As the heat rises, I start to wonder aloud, “Everyone’s feeling nervous, right?”

  “Well, yeah,” Josh replies. “After the last accident, a heat wave inside the mines feels like a bad omen.”

  “But they do weekly checkups,” Bunchy adds, trying to sound hopeful.

  “Ha! Do you really believe that, Chunky?” Sorey scoffs. “There’s no way they’re spending a single extra coin to fix the air system properly. If anything, they probably check it once every few months.”

  “Damn… I can feel the difference today. It’s definitely hotter than usual,” I mutter.

  “I know, but let’s focus on something else before we lose our minds. We still have a lot of work to do,” Sorey says, wiping sweat from his forehead.

  “Ugh, this week is extra rough.”

  Though I do not feel much tired, It feels like the job is heavier or perhaps I’m getting weaker. I've been so busy thinking about the situation of Rika that I forgot to do my routine of exercises, now I just do training by being at work.

  “It’s not,” Bunchy corrects. “It just feels that way because Tenque’s back. We’re back to the normal routine.”

  I chuckle, knowing he’s right. “You said it, Bunchy.”

  “These days, I go home dirtier than ever. It’s sad when even the shower runs black,” I say with a sigh.

  “Well, at least you're still alive, dirty but alive, that stunt of yours was dumb, Slimmy. I’m glad you snapped out of it before something worse happened.”

  “Yeah… what happened two weeks ago was just me caught up in the moment,” I admit. “But I know soon I’ll—”

  “You lazy asses, quit chatting and get back to work!” Tenque’s sharp voice cuts through the conversation.

  He looks at us with a mix of authority and caution, clearly remembering what we pulled with the rats.

  Sorey groans, exhausted. “Tenque, why are we still stuck in the coal mine? Weren’t we supposed to return to the earth mine by now?”

  Tenque yawns, barely acknowledging the question. He scratches his nose, looking entirely unbothered. The way he does it makes my stomach turn.

  “Oh… huh? Ah… simply put, some people came back, and we just happened to be part of the teams that weren’t reassigned. Remember, some old folks even died down here. The mine needs more manpower.” He finally looks at us, his expression lazy but firm. “Now, less talking, more working, Sorey!”

  I plant my boots firmly into the loose gravel beneath me, raising my pickaxe over my shoulder and swinging it forward. The sharp clang of metal against rock echoes through the shaft as black chunks break free, tumbling to the ground. Sorey, a few feet away, is using a hand drill—grinding it into the coal face to create a borehole for the next round of blasting. His arms shake from the effort, but he doesn’t stop.

  Behind us, Bunchy and Josh are shoveling loose coal into the carts, their boots crunching over scattered debris. With each heavy scoop, the wooden cart groans under the weight. The rails beneath it are slick with coal dust and sweat, making it harder to push.

  "Hey, Slimmy, stop spacing out!" Bunchy calls, tossing me a canteen. "Hydrate before you drop."

  I catch it, unscrewing the lid with dirty hands. The water is warm, but it helps clear the grit from my throat. I barely get a sip before a deep rumbling shakes the tunnel.

  Sorey jerks back from his drilling. "Did you hear that?"

  We all go still. The walls creak. A few pebbles rain down from above.

  "Keep working," Tenque says, but even he looks up, eyes scanning the support beams.

  After we end with the first section of the day, Tenque gathers us all together.

  "Good work, guys. The job pace is solid, but this section’s going to need more support beams. Looks like the years have loosened it up." He taps one of the wooden beams with his knuckles, listening to the dull sound.

  A low groan rumbles through the tunnel, making my gut tighten.

  "We’ll reinforce now before we keep advancing, hurry up! "

  We move quickly. The creaking hasn't stopped, and every sound makes my skin crawl.

  "Get those beams in place, now!" Tenque barks, his voice sharp.

  I stand there for a second, unsure of what to do. I know how to dig, how to haul coal, but reinforcing a tunnel? That's way out of my depth.

  "Slimmy, grab that beam and bring it here fast!" Tenque shouts at me.

  “Where?”

  “Just go straight and you will find piles of materials, is easy to follow”

  I snap out of it and rush over to the place and return with a thick wooden beam toward the spot he's pointing at. It’s heavier than I expected, my arms burning as I struggle to lift it.

  "Not like that—tilt it! Yeah, now wedge it against the support frame," he instructs. Sorey and Bunchy help me push it to the exact position, their movements quick and practiced.

