Chapter 241: Special Approval

Chapter 241: Special Approval



"Any other questions?" Instructor Kurman checked the time, intending to conclude the lesson.

"Instructor, you mentioned loans earlier. Which department should we go to if we want to apply for one?" asked a young man, raising his hand.

It was a question on many minds.

After all, even those who had previously worked in imperial functional departments might not have accumulated many Merit Points.

Money was always in short supply!

"The location is on the first floor of the Administrative Building, in the Boost Enhancement Department. As for the specific amount, there will be some differences depending on each person's potential and situation. You can inquire about it on-site."

"Alright, thank you, Instructor."

Boost Enhancement Department? That's quite a fancy name.

Rain wondered to himself if the interest rates were high.

However, after Instructor Kurman's first general knowledge class ended, Rain did not immediately go to the so-called Boost Enhancement Department, or the loan department, but instead returned to the Swordsman Division's Exchange Hall.

"Hello, sir. How may I assist you today?" asked a charming female staff member who greeted Rain with a bow.

"Please help me check the price for the Potent Strength Potion." Rain requested.

"Of course, sir. Please wait a moment." The female staff member respectfully accepted the request with both hands.

"Mhm!"

"I found it, sir. The exchange price is 150 Merit Points." The young lady quickly flipped through a thick booklet and crisply replied.

"Mhm, what about the Potent Constitution Potion and the Potent Agility Potion?"

"Please wait while I check for you, sir."

"I've found it, sir. Please refer to the Wisdom Slate." This time, as Rain had multiple inquiries, the young lady directly displayed the relevant information on the black slate in front of Rain.

On the black slate, the following information was displayed:

"Potent Constitution Potion: A training-aid potion. After consumption, it will enhance the drinker's constitution to a certain degree for half a month, with the degree of improvement varying from person to person, generally around one-tenth. Exchange price: 180 Merit Points.

(Note: A high-quality product from the Royal Alchemist Association's Minster Province Branch.)



"Potent Agility Potion: A training-aid potion. After consumption, it will enhance the drinker's agility to a certain degree for half a month, with the degree of improvement varying from person to person. Exchange price: 160 Merit Points.

(Note: A high-quality product from the Royal Alchemist Association's Minster Province Branch.)



A high-quality product? But the price is not cheap at all.

"Sir, which potion would you like to exchange?" the young lady inquired.

"Not in a hurry. By the way, I'd like to ask about the price for using the Torrent Chamber." Rain waved his hand and continued.

He had come mainly to inquire about the prices, not to exchange them immediately, as he wanted to use his Merit Points wisely.

"You mean the training Torrent Chamber? It's charged by the hour, and you should inquire about the specific fees from the Torrent Chamber training ground."

"The price is 5 Merit Points per hour, and the advanced Torrent Chamber is 15 Merit Points per hour." The young lady flipped through a nearby document, enthusiastically replying to Rain's question.

After all, these were common knowledge within the Swordsman Division, and the relevant regulations could be easily found.

"Thank you. By the way, I'd also like to ask about the exchange price for the Fog Combining Elixir."

"Yes, sir. You're inquiring about the Fog Combining Elixir?" The young lady looked at Rain with a puzzled expression.

Judging from this young man's physique and figure, he appeared to be a strong knight, but there was no indication that he was a wizard apprentice aiming for promotion.

Through exposure and experience, the young lady naturally knew the purpose of the Fog Combining Elixir.

"Yes."

"Of course, sir." The young lady smiled sweetly.

Rain frowned upon hearing the price.

So expensive!

"What about the fire-attributed, defensive Level 1 Wizardry?"

"According to your access, I found two options, sir. Please refer to the Wisdom Slate." After the young lady finished speaking, Rain's black slate in front of him updated with the following information:

"Resist Fire Ring: Level 1 Wizardry. Consumes a certain amount of Spirit Energy to create a scorching fire ring around the user, providing a knockback effect against enemies when attacked. Exchange price: 150 Merit Points.

(Note: Provided by the Vereri School.)



"Flame Shield: Level 1 Wizardry. Consumes a certain amount of Spirit Energy to create three rotating flame shields around the user, providing good defense against physical and energy attacks. Exchange price: 160 Merit Points.

