Chapter 19: A Debt Hard to Repay
Meanwhile, Akira headed toward another shop he often visited.
The store bell rang as he entered. Lilia was sitting behind her desk, focused on her computer as usual. She quickly turned toward the door and smiled gently.
"Welcome back to our shop… come closer."
Akira approached the counter, bowed slightly, and spoke in a low voice.
"Thank you… for saving me."
She replied calmly,
"There's no need for that. I only did what I could."
But Akira murmured,
"You saved my life… and if you want anything, I'll do it."
He paused for a moment, then continued seriously,
"Even if it costs me my life."
She laughed lightly.
"Hahaha… I don't want anyone to die because of me."
Then she looked at him calmly and said,
"Please… answer something that's been on my mind."
"Of course."
She looked at him seriously and asked,
"Did you know I have a healing ability?"
Akira's expression stiffened, but he said nothing.
Her voice sharpened.
"Just tell me the truth. There's no need to lie. And if you're going to lie, please leave."
Akira sighed.
"Yes… I knew since the first time we met."
"How?"
"I can't tell you."
"…."
Akira said nervously,
"I don't understand why you're hiding behind a merchant, but rest assured—it won't harm you. I won't tell anyone about you."
"It's easy to say words… hard to carry them out. You can leave now."
"Please believe me…" he whispered.
"Just leave."
He said nothing, turned around, and quietly left.
Lilia murmured as she watched him go,
"Only time will reveal the truth…"
Akira walked slowly, frustration filling his chest.
He thought Lilia didn't believe him… and who would believe a child from the slums?
Suddenly, Alice appeared in front of him.
"Stop being discouraged. It won't help you, and it won't help her."
"I—"
"I know she's afraid of something. Probably something very powerful… something even she can't face. And you, honestly, are nothing compared to it."
She paused briefly, then continued,
"But remember one thing… if you don't become stronger, you won't be able to help anyone. Don't let your frustration become an extra burden."
Akira stopped, Alice's words echoing in his mind.
At that moment, he realized a simple yet painful truth—despite all the strength he had gained, he was still that child who grew up at the bottom of the city, in the slums.
"Is there a way to survive that dungeon?"
Alice smiled faintly.
"Of course. If we prepare well, your chances of survival will increase greatly."
"Then… let's prepare."
Akira ran back to Lilia's shop. She was still lost in thought when he entered.
She looked at him coldly.
"What brought you back?"
"I'm here… to buy something."
She looked at him again, trying to understand his motives, but chose to ignore them and focus on work.
"Alright… how can I help you today?"
"I need some materials."
He listed a long set of items. After a while, Lilia disappeared into the storage room and returned with a full box.
"The total… thirty-nine thousand."
Akira took the money from his bag and handed it to her, leaving himself with only a few coins.
He opened his bag and found it still full of rocks.
"I should've emptied it first…"
"Wait just a minute."
He went to a trash container, emptied the bag of rocks, then returned and filled it with the items he had purchased.
Lilia looked at him in surprise.
"Akira… what are you planning to do with all of this?"
"To fulfill the promise I made."
He said that and left without adding anything else.
Lilia muttered to herself,
"Is he planning to make something? Or is he… trying to start a fire?"