The next day, a new rumor began to circulate around Camel Tower.
Word had it that the Paradise Shop had been attacked, but the attackers were dealt with brutally.
One resident from Building B, driven by curiosity, had crept upstairs to spy on the criminals.
When silence fell over the area, he cautiously stepped out to investigate and found a horrifying scene: bodies lying on the ground, blood everywhere, and strange holes in their heads.
They had died tragically.
The residents soon began to believe that the Paradise Shop had struck back, killing the criminals in Building B as an act of revenge.
There were also whispers about a terrifying beast that had shrieked loudly the day before.
Some claimed to have seen the staff from the Paradise Shop fighting it.
They tried to spread the story, but most people didn’t believe them.
Many thought the witnesses were just hallucinating or letting fear get to their heads.
Different versions of the story began to circulate—but one thing was certain: No one wanted to mess with the Paradise Shop again.
But the abbot believed the rumors—he had seen their skills with his own eyes.
While waiting in line to enter the shop, he listened carefully, hoping to pick up more gossip from the other customers.
Despite what happened yesterday, Elena decided not to close the shop in Building D.
Instead, she kept it open, determined to show that everything was normal and under control.
Today, Brother Elias planned to discuss the negotiations while also gathering more information about the disaster.
His last conversation with Elena still bothered him, especially the part about the new cycle.
He wanted to understand it better to prepare for what was coming.
Just as he was about to enter the shop, Butler Aki called and granted him special entry.
"Hello, customer. The shop owner is already waiting for you to discuss the supply purchase," he said smoothly, following Elena’s instructions.
The abbot and General Kaiser had been pestering every customer who walked in, making them visibly uncomfortable.
So, the moment he spotted them again, he decided it was best to let Elena handle them directly.
"The shop owner themselves will handle the negotiations? What an honor," the abbot remarked with a hint of amusement.
Butler Aki simply smiled and gestured for him to proceed into one of the rooms.
Meanwhile, Elena listened to the conversation among the customers as she awaited the abbot’s arrival.
The rumors had become so exaggerated that she couldn’t help but laugh.
One rumor claimed that she had killed a beast with a single blow and then died.
’I couldn’t even get close to it. Killing it with one blast is definitely impossible.’
Another rumor suggested that she could fly, battling high above the sky.
There were too many versions of the story, and Elena enjoyed listening to them while her husband fed her fruit.
"Wife, the watermelon slice is ready. What else would you like to eat?" he asked.
"Mango, please," she replied.
"Alright!" he said, then retrieved a ripe mango for his beloved wife.
After a few minutes, they heard a knock, followed by Butler Aki’s voice.
"Shop owner, the customer has arrived."
"Wait a second," she replied, quickly clearing the table in the room.
She retrieved a voice-changing device to disguise her voice. The abbot was clever—she had to be cautious.
"Let him in," she said, now speaking in a male voice while putting on her mask.
As the abbot entered, Ethan gestured for him to sit across from them.
The abbot looked at the two individuals, trying to determine if he recognized them.
Like others he had encountered recently, they had no spiritual aura, making it difficult to judge them.
"Hello, shop owner. I’ll get straight to the point. I want to purchase supplies from you on a long-term basis," the abbot stated.
"Hello, customer. Of course, my staff has already informed me of your situation. As long as it falls within our price range, we can proceed without issue," Elena replied, already considering the valuable jades and antiques this transaction might bring.
"I mean, I want to place a large order. Can you handle that?" the abbot asked.
"At Paradise Shop, we place no limit on food supplies. However, medicine is a different matter," she explained.
"Then, can I also place an order on behalf of the military? I mean, I’ll coordinate with them so they can make bulk purchases from your shop."
"That’s not a problem, as long as they don’t pressure us or try to force the shop into submission. If that’s clear, we can build a lasting partnership," she replied, gently setting the tone for a smoother discussion ahead.
She wanted to build a friendly relationship with the military but refused to become their subordinate—she hated being ordered around.
Brother Elias was familiar with the shop and knew they disliked being restricted.
"I’ll talk to them seriously. If they still don’t listen, then it’s up to you how to handle it," he said.
"Alright," Elena nodded in agreement.
They continued to discuss the needed supplies, including basic food, medicine, clothing, and more.
For payment, they agreed to accept jade and antiques.
After finalising the supply list, Brother Elias looked at her and wanted to buy information.
"Someone told me you also sell information," he said seriously.
"What kind of information are you looking for?" she asked.
"Let’s start with the disaster."
"Take this," he said, tossing over a bead filled with pure spiritual energy.
Ethan caught it and handed it to Elena.
"This is too generous," Elena said with a smile, then turned serious.
"The cold will last for half a year to two years. And this is just the beginning."
Brother Elias was stunned. "What... what’s causing all of this?"
"Why don’t you ask the heavens?" she replied, mockingly.
Brother Elias frowned. "What do you mean? Speak clearly."
"This planet is entering a new cycle. A test will be given to see whether we humans survive or perish. Right now, the heavens monitor the situation until the new cycle begins."
"So, you’re saying this disaster is from the heavens?"
"One last question. Can you tell me what other disasters are coming?"
"Ice ages, heat waves, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis—just name them," she said, as she magically retrieved a tea set filled with warm tea and placed it in front of the abbot.
"But don’t worry. Everything is fair. Soon, humans will start awakening abilities to defend the planet."
"Just like how you made this tea set appear?" he asked.
"Yes. So survive long enough for that awakening to begin."
Elena truly hoped they would survive—because they would be needed when the alien invasion arrived.