weapon.
It was a katana.
Astra: Kamamowdo
Type: Weapon (Katana)
Appearance: A sleek silver-edged blade, with faint crimson threads that pulse when infused with power.
Function: The Kamamowdo has the unique ability to store magic power (MP) channeled through the will of its wielder. Unlike ordinary weapons, it doesn't passively drain energy—it listens to intent. Every ounce of magic willed into it is sealed within the blade's edge.
Special Effect: The wielder can unleash all stored energy in a single devastating strike, regardless of the amount. The attack's destructive force is directly proportional to the accumulated MP. Even a low-level wielder could deliver a catastrophic blow if they stored magic over time. Because it requires willpower, only those with a strong spirit can draw out its full potential.
Limitation: Stored MP cannot be partially released; it always empties in one burst. Overcharging the blade beyond the wielder's control risks feedback—burning their own body or spirit. The weapon has no passive enchantments (no speed boost, no toughness buff); it exists purely as a reservoir of destructive will.
Lore: Forged by wandering smiths of the Eastern Ashen Empire, the Kamamowdo was said to have cut through heavenly chains that bound mortals to fate. Its edge does not hunger for blood—it hungers for resolve. To hesitate is to waste it; to commit is to carve destiny.
Zach had to buy this blade.
As Zach read the description, his mind was set.
If the description was correct, then he could use the blade as a last-resort, final-strike kind of trump card, totally stunning any opponent.
This was truly a limitless blade. If Zach could theoretically store MP in there for a year, the strike could split mountains.
Theoretically.
He added it to his cart and clicked the "Clear Cart" icon.
He didn't check the price of the blade, but he was sure it would at least be the same price as the armor.
Total price: 45,000 gold and 90 silver.
Zach choked on his saliva.
Falling to the ground in the room.
45,000 gold.
To spend this amount of money felt like financial suicide.
Zach rubbed his temples. That was a whopping 450,070 silver coins.
His finger hovered above the purchase button. A lump formed in his throat as the system politely reminded him.
This transaction is non-refundable.
"Not helping!" Zach gritted.
His chest tightened. He scrolled back up, double-checking the two astra details for the sixth time, hoping that miraculously the price would just come down.
The descriptions were still the same, unfortunately, still absurdly overpriced.
Zach knew astras were expensive, but damn.
If Curious-level equipment were this costly, how much do Awakeneds buy their gear for?
Zach thought about it; the enterprise agents now looked poor.
Zach bit on his lips.
"Damnit, if I'm going to the Saint Academy, I need these."
Zach forced himself to click the purchase option.
Please input your account number...
4732-XZ-109
Zach filled it in with sobs.
Items purchased: Now wait for your delivery.
A celebration item popped up.
And then the devastating notification rang through.
Central Bank of Swarn Dynasty
Account Statement
Account Holder: Zachariah Keal
Account Number: 4732-XZ-109
Currency: Gold Coins / Silver Coins
Opening Balance:
89,993 Gold Coins
0 Silver Coins
Transaction Type: Debit
Amount Deducted:
45,000 Gold Coins
90 Silver Coins
Reference ID: TXN-K452991
Date: September 04, 2025
Closing Balance:
44,992 Gold Coins
10 Silver Coins
Zach nearly dropped lifeless.
All his money, his hard work, his life.
All of it.
Gone.
Zach's eyes were wet with tears.
The cruel cheerfulness of the astra market struck again.
Congratulations! Your purchase was successful. Your astras are on the way!
"Stop celebrating my bankruptcy!" Zach gritted his teeth.
He slumped, staring at the balance again.
"If I don't become the strongest seeker alive, I swear this was the dumbest thing I've ever done."
The only solace that he had was the thought of both items arriving at his doorstep, his trump cards, and the only justification for the pain in his wallet and his soul.
"Well, I hope all this was worth it."
It was a 45,000 gold coin merchandise. Of course, it was worth it.