Chapter 3. Dekan Set Out on His Journey

Fallen leaves drifted, and the land of the Kuran Border Territory began to don a deep golden coat. At this time, there was still one month left before the start of school.

Teresia and I departed from the border territory.

Taking a carriage to the capital would take about a week. In fact, it was enough to arrive two weeks before the entrance exam, but if one cut the time too close, every year during the enrollment season the area around the capital would be full of lords from all over, all parading and queuing.

Waiting in line wasted far too much time. Besides, I also wanted to arrive early to take care of other matters, so I decided to set out as soon as possible.

“Little Dekan, you’ve grown up!” My mother, sending me off, wept with tears streaming down her face.

“My boy, once you’re in the capital, remember to hold back when fighting, don’t always think about those unlucky cards of yours! Just think about how Big Zhuang next door is still a bit muddle-headed after being beaten by you.” My father’s face held pride that he couldn’t hide, but his words were full of worry.

There were quite a few adventurers in town who had suffered at my hands.

He feared I’d end up thrown into the capital’s prison before even graduating.

I nodded perfunctorily, which only made him more worried.

“Whatever you do, don’t use those spell cards of yours in school—especially [Sleep Gas], [Toxic Ground Spikes], [Hydrogen Explosion], and also your equipment and summons, or you’ll be mistaken for some evil cult priest!” Father repeated his warning again and again.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I know how to hold back now! Also, I left thirty gold coins on the counter.” I smiled helplessly.

“Safe travels!”

“Then I’m off.”

After saying farewell, I climbed into the carriage. From then on, I would be living a boarding life at the academy.

Tuition and miscellaneous fees were all covered by the kingdom, with almost nothing requiring my own money, and I could freely use the academy’s many high-level facilities and resources—this was the point I valued the most.

Earning a gold coin didn’t mean you really earned a gold coin.

Saving a gold coin—that was truly earning a gold coin!

Frugality was the first step toward getting rich!

Of course, if I wanted to get rich, I still needed a good amount of starting capital.

If only I could set up a small shop in the capital.

Making girl cards required huge funds! I had to advance myself into a higher-tier card maker!

With dreams, I felt brimming with motivation!

The upcoming journey would last nearly a week. To pass the time, I brought many books. Besides that, I had already researched the famous sightseeing spots along the way, so when passing nearby I could stop by and check them off. No matter what, the start of the journey felt unexpectedly pleasant.

This was my first time going so far from home. Though I had left town before, at most it was only to visit or shop in the big city near the border.

Chatting with Teresia along the way was pleasant enough, though we couldn’t talk nonstop.

Most of the time, we sat quietly, gazing out at the scenery outside the window. The unfamiliar yet beautiful landscapes unfolded before our eyes.

Everything felt fresh—this was the mood of my journey.

Even if nothing happened for a whole week, I wouldn’t grow bored.

Who said journeys must always involve monster attacks, bandit ambushes, or heroes rescuing maidens? Calm and simple was the truth of life. After all, this kingdom’s security was very good. Encounters like that were basically unheard of.

At the start of traveling together, things were somewhat polite and distant, and neither of us described our personal situations in detail. But since we were of similar age and both open in personality, after five days together Teresia grew closer to me, naturally letting her guard down and happily chatting about her family.

Teresia was a count’s daughter. Her parents had both passed away, and her family had nearly fallen into decline. Now she was working hard to revive her house.

As for me, I didn’t have such worries.

My family didn’t depend on farming to live, so even if natural disasters struck from time to time, we could still save a little money. Life wasn’t wealthy, but it was enough to be self-sufficient, with food and clothing secure.

The lord of the Kuran Border Territory was also quite good—not only were taxes low, but after natural disasters he would grant tax exemptions for afflicted areas for several years, as well as providing aid.

......

The sun had risen overhead outside, bringing with it a dry, comfortable breeze.

Teresia rested her chin on one hand, leaning on the window sill as she gazed at the scenery outside.

“Say, Dekan, what do you want to do after graduation? Go back home, or work in the capital?” With the breeze from the window on her face, she asked me.

“My current thought is to become a merchant. But the future can’t be spoken of in absolutes—it’s always unpredictable. I only want to live more leisurely and freely in the present.”

I closed the book in my hands, set it aside, and answered with a smile.

Teresia nodded, seeming to approve of this outlook on life.

“And you, Teresia?”

“I’ll probably work in the capital, constantly challenging the Shadow World.” Teresia replied.

“But Teresia, isn’t challenging the Shadow World quite dangerous?”

In my understanding, the “Shadow World” was like a dungeon. It appeared without warning at fixed entrances in this world.

“If the Shadow World is left alone or if its conquest fails, it will cause natural disasters somewhere in the world.”

“I once personally witnessed my territory suffer a natural disaster, and that was indirectly tied to my family’s later decline.”

“From then on, I swore to dedicate myself to conquering the Shadow World. Most importantly, I refuse to see the people suffer such irresistible harm again.”

Her voice grew much heavier, her tone carrying an irrepressible sadness.

“You’re like the lord of our Kuran Territory—you’re a good noble. I really like people like you.”

I handed Teresia a few pieces of candy. They were my favorite: fruit gummies.

I quickly continued: “Don’t worry. Once I become a master card maker, I’ll definitely make you super high-level magic cards, and I’ll even give you the ultimate friendship price!”

I truly admired Teresia. After all, challenging the Shadow World came with mortal danger.

The only way I could help her was by making magic cards.

Any weapons, clothing, or ordinary items couldn’t be brought into the Shadow World. Only—magic cards bound to the soul.

That was the original reason why magic cards became the mainstream tools of combat in this world. In conquering the Shadow World, they played an absolutely vital role!

Luckily, I had some talent in card making, enough to avoid ending up homeless on the streets of the capital.

“Thank you, Dekan. But the Shadow World can also bring me honor and wealth—it’s a good path for revitalizing my family!” Teresia smiled happily.

That made me pause.

“The Shadow World makes money?”

“Of course. Those sixty gold coins I had were all rewards from conquering the Shadow World.”

“Then... maybe I could give it a try too.”

I propped my chin and muttered. As long as there was money in it, many things could be considered.

“You want to be a battlefield card maker?” Teresia asked.

There was a kind of support role called “battlefield card maker,” sometimes brought into the Shadow World.

“Something like that.”

My methods were rather unconventional. Similar to a battlefield card maker, but in essence not the same.

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