Was Paige Summers so calm because she was certain Marcus Monroe could defeat Zephyr Mercer?

Actually, not entirely.

She simply knew him well enough to understand. Marcus Monroe wasn’t some impulsive hothead who would fall for Zephyr Mercer’s provocation. He must have had his own reasons for going out to meet him, but it would never be for something as trivial as jealousy.

But she was completely convinced of his ability to protect himself.

He hadn’t given up hope of survival when they’d fallen into a pit while hunting outside The Dead City, so why would he now?

Zephyr Mercer might be brainless, but that didn’t mean the rest of the Mercers were.

Blake Morrison’s warmth toward her was undoubtedly on the orders of the Mercer Family Head. At a critical time like this, there was no way they would let any harm come to her friend.

She went over the whole situation in her mind, and when she saw Blake Morrison find another excuse to step out, she became even less worried.

After Blake Morrison returned, the two continued honing the new sword. After a while, he suddenly said, "Sue... have you ever considered joining the Mercer Family? As my apprentice." He looked up, his tone half-joking, half-serious. "Of course, that’s just a suitable title, given our age and seniority. In reality, we’d be learning from each other."

"You’re a young woman, all alone in Central City. Life is full of difficulties. With the Mercer Family as your backing, whether you want to open a shop or do anything else, I’m sure things would go much more smoothly. The Mercer Family has always placed great importance on its own people. A different surname doesn’t matter; as long as you stay with the Mercer Family, you’ll be one of us."

"I may not be particularly skilled myself, but I’m more than capable of taking care of my own apprentice. Whatever materials you need, if they can be found, I’ll find a way to get them for you." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"As for my own selfish reasons, I’m sure you’ve already guessed. I hope someone can carry on the Mercer Family’s tradition of Artifact Making, and you are the most talented and hardworking child I have ever seen."

"What do you think?"

By this point, Blake’s expression had become completely serious and earnest.

Paige Summers pressed her lips together, silent for a long moment. Finally, she slowly stood and bowed to Blake Morrison. "Thank you for thinking so highly of me. I’m very moved and honored. This is the greatest affirmation I could receive. But... I must refuse. You should know my background. I am the last of the Summers Family bloodline. If even I were to change my allegiance, the Summers Family would be completely wiped from history. For the sake of my grandfather... and my father, I cannot do that!"

Blake Morrison met her gaze and could see that she was speaking from the heart.

He didn’t realize, of course, that the Summers Family she sought to preserve was not the one he knew of, but he could clearly sense her resolve.

He wasn’t entirely surprised by her refusal, but he still felt a keen sense of disappointment.

The truth was, the terms he offered went far beyond what he had discussed with Zachary Mercer just days ago; he genuinely wanted to welcome Paige Summers into the Mercer Family.

Alas, she had still refused.

He couldn’t even come up with a single counterargument.

If he were in Paige Summers’s shoes, he would, without a doubt, do the same thing.

No matter how many benefits she received, once she was branded as a disciple of the Mercer Family, the Summers name would slowly fade into obscurity.

In a way, it was a form of betrayal against her own family.

He heaved a long sigh, burying his regret. He casually pulled Paige Summers back down to her seat and put on a relaxed expression. "Even though you say that, I still can’t let you off the hook. Since you won’t become one of the Mercers, let’s cooperate instead!"

"I’d be delighted!"

The negotiations for their cooperation went exceptionally smoothly.

In essence, the Mercer Family would supply the materials, and Paige Summers would craft weapons. It wasn’t a short-term deal, but a monthly requirement to produce one or two pieces. As for the style or quality, that would depend on the circumstances.

In return, Paige Summers would be allowed moderate use of the materials for her own projects.

Blake Morrison patted his chest, promising, "As long as you don’t go overboard, I’ll have absolutely no problem with it."

Paige believed him on this point.

The piles of scrap and semi-finished products outside weren’t the work of Blake Morrison alone, of course. This showed that the Mercer Family wasn’t stingy in this regard.

Blake Morrison also mentioned that if Paige Summers developed a new weapon, the Mercer Family must have the right of first refusal.

Paige Summers had no objections.

Weapons were made to be used, and she didn’t like the idea of jealously hoarding her own creations. Of course, the agreement mentioned the right to purchase, and it was certainly better to sell to the Mercer Family than to complete strangers. As for gifts she might give to her friends, those wouldn’t be included.

The two of them settled the matter while continuing their discussion of the sword at hand.