While the manager sent the appraiser to prepare the mana stones for the transaction, Nile leaned back in his chair, glancing at his companions.
"If we take back some gifts for Veena and Uncle James, they'll definitely be happy and surprised," he mused.
Jessica's eyes lit up. "That's actually a great idea! I bet Aunt Veena would love something elegant."
Lyra nodded in agreement. "And Uncle James… hmm, something practical would suit him best."
Having made their decision, Nile turned to the manager. "Sir, could you provide us with a catalog for men's and women's accessories?"
The manager, ever professional, gave a polite nod. "Of course, young master. Please wait a moment."
Soon, a thick, well-bound catalog was placed before them. The three of them huddled together, flipping through the pages, pointing out various items, and debating which gifts would suit their elders best.
Just as Lyra and Arin were deep in discussion over a particular bracelet, Nile looked up at the manager again.
"Sir, we would also like to buy two Awakened Support Devices."
The moment those words left his mouth, Lyra and Arin froze. They slowly turned their heads toward Nile, their expressions shifting from curiosity to outright shock.
Feeling their stares, Nile sighed, resting his chin on his hand. "You two are already sixteen. While we were walking around town, I saw kids as young as seven or eight with ASD devices, already cultivating. It's time for you both to start as well."
Arin frowned slightly. "But—"
Nile held up a hand, cutting him off. "No matter how many resources or how much power we gather, nothing will help you more than your own strength when a real crisis comes." His gaze sharpened slightly. "And I don't want to take any chances when it comes to your safety."
Lyra and Arin exchanged glances, reading the sincerity in Nile's tone.
Jessica smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, he's not wrong. If we're going to stick together, you guys need to start getting serious about cultivation."
Lyra let out a small sigh but smiled. "Alright, alright… but if we're doing this, we're choosing the best ones available."
Arin nodded in agreement. "Fine. But I expect a proper explanation on how to use them later."
Nile chuckled. "Of course."
The manager, watching their exchange with interest, spoke up. "A wise decision, young master. I'll arrange for the finest ASD models we have."
As the discussion about the Awakened Support Devices settled, the appraiser returned with an assistant carrying a storage pouch on a tray. He placed it on the table with great care, unlocking it to reveal neatly stacked mana stones, their soft glow illuminating the dim room.
"The full payment of twenty thousand low-grade mana stones has been prepared as per the agreed transaction," the manager announced respectfully.
Nile gave a brief nod and gestured toward Jessica. "Jessica, verify them."
The manager, seeing a twelve-year-old child being so cautious and untrusting, smiled wryly to himself.
Jessica rolled her eyes but complied. Instead of manually counting each stone, she activated a small verification array on her own storage pouch. A pulse of energy swept over the mana stones, confirming the quantity. She glanced at Nile and nodded. "It's all here."
The manager smiled. "We appreciate your business, young master. Now, about the gifts and the Awakened Support Devices, would you like them prepared for immediate purchase, or shall we have them delivered?"
Nile glanced at Lyra and Arin. "The devices?"
Arin crossed his arms. "We should take them now. No reason to delay."
Lyra agreed. "And for the gifts, if they need any adjustments, we can have them delivered later."
Nile turned back to the manager. "Alright. We'll take the devices now, but the gifts should be packed properly and delivered to us."
The manager nodded before signaling to one of the attendants. Within minutes, two sleek boxes were placed before them—each containing an Awakened Support Device. The devices were compact, designed like elegant wristbands with engraved inscriptions.
"These are the latest version high-grade models," the manager explained. "They adjust to the wearer's affinity automatically and provide optimal synchronization for cultivation."
Jessica whistled. "You guys are lucky. These are way better than what most people start with."
Arin picked up one device, studying the engravings. "So, we just wear them and activate them?"
Nile nodded. "I'll show you how later."
Lyra slipped hers onto her wrist, feeling the faint pulse of energy within it. "It feels… powerful."
Just as they were about to wrap up, Jessica suddenly cleared her throat dramatically and crossed her arms. "Well, isn't this interesting? Buying gifts for Aunt Veena, Uncle James, even cultivation devices for Lyra and Arin… but what about me?"
Nile blinked, caught off guard. "Uh—"
Jessica placed a hand over her heart in mock heartbreak. "You wound me, Nile. After all the trouble I went through to count your mana stones, you don't even think of getting me a gift?"
Lyra chuckled. "She's got a point."
Arin smirked. "Yeah, Nile. How could you?"
Nile sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, alright. I'll get you something." He turned back to the manager. "Show me something suitable for her."
The manager, seemingly amused by the exchange, quickly brought another catalog. Jessica leaned over Nile's shoulder as he flipped through it, eagerly pointing at a sleek bracelet with a small, embedded crystal that faintly glowed.
"This one! It's stylish and has minor energy circulation benefits," she said excitedly.
Nile exhaled, nodding. "Fine. Add it to the purchase."
Just as the manager noted it down, Nile hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Actually… I'd also like to get one more gift."
Jessica tilted her head. "For who?"
Nile pursed his lips. "For Jennifer."
That statement made Jessica blink in surprise, but then a slow smirk formed on her lips. "Oh? You're getting something for Jennifer too? My, my, what interesting choices you're making today."
Nile shot her a flat look. "Don't start."
Lyra and Arin exchanged knowing glances but didn't say anything.
The manager finalized the selections and then, sensing Nile's curiosity, explained the cost breakdown.
"For the Awakened Support Devices, each one costs one thousand low-grade mana stones." He gestured to the gifts. "The accessories range between twenty to fifty mana stones as they are decorative and have only minor enhancements, not significant cultivation benefits."
Nile nodded. "That makes sense."
The manager continued, "If you were looking at cultivation resources, even the cheapest options start at one hundred mana stones—that would get you a low-grade Body Stimulus Paste, which helps with physique reinforcement."
Nile's brows furrowed. "And mid-grade?"
"One thousand mana stones for a standard quantity," the manager replied. "For high-grade, you'll need at least ten thousand mana stones, though those are usually only found in great city markets."
Nile absorbed the information carefully. Even with twenty thousand mana stones, they could burn through it quickly if they weren't careful.
The manager clasped his hands together. "Shall I arrange for your safe departure? Given the nature of your purchases, it may be wise to have an escort."
Nile considered it briefly before nodding. "That would be best."
Within moments, a team of guards led by a Level 3 warrior arrived, along with a pair of workers carrying their purchases. As they stepped outside, the sight of the entourage immediately drew attention. Pedestrians and merchants alike whispered as they passed, their eyes lingering on the group with curiosity and caution.
Feeling the gazes, Arin leaned in. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"
Nile smirked slightly. "Of course. That's why I brought us here."
Arin raised a brow. "You mean—"
"Those hostile gazes we felt while browsing the market?" Nile glanced around casually. "They won't dare make a move now. A trade house escort is no joke. By the time we reach the inn, Uncle James will be there. That guarantees our safety."
Arin chuckled, shaking his head. "this is really a cunning Idea."
Jessica grinned teasing."That's so unlike you to think of such a plan ,Nile."
With their group moving in an unbroken formation, they proceeded down the bustling streets, unaware that even though the immediate threats had been deterred, their actions had drawn the interest of far more dangerous individuals lurking in the shadows.