--- First exam: Commercial legislation
They gave me a sheet of paper with questions about taxes, market regulations, sales regulations, and commercial rights. Thanks to the copy of the book on the supercomputer, I didn't have to think much; I just had to read the file to find the answers.
--- Second exam: Mathematics
The second sheet contained problems in basic calculus, geometry, and simple equations.
The exercises were simple. Multiplication, division, areas of geometric figures, and first-degree equations… there was nothing that wasted my time; I finished in ten minutes.
I stood up to hand in the exam, but before I could even hand it in, the examiner stood up with a superior face.
—The examiner— "Relax, this exam is very difficult, you're not the first to hand in a blank one," she said with an air of superiority.
■— I can understand that math is difficult for some, but this test is too easy —
The examiner was speechless; she couldn't understand how I completed the exam in such a short amount of time. So she told me to wait in the classroom while she went to review it with someone else.
It took about thirty minutes for the examiner to leave the room. She arrived accompanied by another woman, who accused me of cheating. So I was forced to retake both exams, this time with both of them invigilating me at the same time.
The second law exam was the same, so it didn't take me long to answer the questions again. It took a little over fifteen minutes. As for the math exam, they gave me a more complicated test than the last one. This time it had quadratic equations. But they were simple, with no complex numbers; I just had to use the Bhaskara. It took just as long, because of the excessive number of exercises—there were about forty of them.
(I find it funny that they thought I was going to give up on those exercises)
Using the supercomputer, I could have completed them all in less than a blink of an eye, but I felt like doing it wrong, so it took me twenty-five minutes to complete all the exercises and hand in the exams. The two examiners were amazed; they hadn't taken their eyes off me at all, and I completed the exams in record time. They checked the answers with a pre-made exam and had no choice but to give me an 8.7 in law and a 10 in math.
After the exams, the guild receptionist gave me my merchant's license. With that, I can.
--o He could trade freely in the city.
--or Buy a "ship" or production plant.
--o He had the right to rent a stall in the market.
--or He could access exclusive guild services. (Banks and well-stocked warehouses)
Before leaving I had the idea of exchanging a 1kg gold bar for coins.
■— Excuse me, Miss, the guild buys minerals.—
—The receptionist— It's possible, but the guild doesn't usually buy minerals. —
I placed the gold ingot on the counter. The metal gleamed in the guild light, reflecting the receptionist's surprised eyes. The loud thud echoed throughout the room, halting everyone's activity.
The receptionist stood still, too long for someone accustomed to handling money. A second later, she hurriedly stood up and left the room, entering a private hallway. I crossed my arms and waited.
The Merchants' Guild had an organized and meticulous structure. It didn't surprise me that the guild's deputy director, or Guild Manager, a woman named Selene Valtieri, reflected that same efficiency in her demeanor.
Selene was around thirty years old, (checking the other stats seemed wrong to me) with a firm presence and a sharp gaze, the type of person who is used to leading and making decisions under pressure.
When he entered the room, he maintained a professional air.
—Selene— Sorry for the wait. The guild master isn't here right now. She had to attend to an urgent matter at the temple. There was… an incident yesterday with the statue of Tolmas. —
■— I see. — ...
—Selene— Please accompany me to a more private room. —
I nodded and followed her. She led me to a well-kept office with a polished wooden desk, shelves full of accounting records, and a bay window overlooking the main street. The kind of place where important deals are made.
When we both sat down, she spoke first.
—Selene— Before continuing, let me pour you a glass of wine. —
■— Thanks for the offer, but I don't usually drink when I do business, but I wouldn't deny you a glass of water or a tea. —
—Selene— I see that you are well versed in the new fashions of the nobles, give me a moment.— He left the room to return several minutes later with a teapot and two cups.
—Selene— I suppose I should have introduced myself sooner. I'm Selene Valtieri, Deputy Director or Administrator of the Merchants' Guild. —
■—Hunt. — I extended my hand (As Theodore taught us) and she shook it confidently.
I didn't give any further details. Nor were they relevant. I took out the one-kilogram gold ingot and placed it on the table. Selene didn't show any exaggerated reaction. She simply slid her gaze toward the piece and calmly observed it, analyzing its purity without needing to touch it.
■— I would like to exchange this ingot for coins of this kingdom. —
—Selene— Do you just want to change it or would you rather invest it in something? —
■— Just change it. —
Without wasting any time, he called an assistant. Within a few minutes, several bags of coins were placed on the table. 72 gold coins in total. I picked one up and quickly examined it.
