Chapter 2

The University of Draketown resided within Draketown College Town, alongside three universities and three vocational schools. 

Surrounding the university was a vibrant area boasting an old street, though its structures were modern replicas of ancient buildings.

Despite being summer break, the old street buzzed with activity, though today's rain kept the crowds sparse.

Eyeing the restaurants, Serpens muttered, "Let's treat myself today." Previously, he pinched pennies, often settling for cheap meals like instant noodles.

Although still strapped for cash, Serpens decided to indulge after his fortuitous encounter earlier.

Spotting the First-grade Seafood Restaurant, Serpens ventured in. Known as the priciest joint on the street, it offered meals costing hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

"Welcome." The greeters bowed as Serpens entered. Surprised, he recognized one as Rose, a fellow student and a campus beauty.

"Rose? Working here?" Serpens pondered. Despite her popularity, he knew little of her personal life.

Seated, Serpens scanned the menu, marveling at the exorbitant prices. Opting for oysters, he splurged on a couple of affordable dishes and soup, totaling over two hundred dollars.

As his dishes arrived, Serpens dug in eagerly, relishing the change from cheap instant noodles.

Satisfied, he resolved, "When I'm rich, I'll treat my sister here every day."

Requesting the bill, Serpens paid over two hundred dollars, a splurge compared to his usual meals.

Just as he was about to leave, a commotion erupted at the entrance. At first, he ignored it and headed out but paused when he heard a crash.

Serpens glanced over towards the commotion at the entrance, where he noticed a fish tank shattered, with water and three fish sprawled across the floor.

"Three arowanas worth millions?" Serpens's jaw dropped. Turning to the greeter, he realized it was Rose.

"Boss, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t see you just now," the greeter repeated her apology to the boss, her voice trembling.

As Mr. Leonardo expressed his frustration, an elder named Ezekiel approached and questioned the situation.

"Mr. Leonardo, how did this happen?" Ezekiel asked, visibly surprised.

Mr. Leonardo quickly explained, "A young lady accidentally broke the tank when the workers were moving it."

"Are these three arowanas from Old Serpens?" Ezekiel inquired, examining the fish closely.

"Yes, they are. They’re worth five to six million dollars. Old Serpens treated them like precious jewels," Mr. Leonardo responded.

Upon hearing the value of the fish, Serpens was astonished. "Five to six million for three fish?"

"If three fish are worth five to six million, each of them would have cost one to two million?" Serpens mumbled to himself in disbelief.

Meanwhile, the staff rushed to fetch a basin of water, and Ezekiel began examining the condition of the arowanas.

Serpens's attention shifted back to the greeter, realizing with a frown, "Rose!"

"These two seem fine, but this one might be in trouble," noted Old Ezekiel, his brow furrowed as he inspected the arowanas. Touching the half-dead fish, he continued, "This red arowana likely took a harder fall. It may not..."

His words trailed off, but the implication was clear: the arowana might not make it.

Mr. Leonardo's expression darkened at Ezekiel's assessment. With a grim countenance, he lamented, "I borrowed these from Old Serpens to enhance the shop's Fengshui for a few days. Who would have thought..."

As Mr. Leonardo spoke, his gaze bore into the female greeter.

"These arowanas are worth millions. To lose them due to carelessness..." He shook his head, his displeasure evident.

"Exactly. The greeter probably bumped into one of the deliverymen while they were moving goods. It's really careless," chimed in a bystander, their sympathy palpable.

Customers began to gather, discussing the unfortunate incident. Some pointed accusatory fingers at Rose, who stood with bowed head, tears streaming down her face.

"Why are you crying? I'm the one who should be crying. You've killed a red arowana worth millions," Mr. Leonardo admonished, his anger directed squarely at her.

Rose trembled, her voice barely a whisper as she pleaded, "Mr. Leonardo, I didn't mean to. It was an accident."

"An accident? Will an apology bring back a million-dollar fish? Can you afford to compensate me?" Mr. Leonardo's anger boiled over, his grip tightening on Rose's clothes.

"Hey, mister!" Unable to tolerate Mr. Leonardo's tirade any longer, Serpens intervened. "She didn't do it on purpose. And besides, the arowana is still alive."

"Who's this kid? Mind your own business. If you want to interfere, you can pay for her," Mr. Leonardo snapped, rounding on Serpens.

Unfazed, Serpens glanced at Rose before turning his attention to the arowana.

"Arowana: Level 0. Extractable Dragonic Force: 1," he mused silently. "No wonder it's worth millions."

