Arya refused to let such a dangerous item exist until she had the ability to protect herself. After all, there was no guarantee that someone else wouldn't produce bullets. The safest option, for now, was to destroy the gun. One less weapon in circulation meant one step closer to her safety.
Roy: "I wasn't blaming you; I was just reporting the results of the experiment."
Arya rolled her eyes at his message. Merchants always prioritized profit. By phrasing it that way, he was clearly angling for compensation. She understood his game.
Arya: "Although this isn't entirely my fault, I'll still take responsibility. Here's my offer: I have a crossbow and fifty bottles of Healing Potion that can serve as compensation. Also, send me the gun you blew up. I want to see if I can use Alchemy to repair or modify it."
Roy laughed, furious and incredulous at the same time. Not only had she destroyed the firearm, but she didn't even intend to leave the wreckage behind? There was nothing he could do but accept it.
Maximizing profit was Roy's bottom line. With the sniper rifle destroyed, salvaging any value from the remnants was now a priority. He couldn't repair it himself; Eile Ell could, but she lacked the necessary parts.
Roy: "Name your price."
Arya smiled slightly, unfazed. Roy had guessed her intentions, but that didn't matter. Ensuring her safety always came first.
Arya: "+30 Magic Potion × 50, +30 Healing Potion × 50."
Roy: "+50 Magic Potion × 200, +50 Healing Potion × 200, +1 Attribute Potion × 200 each. That gun wasn't mine, and I need to account to my subordinates."
Arya: "Agreed."
She didn't linger on the matter. A thousand potions were a small price compared to her safety. While Roy focused on the first layer, Arya operated on the fifth. She not only wanted the wreckage but also aimed to study the firearm to see if she could replicate it herself. Combined with Alchemical bullets, her offensive power would increase significantly.
Although she didn't plan to face anyone directly, she would inevitably need to collect Alchemical materials personally. Having a weapon she understood—even partially—was far superior to relying on a crossbow or dagger.
Roy sent the firearm wreckage, and Arya gave a partial down payment. She didn't need to hand over all her stock at once. Time was on her side; she could pay off the debt over several days if necessary, as she had done before.
When Arya examined the wreckage, she felt a slight twinge of disappointment. She had expected a rifle, machine gun, or sniper rifle. Instead, Roy had sent a pistol—its grip completely blown out. Judging by the black-brown residue, the owner had injured their hand in the explosion.
Never mind—a pistol was enough. She only wanted to study its principles. With determination, Arya began analyzing the broken gun.
Meanwhile, Roy forwarded part of Arya's down payment to Eile Ell.
Eile Ell: "I didn't expect that. The young girl is surprisingly cunning."
Roy: "It's nothing. Just as we guard against others, it's normal for others to guard against us."
Eile Ell: "That's true. What is it your Dragon Country people say? 'Harbor no intention to harm others, but maintain vigilance against those who might.'"
Roy: "Exactly: 'Harbor no intention to harm others, but maintain vigilance against those who might.'"
Eile Ell: "Yes, that's it."
Roy smiled. When he first considered using Arya's Alchemy to produce bullets, he had anticipated the possibility of her interfering. That was why Eile Ell had provided only a single pistol bullet, instead of her sniper rifle rounds. Yet Arya had gone through with her plan flawlessly.
Roy admitted he had underestimated her, losing a significant investment. Fortunately, the loss was acceptable, and Arya had compensated him. Her lack of haggling indicated that she understood the consequences—and still chose to act. Clearly, the items posed an absolute threat to her, forcing her into extreme measures. Roy welcomed a partner like that; her payment in potions would allow him to earn even more.
Eile Ell: "Now we're out of bullets."
She sounded regretful.
Roy: "It's fine. With your abilities, firearms are just supplementary, right? Arya sent a crossbow. If that doesn't work, I have bows and arrows here."
Roy didn't care. Even if they lost some combat power, every loss meant a gain elsewhere. The sniper rifle remained intact; bullets could be obtained later.
Eile Ell: "Forget bows; I don't know how to use them. Just send me the crossbow and bolts, and I'll manage."
For Eile Ell, the crossbow was more practical than a bow, which required extensive training. Her Talent didn't demand high-powered weapons; sacrificing range and power was acceptable.
Roy: "I'll send the rest of the payment once Arya's final payment arrives."
He transferred the crossbow and collected bolts to Eile Ell.
Eile Ell: "Alright. I'll go gather more bolts while there's nothing else to do."
Roy: "Keep up your regular practice."
Eile Ell: "I will."
While Roy and Eile Ell conversed, Arya had taken a shower after studying the gun barrel. She then sat at her Magic Desk, waiting for Rogers' food delivery. She had grown used to his cooking. Despite his questionable methods, the food was excellent—both in flavor and the bonuses it provided.
Arya remained indifferent to the regional channel's complaints. Those meals were for outsiders. Her own meals were visually appealing, fragrant, and delicious. Even if strange ingredients were included, they were disguised, never appearing whole.
Arya: "What's for dinner today?"
Rogers: "Prince's Barbecue."
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