■— Excuse my indiscretion, but this coin is not pure gold.— It wasn't exactly a scam, but it wasn't a completely clean deal either.
Selene leaned her elbows on the table and interlaced her fingers with a soft sigh.
—Selene— I know it's not the same as your ingot, but gold in circulation always has slight impurities.—
■— I understand. — ...
It wasn't worth arguing about. In the end, it was still a considerable amount of money.
(So far we have or have won 4 M Au, 20 M Ag, 100 M Cu. We spent 1 M Au on the registration, dinner was 3 M Cu, 3 M Fe, and 2 B Fe, and to sleep we spent 4 M Cu. Today when leaving the subdimension I took 3 copper coins. And I spent 2 M Cu and 3 M Fe. Plus the 72 Gold coins give us a total of or we still have left: 75 M Au, 19 M Ag, 87 M Cu, 33 M Fe, and 8 B Fe. And we still have gold bars left.)
After the transaction, the conversation took an interesting turn. Selene was a woman with a solid understanding of trade, economic strategy, and manufacturing. We discussed the benefits of guild membership, buying and selling materials, and managing a company.
She spoke intelligently, measuring her words carefully, revealing nothing more than necessary. She wasn't just an administrator, she was a strategist. She captivated me with her way of speaking, her elegant movements, and her extensive knowledge of her field.
When I realized it, hours had already passed.
"Selene," she said, "it was an interesting conversation. It's not every day I have such a stimulating conversation about business." She said with a slight smile.
■— In that case, would you like to continue the conversation at dinner? I'm paying. —
Selene held my gaze for a few seconds. Finally, she smiled sideways and nodded.
—Selene— Mmmmm I accept. —
...
The restaurant I chose had a refined atmosphere, with private tables and dim lighting that gave a sense of exclusivity. It wasn't a place where people came to eat quickly and leave, but rather where business and relationships were concluded calmly. Selene seemed in her element. Her posture was relaxed, but she still projected control.
From the start, the conversation flowed smoothly. At first, the tone remained professional, discussing markets, trade routes, and the region's economic stability. But gradually, the topic shifted toward something more personal.
I discovered that Selene hadn't been born in the city, but in a merchant town to the south. Her rise in the guild wasn't a matter of lineage, but of work, cunning, and well-calculated decisions. I found myself forced to lie about my origins, where I came from, a very secretive village, where we had almost no notions about the world and its surroundings. Nothing remained of the village after a landslide, and Hunt and I were the only survivors, only because we were hunting at the time. After telling her about my origins, we remained silent, until...
—Selene— Trading isn't just about numbers and merchandise, Hunt. It's about trust, perception, and knowing when to push or pull back.
■— In other words, knowing how to play your cards well. —
Selene smiled, tilting her head slightly.
-Selene— Exactly. —
I smiled too. For the first time, I saw her truly enjoying the conversation. With each course that arrived at the table, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Selene not only spoke fluently, but also let out the occasional laugh. She ordered a glass of wine. She wasn't drunk. There was barely a hint of color in her cheeks, and her tone of voice had softened.
I drank too… and waited to feel something. Nothing. I took another drink, and another, and another. Again, and nothing. I frowned slightly and opened my status interface with a simple thought. "Poison resistance." And suddenly, everything made sense.
(Does this mean I can never get drunk again? Not even feel the effects a bit? … shit.)
Selene, unaware of my discovery, placed her glass on the table and looked at me with a more relaxed expression than at the beginning of the evening.
—Selene— I don't usually accept invitations so easily, but I must admit that you have surprised me… in several ways. —
She sounded genuine. And for the first time tonight, she didn't seem to be calculating every word. I, on the other hand, was still processing my immunity to alcohol.
Dinner was almost over when Selene leaned an elbow on the table and looked at me with a half smile.
—Selene— By the way, I checked your test results. — She turned her glass between her fingers, looking at me curiously. —
—Selene— You got an 8.7 in legislation and a 10 in math... in record time. —
She didn't seem surprised, but she did seem intrigued.
■— It was just basic calculations and simple rules. — I shrugged.
■— Nothing complicated. —
Selene let out a short, nasal laugh.
—Selene— How humble you are. Most applicants take more than two hours and still miss several questions.
■— I guess I have a knack for numbers. —
Selene looked at me with an expression that was a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.
—Selene— Ease? No, Hunt… — Her gaze sharpened slightly. —
He leaned forward a little, resting his elbows on the table.
