Her reasoning was straightforward: the school's medical office accepted insurance!
Back when Ash was still studying on Earth, she'd often visit her school's medical office to stock up on antibiotics or anti-allergy medications to keep in her dorm as a precaution.
Compared to the medicine sold at pharmacies for 10 or 20 dollars per box, the school's option—where you could get a blister pack or an entire box for just a few dollars—was undoubtedly more appealing.
This time was no exception.
After discovering that a single antidote costs between 120 and 150 beastdollar at regular stores, Ash naturally decided it was more economical to "buy" it from the school instead.
However, it seemed her "money-saving" plan might end before it even began.
This substitute intern doctor... was unexpectedly strict.
"Is it... not allowed, Doctor?"
Having waited a long time without hearing Maxim's reply, Ash was ready to present the carefully prepared excuse she'd been rehearsing in her mind to ease the awkward atmosphere.
But before she could speak, the young school doctor, who had been frowning at her just moments ago, stood up, left his seat, and walked to the medicine cabinet next to his desk.
"How many do you need?"
"Uh?"
"I'm asking how many antidotes you need," Maxim said directly, shaking the antidotes Ash had requested in his hand, sparing her from answering anything off-topic.
Ash paused for a moment.
After mentally calculating her savings, she raised her right hand tentatively and extended two fingers. "Two?"
Maxim responded with a simple "Mm" and turned back to the cabinet, pulling out two doses of antidote sealed in clear plastic packaging.
"That'll be 40 beastdollar," Maxim said as he returned to his desk, placing the two antidotes on the upper right corner. "After attaching the syringe, inject them directly into the muscle or subcutaneously. But make sure to use them within ten minutes of opening. Once exposed to oxygen, the medication inside undergoes an oxidation reaction, drastically reducing its effectiveness or rendering it useless if left too long."
Ash nodded, thanked Maxim, and placed the payment on his desk.
In one smooth motion, she retrieved the antidotes from the desk corner. "Goodbye, Doctor!"
On her way back, Ash felt considerably more at ease.
Managing to get two special antidotes for Venenum-type Spirit Beast attacks at the low price of 40 beastdollar was something she hadn't dared to expect.
In Ash's original plan, this critical supply, which could save her life during the upcoming trip to Azure Bay Mountain, was expected to cost her most of her savings.
Now, having saved 200 beastdollar, she not only had more flexibility for additional purchases but also didn't need to agonize over sacrificing essential emergency items due to budget constraints.
Her safety preparation had significantly improved once again!
"So now there's just one last thing left to do…"
After spending the saved 200 beastdollar at the wholesale market to buy a cheap entrenching shovel and a few waterproof sheets, Ash reviewed her recent purchases.