Chris wore a blue shirt, gray pants, black suit, and black robe that reached near his foot. In the current era, robes have become a fashion trend, often combined with the prominent fashion of the old era, like suits.
After looking at a perfect holographic projection of himself, he checked his comb hair before walking out of his apartment. Knowing this was an important meeting, Chris went to the Warp Portal to arrive at his destination.
In an instant, he arrived at the Central Arcane Bank. And at 10 AM sharp, someone called him for his meeting.
"Mr. Tiu," said a man from the Somalia Region. After shaking hands with Chris, he continued. "You can call me Hassan."
"Mr. Hassan, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Hassan indicated for Chris to sit down before doing the same.
"You're an old fashion gentleman, aren't you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Most people born in the new era prefer to do almost everything online. But people born before the age of magic are more traditional."
"I tried to adapt to the new era. But sometimes, I just slip into old habits," replied Chris.
"At least you are trying. One of the most difficult things is dealing with the older generations that only complain about how the world is not what it used to be," added Hassan as a holographic computer appeared before him. After partaking in a small chat with Chris, he went into business mode.
"Mr. Chris, you are applying for Arcane Merit. According to our policy, we have thoroughly investigated your background, including criminal records, education, family, achievements, etc.
"Then, we had an Artificial Intelligence take into account all the information gathered to determine the amount of merit the bank is willing to loan. And here is the number we came up with."
"Only 150 Merit," commented Chris as he looked at the scream. This amount was nothing compared to the amount needed for even a Level 1 Dragon Potion.
"This is a significant amount."
"Yes, but not enough."
"You should have expected. With your portfolio, the bank would be willing to loan you any amount of Arcane Coin. However, merit is entirely different."
"I thought the situation would be different with the recent War Preparation Announcement."
Hassan shook his head. "The merit system was created for two purposes: to motivate people to develop and contribute to the Empire and to lure powerful Arcanists from hoarding their research results and share it for valuable and rare resources strictly controlled by the government.
"However, at its core, the system is flawed. It mostly benefits Scholar Arcanists, scientists, and engineers. When it comes to fields like lawyers, politicians, historians, writers, or 'people who do not contribute to the development of civilization,' its flaws began to show."
Hassan placed these words in air quotes because this was an argument often used by certain people to argue for the flaw in this system.
"We live in a society that worships knowledge and innovation. So, it makes sense," nodded Chris.
"Yes. But knowledge and innovations are not enough to support the growth of a civilization. And the government knows this, hence why they passed laws like the Good Citizen Act that granted everyone merits for having good attendance and performance at their normal job. Or the recent Artist Appreciation Clause."
Chris had read about the Artist Appreciation Clause that the Council passed about three years ago. Before that, writers, filmmakers, video game designers, and others of that category could receive certain merits if someone turned an idea from their creations into reality. It could be a spell used by a character in a book or even an entirely new concept invented from the mind of a fantasy author.
But now, the Artist Appreciation Clause has raised the amount they get paid for their ideas, encouraging people to create and innovate. Moreover, as long as the idea is new, these creators will receive some merit even before their concept is turned into an invention.
"From what I hear, new laws will be passed in a few months that will make it easier for non-research-related people to acquire merit."
"Oh, could you elaborate?"
"I don't know much. But the bills will be targeted at people like you. For example, if a legislator creates a bill that positively impacts the Empire, they will receive Arcane Merit. They will receive merit if they solve a problem or find a flaw in the Empire's laws or the place they have jurisdiction over."
"This is great for the Empire in the long run. As long as the merit system does not fall to corruption, this kind of law will have a lasting effect," commented Chris.
"Indeed. As for the corruption of the system, only time can tell."
Chris did not continue on the subject and talked for a few minutes with Hassan before leaving. He took the train to work, but everyone could tell he was not in the best mood.
After work, he finally could not control his emotions, allowing the disappointment of today to overcome him. The 150 Arcane Merit only reduced the time he needed to save from 63 years to 58. If Chris counted the recent announcement that the potion's price was reduced, he would only need to save for 46 years.
However, he cannot count that the discount will remain for long since the news has made it obvious it is only because of the possible upcoming chaos of the galaxy that could lead to large-scale war.
After taking a shower, Chris did not immediately go to exercise and practice. Instead, he took out the Bulkkoch Soju he bought and drank. It was a special alcohol made by a family in the South Korea Region targeting Aura Master.
It had unique ingredients that would use the Aura inside a person's body as fuel to generate a chemical that would make people drunk. The item was popular because it had no rank to drink. As long as someone had [Aura] in their bodies, it would work.