—Selene— That was precision. You used more decimals than anyone else. How did you do it? —
I shrugged.
■— I guess I got used to working with numbers. —
I didn't want to delve too deeply into the subject, so I looked down at my plate. Selene frowned, clearly dissatisfied with my answer, but let the subject drop. Dinner continued with lighter conversation and questions that I skillfully dodged.
We talked about economics, legislation, and even trading systems, but whenever the conversation got too close to things I couldn't explain without giving myself away, I'd divert it with another question.
■— Are there no farms here or what? —
Selene looked at me strangely.
—Selene— Farms? —
His expression was a mixture of confusion and disgust, as if I had inadvertently said something offensive to him.
■— Yeah, you know. Places where you raise animals for food. Cows, pigs, sheep… —
Selene blinked several times, processing the information.
—Selene— …That's weird. —
■— Weird? Have you never raised animals? —
—Selene— No. Here, the only animals we have are squills or lartos. —
He explained to me that scyllos and lartos were basically horses of different categories: combat, pack, and endurance. Other than that, the animals were just wild, period.
(So it seems that… There is no such thing as livestock farming in this world.)
The cities and the few towns that exist are surrounded by large walls to keep out a world teeming with wildlife, from giant pigs to beasts with supernatural abilities. These creatures with abnormal abilities are called "monsters."
Hunters and adventurers are the ones who supply the cities with meat, furs, and other goods. Therefore, becoming a hunter is a common dream among children, as it is one of the few ways to prosper in this world.
■— So, all the meat eaten here is game. —
—Selene— Exactly. —
(If animal breeding does not exist in this world, the ecosystem in which they live must have adapted to it.)
Selene told me that in ancient times there were cities where certain animals were raised for their production without being slaughtered. Fir trees, for example, were enormous birds that laid giant eggs, and their breeding was common. There were also some sheep whose wool was harvested, but they were never seen as food.
Near every city, there are areas with high concentrations of monsters and other places with more controlled wildlife. It's the job of adventurers and explorers to maintain this balance. In this world, survival is tied to hunting and exploration. Meat is not a guaranteed resource, but a prize for those who dare to obtain it.
Selene went on to explain that nowadays, dungeons are the primary source of meat and other resources. The creatures that appear in them don't stay confined; they often emerge and eventually populate the surrounding area.
■— So, the adventurers regulate the dungeons, the hunters keep the wildlife at bay, and the guard defends the city. —
—Selene— Exactly. If any of the three fails, the entire city suffers the consequences. —
Adventurers act as dungeon regulators. The Adventurers' Guild controls raids, hunts powerful monsters, and prevents them from accumulating too much. The Hunters' Guild, on the other hand, doesn't focus on dungeons, but rather on maintaining the balance of the wild ecosystem. They ensure the supply of meat, fur, and other resources.
■— And the guard? —
—Selene— They're the last line of defense. They don't venture out like hunters or adventurers, but if a group of monsters manages to break through the checkpoints and reach the city, the guard confronts them.
■— So, basically, they're like the police, right? —
Selene frowned.
—Selene— "Police"?—
(Oh, right. They don't have that concept here.)
■—They are like… those in charge of enforcing the laws and maintaining peace within the city. —
—Selene— I guess that's one way to look at it. But they don't just maintain order; they also protect the nobility and ensure that the rules imposed by the city's lords are followed.
(So they are not just defenders, but also the hand of the nobles… Interesting.)
…
When we finished dinner, I waited for the right moment and discreetly called over to a waiter who was passing by.
■— Excuse me, where do I pay the bill? —
The man discreetly bowed his head slightly.
—Waiter— Everything is paid for in the lobby, sir. —
I nodded, grateful for the information, and stood up. Selene also stood, with her usual elegance. We left the dining room together and headed for the foyer. All the guests' clothes were in the dressing room, and before Selene could do anything, I had already grabbed her coat. It wasn't a particularly complicated gesture, but I did it without thinking too much about it.
■— Allow me. —
I handed her the garment, and she looked at me with a slightly raised eyebrow before giving me a faint smile. She didn't say anything, but her gaze spoke volumes. She casually adjusted her clothing and gave me a small nod.
As I was paying the bill, I felt Selene approaching, her presence as confident as ever. She leaned slightly toward me, her voice low, almost a whisper.
