"For the help you have given to me, I can''t thank you enough, Lucas," Dereck said to me as he gazed out of the window from his office.


    Currently, I am inside of Dereck''s office. His office was spacious. Rather than office space, I felt as if I was looking at the courtyard of a mansion. Looking out of the window was a magnificent city in full view.


    "I-It nothing, sir. Isabe needed my help and all I did was to help her out."


    Help her out? Fuck, I threw away my 1, 50, 00,000.C to get that damn fruit. I''m practically poor as hell, well not poor, I still have like 1 billion C but that''s not my point.


    I help her Isabe so that I can get two things out of her. First an alliance. Why alliance? Well, Let''s say in future some big problems appear in front of me and no matter what I do I can''t solve that alone then Evergreen n wille to help.


    Heck just hearing the name of Dereck Evergreen [SS-] ranked hero and grand magus would be enough to make any potential threat think twice. Second, I want to take a look at their collection of magical artefacts. Rumour has it that the Evergreen n possesses some of the rarest and most powerful items in the magical world.


    Having ess to such resources could significantly enhance my abilities and knowledge.


    Dereck, however, seemed genuinely grateful, oblivious to my ulterior motives. "Lucas, you''re a true friend to our family. If there''s ever anything you need, don''t hesitate to ask. Whether it''s assistance, resources, or knowledge, we are here for you."


    I nodded, keeping my true intentions hidden behind a polite smile. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your kind words."


    "After doing all of this I just can''t send you empty hand now, can I? Here take this." Saying that Dereck gave Lucas a ne that seems to be made of gold with a pendant on a chain.


    "This ne will form a shield that can protect you from an attack of [A+] But it can be used three times".


    My eyes glittered at the sight of the ne.


    I examined the ne like a kid who had been given a toffee for the first time and admired it.


    I think I began to understand the mindset of the protagonist. They already knew the bigger risk they take the bigger the reward will be on their way for them.


    "A selfless protagonist. Tsk. They are just misconceptions people get when they were indirectly saved by the protagonist''s action". I muttered to myself as I examined the ne.


    Without wasting any time, I wore the ne on my neck hiding it under my T-shirt.


    Dereck chuckled at my childish action.


    ''This kid is weak in front of riches and gifts'' Dereck thought inwardly.


    "Ok, that''s all now. Have a good day at the Nova Academy


    Sigh.


    I finally breathed the air of relief. Internally I was tense after all I had sessfully maneuvered through the intricate dance of alliances and gifts. The ne, a tangible token of gratitude, now adorned my neck, concealing its protective potential.


    As I stepped out of Dereck''s office, I couldn''t shake the feeling of aplishment. The Evergreen n''s support was now not just a verbal agreement but solidified in the form of a magical shield. Little did they know, the shield''s potential would not go unnoticed or unused.


    Isabe awaited me outside, a curious expression on her face. "What did Father give you?"


    I grinned, tapping the pendant under my shirt. "A protective charm. It can shield me from [A+] level attacks, thrice. Quite a handy gift."


    Isabe''s eyes widened. "That''s impressive! My father doesn''t give such gifts lightly. You must have made quite an impression."


    I shrugged nonchntly, "Just doing what I can to help."


    As we walked through the corridors of the Evergreen n headquarters, Isabe spoke about the magical artefacts on disy, sharing stories and histories that addedyers to the grandeur of the ce. It was evident that her pride in her family''s magical heritage ran deep.


    "We have to go Sylvanwood train station," I said to Isabe during our walk.


    "Why would we go to the train station?" Isabe asked, confusion evident in her voice.


    "What do you mean why? We have to go to Nova Academy today is the end of our vacation."


    Isabe chuckled at my response. cing one hand on her mouth she tried to stop herugh.


    "Why are youughing? Did I just joke?" I asked her with a frown on my face.


    Isabe continued to chuckle, shaking her head. "No, Lucas, it''s just that... we don''t have to go train station did you forget that Isabe has their private teleportation portal?"


    I face-palmed myself mentally.


    ''Right she is rich and I mean super rich...''


    Isabe led the way, and we arrived at the private teleportation portal of the Evergreen n. The intricate symbols on the ground glowed with magical energy as Isabe approached.


    Three people were standing beside the teleportation portal, first was Isabe''s older sister, Alice. And the other two were guards that we were guarding the teleportation porta.l


    seeing Isabe approaching the teleportation portal both guards now their heads and said,


    "Wee miss."


    Isabe nodded her head towards them and walked past them to her sister.


    Isabe approached her sister, Alice, who was standing beside the teleportation portal. Alice smiled warmly as Isabe reached her.


    "Isabe, It seems you have to go back to the Academy," Alice said, her eyes glinting with affection.


    Isabe embraced her sister, and for a moment, the two shared a sisterly bond that transcended the magical world around them.


    "Yeah, today is the day Academy will re-open. So I have to go back, sister." Isabe said with said expression on her face.


    Well, I can''t me her for having a sad expression after all her older sister just woke up from aa after five years and she has to go back academy.


    I''m sure that she wants to spend some time with her but sadly she can''t do that.