  Tenque hammers the beam into place, his strikes echoing through the tunnel. "We need cross-bracing! Get the planks!"

  The others move like they’ve done this a hundred times. I watch and copy, handing over nails, steadying beams, trying not to look at the ceiling that groans above us.

  After what feels like forever, Tenque steps back, wiping sweat from his forehead. He taps the beam with his knuckles again, nodding.

  "That should hold—for now."

  I exhale, realizing I’ve been holding my breath. The tunnel’s still standing, but the weight of the earth above feels heavier than ever. I glance up at the beams we just placed. They stand firm, for now. But the mine doesn't care about our efforts.

  At least now I understand how to reinforce a tunnel, I just hope to not forget what we did today.

  “Now why are you guys breathing like this is done? We are not paying you for breathing! Hurry, we just wasted time on this extra chore. Come on, come on!” Tenque’s voice cuts through the stale air like a whip.

  I tighten my grip on my pickaxe, my hands still aching from hauling the beam into place. There’s no time to rest—not unless I want Tenque breathing down my neck. I swing, the impact of metal against rock reverberating through my arms. Dust kicks up with every strike, clinging to my skin and filling my lungs with the taste of earth.

  Around me, the others fall back into rhythm, the steady clinking of tools against stone echoing through the tunnel. But even as I work, my ears stay sharp, tuned for anything worse than the sound of labor—the groan of shifting earth, the splinter of weakening wood.

  “Uff “ One hundred bags of coal into the carts. I am more exhausted than other days.

  Meanwhile, Tenque is overseeing the coal carts. He stands by the rail track, watchingas us load cart after cart with freshly mined coal. He yells instructions, making sure the carts don’t get overloaded. “Keep ‘em balanced! If one tips, it’s your head on the line!” He kicks a wheel that looks loose, shaking his head. “Damn thing’s gonna come off one of these days.”

  “Damn… How many have I done?” I ask, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

  “Since morning? You alone must’ve finished around 120 bags,” Sorey replies.

  “Uff… I’m falling behind.”

  Bunchy shoots me an incredulous look, his soot-streaked face twisting between amazement and annoyance. “Slimmy, me and Sorey barely got to 70. And frankly, I don’t get it—you hauled a damn support beam earlier. You should be dead tired.”

  “But it was wood,” I say, shrugging.

  “Yeah, and those things usually take two people,” he counters, folding his arms.

  “Oh…” I mutter, finally realizing the gap. Maybe I was running on sheer adrenaline, or maybe I just hadn’t stopped to feel the weight yet. Either way, I roll my shoulders and grip my pickaxe again. The day isn’t over.

  Tenque’s voice cuts through the clatter of work. “Slimmy!”

  I snap to attention and hurry over.

  “How’s it going with the bulldozer readings?” he asks.

  “Good…” I answer, though in truth, I barely understand half of what’s in that practice book.

  Tenque sighs. “Look, I know reading all that technical crap is important, but the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty.”

  “Oh… so what are you suggesting?”

  He pulls a card from his pocket and hands it to me. “Take this. Go to this address and tell them you’re me. They’ll let you in.”

  I gulp, gripping the card. Since when does Tenque worry about things like this? It feels… out of character.

  “But, Tenque—”

  He suddenly presses a finger against my lips, grinning. “Here, we’re boss and worker. Don’t bring personal feelings into the job. Got it?”

  “Ah… yeah.”

  He smirks, then glances at his watch. “Damn, look at the time. We wasted enough already. It’s lunch break. Come on, slowpokes—go enjoy your food before you pass out.”

  With that, the tension eases, and we all make our way toward the break area, the weight of the morning’s work still heavy on our shoulders.

  "What’s that?" I ask, eyeing Bunchy’s lunch.

  "A veggie burger," he replies casually, taking a bite.

  I raise an eyebrow. "Since when do you eat veggie burgers?"

  "Since I started saving money. These last couple of months have been rough, so I decided to cut back."

  Sorey snickers. "But isn’t veggie stuff more expensive, Bunchy? Don’t tell me skipping meat has made you more of a knucklehead."

  Bunchy glares at him but smirks. "For your information, Sorey, it’s homemade. I save a lot this way."

  I nod approvingly. "That’s pretty cool. Making your own burgers is a useful skill."

  As they continue chatting, my phone buzzes. A message from Lars. Today’s the day.

  My excitement when I read the message makes me yelp like a boy in christmas.

  I try to cover my face just In case the guys hear me.

  In response to my emotion I Immediately I message Tsukihana about it.

