Although speechless at her master's shameless pricing, Arakniquen followed his instructions without complaint.
Carrying the Ripple Fruits Ash had harvested from Azure Bay Mountain, she darted off toward another Town at an astonishing speed.
...
Twenty minutes later.
Ash returned home.
The moment she unlocked the door, a green figure shot into her arms.
"Larvavine~"
The Larvavine chirped with joy, snuggling against Ash in excitement.
Its two zigzag-shaped antennae stood straight up as if reflecting its happiness.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ash said with a gentle smile while patting the Larvavine's head.
She carried it into the small, cramped living room, her expression soft and content.
Although the journey to Azure Bay Mountain was fraught with challenges, Ash's adventure had finally come to a safe and successful conclusion.
Not only that, but she had also collected more Ripple Fruits than she had anticipated.
Even after giving half to the old man, based on her prior research into the market value of Ripple Fruits, Ash calculated that her earnings from this haul would be at least 6,000 Beastdollar.
6,000 Beastdollar…
That was more than her monthly salary back on Earth!
Just thinking about this figure made Ash feel that all the hardships and dangers she had endured along the way were entirely worth it.
No matter what, this trip marked the end of her financial struggles for the time being.
For once, she wouldn't have to worry about making ends meet.
"Once I've taken a shower and changed, we'll go buy some groceries to celebrate!" Ash said cheerfully, placing Larvavine onto the old, worn-out sofa.
This little Spirit Beast had saved her life and had been an invaluable help during her journey.
Rather than leaving it behind in the small park where she had initially found it, Ash had decided to bring it home with her.
No matter how run-down her home was, it was still far safer than the small park below.
Until Larvavine evolved to the point where it could defend itself, Ash didn't mind keeping a pet that could survive on just a diet of leaves.
After all, this was her way of repaying Larvavine for saving her life during their time in Azure Bay Mountain.
As she watched Larvavine rolling around on the sofa, looking completely overwhelmed and excited by its new surroundings, a faint smile appeared on Ash's face.
She had no intention of forming a contract with Larvavine to make it her Spirit Beast.
That being the case, this was the only way she could express her gratitude for its life-saving act.
"Hey, Larvavine."
"Larvavine~?"
"Oh, nothing—just wanted to ask what you'd like to eat later."
"Larvavine~ Larvavine~"
"Haha, still cabbage, huh? Got it. In that case, we'll head to the supermarket later to get some fresh cabbage!"
"You've probably never been to a human supermarket, have you? Hmm… to be honest, I haven't been to one either, but that's okay. I think Spirit Beasts of your size are allowed to go inside…"
"Larvavine~!"
The tiny house was soon filled with the cheerful laughter of one human and one Spirit Beast.
Although this brief adventure had come to an end, a new story was just beginning.