Chapter 241: Special Approval
Chapter 241: Special Approval
"Any other questions?" Instructor Kurman checked the time, intending to conclude the class.
A young man raised his hand and asked, "Instructor, regarding the loan you mentioned, which department should we go to for the application?"
This question resonated with many of the newcomers.
After all, even those who had previously worked in the imperial functional departments might not have accumulated a significant amount of merit points.
Money was always in short supply!
"The department is located on the ground floor of the Administrative Building, in the Boost Enhancement Department. The specific amount will vary depending on each person's potential and situation. You can inquire about it in person."
"Thank you, Instructor."
Boost Enhancement Department—what a catchy name.
The other newcomers also stood up, smiling eagerly.
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"Potent Strength Potion: A training aid potion that, when consumed, will enhance the user's strength to a certain degree over the next half month. The degree of increase varies from person to person, typically around ten percent. Exchange price: 2000 merit points per bottle."
Soon, Ren returned to his room with a long, rectangular brown box.
Hmm? The effects were immediate!
Indeed, the price was more or less the same, and two gold medals were required.
"It's like this. For example, if you need three silver medals, you'll need to pay one upfront."
It seemed that Kurman wasn't exaggerating earlier.
"Sir, the exchange price is one gold medal plus 2000 merit points."
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 entered the room with a smile. "Melanie, please process the necessary procedures for Sir Ren regarding the three items he mentioned earlier."
"Sir Ren, I'll go and invite Vice-Secretary Melanie to handle the matter. Please wait a moment." The freckled girl inquired politely. "Mhm," Ren nodded.
Ren's face lit up with joy! With this, he only needed to secure one gold medal to obtain the aforementioned three items in advance! "By the way, Sir Ren, if you don't mind me asking, what are you planning to exchange..." At this moment, Melanie finally remembered that she hadn't asked Ren what he intended to exchange.
As they were talking, Ren suddenly thought of something and immediately said, "Wait, I have another question. Secretary Melanie, is this loan only for merit points and not for task evaluation medals?"
Fortunately.
The afternoon class was more specialized and focused on techniques.
"Sir, your credit limit is a full ten thousand merit points." During this time, the freckled girl finally calmed down and clearly stated the figure.
"Potent Agility Potion: A training aid potion that, when consumed, will enhance the user's agility to a certain degree over the next half month. The degree of increase varies from person to person, typically around ten percent. Exchange price: 160 merit points per bottle."
Once Ren was seated, he inquired, "I'd like to inquire about the loan process."
Although the others hadn't applied for the loan yet, the red-haired beauty, Evelyn, had already done so, and her credit limit was a thousand.
Having heard about it, the girl naturally understood the purpose of the Fog Combination Potion.
"Mhm!"
The Boost Enhancement Department was conveniently located on the ground floor of the Administrative Building.
Exchange price: Two gold medals plus 4500 merit points.
Hmm, could there be some room for negotiation here? Ren nodded, following the charming middle-aged woman, Melanie, out of the office.
"Sir Ren, I..." Melanie stammered.
"Hmm? Sir, are you asking about the Fog Combination Potion?" The girl's large eyes looked at Ren with a hint of confusion.
After all, the newcomer loan and the consumption loan were two different types of loans. However, Ren's situation was unique, as he was both a newcomer and had a bronze rank, which made him feel delighted.
Ren also desired the Metal Transformation Spell.
"Alright, Sir Ren, for the consumption loan, you only need to pay one-third of the item's price to use it in advance. You can then repay the remaining amount within the specified time."
This undoubtedly accelerated Ren's acquisition of the aforementioned three items! Regarding the newcomer loan, Ren had successfully obtained it as well.
"It's my pleasure to serve you, sir," the girl clerk stood up and bowed again.
Ren checked his attribute panel, and his strength attribute, which hadn't increased in a long time, had risen from 27 to 27 points.
"Hmm?" The freckled girl seemed to have found something and showed a look of surprise.
"Flame Shield: A first-level spell that consumes a certain amount of mental power to activate a specific spell model, drawing upon the surrounding fire elemental energy particles. This creates a rotating flame shield that surrounds the user, providing excellent defense against both physical and energy attacks.
"Potent Constitution Potion: A training aid potion that, when consumed, will enhance the user's constitution to a certain degree over the next half month. The degree of increase varies from person to person, typically around ten percent. Exchange price: 180 merit points per bottle."
As Ren opened the stopper on the test tube, a faint fragrance wafted through the air, a scent that was difficult to describe, with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of blueberries, apples, and other fruits.
Ren savored the lingering sweet taste in his mouth.
There was also a label on the tube with several lines of small text.
Hiss~ A collective gasp filled the room! Especially Evelyn, who had just completed the process, covered her mouth with her small hands, her face showing shock! Her credit limit was a thousand, and she had just considered it a substantial amount.