  All the set up was complete before the night. I can’t believe it, it is like watching a movie and from beginning to end the movie was a masterpiece.

  But then the smell in my hands made me wake up from my own thoughts.

  A grin tugs at my lips. "Damn… I’m definitely taking a double shower today!"

  Sorey squints at me. "What are you talking about, Slimmy? Why so energetic all of a sudden?"

  I shake my head. "Nothing. Let’s just eat and finish our tasks on time."

  The rest of the day flies by. By the time we wrap up, I’m covered in grime—dirtier than usual, like someone went wild with a chunk of black chalk all over me. But when I glance at the others, I don’t feel so bad.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  I burst out laughing. "Hahaha! You guys look like you lost a fight with a pile of coal!"

  Sorey crosses his arms. "Slimmy, before you start talking, maybe check your own damn face. You look worse than all of us combined."

  I grin. "Well, since I gotta leave early anyway, I might as well show you guys this."

  I pull out a sleek pair of magnetic boots.

  Josh blinks. "Wait… where did you get those?"

  "It’s a skill," I say, dodging the real question. "But forget that—these babies are my brand-new magnetic boots."

  Bunchy’s jaw drops. "No way."

  Sorey whistles. "Those things cost a fortune, Slimmy. How the hell did you afford them?"

  I shrug. "Quotas… and connections. But yeah, I still owe money."

  I strap them on and give a quick demonstration, letting the boots adjust to my movements. Their reactions? Worth every second.

  "Damn, that’s insane." Josh mutters.

  Bunchy shakes his head. "Man, I’d love to try those out."

  "Maybe another time," I chuckle. "Right now, I’ve got places to be."

  With all the speed I can muster, I take off from the job place, crossing the rocky paths and hitting the road. Cars zoom past, but these boots are flexible—I can twist, pivot, and react at the last second. Not only do they sync with my movements, but they also adjust to my reflexes, making the purchase even more worth it.

  The book

  As I reach my house, I see Tsukihana and Lars waiting outside. I never expect them to be on time, but I don’t see Rika.

  “Good evening, girls. Thanks for coming.”

  Tsukihana bows respectfully, while Lars only stares at me blankly.

  I meet her gaze.

  “Where is she?”

  “We can’t just drag her to your home with everyone watching. You will come with us”

  “Fine, let’s go.”

  “You’re covered in dust and sweat. You’ll draw attention. Take a shower—we’ll wait.”

  “I don’t think-”

  I remember that I actually look like a human coal.

  Thinking then I don’t want to wake up Rika seeing my like I am some kind of black board or like a hobo, she might get a heart attack knowing how picky she is.

  “Well, if you insist. You can come inside while I clean myself up.”

  I secretly hope they refuse. My apartment is bare—I don’t even have a sofa. But for some reason, I still offer.

  Tsukihana flushes red, an obvious reaction, while Lars looks at me with mild disgust.

  “I don’t enter anyone’s domain. Just hurry up and get out when you’re ready.”

  I nod and take the fastest shower I can.

  Afterward, we head straight to the meeting point. Lars leads the way in silence, and Tsukihana follows without a word. We enter an abandoned building and descend into its underground basement.

  Inside, I see a specialized medical bed surrounded by strange apparatus. Rika is lying there, asleep. The purple blotches on her skin, which I thought were from a combination of the beating and the drugs, turn out to be purely from the drugs. A purifier rests over her face, and tubes are inserted into her arms.

  “ Priestess, do your thing,” Lars says. “Daryn, let’s wait outside while she works.”

  I nod and follow her out. As we goin out I am feeling so grateful and decide to keep expressing my gratitude.

  “I don’t have the words to thank you,” I say.

  “No problem. If there was a chance to save the poor girl, I made sure it happened.”

  “But how did you pull it off? Didn’t anyone ask questions?”

  “Why do you care? It’s none of your business.”

  “I’m just curious.”

  “Let’s just say I’ve worked with the kingdom for many years, and I outrank most people. Leave it at that.”

  As I realize this, I compare it to last time—her accent is noticeably more fluent. Was she faking it before?

  “I’ve noticed you’re speaking more fluently,” I say, narrowing my eyes slightly.

  “Thanks.”

  Her response is hollow and quick, like a programmed answer rather than genuine gratitude.

  Minutes pass, stretching into hours. The silence between us feels heavy. Lars simply stares at the wall in front of her, lost in thought—or maybe just uninterested in conversation.

