A New Plan

"You have to meet with the Emperor again?" the old man asked.

Alex nodded. "Within 2 and a half years," he said. "Actually, it might be closer to 2 years now since so much time has already passed."

"Why?" the old man asked.

Alex sighed. "When I was called for a 20-year-long Alchemy exchange to the Eastern Continent, I hadn't realized that I was being called so that the Dragon Emperor could ask for my techniques and skills."

"I didn't want to give him any, but I was practically forced into setting up a trade with him for it. For the next 20 years, I would give him everything he needs to make Pill Clouds consistently like I do. In return, he would give me something of equal value."

"I was supposed to make a total of 4 trades with him throughout the years. I've made 3 trades by now and need to make my final trade. Since I only have about 2 years of time left, I need to become strong enough to survive when I meet him next."