Out of all people, why am I the ntred protagonist

"I reject," Samantha said flatly, her arms still crossed.

I blinked. "But you didn't even hear the rest of it."

She sighed, already looking impatient. "I already know what you're going to say. Do you have any idea how many people have come to me with the same offer? 'Let's work together, I'll make you rich, blah blah blah.' I've played this game before." She leaned against the cluttered table, giving me a tired but knowing look. "You're here because of my name, aren't you? Nachtwald. That's what you're after. Connections, reputation, the prestige of working with a so-called prodigy."

She wasn't entirely wrong. The Nachtwald name was a huge deal, but she had no idea what I was really here for.

Before she could dismiss me further, I reached into my inventory and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with deep crimson liquid. The moment it caught the dim light of the room, it shimmered slightly.

Her eyes flickered with curiosity despite herself. "What's that?"

"A blood sample," I said, rolling the bottle between my fingers. "From a Great Wolf."

She scoffed. "Please. I could get that anywhere."

I smirked. "A mutated Great Wolf."

That wiped the skepticism off her face.

She froze, her mind no doubt racing through possibilities. Her lips parted slightly, hesitation lacing her voice. "...Are you absolutely sure? No lies?"

I leaned in slightly, my grin widening. "Why would I waste your time if I wasn't?"

"And I've got another one sitting in my inventory," I added with a smirk, watching her reaction closely.

The dullness in Samantha's bagged, exhausted eyes evaporated in an instant. What was once a weary alchemist barely holding herself together was now a woman brimming with excitement.

"This… this is incredible!" she exclaimed, gripping the edge of her desk. "Do you realize what we can create with this? Potion enhancements, high-grade beauty elixirs, Vigor potions—hell, even experimental alchemy breakthroughs!"

I leaned back, watching her practically buzz with enthusiasm. There it is—the fire I was looking for.

Then, as if catching herself getting carried away, Samantha coughed into her fist and adjusted her posture, slipping into a more composed, businesslike demeanor.

"Ah—right, my apologies. Where are my manners?" She extended her hand with a confident, professional smile. "I'm Samantha Von Nachtwald, Gold-rank Alchemist. It's a pleasure to meet you officially, Lukas Villamor."

I took her hand, shaking it firmly. "Likewise, Samantha."

She studied me for a moment before tilting her head. "Are you sure about this investment? There are plenty of talented alchemists out there—people with better credentials, bigger names. Why pick someone like me… someone whose reputation is falling?"

I met her gaze without hesitation. "Because I know your worth. You have potential—potential you haven't fully realized yet. And I don't invest in talent alone—I invest in promise. And you, Samantha, have the kind of brilliance that, with the right push, will shine brighter than any of them."

For a moment, she simply stared at me, her lips slightly parted, as if caught off guard by my conviction. Then, slowly, a dazzling smile spread across her face—one filled with determination and something else.

"I won't let you down," she declared, her emerald eyes burning with newfound passion.

I smirked. "That's what I like to hear."

I placed the extra bottle on the table with a satisfying thud, meeting Samantha's eager gaze.

"This thing will be put to much greater use in your hands," I said, leaning back slightly. "Do your best with it—but don't overwork yourself. Seriously, those eyebags look like they're about to pack their bags and leave."

Samantha let out a short laugh, rubbing her tired eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you. But this… this is a game-changer!" She picked up the bottle, holding it as if it were some kind of sacred relic. "You have no idea how many possibilities this opens up!"

Her excitement was contagious, but I kept my smirk in check.

"Just don't pass out at your workbench before you even get started," I teased.

"No promises!" she shot back, already lost in thought, her mind racing with alchemical formulas and experiments.

[System]: Such a corny joke, lol. ಡ⁠ ͜⁠ ʖ⁠ ͡⁠ಡ

I let out a slow exhale, doing my best to ignore the urge to argue with a disembodied voice.

"I swear, one day..." I muttered under my breath.

[System]: One day what? You gonna fight me? Go on, try it. I dare you. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

My eye twitched. Just ignore it, Lukas. Deep breaths.

Samantha, oblivious to my internal battle, was already scribbling notes furiously, completely absorbed in her alchemical daydreams.

At least someone was taking this seriously.

.

.

.

.

I stepped out of the alchemist guild, feeling the weight of lingering stares drilling into my back.

[System]: I guess they're surprised a broke man waltzed in to meet a failing alchemist. A true underdog spectacle.

I chuckled. Let them whisper. They won't be laughing when she surpasses them all.

I pulled out the business card from my pocket, running my thumb over the embossed letters. Samantha Von Nachtwald. A bold, elegant signature sprawled across it, along with her number.

[System]: Are you sure it's just her potential you're after? Because to me, this is looking a lot like flirting.

I rolled my eyes. Shut up.

[System]: Hey, no judgment. Just saying, a genius alchemist and a possible romance? Sounds like a solid investment to me. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

I sighed, pocketing the card. This system is going to be the death of me.

"Hey, System. You said we could exchange shop points for real currency, right?"

"Alright, how much is the exchange rate?"

System: 1 shop point equals… drumroll …2,000 kuros.

I froze mid-step. "Wait… 2,000 kuros per point?!"

[System]: Heh, bigger than you expected?

"Yes it's big! I could—"

[System]: That's what she said.

I took a deep breath. "System, I swear—"

[System]: What? It was right there, I had to.

I exhaled sharply, deciding not to dignify that with a response. "Whatever. We have money now, so let's go shopping."

[System]: Ooooh, let me pick the clothes. I'll make you so stylish even mannequins will feel underdressed.

"Fine, just don't make me look ridiculous."

With that, I turned toward the supermall, already planning how to spend my newfound wealth.