In Ren's mind, a phrase uttered by a celebrity from his past life suddenly surfaced:
Ren didn't exchange anything; instead, he quickly got up and left.
So, including the Fog Combination Potion, he would need at least three Gold Medals.
"Please wait a moment, I'll check for you right away."
"But if the item only requires one or two Silver Medals, according to the regulations, we cannot split the loan. You will still need to pay one Silver Medal and one-third of your Merit Points in advance."
"I've found it, sir. Please take a look at the Wisdom Slate." This time, as Ren had multiple inquiries, the girl displayed the relevant information on the black slate in front of him.
This caused Ren to furrow his brows, and his expression changed! The loan was practically meaningless to him. He had just been to the exchange hall, and the key to obtaining the Fog Combination Potion or the magic was the Gold Medals.
"Sir Ren, Admiral Edward has high hopes for you," Stanley smiled and nodded.
Ren wondered silently if the interest rate was high.
If he could secure a loan for enough Medals and Merit Points, Ren would naturally choose to strengthen his abilities first. As long as the interest wasn't too outrageous, he could accept it.
"In this case, we usually suggest that you combine the items you want to exchange. For example, after accumulating three Silver Medals, you can bundle them for the loan."
Ren waved his hand and smiled, "No need, normal queuing is fine."
In other words, if you were a Sword and Shield Knight or a Grand Knight, the instructor specializing in Sword and Shield techniques would be responsible for teaching the relevant skills.
"No rush, by the way, I'd like to ask about the usage fee for the Rapid Current Chamber." Ren waved his hand and continued.
After all, Ren's skill with the two-handed war hammer was far superior to his.
As he gradually completed tasks, his Merit Points would also accumulate quickly.
The others immediately stepped aside.
In other words, he only needed to earn one Gold Medal to loan the Fog Combination Potion and the defensive Level 1 Fire Affinity magic.
After taking out the Newcomer Loan, Ren didn't do much else, but he had plenty of Merit Points.
He was surprised to find that Evelyn and Verrie were also there.
When Ren opened it, he saw a transparent glass test tube containing a yellow liquid, surrounded by a faint white chill, as if it had just been taken out of a cold storage room.
A few minutes later, this time, he arrived at the administrative building.
Ren raised his eyebrows.
"If it's an increase of about ten percent, based on my strength of about thirty points, it can increase my strength attribute by about three points."
However, after a few seconds, Ren was stunned.
As there were no familiar faces at the Royal Alchemists Association Minster Branch, Ren had no choice but to purchase it with Merit Points.
"Yes."
"Please show your Emblem, sir."
"A quarter is Silver Rank permission. This..." Melanie couldn't help but show a look of difficulty.
"Don't mention it; it's actually quite tasty! It tastes like fruity milk!"
"Let's go to the Rapid Current Chamber now."
However, in an instant, Melanie remembered the striking red 'Superior' evaluation on the boy's profile and immediately changed her mind, "Alright! Sir Ren, then you can pay a quarter!"
But she only hesitated for a moment before starting her inquiry.
This month was for the new Swordbearers to familiarize themselves with the environment and understand the various situations they would soon face.
"Fog Combination Potion, Fire Affinity magic 'Resist Fire Ring', and Metal Transformation Spell." Ren spoke frankly.
"Colonel Stanley, hello." Ren immediately stood up to greet him.
"Sir Ren, why don't you go first?" Verrie said enthusiastically, always admiring Ren's impressive strength at such a young age.
He understood, and this was indeed a good idea.
After all, the impression Ren left on this batch of newcomers was too profound. The grandeur of that hammer strike remained etched in their minds.
A 30% down payment? It's like a mortgage. Ren thought to himself.
No time wasted, no time lost!
He returned to the exchange hall.
Ren was currently on an empty stomach, so without hesitation, he drank it all in one go!
As he entered the room, Ren noticed several Swordbearers from this batch already inquiring, including two familiar figures.
The black slate displayed several lines of small white text:
Hearing footsteps behind them, the group turned around.
Wait.
Oh my!
Before the second round of exams, the organization had no task requirements for the newcomers, nor did they assign tasks.
After all, these were common knowledge within the Swordbearer Division, and the regulations were easily accessible.
Evidently, this was not an amount achievable in the short term, unless they took out a loan!
"Please wait, sir. Your loan amount is too high, and it requires approval from my superior."
Ren thought that since the 'money' from the loan could boost his abilities, he should strengthen himself first.
In the face of a smiling face, Baron Rayn's nostrils twitched slightly, and his eyes moved imperceptibly.
"Hmm? Lady Melanie, could you please explain the rules of the Consumption Loan?"
"According to Instructor Kulman, taking potions while undergoing intensive training yields the best results."