  I break the silence. “It’s kind of weird, but… are you really Cantheris’s sister?”

  My question seems to be pulling her out from her thoughts. Though she take it good and with a calm and sharp response.

  “Yes.”

  Her response is immediate and absolute. If it were anyone else, I’d believe it without question. But after the past few days, I’m not so sure she’s telling me the whole truth.

  All adds up to the conclusion that she doesn’t trust me completely.

  She quickly looks away. Maybe I’m trying too hard to talk to her. What’s the point? What good will come from pushing her?

  Two hours pass, and doubt starts creeping in. Is Rika’s condition beyond healing? Or is this normal? I remember my own injuries took a full day to heal with Tsukihana’s help. I try to relax. She can do this. She’s the most reliable healer in the kingdom.

  I take a deep breath, but it does little to steady me. I can’t stay still—my legs twitch in rhythm with the faint ticking of the wall, each second stretching longer than the last.

  “How do you know Tsukihana?” I ask. “If she was really trying to stay hidden, how did you find her?”

  “I’ve known her for a long time.”

  She completely dodges the question, which only makes me more curious.

  “And what makes you so sure she’s the most powerful healer in the kingdom?”

  “Her actions speak louder than words. Don’t you think?”

  “Yes, but she works as a hospital nurse. If she’s that powerful, how hasn’t the hospital found out—but you did?”

  “You should ask her that, not me. Simple as that.”

  Maybe working for the kingdom doesn’t let her spill the information, though I am not a threat or feel like it, but I understand her.

  The night falls, and finally, Tsukihana steps out.

  “She’s fine,” she says softly.

  Excitement surges through me, and I almost shout, but Lars quickly clamps a hand over my mouth.

  I pull away. “What?”

  “Don’t let your emotions explode.”

  “Huh?”

  “Don’t draw attention.”

  “Okay…” then I turned to Tsukihana. “Can I see her?”

  “She’ll be asleep until tomorrow. I’ve cured all the physical symptoms and cleansed her body completely. But…” Tsukihana hesitates, her soft voice forcing me to lean in to hear.

  “Her mental scars won’t heal so easily. Even though she’s physically fine, there's a chance that the trauma will remain. Daryn… it’s up to you to help her through that.”

  I nod, determination settling in.

  “Good. Thanks for everything, both of you!”

  Lars calls for private cars to take us back to my apartment. They bring Rika inside, but as soon as they set her down, they are ready to leave.

  “Wait, can’t she keep the bed, please? I don’t have much space in mine.”

  “Nothing we can do,” Lars replies. “We have to erase any trace. Hope you understand.”

  I sigh. “Well, thanks, Lars.” I turn to Tsukihana. “And thank you. Really. You gave me another chance to smile again.” I grin.

  “No problem,” she says softly.

  I want to invite them out for a meal, to show my gratitude, but I can’t leave Rika alone and unconscious.

  “This is the last time we’ll see each other,” Lars states.

  “I hope so.” And I mean it. I don’t want to get tangled in Lars’ business. For my good and Rika’s good.

  They both leave, and I carry Rika inside to my room. I made a small resting spot for her with a towel, some empty boxes, and my lamp. Looking at it, I feel like a failure as a brother.

  “I really hope you wake up tomorrow before I leave for work.”

  Needing to distract myself, I decided to study for the Bulldozer exam. I searched for the book I threw earlier. It should be easy to find in this nearly empty apartment, but it’s nowhere. As I rummage through the boxes, I find something else—the book Lars gave me.

  “The book that can copy other books' text, huh?”

  I wonder what I should use it for.

  “Knowledge is power, after all huh? But what do I want to learn?”

  Thinking many ideas in my head, from police to fire man and to perhaps an engineer. But those sound like complex disciplines.

  “Hmm... maybe economics?”

  That would also mean a long-term commitment. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that. Plus, I’d have to quit my current job to become a businessman.

  “Detective?”

  As a Category of Researcher, it would make sense. Since that would be in my area of expertise, maybe I have a future in that. It could even bring in extra money.

  “Hello, Daryn boy.”

  “Hello—” I freeze.

  Wait, the door is locked. The windows are closed.

  A jumpscare like no other—Pachesko stands before me, his bouncing form grinning.

  “Damn! Pachesko, What the hell!”

  “Long time no see, right?” He chuckles. “I had to come right away. Your lifestyle changes have been... interesting. I couldn’t believe it, so here I am. And, I have to admit, I’m impressed.”

  “Do you know what happened to me?”

