Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 220: The Call

Walking alongside the black-cloaked guide, the anticipation of claiming [Healberry] fueled my steps. The clandestine corridors of the black market held an air of mystery, and the echoes of the auction lingered in the dimly lit passageways.

As we reached the reception room, a discreet space veiled from prying eyes, the guide turned to face me. His masked visage betrayed no emotions, maintaining the enigmatic aura that permeated the entire black market.

"Congratulations on your successful bid, esteemed bidder number 20. To finalize the acquisition of [Healberry], please proceed with the payment," the guide intoned, extending a transaction device for the financial transaction.

I accessed the interface with practised ease, initiating the payment process. The total amount, after the VIP discount, reflected a significant sum even with the reduction. However, the potential of [Healberry] to alter the course of events justified the investment.

The transaction was complete, and the guide conveyed a subtle nod of acknowledgement. "Your acquisition will be prepared for transport. Should you require any further assistance or information, do not hesitate to contact us through the designated channels. Your satisfaction is our priority."

With that, the guide gestured toward a concealed exit, leading to an area where the secured items awaited collection.

Entering the secured area, my eyes fell upon a meticulously crafted case, displaying [Healberry] in all its radiant glory.

The fruit emitted a soft, ethereal glow, a testament to its unparalleled healing properties.

[Healberry], a masterpiece of nature, was a vibrant blend of rich purples and radiant blues, its surface adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to pulse with vitality. The mere sight of it held a mesmerizing allure, and I couldn't help but marvel at the culmination of my efforts to secure this legendary fruit.

As I received the securely packaged [Healberry], the man in the black cloak nodded in acknowledgement. "May the healing powers of [Healberry] serve you well, sir. Your transaction is complete."

With [Healberry] in my possession, I exited the reception room, the weight of the fruit held delicately in my hands. The black market auction had concluded, and I stood on the precipice of a new chapter, armed with a formidable asset that could alter the course of fate.

***

The next morning, Lucas's room.

'Healberry.'

That was the name of the fruits before me. After coming back from the black market auction house, all I did was just start at this magical fruit

I just can't help but feel how easily I got it without any trouble it was very expensive as many people want this fruit at the auction house, but I was the one who managed to hold it at the end of the day.

'1, 00,005,0000 C.' That much I had to pay after getting a discount from a VIP Membership card.

Well, it doesn't matter, if I could get something like this again, I'd be happy to spend this much money.

although I came to buy this fruit for curing Isabella's sisters, I was also enticed by the fact that the fruit could prove useful for me in the future.

…it's worth was immense.

Touching the fruits with my hand, I softly muttered.

"This looks pretty tasty"

Admiring the fruit before me, I was almost tempted to eat it right off the bat, but I refrained from doing so.

…I wasn't that stupid.

After admiring the fruit for a couple of seconds, I immediately placed the whole fruit in my Smart Bracelet.

Staring at the now empty spot where the fruit used to be, I softly muttered.

"If only I could grow these fruits"

Ideally, I would've loved to have grown the plant.

Unfortunately, I couldn't.

There is one reason for that...

Unless I could replicate the demonic environment around 'Ddeatg Forest' that is located near Werstern continent borders, any hopes of growing the plant were nonexistent. Moreover, it took a couple of years for the fruit to grow so the thought of mass-producing the fruit could only be scrapped.

'Oh well, it's not like there won't be a chance in the future

Even if I couldn't grow the plant now, that didn't mean I couldn't replace a solution shortly.

Nothing was set in stone after all.

Now the next important thing to do.

'To call Isabella...'

Taking out of my phone I typed her number and called it.

-Ring!,-Ring!,-Ring!

-Ring!,-Ring!,-Ring!

'She isn't picking up her phone? Is she ignoring me again?'

"Hello?"

After what felt like an eternity, She answers my call.

"Did your father agree?" I said to her as I remembered that she had to ask her father's permission first and I waited anxiously as Isabella finally answered the call.

"Lucas, I... I haven't spoken to my father yet. I wanted to talk to you first," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of apprehension and hesitation.

I furrowed my brows, sensing the weight of unspoken concerns in her words. "Is something wrong, Isabella? You know we need to get your sisters cured as soon as possible."

She took a deep breath before continuing, "My father is a very careful person and he won't let anyone near my sister, thinking that would hurt our family."

Understanding the gravity of her father's concerns, I responded with a reassuring tone, "I know it's a risk, Isabella, but we're dealing with a situation that requires extraordinary measures. Your sisters deserve a chance at a normal life, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. I could almost picture Isabella grappling with the internal conflict between her family's safety and the desperate need to save her sisters.

Finally, she spoke, "Lucas, I trust you. If you believe that you have a solution to cure my sister, then let's proceed. We'll replace a way to handle my father's concerns. Our priority is to cure my sisters."

A wave of relief washed over me, knowing that Isabella had chosen to prioritize her sisters' well-being. "Thank you, Isabella. I promise you, we'll navigate this carefully, and once your sisters are cured, your father will see the positive outcome. We're in this together."

With a renewed sense of determination, we discussed the logistics of the upcoming ritual and how to address her father's reservations. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but the bond forged in the black market's shadows and the promise of [Healberry] fueled our resolve.

The next steps were crucial, and as we hung up the call, I couldn't shake the feeling that the journey was about to take an even more intricate turn.