Chris thought of his future while drinking. For some reason, he felt his future was bleak, with no prospect in sight. He wanted to improve his life, but he did not know how.
"Master, your vitals have indicated you are intoxicated," said Angela.
"I know."
"I recommend detoxing before working out. If not, please go to sleep. It is not recommended to do high-intensity activities in your current state."
Chris did not answer, and Angela did not pester him; she went to do other tasks while monitoring his vitals to ensure he was not in danger. Meanwhile, Chris suddenly remembered the call from a few days ago and called the person again.
"Alright, I'll meet you at the diner."
The next day, he took the train to the Japanese Region, and it only took him thirty minutes to arrive. After entering the diner, Chris immediately observed many things.
This place seems to be in the style of the old era. There was no technology, robots, or magic: it was a simple café you would see in the old age. He took a seat, and a young Japanese lady came to ask him for his order.
Chris noticed she spoke to him in Japanese instead of the Arcane Tongue. Luckily, it was one of the languages he knew, and he did not have to use a translator.
"I'm waiting for someone," he told her, and she promised to return and take their orders. Half an hour later, another middle-aged man entered the cafe and sat before Chris.
"Cruz, how have you been?"
"Same old, same old."
"What happened to you? After the Empire was established, you lost contact. I thought something had happened to you."
The two used to be closed when they were young. However, after the Dementor Invasion and the establishment of the Arcane Empire, Cruz disappeared, and Chris only heard about him many years later. But by then, their relationship was no longer the same. They never had a long conversation besides the ones a few days ago.
"Many things happened. I was trying to find myself in this changing world, trying to adapt and survive. Enough about me. Have you thought about my proposition?"
Chris frowned but no longer focused on the detail. "Tell me about this race."
{If you are interested in reading 10 chapters ahead, go check out my Patreon with the link https://www.patreon.com/LazySageDao, or just type in my writer's name on the website. The plot is getting exciting there and you guys can support me in any way you can.
Additionally, go read my other novel [Journey of the Fate Destroying Emperor] (https://www.webnovel.com/book/journey-of-the-fate-destroying-emperor_18761925005900305) and see if the story is to your liking. It is a Xianxia genre with a similar premise as Emperor Domination.
Or my new Naruto fanfic, [The Otsutsuki Clan: A Legacy of Blood and Destruction]. Be warned, this is an evil MC, so if that kind of story is not for you, then don't read it.
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/bnsezTApeY]
"The race takes place in one of the newly discovered Star Systems, on planet Rocbach. Participants will use old-style vehicles to go through artificially created obstacle courses," explained Cruz.
"It's a sport that relies purely on driving skill. I remember when we were young, you were quite the driver. After a few months of training, you have a chance of winning."
When he was young, Chris was into street racing in the Philippines and was quite good, garnering a decent reputation. However, after an accident where he almost killed somebody, he quit that lifestyle and decided to improve his life.
"That was a long time ago."
"I know you have the talent. All you need is the proper training to win this race."
"Is it dangerous?"
"For ordinary people, yes. But as long as you have the minimal amount of aura, it's fine."
Chris pondered, deciding what choice to make.
"Is this thing even legal?"
"You don't have to worry about that. You said you needed merit, right? The winner will receive 1000 merit."
"Don't change the subject and answer me directly."
Cruz looked around, checking to see if anyone was near.
"The event is legal and illegal."
"What does that mean?"
"The government is aware of this black market sport. However, some powerful Arcanist is behind the entire thing. So, as long as things proceed smoothly and do not cause trouble, the Empire will close one eye."
Chris analyzed these kinds of black market businesses involved some level of corruption in the government. After all, there is nothing perfect in this world.
Furthermore, other forms of politics are also involved. The Empire cannot put too many restrictions on some powerful Arcanists, forcing them to revolt or fester negative feelings. So, closing one eye on certain things is one way to give them more freedom and placate them.
'1000 merit is a lot. With it, I can buy the potion in only 30 years with the discounts and 48 years without it.'
Chris mulled the situation over, thinking about what to choose. He did not want to get involved with illegal activities. Although Cruz made it sound like things were not that bad, he was smart and had enough wisdom to understand that illegal was illegal, no matter how beautifully it was painted.
At the same time, he could not resist the temptation of the 1000 Merit.
"Why don't you come to watch one show before you decide?" convinced Cruz, and after pondering for a second, he agreed. The next game was this Saturday, so they decided on a meeting spot before leaving, not even ordering coffee or tea. The waitress secretly cursed them for that.