Recalling the uses of Dragonic Force, Serpens addressed Mr. Leonardo confidently, "I can heal the arowana."

"You can?" Mr. Leonardo regarded him skeptically.

"Bro, that's a million-dollar fish. Are you sure?" Old Ezekiel eyed Serpens with suspicion.

"You'll see," Serpens replied cryptically, approaching the arowana.

"If you're unsure, don't touch it," warned Mr. Leonardo, though he made no move to stop him.

Ignoring Mr. Leonardo's caution, Serpens extended his hand and infused Dragonic Force into the arowana, hoping for the best.

As the Dragonic Force flowed through him, Serpens was amazed at how he could feel what the arowana was feeling inside. He found a blood clot, the thing making the fish sick, and got rid of it with a surge of golden energy.

Taking his hand back, Serpens watched in wonder as the arowana changed. It was so lively now, swimming around energetically in the basin.

Smiling happily, Serpens signaled to the arowana, and it followed his finger without hesitation.

People watching nearby were shocked to see the arowana suddenly get better.

"It's really healed," Old Ezekiel exclaimed, scrutinizing the fish closely.

Relieved, Mr. Leonardo approached cautiously, his gratitude palpable. "Thank you, young man. Please, have a meal on the house. This is my restaurant."

"Thank you, but I've just eaten. Your food is delicious, though," Serpens declined politely, offering a smile to Rose before departing.

Watching him go, Rose's eyes brimmed with gratitude. She hesitated to approach him, but the manager intervened.

"Arowana, an ornamental fish," Serpens muttered to himself as he left the restaurant, pondering the events that had transpired.

"Perhaps I've stumbled upon a lucrative opportunity," he thought, a smile playing on his lips as he headed towards an aquarium shop.

"The priciest Koi carp fetches around $150,000, while the most expensive arowana can go for about $100,000," mused Serpens as he surveyed the ornamental fish in the aquarium store. The top-tier fish in this shop were only a few hundred thousand dollars each.

Inspecting the fish, Serpens noted that most were at Level 0, with only the arowanas and Koi carps boasting slightly more Dragonic Force. Still, they were undeniably stunning creatures.

"Your arowanas and Koi carps are quite the investment," Serpens remarked to the salesgirl, striking up a conversation.

"Expensive? You haven't seen the ones that go for millions. Ours are mid-range," the salesgirl replied with a smile.

Curious, Serpens inquired, "How can you tell a good Koi carp or arowana?"

"Red arowanas are prized, especially the Chilli Red breed. As for Koi carps, those from island countries, particularly large and brightly colored ones, can fetch millions," the salesgirl explained.

Serpens nodded thoughtfully. "Where in Draketown can I find those million-dollar fish?"

"You might try the Flowers and Birds Market in Oceantown, but million-dollar fish are rare. Still, we have plenty in the hundred-thousand range," the salesgirl offered.

"Thank you," Serpens replied, pulling out his phone to search.

"Indeed, million-dollar fish are scarce and hard to sell. But there's a market for the hundred-thousand ones," Serpens reflected, smiling at the salesgirl before departing.

With half the day remaining, he decided to visit the Flowers and Birds Market.

Serpens marveled at its size of the market. Draketown was known for its fancy markets, and this one was no exception. He headed towards the fish section. He passed by shops selling expensive dogs for $50,000.

"A dog can be with you for years, but a fancy fish can be a friend for life," Serpens thought, noticing the steep prices.

The market was abuzz with preparation for an upcoming Goldfish Fair.

"A Goldfish Fair tomorrow? Organized by top goldfish farms?" Serpens overheard a conversation. The mention of rare breeds piqued his interest.

"Goldfish, the most common yet prized breed. Some fetch hundreds of thousands, like the Redcap Brown Oranda," he realized, eyeing the fish in the store with newfound intrigue.

"Give me some goldfish, please," Serpens requested from the store owner, selecting a variety of breeds.

"Sure thing. That'll be $450. I'll throw in a fishbowl for free," the owner offered.

"Thank you," Serpens replied, handing over the money.

"Expensive, but the potential profit is worth it," Serpens thought as he left with his purchase.

Back at school, Serpens researched goldfish extensively, considering his options. He decided to focus on upgrading high-value goldfish for sale at the upcoming fair.

"The Goldfish Fair is tomorrow. There will be buyers," Serpens reasoned, hugging the goldfish close as he headed for the dormitory.

Spotting Rose at the school gate, Serpens smiled. "Rose?"

Surprised, Rose approached. "You helped me today. Thank you."

Recognizing her, Serpens chuckled. "How could I not know the renowned beauty of Class of 2020?"