Aries smiled softly, her eyes sharp and knowing, like someone who already held half the answer.
"Well," she said, her voice calm but deliberate, "I came here for business."
Ray, who was still brewing the tea, didn't look up immediately. Steam curled lazily from the kettle as he asked,
"What kind of business?"
Aries turned her gaze toward him, studying his back for a brief moment before asking,
"I want to know if I can get some of the contribution points after selling your wristwatch."
Ray fell silent. The only sound left in the room was the gentle bubbling of the water. He paused, thinking carefully, while Aries also grew quiet, waiting—patient, but clearly eager—for his answer.
When Ray finished making the tea, he finally turned to look at her. Aries was watching him with open anticipation, her fingers lightly interlocked as if holding back impatience. Ray spoke slowly, choosing his words.
"I was planning on taking all the points, but now that I think about it, if I take all the points, then I will either become targeted or catch too much spotlight."
Aries felt a brief pang of embarrassment. At first, she thought she was being shameless for asking about Ray's contribution points. But she wanted more points than the other house leaders—it wasn't just greed; it was competition. Still, she wouldn't stoop so low as to ask just anyone.
Ray and Alice were different.
She trusted Alice and her aunt Alicia almost blindly. And for some reason—one she couldn't explain—she felt the same about Ray. Asking him for help felt… natural, as if it was always meant to be this way.
In her life, many people trusted her. Yet the number she considered true friends was painfully small. Worse still, even among them, betrayal had already scarred her heart. Remembering it made her chest tighten.
Yet, for some reason, she had full confidence that Ray would help her.
She trusted her instincts.
So she looked straight at him and asked,
"What do you need in return?"
Ray placed a cup of tea in front of her as he answered,
"I intend to create a club centered on invention. Since such a club already exists, I'll establish one under a new name—Research and Development. Its purpose will be to develop theories, find solutions, plan carefully, and then invent or refine products. I want you to join."
Aries took a sip—and nearly forgot what she was about to say. Her eyes widened slightly.
"It is a good tea. Where did you get it?"
Ray replied calmly,
"It is a special tea that has been made by our plant and alchemy specialist, inventor Agatha Wrenford."
Then he looked at her directly.
"Now reply to my question. Are you willing to join the club that I have created?"
Aries took another sip before answering, thinking carefully.
"But I have joined a club. I have not heard of anyone joining multiple clubs."
"It is allowed, right?" Ray asked.
Aries nodded slightly.
"There is no such rule that says you can't join multiple clubs."
"Then we will consult teachers and know whether it is allowed or not." Ray paused, then smiled faintly.
"By the way, which club are you in, big sis?"
"I am in a club that is based on alchemy," Aries replied.
"Alchemy? Why alchemy?" Ray asked, curiosity slipping into his voice.
Aries raised an eyebrow.
"I taught you formations, and that doesn't mean my major is in formation. I only learned formation because I wanted to improve my alchemy using formation. My major is in alchemy, because I was born with special fire."
As she spoke, she raised her hand—and a flame bloomed above her palm.
The temperature of the room instantly changed. Heat pressed against Ray's skin, and sweat formed on his brow. The flame was beautiful—blue, pure, and calm, yet overwhelmingly powerful.
Aries noticed his reaction and felt a flicker of pride. She clenched her fist, and the fire vanished as suddenly as it appeared.
Ray stiffened as his relic reacted for the first time, a notification flashing before his eyes.
[Spirit Flame.]
Ray immediately asked through his spiritual connection,
"What is a spirit flame?"
Daisy replied with another notification, her tone unusually animated.
[This is a special type of flame that spirits can use. She might have someone from the spirit family. She made an excellent choice in becoming an alchemist. But she needs to learn that it is not only for alchemy. Master, ask her if she only uses this flame for alchemy. Because this flame will help her cultivate faster, and she can also become a sorcerer.]
Ray had never seen Daisy talk so much before. Her excitement was obvious.
He turned back to Aries and asked,
"Big sis, do you use fire magic to become a fire sorcerer?"
Aries shook her head.
"No. I only use it for alchemy purposes."
Ray frowned slightly.
"Do you have a cultivation technique that allows you to cultivate this fire and increase your cultivation?"
Aries sighed, her expression dimming as she shook her head again.
"I will tell you this, little Ray. My mother was also an alchemist. She had this same type of flame. I was told by my mother that this flame helps for alchemy."
Daisy's frustration immediately surfaced.
[Such a waste. Master, help me give her a cultivation technique and also some magic technique.]
Ray replied calmly,
"You have to say the magic word."
A second later—
[Please!]
Ray nodded in satisfaction and looked at Aries.
"Big sister Aries, I have a cultivation technique and a magic technique for you. If you want, I can help you with that."
Aries tilted her head in confusion.
"What type of techniques are you talking about?"
Ray leaned back slightly.
"You know that I went to the library of the Richard Kingdom a lot, right? I've read many books. I was lucky enough to find a technique that is specially made for a flame just like yours. I've already messaged you on your wristwatch. Why don't you check it and tell me if you want it or not?"
Aries thought it wouldn't hurt to look. As she read, her expression changed instantly.
Her cultivation speed doubled.
Just a few words of the chant—and she nearly broke through a bottleneck she hadn't overcome for months.
Her breath quickened.
She stood up abruptly.
"I have to go, little Ray. I might be able to make a breakthrough using this cultivation technique."
Without waiting for a reply, she dashed toward the gate, leaving the door wide open as she ran toward home.
Ray shook his head helplessly. He got up, closed the door, and returned to his seat, planning to finally finish his tea.
Just as he lifted the cup, a knock echoed through the room.
Ray assumed Aries had forgotten something. He stood and opened the door, saying,
"Did you forget something?"
But instead, he saw two children standing in front of him.
He hadn't expected them.
And that alone surprised him more than he cared to admit.