(Note: Provided by the Vinonika School.)"

Rain carefully read the information, focusing primarily on the exchange prices.

Basically, they were all around the same price range, and two gold medals were required.

So, with the Fog Combining Elixir included, it would require at least three gold medals. And if I were to include the Metal Transformation Technique that I've always wanted, then it would be four gold medals. The key issue is that I currently don't even have a single bronze medal!

Moreover, this calculation doesn't even factor in the substantial amount of Valor Points needed for the exchange.

Clearly, this isn't an amount that can be achieved in the short term, unless I take out a loan!

"Alright, thank you."

"It's my pleasure to serve you, sir." The young female clerk bowed again.

Rain didn't exchange anything but quickly stood up and left.

A few minutes later, he arrived at the Administrative Building.

If he could secure a loan for sufficient medals and Valor Points, Rain would naturally choose to enhance his strength first, as long as the interest wasn't too exorbitant.

The Boost Enhancement Department was conveniently located on the first floor of the Administrative Building.

Following the sign that read 'Boost Enhancement Department Office,' Rain quickly found his destination.

However, when Rain arrived, he noticed the door was open, and voices could be heard from inside.

As he stepped into the room, Rain saw several new Swordsmen from his batch consulting with a clerk. Among them was a familiar face.

Hearing footsteps behind her, the red-haired beauty, Elena, turned around in surprise.

"Rain? What brings you here?" Elena, a friend of Rain's, was taken aback by his presence.

Elena was well aware that Rain had previously worked in an imperial functional department and shouldn't be short of Valor Points in the short term.

"It's Rain, sir. What brings you here?" Vere, who was also consulting, stood up and greeted Rain with a smile.

The other new Swordsmen also stood up, their faces filled with smiles.

Rain nodded at them, and in his mind, he recalled the deep impression he had left on this group of newcomers with his hammer technique. The memory of his powerful strike still lingered in their minds, unforgettable.

"Rain, sir, why don't you go first?" Vere enthusiastically offered, always admiring Rain's exceptional strength at such a young age.

The other Swordsmen had no objections.

This made the freckled female clerk assisting Vere a bit nervous.

She couldn't understand why these Swordsmen, who were clearly older, showed such respect for this seemingly younger boy.

Rain waved his hand and smiled, "No need, no need. Just follow the regular queue."

"Please, Rain, sir. Go ahead." Vere stepped aside, smiling.

The others also moved aside.

Facing these smiling faces, Rain thought, "Alright!"

Suddenly, a memory from his past life flashed in Rain's mind—a celebrity saying, "Before I became famous, there were all sorts of people around me—those with ulterior motives, those who mocked me, and those who were just plain mean. But after I became famous, I suddenly realized that everyone around me was kind, and every face was filled with smiles."

"Thank you, but I couldn't possibly." Rain politely declined.

After Rain sat down, he inquired, "Hello, I'd like to inquire about taking out a loan."

"Of course, sir. Please take a seat." The freckled girl seemed a bit nervous and stuttered slightly.

"Please show your emblem, sir."

"Sure."

After taking the bronze emblem from Rain, the freckled girl was surprised to see it was a bronze emblem.

"Huh?" The freckled girl seemed to have discovered something and looked astonished.

"Sir, please wait a moment. Your loan amount is too high, and I need my superior's approval."

Hmm? Hearing the freckled girl's words caught the attention of the others, who turned to look at her, their faces filled with curiosity and astonishment.

Although they hadn't applied for a loan yet, Elena, the red-haired beauty, had just done so, and her limit was set at 1,000.

Additionally, the freckled girl, who had just processed all the paperwork, didn't encounter any issues like Rain's.

"Hmm? What's my limit?" Rain asked curiously, seeing the freckled girl's surprised expression.

"Sir, your limit is 10,000 Valor Points." The freckled girl finally calmed down and clearly stated the limit.

A collective gasp filled the room, especially from Elena, who covered her mouth in surprise.

Elena instantly felt her limit of 1,000 Valor Points was insignificant compared to Rain's.

Rain's eyebrows rose in surprise at the limit, impressed by the amount. With this limit, he could exchange all the items he needed without any issues.

