I am a Tycoon!

Lee-oh's heart raced.

He glanced at Daey-ib, who subtly shook his head. The guilds were notorious for monopolizing trades. Registering meant rules, taxes, and inspections. It might kill his independent progress.

"Can I think about it?" Lee-oh asked.

The guild man scoffed. "You've got until tomorrow morning. After that, the guild investigates any unlicensed potion trades. We wouldn't want that, would we?"

As he walked away, Daey-ib hissed, "He's bluffing. But not for long. We need a plan."

That night, they returned to the inn. Lee-oh accessed his newly upgraded system. A quest board had appeared.

Basic Quest Board (Lv. 2 Shop)

Deliver 10 potions to sick villagers near East City: Reward 300 pts

Discover a hidden herb in the northern woods: Reward 500 pts

Survive a guild inspection: Reward ???

"This one," Lee-oh pointed. "The sick villagers. We help people, avoid the guild, and earn trust."

Daey-ib grinned. "That's your strength. Alchemy with purpose."

They gathered their remaining stock and set off to a shanty town outside the city walls. The slums were filled with coughing, fevered people. Lee-oh administered detox and healing potions carefully. By dawn, half the sick had recovered.

A small girl tugged on his sleeve. "Are you a healer?"

Lee-oh smiled. "Something like that."

+300 pts System Notification:

New Reputation System Unlocked: East City - Favorable (10%)

Suddenly, shouts rang out. The guild was marching toward the slums.

"Lee-oh! They found us!" Daey-ib warned.

The chapter closed as Lee-oh stepped in front of the villagers, arms raised, heart pounding, ready to face the guild—not with power, but with purpose.