Economic Crisis

Three days later, Green returned to the Trading Area, his face grim and his expression heavy with worry.

Just as Green had expected, the sharp increase in Academy mission rewards and the drop in apprentice numbers had sent market demand within the Academy plummeting. Potions that apprentices had once fought over were now completely ignored.

For three days straight, Green sat before his stall on time every day, yet not a single person came to ask about the price of the Potions.

The many apprentices merely glanced at them, then shook their heads and left.

Now, apprentices only needed to carry out a few low-risk missions to earn generous rewards. Those missions simply had no use for these Potions.

"The Academy market is temporarily hopeless. If I want more Magic Stones, it looks like I'll have to visit a market outside the Academy!"

Green felt somewhat helpless. Trading within the Academy was naturally best, with safety guaranteed. But outside the Academy, the Wizarding World was far from peaceful. Fortunately, Green was a student of White House Academy, so the chances of encountering danger were not high.

Looks like I need to prepare properly and make a trip outside the Academy! Green silently thought as he looked at the still-deserted Trading Area around him.

"Humanoid Experimental Subject Sales Counter"

The moment Green arrived, the slave merchant emerged from the room, jogged all the way over to him, bent at the waist, and said eagerly, "Lord Wizard, your goods are ready! Please follow me!"

The slave merchant pointed to the room behind him, gesturing for Green to enter.

Green followed the slave merchant into the back room.

A cage stood inside the room. Three girls of seventeen or eighteen were draped in thin coarse cloth, huddling timidly in the corner.

"My lord,