  “Of course. I know all the records of the players.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Forget it. I’m here to congratulate you, dude. I can’t believe someone as useless as you is doing more than I expected. But Is such a disappointment that you’ve already given up on defeating the Demon Lord.”

  “Why do you care?”

  “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have any reason to visit. I only check in on players who still aim to defeat the Demon Lord.”

  “Right now, I can’t.”

  “You can, but you don’t want to. You’ve gone soft.”

  “Soft?”

  “You’ve gotten too attached to your fake family. You could’ve just left this girl on the street to die. You could’ve quit your job and become an adventurer. Simple. But instead, you make excuses. You’ve changed. You’re nothing more than another NPC now.”

  “You talk too much, Pachesko.”

  “You just can’t tolerate the truth, If I keep talking I bet I will release the real Daryn inside of you.”

  “Get out dude”

  “If you want to be a detective and live like a commoner, I won’t stop you. But don’t forget the wish still on, anyone can get it if they work enough”

  And just like that, he leaves through the window into the stars.

  Since arriving in this world, my goal was to kill the Demon Lord. But now that I think about it, why did I want to? The wish? If I remember correctly, that was the reason. But what would I have even wished for?

  Looking at my life now—my friends, my family—I realize I already have everything I could have wished for.

  “But that only settles the Demon Lord issue,” I mutter.

  I still want to be an adventurer—for the thrill, for the excitement. To be part of a party with beautiful girls, without the weight of some grand mission hanging over me.

  I sigh in defeat.

  “Well, it’ll only ever be a dream.”

  With that thought, I drift off to sleep, wondering what the next day will bring.

  Something soft brushes against my face, stirring me from sleep. It’s gentle at first—almost comforting—until a sudden tug on my cheek jolts me awake.

  “Ow…” I groan, squinting against the dim light.

  My alarm hasn’t gone off yet. That means it’s before 6:30 AM. I rub my eyes and blink rapidly, trying to focus.

  And then—I see her.

  Rika.

  She’s right in front of me, wearing that familiar soft smile.

  I freeze. Am I dreaming?

  No. I knew this would happen. I believed in it so strongly that it almost felt inevitable. And yet, now that she’s here, I can’t move. My mouth is open, but no words come out. It’s as if all the moisture in my throat evaporated in an instant.

  She watches me, tilting her head slightly.

  “You really did it again,”

  Her voice carried that same ungrateful tone she always had. I don’t mind.

  If anything, it makes me happy. It means she hasn’t changed.

  “Did what?” I ask.

  “The thing you always do.”

  I frown. “What thing?”

  “I’m not going to say it.” Then, in a barely audible whisper, she adds, “Thanks.”

  A flicker of concern crosses my mind. “Are you really okay?”

  “To be honest…” She exhales, looking away. “I feel better than ever. And that scares me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She hesitates, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to think about it. That day… I thought I was going to die. And now, feeling this good—it’s just… weird, you know?”

  Step.

  “Daryn, why are you looking at me like that?”

  Step.

  Step.

  Step.

  “Hey… Daryn, you’re scaring me.”

  Before she can move, I throw my arms around her, holding her as tightly as I can.

  “Daryn-don’t. Wait-Give me a break… please. Personal space… Don’t touch me… HEY-I said give me space!”

  “Yes, keep pushing me away!”

  She struggles, her breath hitching. “You’re even weirder than before, Daryn!”

  I tone down my enthusiasm as the low growl of her stomach reaches my ears.

  “Sorry,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “I wish I had something for you, but I don’t have anything to eat right now.”

  Her cheeks become redden in embarrassment but soon she shakes her head to control herself.

  “Don’t tell me. I can see with my own eyes that you’re barely holding it together. Besides, I should consider myself lucky you at least gave me a towel to sleep on. But we can improve this place. Have you bought the shop yet?”

  “No. How was I supposed to if I didn’t know you’d recover?”

  “That’s no excuse, Daryn! I want that shop!”

  “You’re not making any sense!”

  She grunts, and I let out a frustrated sigh in return.

  “And look at this place—completely disorganized. You barely have anything, yet you still act like a kid with no sense of order.”

  “I pay for this place with my own money, Rika. If I want to leave my boxers on the floor, I will.”

  “No, no, no! Not anymore. We’re in the capital now, and we actually have a place. That means we’re more than we were before, Daryn. We can’t live like pigs.”

  “I am not living like a pig.”

  She picks up a book from the floor and waves it at me.

  “Nice shelter—practically invisible.”

