CHAPTER 22: JOINT EXPLORATION OF DUNGEON

Rowen carefully counted the payment in front of Calen’s eyes—four low-grade mana stones in exchange for six tomatoes and six potatoes.

Calen’s eyes widened. "Wait, why are they paying with mana stones? And why are they buying your stuff at these prices? Did you do something to Lyra and Aria or something?"

Rowen shrugged casually, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nothing like that. These vegetables aren’t just regular crops—they have real effects. They help with mana and energy recovery and even boost focus."

Calen blinked, clearly surprised. "Seriously? Your vegetables can do that?"

Rowen shrugged casually, keeping his expression neutral.

Calen glanced at Rowen, then asked quietly, "How can you even produce vegetables like this? It doesn’t seem normal."

Rowen’s mind raced for a moment. Maybe it’s time to be more careful with what I share.

Rowen never really thought about the problem before. What if people started asking where these vegetables came from? What would he say? He needed to come up with a plan to make people believe him.

He thought for a moment, then looked at Calen.

"I’m awakened as a farmer," Rowen said carefully, "but I’m not the normal kind. These vegetables—I grow them in the backyard of my shop."

Calen frowned slightly, processing the explanation. "Awakened as a farmer... huh. Guess that makes sense."

Calen frowned, still unconvinced. "But I’ve never heard of a normal awakened farmer being able to grow vegetables like this. Doesn’t that seem a bit... unusual?"

Rowen shrugged lightly, trying to keep his tone casual. "Maybe I’m just lucky, or maybe I’ve found a way others haven’t. Every awakened has their own path and strengths."

Calen studied Rowen for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I guess that makes sense. Still, it’s impressive."

Rowen smiled quietly. For now, that explanation will have to do.

Calen reached into his pocket and pulled out two low-grade mana stones. He hesitated for a moment, glancing between Rowen and the stones in his hand.

Remembering that Lyra and Aria had just bought from Rowen without hesitation, Calen finally nodded and placed the stones on the counter.

"Alright, I’ll try some for myself," he said quietly.

Rowen gave him a small, encouraging smile. "You won’t regret it."

Calen’s expression softened slightly, a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism in his eyes.

Rowen carefully slid the two low-grade mana stones into his pouch, watching Calen’s hesitant yet determined expression.

Calen cleared his throat, then gave a small nod. "Alright, I’ll give it a shot."

Rowen smiled. "Good choice."

Outside the shop, Lyra and Aria exchanged a few words before waving goodbye.

"See you later, Rowen," Lyra called out with a friendly smile.

"Take care," Aria added.

The two girls walked off together, their steps light and confident.

Rowen turned back to Calen. "Looks like business is picking up."

Calen shrugged, still eyeing the vegetables suspiciously. "Guess I’ll have to see if these really work."

Rowen chuckled softly. "You’ll be surprised."

After a moment, Calen pocketed his remaining mana stones and gave Rowen a quick nod.

"Well, I should get going. Don’t want to be late for the field trip."

Rowen waved as Calen headed toward the door, Shade following close behind, while the dog stayed near Calen, still a little wary.

"Good luck out there," Rowen called.

Calen glanced back with a small smile. "Thanks. Maybe I’ll see you around."

With that, Calen stepped outside and disappeared down the street.

Soon after Calen left, the quiet street outside Rowen’s shop began to stir. More people passed by, some glancing curiously at the display of fresh vegetables, and after seeing the price, they left.

Rowen straightened, ready to greet whoever came through the door next.

The bell above the door jingled softly again, and Darian stepped inside—this time alone, dressed neatly in his Westlite Academy uniform.

Rowen’s eyes flicked to him, remembering what Calen had said about Westlite Academy students joining the dungeon exploration.

Rowen smiled and gestured with a nod. "Good morning, Darian. Welcome."

Darian returned the greeting, then noticed the black cat lounging on the counter.

"Hey, when did you get this cat?" he asked, his tone curious.

Rowen reached down and stroked Shade behind the ears. "I found her injured last night, just past midnight. Helped her out, and now she’s staying with me."

Darian nodded thoughtfully, then his expression brightened. "By the way, those tomatoes I bought yesterday—they really helped me learn a new fire spell."

Rowen grinned. "Congrats, Darian. That’s awesome."

Darian pulled out six low-grade mana stones and placed them on the counter. "I’ll take what I need this time—potatoes. I’ll need it for the dungeon exploration."

Rowen carefully packed eighteen potatoes and handed them over.

"Good luck out there," Rowen said.

Darian gave a confident smile. "Thanks. I’ll need it."

After Darian bought his new batch of potatoes and paid with the mana stones, he nodded to Rowen and left the shop.

Rowen carefully collected the mana stones, then glanced outside.

Meanwhile, in the border zone of the wilderness, a growing crowd of students was gathering in front of a strange, swirling portal.

Mana energy spilled constantly from the portal’s edges, casting an eerie glow over the clearing.

Government officials were present, working diligently to stabilize the portal and secure the area around the newly discovered dungeon.

After some time, Lyra, Aria, and Calen arrived, joining the group of students already assembled.

Strangely, two distinct groups were forming—one made up of students from the poorer academy and the other from the elite Westlite Academy.

Teachers stood nearby to oversee the gathering. Among them were two familiar faces from the lower school: Marn, the male teacher from Rowen’s classroom, and Talia, a female teacher from another class—and Lyra’s sister.

As the two Westlite Academy teachers approached, the knight’s polished armor gleamed, and his confident stride made it clear he held a position of authority. The mage followed closely, robes rich and finely detailed, eyes sharp with a hint of superiority.

He was a knight at the adept level, experienced but with limited potential. Despite this, his noble background had earned him a teaching position at the elite academy.

The other was a mage at the mid-adept level, more skilled but similarly limited in potential. His status and training at Westlite secured his role as a teacher.

Nearby stood two teachers from the lower academy: Mr. Marn, Rowen’s classroom teacher, at the mid-adept level, steady and reliable; and Ms. Talia, Lyra’s sister, still at the early stages of the adept tier, her confidence tempered by the challenge ahead.

The two Westlite teachers exchanged a glance, their eyes flickering with quiet rivalry.

The knight spoke first, voice calm but confident. "Let’s see if our students can outperform theirs inside the dungeon."

The mage nodded, a subtle smile on his lips. "Westlite Academy expects nothing less."

Marn and Talia exchanged a brief, uneasy glance, aware of the pressure that came with facing the elite academy.

The atmosphere grew tense, the quiet competition setting the tone for what lay ahead.