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Chapter 378 378 Provide for a rainy day

"Yes, really," the guy continued, "I must say it's the best sex I've ever had in my life." Laughter erupted as he took a hearty gulp of his drink.

His friend joined in the laughter, patting him on the shoulder. "I heard it works miracles," he remarked amidst chuckles.

"This is more than miracles," the guy emphasized.

The strangers' praise for the Vitality Elixir only fueled the growing anger within Mike. The elixir, the cause of his current predicament, had not only tarnished his reputation but also led to Mary Kay reprimanding him as incompetent. He drank to numb the shame that clung to him like a shadow, a constant reminder of his perceived failure.

"If not for that wretched Vitality Potion," he mused bitterly, taking another long swig of his drink, "Mary Kay wouldn't have condemned me as being incompetent. This elixir has truly brought shame to me," he muttered, reflecting on Mary Kay's harsh words.

Though acknowledged as a genius alchemist, the new product Nexus introduced to the city had cast a shadow over Mike's accomplishments. People were swiftly forgetting about his contributions in light of Nexus's innovations.

As Mike continued to drown his sorrows in the bar, the strangers shifted their conversation to another topic.

"Did you hear about what happened with Angel?" one of the men asked his friend.

Mike's ears perked up at the mention of Angel's name, aware of her as one of Mary Kay's best assets. He was curious about the unfolding events.

"No, what happened?" the other stranger inquired.

"I heard she tried to seduce Nexus, but we don't know how it ended," the friend shared, taking a sip from his drink.

"Nexus, the creator of the Vitality Elixir?" the other man asked, "She must have finally found her match," he commented.

Hearing this, Mike immediately grasped the gravity of the situation. Mary Kay had used Angel to handle Nexus, but if the rumors were true, it seemed the plan had backfired.

A sense of crisis engulfed Mike. "This is bad," he thought to himself. "If Angel, one of the best, couldn't handle Nexus, I can imagine what kind of person he is." Internally, he grappled with the turmoil, sipping on his drink, trying to maintain outward calmness while feeling the storm within.

"Mary Kay would likely want to bring Nexus into the Kay family," Mike pondered. "There's no way she would let such a talented individual slip away from her grasp." His mind raced with the implications. 

"If this happens, I'll lose my position as Chief Alchemist," he realized. "No," he exclaimed aloud, inadvertently drawing stares from those around him, oblivious to their reactions. "This cannot happen," he asserted, determined to salvage his standing.

Mike's mind buzzed with worry, etching lines on his otherwise handsome face. "But what can I do?" he pondered, grappling with the impending threat. "I have to think of something fast," he concluded, prompting a deep sip from his cup as he contemplated his next move.

He called on the barman to fill up his cup once more. "One more round," he said to the barman, who nodded and went off to pour him another drink. Mike took another sip, feeling the fiery liquid wash over his senses as he delved into his thoughts.

An idea, luckily, formed in his head. "Oh, I know what to do," he smiled to himself as the idea took root in his mind. "I will have to use the biggest family in Castra City as my alternative," he murmured, satisfied with his plan.

Reaves had always wanted Mike to come and work for him. He frequently approached Mike in the shadows, pleading for him to accept his offer and join the James family. However, Mike had consistently refused because Mary Kay had presented him with an enticing deal that he couldn't turn down. He asked Reaves for double the reward Mary Kay had promised him, but Reaves was unwilling to pay such a hefty sum. So, Mike had remained with the Kay family.

Now, in this moment where it seemed Kay would soon replace him with the notorious Nexus, he needed to reconsider Reaves. The circumstances were different, and Mike didn't mind being seen as a traitor to Mary Kay, especially since she was already searching for his replacement.

"I will not let Mary Kay discard me like a rag," he thought within himself. "It's better I go for the James family offer. As far as I'm concerned, I'm sure he still wants me as the family's alchemist," he contemplated, laying down his options.

"This is what I'll do," he affirmed. With his decision solidified, Mike downed the last remnants of his drink, the empty glass clinking as he placed it on the table. Rising from the stool, determination etched on his features, he declared, "I need to keep my plan rolling." Exiting the bar, Mike set forth on the path that would determine his fate.

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Mike took a deep breath as he approached the grand entrance of the James family mansion. The imposing gates swung open, allowing him access to the sprawling estate. 

Mike marveled at the opulence surrounding him, taking a moment to absorb the grandeur of the James family mansion. The entrance, guarded by imposing gates, swung open graciously, welcoming him into the embrace of the sprawling estate. Manicured lawns stretched out before him, a testament to the wealth and influence that permeated every corner of the James family domain.

The mansion itself loomed like a majestic fortress, a symbol of power and prestige. Mike, with a mixture of apprehension and determination, treaded the carefully laid paths towards the entrance. The weight of the visit hung in the air, a potential turning point in his professional trajectory.

Upon crossing the threshold into the mansion's lobby, Mike found himself enveloped in its grandeur. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers suspended from the lofty ceiling. A subtle scent of lavender added an extra layer of sophistication to the air.

Seated in the lobby was Reaves James, the patriarch of the family, donned in a tailored suit that emphasized his commanding presence. A warm smile graced his face as Mike approached, and he extended his hand for a hearty handshake.

"Mike, my man! It's been a while," Reaves exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident. "How have you been?"

Mike reciprocated the handshake, a wide smile playing on his lips. "I've been managing, Reaves. I hope I'm not intruding."

Reaves dismissed the concern with a wave. "Nonsense! You're always welcome here. What brings you to the James residence today?"

Reaves, having just enjoyed a delightful evening with his wife, welcomed Mike with genuine happiness. "I came to give my greetings, Reaves," Mike replied, his smile unwavering.

Reaves chuckled, a knowing smile on his face. "Your greetings are always welcome here, Mike. You know that." Mike laughed in response as he took his place with Reaves in the lobby.

"Do you want something to drink or eat?" Reaves asked, already signaling to a maid in the corner. "Nothing too strong; I just left the pub now. Maybe water will do," Mike said.