  Then she sees surprise, her eyes widened.

  “What?”

  “Daryn who gave you this book, I can sense something in it”

  “Lars gave me”

  Rika ready to swing the book out of the apartment

  I hold her arm with my arms.

  “Wow wow what are you doing”

  “You must be crazy keeping something from her in our apartment. Now let me throw it this devil book”

  “Ours??”

  “You know what I mean!”

  “Wait is an interesting book, I will use to be a detective”

  She stops.

  "Detective? Tell me more."

  After I explain the book to her, she looks at me thoughtfully.

  "Daryn."

  "What?"

  "It’s a good plan for the long term. But you already have a well-paying job."

  "I don’t know if I’d call it ‘well-paying’..."

  "You have an apartment in the capital. You’re actually earning very well—you just need a better savings plan. Spending your money to become a detective sounds interesting, but it’s like switching from electrician to mechanic."

  "I don’t think it’s the same..."

  "Both are good-paying jobs! The point is, if you have one, you just need to stick with it and keep advancing."

  "So you’re suggesting I stay as miner?"

  "Well, it suits your peasant style."

  I frown. "Very funny. Look how I’m LAUGHING."

  She grins. "Instead, tell me now, Daryn."

  "What?"

  "Your skills. I bet you’ve gained some."

  "So, if I do, will you tell me yours?"

  Of course, I already knew her skills, but I wanted to test her trust.

  "No way!"

  "Wait—what? You want me to tell you mine, but you won’t tell me yours?"

  "I have to keep something secret, you know? It adds to my mystery."

  I pinch her cheek.

  "Now you’re just acting childish."

  I pull her cheek with all my might.

  "Fine! Fine! Stop! I’ll tell you!"

  We both share our skills. Of course, I have to act surprised without overdoing it.

  She wasn’t much surprised but at least this was one of the few situations where she listened to me.

  "Daryn."

  "What?"

  "Now I know what to do with your book."

  "What?"

  "We can make even more money!"

  "You don’t waste time, huh?"

  "No, listen. The skill Command of Rodents sounds pretty convenient."

  "Yeah, having level 8 rats is like having a tank with me."

  "Forget the tank—you can gather resources!"

  "I was thinking the same, might help me cover more ground for coal, but I don’t see many rats in the mines."

  "No, idiot! You can use them to find actual valuable resources—like those quartz we talked about before."

  "But aren’t those in specific places? I won’t have time for my job."

  She thinks deeply.

  "It doesn’t have to be quartz. Any valuable rocks."

  "Any rocks?"

  "What I mean is, we can go near caves, find rare stones, and sell them in a shop!"

  "Sounds dangerous."

  "Well, if you don’t want to, that’s fine..."

  Her expression shifts—sad eyes, the kind that makes me feel guilty for no reason. She just woke up an hour ago, and she’s already this pushy. It’s annoying, but damn it, those puppy eyes are working on me.

  “But I don’t know anything about rocks, and I bet you don’t either.”

  “You’re right,” Rika admitted, “but I have experience selling in my mom’s shop. She used to sell rocks too—like sea rocks. And besides, we can learn together! Don’t you think it’s a good idea?”

  “How are we supposed to learn without money for lecturing or time to spare?”

  She sighed dramatically. “Daryn, you really need to use your brain.”

  She pointed at the blank book.

  “You can copy the content from a premium book.”

  I hesitated. That sounded like stealing. But given our situation, I couldn’t argue much. I could sustain myself and my apartment, but with Rika in the equation, my finances were bound to take a hit.

  “Ah… I guess that makes sense.”

  “Exactly! Think about it—a book you can study anytime, for free!”

  “But then shouldn’t I get a detective book instead? You know, so we both become detectives?”

  “Oh sure, Daryn, great plan,” she said sarcastically. “Get a detective book, then we’ll apply for jobs that require official certifications. Yes, yes, brilliant! We’ll be hired on the spot!”

  “Hmmm… fine, I get it. It’s more practical to start something where we can be our own bosses, right?”

  “Close enough! I was thinking more like—this path is hands-on. We can start right away instead of wasting years preparing.”

  I met her gaze and smirked.

  “Rika, it seems we have a deal.”

  I held out my hand. She took it, shaking firmly.

  “But first,” I added with a smirk, “we need to rent a shop. And don’t forget—50% commission for me.”

  "40%."

  "60%."

  "50% is fine."

  "Good."

  Just like that I knew that I have to work twice as hard than all the days before.