It seemed Kurman wasn't exaggerating earlier.

Indeed, it seemed that potential or the loan limit was largely determined by an individual's ability to repay in the later stages. After all, greater potential and strength meant a higher capacity to earn Valor Points in the future.

"Rain, sir, I'll get the Vice-Administrator, Melanie, to come and approve your loan. Please wait a moment."

The freckled young staff member asked respectfully.

"Mhm," Rain nodded.

The young staff member with freckles took quick strides, her legs moving swiftly as she left the room. Soon, a smartly dressed young woman entered.

"So, you're Lord Rain? Truly an impressive young man! I'm Melanie Clinton, the Undersecretary of the Boost Enhancement Department. Nice to meet you, Lord Rain." The young woman was very polite.

"Greetings, Lady Melanie," Rain stood up and said.

"Lord Rain, do you wish to withdraw the entire credit limit?"

"Mhm."

Just then, Rain suddenly thought of something and immediately said, "Wait, I have one more question. Lady Melanie, is this loan only based on Valor Points and not Quest Evaluation Medals?"

"Of course, Quest Evaluation Medals still require completing tasks to obtain," Melanie nodded affirmatively.

This caused Rain's eyebrows to furrow slightly, and his expression changed!

This loan was basically useless to him.

He had just been to the Exchange Hall, and regardless of whether it was the Fog Combining Elixir or Wizardry, the key to the exchange was the Gold Medal.

The remaining potions could be exchanged with the more than two thousand Valor Points he had on hand, which would be sufficient for the short term.

As he completed tasks in the later stages, he believed his Valor Points would increase rapidly.

Sensing Rain's displeasure, Melanie observed his reaction and said, "Lord Rain, are you in a hurry to exchange for something?"

Rain hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.

Melanie smiled and said, "Lord Rain, since you're already a Bronze Rank Swordsman, the loan process is different from that of ordinary newcomers. If you're willing, could we discuss this further in my room?"

Rain's eyebrows arched.

Could there be some room for negotiation here?

After some thought, Rain nodded and followed the charming young woman, Melanie, out of the office.

The other newcomers watched Rain's departing figure with longing, their minds filled with questions.

Could a Bronze Rank Swordsman take out a loan for Quest Evaluation Medals?

When Rain arrived at the Undersecretary's private office, Melanie began her explanation: "Lord Rain, as a Bronze Rank Swordsman Captain, you are eligible for two types of loans: the Consumption Loan and the Novice Loan."

"Hmm? Lady Melanie, could you explain the rules of the Consumption Loan?"

"Certainly, Lord Rain. With the Consumption Loan, you only need to pay one-third of an item's price to use it in advance. Then, within a specified time frame, you repay the remaining amount."

One-third as a down payment?

It's a bit like a mortgage. Rain thought.

"One-third? I understand about the Valor Points, but how is one-third calculated for the Medals?" Rain asked.

"It's like this," Melanie explained. "For example, if you need three Silver Medals, you would need to pay one in advance."

"But if an item only requires one or two Silver Medals, since we can't split the loan, you would still need to pay one Silver Medal and the required Valor Points."

"In that case, it's best to combine several items you want to exchange. For example, if you need three Silver Medals, you can bundle them together for the loan."

Rain nodded.

He understood; this was indeed a good deal.

In other words, he only needed to earn one Gold Medal to loan the Fog Combining Elixir and the Level 1 Fire Wizardry 'Resist Fire Ring' with the loan.

Wait a moment.

He also wanted the Metal Transformation Technique.

"Lady Melanie, is the minimum still one-third? Can't it be one-quarter?" Rain asked tentatively.

"One-quarter is within the Silver Rank's permissions. This..." Melanie's expression showed difficulty.

However, instantly, Melanie recalled the 'Elite' overall evaluation in the boy's records, and the striking red color caught her attention. She changed her response: "Alright, Lord Rain, then you can pay one-quarter!"

Rain's expression brightened!

With this, he only needed to secure one Gold Medal to obtain the aforementioned three items in advance!

"By the way, Lord Rain, if I may ask, what are you planning to exchange?" At this moment, Melanie finally remembered that she hadn't asked Rain what he intended to exchange.

