Maddy picked up the weapon, she inspecting its dulled edge and worn handle.
"No kidding. You've been pushing this thing to its limits." She set it down and checked her system.
A few second later.
"It'll be ready in about two hours." She spoke.
Simon raised an eyebrow. "That fast? I expected at least a day or two."
Maddy smirked at his surprise. "Most Astral Lord don't use weapon. Even physical- type prefer to fight with their bodies rather than rely on blades and external weapons. Its more efficient. Weapons degrade over time, and constant repairs get expensive. Only a handful of Astral Lord brother using solid weapons."
Simon leaned on the counter, considering her words. "Makes sense. But for me, a weapon is just as much a part of my fighting style as my Astral ability. I can't just abandon it."
Maddy gave a small nod of approved. "Well, you're one of the rare ones, then. And since barely anyone else needs weapon repairs, our forge isn't exactly swamped with requests. That's why yours will be done so quickly."
Simon smirked. "Lucky me."
"You could say that" she tapped on the order. "It will be sent to your office in two hours, your blade be good as new."
With his business at the armory settled, Simon made his way to his office, surprised to find it had been upgraded. What was once a cramped workspace was now a stand-alone room with everything he could possibly need—a large screen TV, a comfortable bed, an office table, and most importantly, a breathtaking view of the skyline.
Stepping inside, he paused for a moment, lost in his thought.
His previous life felt distant yet eerily familiar. Back then, his office had been nothing more than a tiny cubicle, divided by flimsy plastic panels. It had been suffocating, limiting. But now…
He walked to his desk, ran a hand over its polished surface, and sat down.
Logging into his company ID, he immediately began searching for something he desperately needed— a vehicle.
The ride between the base city and the wilderness had been anything but comfortable. After weeks of hunting, the last thing he needed was the stiff back pain from sitting in a cramped transport.
As he browsed the company's online market, he scrolled past land vehicles—none caught his interest. Then he clicked on different section: Sky Raptors—personal flying vehicles designed for fast, smooth travel.
An Engineering marvel that came to existence after the world was pulled in the disaster. By combining Astral energy and science to creating Astral-Electromagnetic Drive(for short AEMD) that enable the vehicle to fly and cover distance that far exceeding the limits of any land vehicles.
The flying cars section felt bulky and impractical for someone who traveled alone and put every in his Space belt. But when he reached the flying bike section, his interest peaked.
Sleek, agile, and perfect for him. He carefully went through every model, comparing specs and designs, until he finally found the one.
A 23-million-credit masterpiece. Solar-powered, eliminating the need for constant charging. Equipped with an advanced AI capable of Autopilot and adaptive flight adjustments.
Simon smiled as he clicked purchase.
"Now that's more like it"
But the moment the transaction was completed, his excitement dimmed slightly as he checked his balance.
Before his visit to armory, he had 122 million credits. Now? He was down 93 million after paying off his debt which cost significant chunk amount of his money, then he brought combat suit that was worth 2 million, 3 million to repair his weapon.
Which farther pulled his balance his account balance down to 88 million.
And now, after paying for the flying vehicle it fell more, stopping at 65 million.
Money was spent fast.
But right now, Simon had something even more important to focus on—something that directly affected his combat ability.
His flames.
After weeks of training in the wilderness, he had noticed something frustrating. The temperature of his flames stays at 1,200 degrees Celsius—roughly the temperature of an industrial incinerator. While it was powerful, it wasn't enough. He had relied on his control and techniques he created to maximize the damage of his attacks.
But no matter how skilled he become; his flames were capped by his base temperature.
That needed to change.
Simon navigated to the "Weapon of heaven and earth" category.
A category of weapons that can solve his problem. But there was tiny problem.
He chooses flames category from long list of elements. That showed multiple types of flames.
From a long list of different types of flames ranging from different colour, to different temperature.
Earth Flames:
Born from the Earth, Green in colour, having temperature as high as 2,000°C.
Price: 300 million Credits.
Cold Flames:
The legendary flames of the Frostfire Wraith, capable of fluctuating between 2,000°C and a staggering -300°C.
Price: 350 million Credits.
…
…
…
…
…
Hell-Fire flames:
The White Flames of calamity destruction Dreadbeast, slain by the might Emperor Beetle, its fire burns at a devastating 10,000°C, capable of reducing entire cities to ashes.
Price: 1 billion Credits.
Simon's eyes widened.
Just a moments ago, he had felt wealthy. Now? He might as well be broke.
Still, He continued to browsing, taking note of potential upgrades for the future.
Time passed.
By the time two hours had gone by, his repaired weapon and newly purchased combat suit had been delivered to his office.
Putting his gears and weapon in his space belt Simon left his office.
Despite the feeling momentarily poor after online-shopping, he still wanted to celebrate his achievement, and nothing said celebration better than a feast with his family.
The marketplace buzzed with activity, the scent of sizzling meat and exotic spices filling the air. He stopped by a well-know butcher, purchasing prime cuts of beast meat—rich in nutrients, perfect for a Astral Lord's meal. His family deserved a feast.
Simon made his way home.
But the moment he stepped inside the villa, the air changed.
The whole room was eerily silent that was unnatural.
Suddenly he felt killing intent pressed down on him, his instincts worked over time.
His body tensed; his focuses sharpened.
His grip instinctively moved toward Ignis Fang in is Space belt, Muscles coiling like predator ready to strike.
Someone was here.
And they weren't here for a friendly visit.