Although Paige Summers wanted to leave The Dead City as soon as possible, she knew in her heart that Marcus Monroe was right. Now was not the time.

Leaving aside her own strength—or lack thereof—which made her chances of survival outside the city slim, it would be extremely unwise to leave so rashly right now. She had just created the wine server, and Graham Monroe still remembered her as Woody Warren’s apprentice.

Fortunately, Marcus Monroe was a man of action. He found her a private residence that very same day.

The place was located in the Middle District, but it wasn’t far from the Upper District. If Woody Warren’s furniture store were to open, it would be convenient for her to get there. Most importantly, it was exceptionally quiet—a true rarity.

The Middle District wasn’t as strict about identity or Superpower Rank. As long as you were a Superpower User with enough Crystal Cores, you could settle down here. It wasn’t uncommon for people from the Upper District to arrange housing for others here. The residential area was made up of lanes, with each single-family home set a short distance apart. The walls were quite high, offering excellent privacy. As long as you didn’t make a deafening racket, no one would care who lived inside.

Paige Summers followed Marcus Monroe into the courtyard, feeling deeply satisfied. What’s more, he had even knocked down the walls between two unused rooms to create a workshop, fully stocked with tools and materials for Artifact Making. A quick glance told her that the equipment was only slightly inferior to what was available in The Citadel.

’Even if this is for the design blueprints, isn’t it a bit much?’ 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Paige Summers couldn’t help but be suspicious.

’It couldn’t be helped. In this day and age, even with a deal between them, a man she’d barely exchanged a few words with wouldn’t be this thoughtful, would he?’

Marcus Monroe, however, looked perfectly at ease. "This is a trivial matter for me," he said. "But if these things enable you to refine your designs, or even innovate, then it will be more than worth the price."

’So he’s a cunning businessman,’ Paige Summers grumbled internally.

Still, the fact that he was so open about his motives put her at ease.

"That’s not impossible..." she said, her eyes crinkling into a smile. She wasn’t the least bit intimidated by Marcus Monroe’s perpetually serious face. ’In my past life, Grandpa always had a stern expression like this. Even when he was concerned, he’d put on a tough front. I’m used to it.’ Although this man was only acting out of self-interest, dealing with someone like him was far better than dealing with someone like Shawn Monroe.

’I can’t stand those pretty-boy charmers!’

"That’s for the best. I won’t set a deadline. Take the time you need. What matters most are the results."

"I understand. Don’t worry, I’ve already accepted the deposit. I’ll be sure to give it my all." At the mention of this, her smile grew even sweeter. The man was incredibly generous. The bag of Second-order Crystal Cores alone contained over a hundred, and that was just the down payment.

’Even if he isn’t the Young City Lord, he’s a bona fide tycoon!’

Seeing her looking as satisfied as a cat that had just stolen a fish, a faint smile touched Marcus Monroe’s eyes.

’She’s still just a young girl, after all. She has no idea how valuable her designs truly are. Since the start of the apocalypse, firearms have become less and less effective. Only now is humanity realizing what it has neglected: the traditional weapons passed down from our ancestors, forgotten for far too long. Learning to use them is difficult enough, but crafting them is exponentially harder. The mass-produced swords and knives from factories can no longer meet our needs. A weapon that could truly be called a Sharp Blade—that wasn’t something you could obtain with Crystal Cores alone.’

’When it comes down to it, I’m the one getting the better end of this deal.’

These thoughts flashed through his mind. By the time Paige Summers had finished touring the rooms and turned to look at him, Marcus Monroe had already concealed all his emotions and was bidding his farewell.

Paige Summers nodded. She, too, was eager to be left alone.

Finally able to engage in Artifact Making without any inhibitions, she couldn’t wait to dive headfirst into the workshop.

Meanwhile, Marcus Monroe left the Middle District and returned to The Citadel. He had just stepped into his courtyard and hadn’t even had a chance to sit down when Shawn Monroe arrived.

"Where have you taken Paige Summers?"

Facing his half-brother’s interrogation, Marcus Monroe, knowing he must have heard the news from their father, gave a slight sneer. "I may have asked for her help, but I’m not restricting her. She’s free to go wherever she pleases."

Shawn Monroe snorted. "Drop the hypocritical act! You really think I don’t know what you pulled while I was away?!"

"Oh? And what have I done?"

"Do you really need me to spell it out? That the news about the Crossbows leaked—you dare say that wasn’t your doing?!"

A sharp glint flashed in Marcus Monroe’s eyes. "And what if it was? You misappropriated a vast amount of The Citadel’s resources to manufacture weapons. Are you saying our father, the City Lord, shouldn’t know? Or were you planning to use public assets for personal gain, build up your own armed faction, and prepare to challenge the City Lord himself?"