The Chef looked at the recipe again and pursed his lips.

The offer is tempting. So tempting that even the chef who rejected the advances of every academy in the vicinity wanted to accept it immediately. But his rational mind still won over.

"What do you want in exchange? I don't believe there is a free lunch in this world.

"

"Of course, I never make a losing deal. I will assist you with your research by providing an equally talented chef and some of my own insights. I am also going to set up a club within this area that focuses of developing recipes of food type elixirs.

You will have access to that club and the research that comes out of it for free.

In exchange, you should also provide me with your cooking services. Every now and then I might come up with a special recipe of a dish that I need you to make and I want you to make it. Also, there should be special treatment for some of my people in the restaurant.

For that of course, I will improve the construction of your restaurant and build another floor on top of this one. The special floor for VIPs.

Along with that, you will also have access to some of the recipes my organization has developed over the years. Both food and liquor. You can add them to your menu…

"

Sam kept on listing out a few more conditions. They are not exactly complicated and they are not even major in the chef's opinion, but there are many of them. The chef agreed to them all.

"What should I call you? I can't keep going on with Chef, right?

"

Sam asked as he shook his hand.

"Nalan.

"

"Sam.

"

Sam and Nalan discussed for a few more minutes. Then Nalan left Sam alone and went back to the kitchen while Sam enjoyed his meal.

But the next minute someone uninvited came and sat in front of him.

"Just when I thought you couldn't get more mysterious you pulled something off that threw me off. Talking to the chef of this restaurant? Shaking his hands and exchanging some scrolls? You are way more capable than I thought.

"

Sam looked at the familiar face in amusement.

It is none other than Pearl.

"Your lackeys are really fast.

"

Sam replied as he just ate freely. At that moment, the waiter came running with a special dish and placed it on the table.

"Sir, chef said this is the new dish he has been experimenting on the side. It is not even on the menu yet. He wants you to try it.

"

Sam looked at the dish and smiled before tasting it.

"You must be really special to the chef. What kind of magic did you use?

"

"Can we just skip this talk and go to the point? Why are you here?

"

"Well, I am here on behalf of the Zeus academy. After you created that commotion and disappeared, the Zeus academy seniors were searching for you along with the other academies as well. Even the gambler's academy is looking for you.

"

"For what? To see my face?

"

"No, to make you join their academies. You are good with formations and you are good at combat. Apparently, you also have a huge stash of blueprints that raking in millions of gold coins at the exchange center.

"

"Your information is decent.

But, did your senior brothers like the ones in Late stage and Peak stage know about me?

"

Pearl chuckled and said.

"Come on Sam, don't think you are that important. You might be good for a freshman, but the seniors in the latter stages are very busy. Only a select few rarely come back to the academy to stay for more than a month. They don't have enough time on their hands to care for freshmen.

"

"So, the seniors in charge right now are the people at Middle Stage?

"

"Yes.

"

"Now that makes a lot of sense.

" Sam muttered as he smiled.

"What makes sense?

"

"Nothing much. Anyway, if you guys want to take some revenge or something, go ahead and proceed with your plans. I can hardly care. If you are trying to poach me into your academy, then give up on your thoughts.

I don't really like these recommendations and stuff. I am going to attempt every single entrance examination of the academies within this region. I also have some other academies in mind that are a bit far away.

So, if you want to try your luck, you can meet me after the entrance examinations are over.

"

"Entrance exams start a month later. So, will you be gone in that time?

"

"Why would I be gone? I will be roaming around doing my own thing? Why? Are you interested?

"

"A little bit.

"

"Too bad, you are not really my type. I already told you about my friend though. If you want I can arrange a date for you guys.

"

"Is your friend as manly as you?

"

Pearl asked as she leaned forward while placing her palms under her chin.

"You can find out.

"

Sam said as he savored the new dish in front of him.

"You seem to be enjoying it a lot. Can I have a bite?

"Sr

Pearl said as she extended her hand to pick up a piece of meat.

But it was blocked by a form in Sam's hands.

"Sorry, I only share food with three types of people and you don't belong to any of the three.

"

Sam said as he put the last piece of meat in his mouth.

"Can I know what those three types are?

"

"Something you are not. Anyway, let your seniors know I am not enticed by your academy in the least and after the last encounter where I thrashed your guys, my impression has lessened by a dozen times. If you really want to entice me and make me join you guys, you need to work harder.

"

Sam left afterwards and disappeared into shadows.

As soon as he left, a bunch of other people in their student uniforms entered the restaurant and some people who were supposed to be the customers ran to them pointed the direction Sam has disappeared into.

But to their dismay, they didn't manage to get a glimpse of Sam.

Meanwhile, Sam was busy with something else. He went to another shop that is very similar to the exchange center. The reason this is similar is because this is also run by the employees hired by the committee of gods that run the academic realm.

And these people are in charge of the real estate within the academic realm.

Sam entered and was greeted by a polite old man.

"I would like to purchase some real estate in the outskirts of the city.

"

"Most certainly, you can do it. How big of a land do you need?

"

Sam went on explain his requirements. As he did the old man's eyes widened more and more.

"That will cost approximately eight million gold coins.

"

"Oh? That is more expensive that I thought.

" Sam said in surprise.

"We can work something out if you can lessen some of the requirements.

" The old man offered thinking that Sam might have some trouble with such amount of cash. But Sam shook his head.

"No need. I will take it.

"

"Yes sir. If you can pay the advance, we can proceed with the registration and other paperwork. If you are unable to pay the whole amount directly, we can also work on some mortgage plan. For that you need to submit your student identity token and the academic credits you hold.

"

Sam was surprised when he heard this.

He was amused. He just shook his head and said.

"No need. I will pay all the amount upfront.

"

He just gave a spatial ring and dusted his hands off.

The old man checked the contents and gulped in excitement. This is the biggest sale he has ever conducted. Even though there is nothing he would gain from making sales, he will still have bragging rights among other salesmen.

Sam finished the procedures and went to the exchange center again.

The attendant was surprised to see him. It has just been a few hours since Sam left.

"I came back to collect some funds in bulk. I underestimated how expensive this realm actually is.

"

He then started digging a bunch of blueprints. They included some of the plans he just drew and didn't bother building them because they are not up to mark and there are some that are just pure concepts of spiritual energy with theoretical calculations with no practical applications as of yet.

Looking at over twenty or so scrolls, the attendant gulped nervously.

He took one scroll after another with shaking hands.

Sam looked at the numbers that are increasing with a smile.

The way he passed the scrolls on, is in an ascending order.

The number of kept on increasing. When the total amount reached fifty million coins, Sam stopped.

There are still five scrolls left and Sam didn't appraise them.

"I guess that would be enough for a long while. Thanks.

"