In Coming Trouble (Part 1)

The communication device of Amalia rang promptly, and to her surprise, it was her uncle, Arthur Rodriguez, calling. She had been worrying about not having enough money to buy more things, so she immediately sent the artifact to the provided address.

The address she received was in Apple City, so it took less than an hour for the artifact to arrive. Amalia's account received the payment smoothly. With the money, she purchased a bunch of Amulets and materials. After putting up a "Temporarily Closed" sign on the Number One Artificer shop, she left her apartment.

Just as she stepped out, she received a call from Arthur Rodriguez.

Amalia opened the video communication, and Arthur Rodriguez's serious face appeared on the screen.

"Amalia, do you remember what you promised your uncle? Or have you forgotten?" Arthur Rodriguez's expression was stern. "If you've forgotten, I might need to consider having you come back to the Rodriguez family."

Amalia hesitated for a moment, "I've been busy these days and forgot. I won't forget next time."

"I heard from the people at the supermarket that you haven't been to work for several days. What's there to be busy with?" Arthur Rodriguez didn't shy away from investigating his niece's affairs. In the eyes of the original owner, this might be her uncle's way of showing concern.

The original owner's last part-time job was at a supermarket. She had been saving money to redeem the house her adoptive parents had sold, even if it was just a drop in the bucket. She had been persistent.

"I've been practicing. I want to become stronger to protect my family and prevent them from getting hurt," Amalia offered the excuse she had prepared, which was also true.

"It's good that you have that intention," Arthur Rodriguez mistakenly thought that Amalia was referring to them as her family. He nodded in satisfaction. "But you still need to be cautious. Rushing your cultivation isn't a good idea. When are you coming over for dinner?"

Arthur Rodriguez's intention in inviting her to the Rodriguez family wasn't pure, and he wouldn't encourage Amalia to cultivate hard, as knowing the truth might backfire.

"If I have time, I'll come over," Amalia replied with her eyes lowered.

"You haven't been going to work lately, so you have time now, don't you? If you keep waiting for the right time, you might miss the opportunity. How about today?" Arthur Rodriguez was good at making decisions for others.

Amalia furrowed her brows imperceptibly. "Uncle, you don't need to trouble yourself. I can't come today. I have the night shift next, and I might not have the energy during the day. Let's do it next time."

"When will the next time be? You have to give your uncle a specific time. This is the biggest concession your uncle is making," Arthur Rodriguez was determined not to let her escape.

Amalia had no choice but to suggest a time.

Hearing the somewhat distant time, Arthur Rodriguez was displeased, but at least he had a clear idea now. "Alright, go to work then." He hung up the call after saying that.

Amalia decided to visit the supermarket where the original owner used to work.

...