Chapter 3 - Dekan Embarks On A Journey

As the leaves scattered in the fall, layers of gold started to cover the Kuran Frontier.

There was still roughly a month before the new school year. Dekan and Theresia prepared to set out from the frontier.

The journey to the capital would take roughly a week by carriage.

Actually, one only needed to arrive for the entrance exam held two weeks before the start of the school year. However, if one were to try to arrive too close to the time limit, there would be a massive queue lined outside the capital from people coming to the entrance exam. The wealthy and nobles would even fight over their spot in the line.

Waiting in line was truly a waste of time.

Moreover, Dekan wanted to reach the capital early to do other things. As such, he decided to depart for the capital in haste.

"Little Dekan, you have all grown up!"

Seeing her son off, Dekan’s mother burst into tears.

"Son, make sure to hold yourself back when you get into conflicts with others in the capital. Don’t think about using those lousy cards of yours all the time! Think about your big neighbor next door, he’s completely messed up, somewhat delirious even, after being beaten by you."

Dekan’s father couldn't hide his prideful expression but his words were full of worry for Dekan.

There were many adventurers in the village who have been tortured by Dekan.

He was extremely worried that Dekan would be sent to the capital’s prison before he would even graduate.

Dekan nodded his head in an ‘okay, I got it,’ manner. However, that only made his father even more worried.

"Make sure to not use your magic cards in school. Especially [Hypnotic Gas], [Extremely Poisonous Nail] and [Hydrogen Explosion]. Also your summons and equipment; you’ll be deemed as an Evil Cultist if you use them!" entrusted Dekan’s father repeatedly.

"Don’t worry, don’t worry, I know how to hold myself back now! That aside, I left 30 gold coins in the counter drawer." Dekan smiled helplessly.

"Have a safe journey!"

"I'm off."

After saying goodbye, Dekan got into the carriage.

In the future, Dekan will live a dormitory life at the academy.

The tuition and miscellaneous fees were all paid for by the kingdom. There was practically nothing that students had to pay. Furthermore, they would gain access to the academy’s advanced facilities and resources for free. That was also what Dekan valued the most.

To him, earning a gold coin doesn’t mean that he truly earned a gold coin.

Only when he saved that gold coin would it mean that he earned it!

Being diligent and thrifty was the first step to becoming rich!

Of course, if Dekan wanted to become rich, he would need a lot of start-up capital.

It would be best if he could establish a shop in the royal capital.

If he wanted to make a beauty card, he would need a lot of money! In order to make money, he must become a higher level card maker!

With a dream to pursue, Dekan was filled with motivation!

The journey to the capital would take a week. So as to not become bored, Dekan brought along many books.

He had also investigated all of the famous sight-seeing spots on the journey. He would be able to check them out when passing by them..

In any case, the start of the trip felt surprisingly good.

This was Dekan's first trip away from home.

While he had left his village several times in the past, they were only to the neighboring frontier city to purchase items and sightsee.

Chatting with Theresia on the journey was quite enjoyable. However, it was impossible for the two of them to chat the entire journey. Most of the time they stared blankly at the scenery outside the window, witnessing the unfamiliar and sceneries that would enter their field of view..

Everything was fresh; this phrase represented Dekan's journey.

Even if nothing was to happen the entire trip, he would still not feel bored.

Who said that one must encounter monster attacks, bandit robberies or hero rescues on a journey?

A simple journey with nothing happening was the best!

The public safety of this kingdom he lived in was superb. One would practically never encounter any of the above three situations.

When Dekan and Theresia first entered the carriage, they were unfamiliar with each other and did not mention their personal circumstances.

However, as they were of similar ages and both possessed a carefree personality, the two of them became quite acquainted with each other after journeying for five days together. Naturally, they also began to cheerfully speak of their family.

Theresia was the young lady of an earl’s family. However, both her parents have passed away and her family was on the decline. She was working hard to revitalize the family.

Dekan, on the other hand, did not have as many worries as her.

His family was not a farming family. Even though there were some natural disasters occuring now and then, his family was able to save up some money.

They were not rich but they were able to feed themselves.

Furthermore, the lord of the Kuran Frontier was also a very good person. Not only does he not impose a high tax on the residents, he would even waive or reduce taxes for years for the regions affected by natural disasters. Moreover, he would even provide aid to those regions.

......

Outside, the sun had risen overhead. It brought forth a dry and comfortable breeze.

With her chin propped on her hand, Theresia was leaning against the window edge looking at the scenery outside.

Facing the incoming breeze, she asked Dekan, "By the way, Dekan, what do you want to do after you graduate? Do you plan to return to your hometown or work in the capital?"

"For now, I plan to become a businessman. As for the future, I’m not sure. It’s unpredictable, afterall. Regardless, I want to live a leisure and refreshing life."

Dekan closed the book in his hand and placed it aside before replying with a smile.

Theresia nodded. She seemed to highly approve of Dekan's outlook on life.

"What about you, Theresia?"

"I guess I’ll be working in the royal capital assisting in the raiding of Shadow Worlds."

Teresia replied.

"But Theresia, isn't it dangerous to raid Shadow Worlds?"

Dekan viewed ‘Shadow Worlds’ as instance dungeons.

They will appear at the fixed entrances in the world without warning.

"If you are to ignore the Shadow Worlds or fail to conquer them, they will lead to a natural disaster occurring somewhere in the world."

"I have witnessed natural disasters in my territory with my own eyes. It is also indirectly related to the subsequent decline of my family."

"Since then, I have vowed to work on clearing the Shadow Worlds. Most importantly, I don’t wish to see people suffering without being able to do anything."

Theresia’s voice grew gloom. Sadness was present in her tone.

"You’re a good noble like the Lord of our Kuran Frontier. I like people like you.”

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Dekan gave some candies to Theresia.

The candies were his favorite fruit gummies.

He soon continued, "Don't you worry. When I become a master card maker, I will definitely make superior magic cards for you. Moreover, I’ll give you a super friend discount!"

He felt sincere admiration for Theresia.

After all, raiding Shadow Worlds was a very dangerous thing.

The only thing he could do to help Theresia was making magic cards.

Weapons, clothing and artifacts cannot be brought into the Shadow Realm at all.

The only exception was the magic cards bonded to one’s soul.

That was also the reason why magic cards became the main artifacts used for battle in this world.

They were vital when it came to raiding Shadow Worlds!

Fortunately for Dekan, he had some talent in making cards. Thus, he wouldn’t be reduced to being a blanket-covered beggar out on the streets of the capital.

"Thank you Dekan. But, the Shadow Worlds could also bring upon fame and wealth to me. It is a great way for me to revitalize my family!"

Theresia laughed happily.

Dekan was surprised.

"The Shadow Worlds are that profitable?”

"Of course, those 60 gold coins were all exchanged from the Shadow Worlds’ clearance rewards."

"Then... I think I can try out the Shadow Worlds too."

Dekan held his chin and muttered to himself.

As long as there was money to be made, a lot of things could be considered.

"You wish to become a battlefield card maker?"

Theresia asked.

There was a kind of support role called the "battlefield card maker" that would occasionally enter Shadow Worlds.

"I suppose."

Dekan’s approach was relatively unconventional. While it was similar to that of a battlefield card maker, it was essentially different.