During the remaining week, Chris was on edge, constantly feeling guilty about breaking the law. He often wanted to call and cancel, but his greed for the 1000 merit always stopped him.
When Saturday arrived, he was not in the best shape. After all, he could not sleep a wink even with the Virtual Gaming Cabin. He headed to the location agreed with Cruz, where he saw the latter waiting for him.
The two then headed to an alleyway where a man was wearing a hooded for them. Chris immediately became suspicious, but it was too late at this point.
"Relax," said Cruz before talking to the hooded figure. "He is my referral."
The hooded man looked up and down at Chris before taking out an instrument. Without hesitation, Cruz placed his hand on it, "Your turn."
"What is it? What does it do?"
"Asking too many questions, aren't we?" rebutted the hooded figure.
"Is there a problem with that?" refuted Chris.
"Don't worry. The thing only temporarily blocked the tracking method of your ID Watch."
Most citizens do not like the idea of planting chips inside their bodies. So, the ID Watch served as an alternative. The watch is a computer, a phone, and even serves as Identification for almost everything. Each of them is unique to its owner, and it takes a lot of time and effort to replace them.
After hearing the watch's purpose, Chris became hesitant.
"Don't waste my time," said the hooded figure. "Big Brother Arcane has so many ways to surveil you that this watch is the least of your problem."
In the end, Chris could not resist; he felt he was already in too deep. He placed his hand in the device, and after a few seconds, the hooded figure asked him to remove it; he felt nothing else during the process.
Cruz then led him to a room hidden by mirage magic. More than a dozen people were waiting inside, and they had to wait for others. In total, more than 30 people came.
Finally, the hooded figure also entered with a staff in his hand. He activated a spell, and everyone disappeared, teleporting to an unknown location.
Chris found himself in an ample space with nothing in sight besides a spaceship.
"Is this our transportation?"
"Yes," replied Cruz.
"I thought we would teleport there."
"The Empire's space is strictly controlled and surveilled. Anyone who has a private Warp Portal has to be monitored. And owning an unauthorize one is grounds for imprisonment.
"The world has changed without you knowing. Have you noticed that things like Floo Network, Portkeys, and Vanishing Cabinets which were common in the early days, are now extremely regulated?"
"Now that you mention it, that's true."
The two had to wait online for almost an hour for everyone to board the ship. Subsequently, the ship entered a Conceal State before flying to its destination, Planet Rocbach.
The voyage took longer than he anticipated, as he only arrived more than 2 hours later. The moment he exited the spaceships, he heard loud cheering coming from the distance.
He gazed in its direction, seeing a massive stadium with people entering; he could hear the cacophony of cheers even though he was more than 30 meters away.
"Let's go. I have some decent seats."
Cruz led them to their seats, and Chris immediately knew why the crowd was cheering loudly. In the middle of the stadium was an enormous floating screen displaying highlights of the previous races.
And things were exciting, to say the less. For the next ten minutes, he gathered a basic understanding of this illegal race–including the danger and excitement.
"The person who organized this race must be wealthy."
"The truly rich one is the Empire," replied Cruz.
"Oh, what makes you say that?"
"According to Law, no individual or corporation can own their own planet. However, they can pay to borrow it."
"Borrow? I guess that makes sense if they want to own property or do shady business like this one."
"No, the main use of this method is to mine rare resources. Doing it like this is cheaper than directly buying them from the government. However, the amount of money saved is not even that much after paying taxes."
"It seems the Empire has a tight leash on private enterprises or corporations."
"Indeed, which is a shame."
"Not really," argued Chris. "Unregulated capitalism is a recipe for disaster."
"And so is authoritarianism."
"True. But it has proven to be much better than the previous system."
Chris decided to no longer focus on this conversation. He could tell his friend had changed from what he remembered. Not to mention, he seems to know many things that civilians should not be privy to.
Luckily, the latter appeared not to want to continue this topic, and the host of the next race appeared in the stadium.
{If you are interested in reading 10 chapters ahead, go check out my Patreon with the link https://www.patreon.com/LazySageDao, or just type in my writer's name on the website. The plot is getting exciting there and you guys can support me in any way you can.
Additionally, go read my other novel [Journey of the Fate Destroying Emperor] (https://www.webnovel.com/book/journey-of-the-fate-destroying-emperor_18761925005900305) and see if the story is to your liking. It is a Xianxia genre with a similar premise as Emperor Domination.
Or my new Naruto fanfic, [The Otsutsuki Clan: A Legacy of Blood and Destruction]. Be warned, this is an evil MC, so if that kind of story is not for you, then don't read it.
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/bnsezTApeY]
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT