บท 88: [88] Echoes Under the Stars

Nightfall brought a unique stillness to the Strife Zone. Stars scattered across the dark sky, adding a touch of beauty to a region fraught with danger. Inside the modest two-story building where they lived, the atmosphere was calm but not entirely quiet.

Levi sat in his chair, immersed in a thick book filled with Ash's handwritten notes. The tome contained philosophical musings penned by their mentor, covering topics ranging from morality to strategies for navigating life. Under the dim glow of an oil lamp, Levi read with a serene expression, savoring the wisdom on the pages.

In another corner of the room, Billy busied himself with a blueprint spread across his desk. His current project was the design of a steam engine—a concept yet to exist in this world. Hunched over his work, he wielded his pen with precision, jotting notes along the margins while muttering ideas to himself.

After a while, Billy stretched, the fatigue of concentration catching up with him. Rising from his chair, he headed to their small kitchen to brew some herbal tea. The scent of mint and chamomile soon filled the room, creating a soothing warmth.

With a steaming cup in hand, Billy walked out onto their small balcony to breathe in the crisp night air. There, he found Levi already standing, gazing up at the stars.

Leaning against the wooden railing, Billy sipped his tea as he regarded his companion. Breaking the silence, he asked casually, "Hey, Levi, what do you think Master's doing right now?"

Levi turned his gaze from the sky to Billy, his expression neutral but not cold. "I don't know," he replied quietly. "But I'd guess he's found another student to teach."

Billy chuckled, taking another sip. "Heh... Sounds like him. Always picking up new people to mentor. It's like he's never out of students."

Levi allowed a faint smile, his eyes returning to the stars. "That's just who he is. But I think that's part of what makes him great."

Billy nodded, the peaceful moment stretching between them before he spoke again. "By the way, Levi, what do you want to do in the future?"

Levi was silent for a moment, reflecting. "Me? Hmm... Maybe have a family. A quiet place. A simple life."

Billy raised an eyebrow, surprised by the answer. "That's... pretty modest. But it's nice. I think I'd want that too, even though I have a lot of big plans."

Levi glanced at him, intrigued. "Big plans? Like what?"

Billy grinned, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Master's taught me so much about science and alchemy, so I'm getting pretty good at engineering. I want to be someone great one day. There are so many things I can create—things that could make this world a better place."

Levi listened attentively, then nodded. "That's a good ambition. I'm sure you can do it."

Billy laughed softly, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks. But I don't think it'll mean much if I do it alone. The world's too big for one person to change."

Levi smiled again, this time with a touch of warmth. "We have Master. And we have each other. I think that's enough to start with."

Billy looked at Levi, then nodded slowly. "You're right. Master always says, 'Every great change begins with a small group with strong determination.' Maybe we're that group."

They laughed quietly under the night sky, the cold air nipping at their skin. But the warmth of their conversation, along with the herbal tea still in Billy's hands, made the moment feel far more comfortable. A gentle breeze carried the earthy scent of damp leaves and soil.

The calm was soon interrupted by the sound of wings flapping nearby. Both of them turned in unison as a white dove gracefully landed on the balcony railing. Tied to its leg was a neatly rolled scroll secured with a striking blue ribbon.

"A dove? At this hour?" Billy muttered, eyeing the bird with curiosity.

Levi approached calmly, untying the scroll from the dove's leg. "This isn't an ordinary dove," he said quietly. "Look at the emblem on the ribbon—it's from Constantine."

Billy's grin widened. "Boss Raphael, huh? Always sending something at the oddest times."

Levi unrolled the scroll and began reading silently, his eyes scanning the text carefully while Billy waited impatiently beside him.

"What's it say?" Billy finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Levi folded the letter neatly before responding. "Our next task is to head to the Begaritt Continent. We're to escort someone there."

"Begaritt Continent?" Billy raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Isn't that place just a giant desert? What could be so interesting there?"

Levi nodded slightly, his tone serious. "Yes, most of it is desert. But you're forgetting one important thing, Billy. Begaritt is also known for its abundance of dungeons."

Billy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Dungeons? You're kidding! That means we'll have a chance to explore ancient ruins filled with treasure and, who knows, maybe even giant monsters!"

Levi gave him a flat look. "We're there to escort someone, not to go on an adventure. Don't get too carried away."

Billy shrugged, leaning back against the railing. "Oh, come on, Levi. You're not even a little excited? I mean, who knows what we'll find out there?"

Levi remained silent for a moment, his eyes returning to the sky. "I won't deny it's intriguing. But we have to stay focused on our mission. Escorting someone in a place like Begaritt won't be easy."