"The Fog Combining Elixir, the Fire Wizardry 'Resist Fire Ring', and the Metal Transformation Technique," Rain stated frankly.

"Oh? This..." Melanie's eyes widened as she stared at Rain.

Oh my!

Four Gold Medals for these items!

Lord Rain, even with your potential evaluation as an Elite Swordsman newcomer, this is too exaggerated! Melanie's inner thoughts screamed.

"It seems it's not possible?" Rain looked at Melanie, who was still in shock, and sighed in disappointment.

"Lord Rain, I..." Melanie stammered.

At that moment, a middle-aged man in a military uniform with a pair of golden branches and four crescent-shaped moons on his shoulder pads walked in, smiling as he said, "Melanie, process Lord Rain's Rain's request for the three items he mentioned."

"Ah, yes, sir!" Melanie immediately stood up.

"Lord Rain, this is Colonel Stanley, the secretary to Admiral Edward," Melanie quickly introduced.

Rain nodded in acknowledgment.

Colonel Stanley smiled and said, "Lord Rain, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'll take care of the paperwork for the items you requested."

"Rain stood up to greet him.

'Sir Rain, Admiral Edward has high hopes for you,' Stanley smiled and nodded.

After some pleasantries, Stanley took something and hurriedly left, looking busy.

Rain returned to his room with a long, brown box. He opened it and found a transparent glass vial with a yellow liquid inside. There was a label with small print:

'Potent Strength Potion, Training Aid Potion. After consumption, for half a month, it will enhance the drinker's strength to a certain extent, with varying degrees of improvement depending on the individual, generally around ten percent.'

'Method of Consumption: Take on an empty stomach.'

'Caution: To avoid unpredictable changes, do not consume with other potions, feral beast meat, or similar substances simultaneously. - Royal Alchemist Association, Minster Branch.'

With no familiar faces around, Rain used his valor points to purchase the potion.

Fortunately, after taking out the novice loan, Rain had plenty of valor points left.

He had the potion!

Back in his room, Rain didn't hesitate. He opened the wooden box and held the yellow potion in his hand.

Instantly, a cool sensation emanated from the palm of his hand.

Rain removed the stopper from the vial, and immediately, a faint fragrance filled the air, a scent that was hard to describe, sweet like blueberries and apples.

Rain's nostrils twitched, and he inhaled the aroma.

'This scent...'

He felt his body sending him a signal, telling him to drink it!

Rain was currently on an empty stomach, so without hesitation, he drank it all in one go!

The sweet yellow liquid flowed down his throat and into his stomach.

Rain savored the lingering sweet taste in his mouth.

'It's actually quite delicious! It's like fruit-flavored milk!'

But a few seconds later, Rain's body stiffened.

At that moment, he felt a surge of heat rising from his stomach, spreading throughout his body. It was like soaking in a hot spring or having a delicate girl's fingers lightly caressing his skin, causing a tingling sensation. Rain couldn't help but lie down on the bed, closing his eyes to savor the feeling.

After a few minutes, the effects of the potion gradually weakened, stabilizing at a lower level, and then remained constant.

Suddenly, a system notification sounded:

[Congratulations! Your Strength Attribute has increased!]



Rain was surprised by the immediate effect!

He checked his attribute panel and saw that his strength attribute, which had been at 27, had increased to 28.

At this moment, he felt invigorated, his body brimming with inexhaustible energy.

The warm current generated by the potent strength potion continued to flow slowly through his body, and Rain could sense it seeping into his muscles and connective tissues.

'Will it last for half a month?'

'If it increases my strength by ten percent, based on my current strength of thirty points, it should increase by about three points.'

'Instructor Kurman mentioned that when taking the potion, combining it with intensive training will enhance the effects.

'Let's go check out the training ground.'

The afternoon class was a specialized course on techniques.

Rain had decided to use his loan to boost his strength, so he wanted to enhance his skills before taking on any tasks.

After all, there were still many valuable items within the Swordsman Branch Office.

Like the potent strength potion he acquired, which brought him much delight.

Unfortunately, he couldn't consume other potions during the duration of the potion's effects, such as the potent agility potion or another potent strength potion.

Five minutes later, Rain arrived at the training ground for the first time.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end