บท 387: Chris Tiu's Rise (I)
(DISCLAIMER: Chris's POV is 10 chapters long. If you are one of those people who only want to watch Edward's POV, it's better if you go to patr*on to read or stack chapters for the next week and a half. DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE STORY FOCUSING ON HIM.)
--------
(For those who do not remember who Chris was, he is a citizen trying to save money to become an Arcanist. He showed up in chapters 265-270, titled Citizen's POV.)
"I'm sorry, Chris, but we also need the money. We live in exciting times, and my wife and I want to take this opportunity."
"I understand," replied Chris Tiu as he walked toward his apartment. "I just wanted to try." He said a few more words before closing the hologram. This was the 20th friend he had asked to borrow Arcane Merit, but no one is stupid, and he could tell something was going to happen after it was announced that most rare resources would now have a discount.
(AN: To be clear, this is 15 years before Edward's return, before he left for the Konosuba World.)
Chris wanted to use this opportunity to gather the necessary merit to exchange for a Level 3 Dragon Potion. Then, he would use the upcoming changes to rise as an Arcanist. Unfortunately, no one is willing to lend him their merit, although they had no problem lending him coins.
Chris opened his apartment door and his robot maid, Angela, welcomed him.
"Angela, can you get dinner ready?"
"Yes, master. Anything in particular?"
"I'm in the mood for India Food. You know my favorites." Chris took a bath and disinfected his body with the approved government soap. The Empire's border is expanding every day, thus introducing all types of new germs and bacteria. Although he had a higher immune system because of the [Aura] inside his body, as a Tier 0 Aura Master, he still needed protection.
Not to mention, some magical bacteria could kill even the most powerful Arcanist present in the Empire.
After cleansing himself, Chris enjoyed his meal.
"Angela, anything I need to be reminded of?"
"Yes. Tomorrow at 8 AM, you have to test for the improved Arcane Sorcerer Class. At 8: 45, there is the test for the new Druid Class. Three days from now, on May 25th, at 10 AM, you have a meeting with the Central Arcane Bank for your loan."
"Those damn tests again," muttered Chris. He had taken all of them, and by now, he had no hope of having any magical talent.
"Did you notify my job of my tardiness?"
"Already done."
"Alright." Chris ate his food before going to his routine workout. After hours of training and learning about Gate Alchemy, he went to bed in the Virtual Network Cabin, allowing him to have a deep sleep in just two hours.
By 7 O'clock, he woke up and prepared for the test. Since it was a government-mandated event, accommodations such as transportation were paid by the government or, to be precise, the people's tax.
Chris used the Warp Portal without having to pay. After showing his ID, he teleported to the designated area. He looked at his watch, realizing he was 10 minutes earlier, so he waited.
At 8 AM sharp, a young man dressed in a suit led him to a room with a young woman dressed in a magical robe. Chris looked around to see all the instruments but did not know their purpose.
"My name is Majorie Evans," introduced the woman.
"Mrs. Evans."
"Ms. will be fine. Now, Mr. Tiu, any questions before we begin?"
"Yes. Could you please explain what this test is about?"
"No problem. Gate Alchemy allows Arcane Sorcerers to use various energy–including tectonic, life force, water energy from the ocean, etc. However, using these energies for transmutation or even spells do not bring out their full potential. For example, life force is excellent for healing, while oceanic energy is good for Water-based spells.
"Are you following along?"
"I am."
"Excellent. Recently, new research has discovered new forms of energy in our surroundings. Earth energy from the ground, fire energy from the sun, wood energy from the forest, and even metal energy from technology or the buildings around. All of which can be used to cast spells.
"The research also discovered that some people have a natural affinity for one particular energy, many of whose talents were considered subpar. This test is to determine whether you are of these individuals."
"I see. But I'm probably not," commented Chris with a wry smile.
"You won't know until after the test," replied Majorie with a smile. She proceeded to help Chris through all the machines, testing his affinity. She tested him on all the energy she mentioned before and more, including redoing the mana test. She also added things like Cosmic Energy and even the newly discovered Negative Energy that was about to create a new subclass of Necromancer.
"How is the result?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, but you have a low affinity for all of them."
"Sure enough." Chris had lowered his expectations to prevent disappointment. Nevertheless, he was still heartbroken since a small part hoped he would be one of the lucky few with unique and hidden talents.
"I'm sorry," said Majorie. "But don't be discouraged. New classes are invented every year. Maybe, you will find one that you're talented at."
"Maybe," said Chris politely before saying a few words of thanks and leaving the facility. His Druid Test was in the same building, only on a different side. With low expectations, he headed to his 8: 45 appointment. The previous one ended 10 minutes earlier, giving him enough time to walk to his next destination.
The tester was a middle-aged man with a sloppy appearance; he resembled someone who had not slept for a decade. Despite his appearance, he was very kind and respectful.
"You can call me Mr. Federici, and I will explain the test. If some individuals have a deep enough for nature and the environment and if their soul is unique enough, they can communicate with the Planet Will and grant them a blessing; this is the path of Druids."
"Then this test is pointless for me. Although I am all for protecting nature, I am not exactly passionate about it."
"The part of passion can be slowly nurtured," explained Federici. "The significant part is a soul that can become in tune with the Planet's Will."
Chris immediately removed all expectations since he could already expect Druids to be a very niche Arcane Subclass with stringent requirements.
And as expected, he did not have the talent.
Chris walked out of the building, sighing to himself.
'Alright, there is no point in being depressed. I have a plan, and all I need to do is follow it, and I will be successful.' He always knew he was ordinary and not one of the chosens few. So, he only had to rely on hard work and dedication to succeed.
According to his plan, Chris only had to wait 62 years to gather enough merit for that potion. Furthermore, that number would decrease over time.
After motivating himself, Chris headed to work. After getting on the train, he suddenly received a call.
"Cruz? I haven't heard from you in a long time."
"I've been busy trying to adapt to this changing world."
Cruz was one of his friends, and they grew up during the Old Era before the Age of Magic. However, a few years ago, Chris lost contact with him.
"I feel you. The world has changed so much that I sometimes feel too old. So, why am I hearing from you now?"
"I heard you are looking for some money. I think I may have a way to help."
ความคิดของผู้สร้าง 
LazySageDao
LazySageDao {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]
บท 388: Chris Tiu's Rise (II)
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."
ความคิดของผู้สร้าง
LazySageDao
LazySageDao
{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]
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
200+ การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
167 หินพลัง 
ความคิดเห็นย่อย