Chương 14: The Family Meets Coburn

The Sigil was handed over to him within ten minutes by the old lady at the reception. She explained how to use it and the Awakening details that were registered with the Union Government registry. He could view the details by holding it with intent. When Arthur did so, a translucent screen appeared, displaying his details alongside his photograph. Name: Arthur Purchase Class: Skeleton Summoner Rank: A Standard: Alpha Awakening ID: AWFCA5411 Arthur was shocked by the details.

His Class name and Rank were completely different from reality. Various thoughts arose in his mind. Did these people miscalculate his rank, or was this done by that cursed notebook? Deep down, Arthur felt that the notebook had done this intentionally. However, he did not bother with these details for very long. His mind was constantly thinking about the quest. He had to achieve a massive goal within a month's time, so he could not afford to waste time pondering over this. He quickly hailed a taxi.

While sitting in the back seat, he tried to organize his thoughts. What needed to be done first? Over-thinking would definitely hinder his progress. He needed to think properly, plan things out, and follow that plan to achieve his goal. For that, the first thing he needed was Credits—an enormous amount of Credits. If he had enough Credits, he could finish the quest by the end of tomorrow. Unfortunately, he lacked heavily in that department.

To earn Credits, he needed to find a profitable method, which led right back to recruiting Skeleton workers. It was a recurring dilemma. After much thought, Arthur came up with a coherent plan that would help complete this quest. He would proceed with his earlier idea: start his own company, the [Purchase Blacksmith Company]. He would slowly produce products, earn money, and expand the business. With that thought, Arthur traveled towards the Mawman Materials Shop.

First, he would buy the necessary items for his first Blacksmith Worker's contract payment. Arthur arrived at the shop just as the sun was almost setting. He could feel the tiredness weighing on his body and mind. He quickly entered the shop and searched for the old man from this morning, but could not find him. Soon, a young man came to assist him, and they moved towards a private cabinet engulfed by an energy dome. Arthur requested the two items he needed: 4 Alpha Standard Fangs and 5 kg of Lean Silver Ore.

It didn't take long to retrieve the materials, as these were very common items available in abundance. Arthur presented his White VIP Card to receive a 10% discount. Every Credit he saved right now would help him complete the quest. A total of 12, 000 Credits were spent for the two materials. The items came in a well-packed box. Arthur exited the shop carrying the box, quickly hailed another taxi, and headed back to Outer Sector B. This novel's true home is a different platform.

Support the author by finding it there. When Arthur reached his house, the sun had already set, and darkness enveloped Outer Sector B. His sister opened the door. In her other hand, she held some snacks, happily chewing on a piece.

"Brother, you finally came back! Look what Mother bought me," she said, holding her hand up. It was a low Standard meat skewer that smelled quite good.

"How is the taste?" Arthur asked, watching his sister enjoy the meat. He also noticed the new dress she was wearing, completely replacing her old, multi-patched dress. Before he could fully step into the entryway, Arthur heard the sound of heavy footsteps. His younger brother was running towards him with great joy and expectation.

"Brother, did you awaken your Class last night?" Geoffrey's eyes shone brightly with anticipation. He was at the age where he began to understand the real struggles of the world, as well as how to escape them. He clearly knew the significance of the Awakening. Since a good Class would undoubtedly improve their lives, Arthur understood his excitement. After all, Arthur had been similarly excited when he first learned about the Awakening and the benefits that came with it.

"Yes," Arthur said, ruffling his brother's hair.

"Tell me, what Class and Rank did you awaken? Did you get any cool abilities?" Geoffrey continued his barrage of questions. Suzie, who was busy chewing her skewer, didn't understand why her second brother was so excited. Arthur could only give an amused smile.

"Do you want to see my abilities?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, yes!" Hearing his brother say this, Geoffrey jumped up and down with great joy.

"Mother, come here! Brother is going to show his abilities!" he cried towards the kitchen, where his mother was cooking dinner. Soon, she walked into the hall. Geoffrey couldn't control his excitement, his face full of a bright smile.

"Geoffrey, let your brother take a rest. He hasn't slept since last night," his mother said, giving a firm command as she walked out of the kitchen.

"Arthur, did you register the Awakening? Did you face any issues?" his mother asked once she reached the hall.

"No problems, Mother. The registration was successful, and they issued my Sigil as well. Here." Arthur took out the Sigil bearing the Awakening Head Office symbol. His mother took the Sigil and looked at it with a relieved smile.

"Brother, show me your abilities, now!" Geoffrey couldn't contain his eagerness.

"Okay, okay. Are you ready?" Arthur said.

"Go stand by Mother. Suzie, stand behind Mother as well."

"What? Why?" Geoffrey was confused by his brother's instructions, but he quickly went to stand near his mother. Even his mother was slightly confused by Arthur's actions.

"Are you all ready?" he asked. The three of them nodded. Suzie craned her head out from behind her mother. Arthur didn't wait a second longer and summoned Coburn. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared on the hall floor. From the center of the magic circle, a bony figure emerged with two pickaxes resting on its shoulders. Arthur, who was currently watching his family's reactions, gave a satisfied smile because they reacted exactly as he expected. His mother was astonished upon seeing Coburn's full figure.

Suzie was instantly startled and hid her face against her mother. Geoffrey's expression briefly shifted to slight fear, but that reaction quickly faded, replaced by intense curiosity.

"Arthur, what kind of ability is this? Didn't you say you awakened Inventory Sorting?" his mother questioned.

"Yes, Mother. Inventory Sorting is part of the Class, and these skeletons are professional workers," Arthur covered his lie with a half-truth. If he were to tell them the full truth of his Class, his family would be plunged into deep worry. It was better to maintain the lie instead of risking their health.

"Brother, what does this skeleton do? Can it fight monsters?" Geoffrey couldn't control his curiosity as he slowly walked towards Coburn with a little hesitation.

"Of course. It will do any job we ask. I guess it could even cook for us," Arthur proclaimed his skeleton's capabilities.

"No, I will not let a skeleton cook in this house," his mother declared strictly. Suzie finally gathered her courage and craned her neck again to look at the skeleton. Geoffrey was already just a few feet away from Coburn, inspecting every part of its bones. While they were discussing Coburn, the front door opened. His father entered the house, and his eyes landed directly on Coburn.