—Selene— I'd like to continue discussing strategies with you, Hunt… but I think this place isn't the right one anymore.—
He let his words hang in the air for a second before adding, with a subtle smile:
—Selene— Don't you think it would be more comfortable in a private place? —
(Fuck... I didn't expect that. When did this happen? Selene wasn't just smart, but also super attractive. If you had told me a week ago that a woman like her would propose something like that to me, I would have laughed in your face. But she didn't seem to be joking. With someone like her... I wouldn't have imagined it for a second.)
This time, Selene had taken the initiative without me seeing the move coming. I held her gaze for a moment. There was no hesitation in her words or her expression. I paused for a moment to consider responding with the same elegance… but decided against it. She had played her card, and played it well.
■— Interesting proposal. —
That was all I said before turning back to the counter. The manager, a middle-aged man with a well-groomed beard and a fine wool vest, looked up from a ledger and calmly surveyed us.
—The manager— Do you need anything else? —
I took a quick look around the place. This wasn't a place for just anyone. Surely only important merchants and nobles passing through stayed here.
■— A room. — I slid some coins onto the counter.
■— The best available. —
The man took the coins calmly, examining them with a quick glance. Clearly, the authenticity of the gold always came first.
—The manager— Of course. —He said professionally. He took a key from a wooden rack and placed it on the table.
—The manager— Upper floor, last door at the back.
I calmly took the key and, with a natural gesture, offered my arm to Selene. Without hesitation, she slid her hand into the crook of my elbow, intertwining her arm with mine with an elegance that seemed innate. Without a word, I calmly guided her toward the stairs.
…
#■— I'm not going home today, I'm staying over with a friend. —#
#●— Don't do anything that would force me to be an uncle so young… and be a gentleman. —#
#■— I'm not a savage, idiot. —#
…
The room darkened as the minutes passed. The candles that had illuminated the scene of our encounter gradually melted, leaving a faint echo of what had been a striking beginning, turning into slow shadows on the walls. Selene's breathing was labored; it seemed she was holding her breath. With every sound, every movement, it seemed she was just inhaling air and not letting it out. When she couldn't hold it anymore, she hid under the sheets to muffle her voice.
■—"Why are you holding back so much?" I whispered into his shoulder.
Selene tensed slightly, her gaze shifting toward the door.
—Selene— I don't want you to hear me. —
I didn't understand why; his response bothered me quite a bit. However, all his worries had a solution. The night before, I asked Neo to create a magical device or artifact capable of creating a soundproof barrier.
I got out of bed, leaving the heat of the moment behind to find my clothes. In one of the pockets, I opened a small portal to the subdimension and took out Neo's artifact. I returned to Selene, who was looking at me in surprise.
■—This creates a soundproof field. —
■—All sound within its range does not escape to the outside. —
I demonstrated that nothing could be heard within about two meters of the glass. She stood near the door, and I jumped with the device from the bed to the floor. Apart from the vibrations transmitted through the floor, the sound didn't leave the barrier.
Selene raised an eyebrow and delicately took the stone. Surely her mind quickly grasped the artifact's importance: secret information, private meetings, negotiations without prying eyes...
Then, with a thoughtful expression, she slowly slid her hand down my chest, tracing the line of my collarbones with her fingertips. Her cold hand contrasted with the warmth of my body, leaving a trail of sensations in its wake. She looked up at me for a second and, with feline speed, pounced on me.
—Selene— So you're saying we can do whatever we want, without anyone listening…—
After that, he pushed me back onto the bed with naughty intentions.
…
A slight movement beside me and a mocking voice broke the tranquility of the room.
—Selene— Sleepyhead, it's already daylight. There's too much light to stay in bed… and too much business to attend to.
■—Are you not going to call me by my name anymore? —
Selene paused for a second before answering with a mischievous smile.
—Selene— I said it so many times last night that I almost lost my voice.
— Selene — After last night, I think I need a good rest to regain my energy. —
I stretched calmly, letting out a soft sigh.
■— Looks like someone has more energy than me this morning. —
—Selene— Not all of us can afford to take the day off. —
Selene stood gracefully and calmly gathered her clothes. As she finished adjusting her cloak, she gave me a sidelong glance.
— Selene — I have some matters to attend to before heading to the guild. But I'll see you there later. By the way, I'm keeping this magic stone of yours. If you want it back, come to the guild and pick it up. —
He didn't wait for a reply. He walked toward the door with his confident stride, leaving behind a faint scent of subtle perfume. I lay in bed for a moment, staring into space.
(So this is my first official day in town…?)