Billy studied him before offering a small smile. "You're right, as always. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the journey, right?"

Levi shook his head, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "We'll see."

Far to the north of the Central Continent stood the Magic City of Sharia, a hub of learning and wisdom. Known not only as home to the prestigious Sharia Magic Academy, the world's foremost institution of magic, the city also served as a beacon of neutrality, welcoming all races. From the towering spires of the academy to the bustling marketplaces offering goods from across the globe, Sharia was a harmonious blend of wonder and diversity.

In the heart of the city, within an elegant office not far from the academy, Aurelia Mala sat behind a grand wooden desk. The 14-year-old exuded a maturity far beyond her years, her deep blue business coat adorned with simple embroidered patterns. Piles of neatly arranged documents lay before her, a testament to her skill in managing both finances and enterprise.

"Carmen," she called, her tone calm yet commanding, addressing her servant standing nearby.

Carmen, a man in his early twenties and a former intelligence agent of Hassan, stood at attention with his arms folded. His blond hair was tied back neatly, and his sharp eyes radiated unwavering professionalism. Though once a spy and assassin, he had been reassigned to this position due to his unsuitability for fieldwork.

"My Lady, we've encountered an issue with the local merchants," Carmen reported bluntly.

Aurelia glanced briefly at the documents on her desk before giving him her full attention. "What's their problem?"

Carmen sighed, his tone neutral. "I'm sure you already know what they mean."

Aurelia nodded slightly, her expression unchanging. She knew precisely what Carmen was referring to. The local merchants of Sharia weren't pleased with the presence of the Constantine Trading Company's branch in the city.

Unlike ordinary businesses, Constantine Trading Company introduced products that combined modern innovation with competitive pricing—something unprecedented in this world, particularly in a city like Sharia.

Their flagship products, such as cosmetics and everyday essentials, had already attracted significant attention. However, Aurelia's main focus for this branch was textiles. The modern designs she introduced starkly contrasted with the medieval aesthetics of this world, instantly making them a hit among the upper class. Naturally, this drew the ire of the local merchants.

"They're protesting that we're disrupting the market. They can't compete with our prices and quality," Carmen continued.

Aurelia smirked slightly, her eyes glinting with confidence. "As expected. But do they really think I'll back down just because they're complaining?"

Carmen raised an eyebrow, quietly admiring Aurelia's composure. "My Lady, they might try other methods to stop us. Some have already started spreading negative rumors about the company."

Aurelia rose from her chair and strolled to the large window overlooking the bustling city. Crossing her arms, she gazed out with a calculating expression.

"They can try whatever they like," she said, her tone calm but brimming with resolve. "But as long as our products remain superior, customers will keep coming. This isn't just about price or design. It's about meeting needs. If they want to survive, they'll have to learn to adapt."

Carmen stepped closer, halting a few steps behind Aurelia. "My Lady, aren't you concerned about this pressure? After all, they have a much wider network in this city."

Aurelia turned, her lips curling into a faint smile as she met his gaze. "A wide network means nothing if they can't meet the needs of their customers. I know this isn't just about business—it's also about influence. But we have an advantage they don't."

Carmen tilted his head, intrigued. "What advantage, My Lady?"

Aurelia picked up a document from her desk, revealing the latest sales report. "Our products aren't just appealing; they're practical. People will come because they need what we offer. And more importantly, we have Constantine's backing. No one can match their resources."

Carmen nodded slowly, the reasoning settling in his mind. "Then, what's our next step?"

Aurelia returned to her chair, picking up a pen and jotting notes on another document. "We'll strengthen relationships with our key customers. Send samples of our new products to the noble households that frequently buy from us. As for the merchants seeking negotiations, give them an opportunity to partner with us."

Carmen blinked in surprise. "Partner with them? Doesn't that mean sharing our profits?"

Aurelia's smile deepened, her confidence unwavering. "Exactly. But it also means they stop being a threat. If they can work with us, they'll focus on their gains instead of trying to oppose us. Sometimes, it's better to embrace your rivals than to destroy them."

Carmen considered her words, a faint trace of admiration flickering in his expression. "A bold strategy, My Lady. I'll arrange the samples and begin drafting proposals for potential partnerships."

Aurelia nodded in approval. "Good. And remember, Carmen, this isn't just about winning. It's about showing them a vision of a better way forward. One where everyone gains."

With that, Carmen left the room to set the plans in motion, leaving Aurelia alone with her thoughts. She gazed out the window once more, the bustling streets of Sharia spreading out before her.

"Adapting isn't just survival," she murmured to herself. "It's evolution. And those who fail to see that will be left behind."