The freckled girl received the Bronze Emblem from Baron Rayn with both hands, her face filled with surprise. A Bronze Emblem?
Judging by his build and physique, this young man was undoubtedly a powerful knight, but he didn't seem like a wizard apprentice aspiring to become a wizard.
"This scent..."
Could a Bronze Rank Swordbearer already take out a loan with a Task Evaluation Medal? After Baron Rayn arrived at the nearby Vice-Secretary's office, Lady Melanie began her introduction: "Baron Rayn, as a Bronze Rank Swordbearer Captain, you are eligible for a Consumption Loan, which is different from the Newcomer Loan you previously took out. They are two distinct types of loans."
"Thank you, but I'll have to decline," Baron Rayn said, bowing slightly.
'When I was unknown, all sorts of people surrounded me, some with ulterior motives, some who mocked me, and some who were downright malicious. But after becoming famous, I suddenly realized that everyone around me was kind, and every face was filled with smiles.'
"Of course, sir. Please wait a moment." The female staff member respectfully received the loan agreement with both hands.
"No, Baron Rayn, please go ahead." Verreri made room, smiling as he spoke.
After some pleasantries, Stanley took something and hurried off again, seemingly busy.
(Note: The Advanced Auxiliary Potion, produced by the Royal Alchemist Association's Minster Province Branch, is of the highest quality.)
"Hmm? What's my credit limit?" Baron Rayn asked curiously, seeing the freckled girl's surprised expression.
However, after Instructor Kulman's first general knowledge course ended, Baron Rayn didn't immediately go to the so-called Boost Enhancement Department—the loan department. Instead, he returned to the Swordbearer Division's exchange hall.
Instantly, a cool sensation emanated from the palm of his hand.
Baron Rayn carefully read the two pieces of information mentioned above.
"It lasts for half a month?"
Potions galore!
"Hmm, what about the Potent Constitution Potion and the Potent Agility Potion?"
The sweet yellow liquid flowed down his throat and into his stomach.
"Yes, Baron Rayn, you're here too." Verreri, who was consulting with someone, saw Baron Rayn and quickly stood up to greet him.
Baron Rayn's primary purpose for coming was to inquire about the prices. It wasn't that he was in a hurry to make an exchange; after all, he needed to use his merit points wisely, and they hadn't come easily.
Baron Rayn nodded.
He could feel his body sending him a signal: Drink it!
Baron Rayn signed the loan agreement.
Evelyn and Baron Rayn were old friends.
In other words, once he obtained a Gold Medal and a quarter of the merit points, he could withdraw the three items mentioned above in advance.
Baron Rayn hesitated for a moment and nodded slightly.
The freckled girl took small steps, her heels clicking as she hurried out the door. Soon, a neatly dressed young woman entered the room.
"Lady Melanie, greetings," Baron Rayn stood up and said.
"Huh? What?" Lady Melanie's large eyes widened as she stared at Baron Rayn.
Lady Melanie smiled and said, "Baron Rayn, since you're already a Bronze Rank Swordbearer, the loan process is a bit different from that of an ordinary newcomer. If it's convenient for you, could we discuss this in my room?"
"Of course, thank you."
"Of course."
"Of course, sir, please take a seat." The freckled girl seemed a bit nervous and spoke with a slight stutter.
"The use of the Jet Stream Chamber costs 5 merit points per hour, while the Advanced Jet Stream Chamber costs 15 merit points per hour." The girl searched through some papers nearby, enthusiastically answering Baron Rayn's question.
Four Gold Medals! Baron Rayn, even if you're a Swordbearer newcomer with a Superior Rank potential evaluation, this is still too much! Lady Melanie's heart screamed in protest. "I guess it's not possible, then?" Baron Rayn looked at Lady Melanie, whose face was filled with shock, and said with disappointment, "It seems that way."
"Baron Rayn, this is Colonel Stanley, the secretary of Admiral Edward." Lady Melanie quickly introduced them.
She naturally knew that Baron Rayn had previously worked in the Imperial Functional Department and shouldn't be short of merit points.
Sensing Baron Rayn's displeasure, Lady Melanie said, "Baron Rayn, are you in a hurry to exchange some items?"
"Lady Melanie, is it necessary to have at least one-third of the points? Can't it be one-quarter?" Baron Rayn asked tentatively.
"Phew~"
This made the freckled girl who was helping Verreri with his consultation a bit nervous.
However, when Baron Rayn arrived, he found the door open, and voices could be heard from inside.
"According to your rank, there are two options, sir. Please refer to the Wisdom Slate," the girl said, and the black slate in front of Baron Rayn updated with several lines of small white text:
But soon, another question came to his mind: "One-third? I understand about the merit points, but how do you calculate one-third of a medal?"
The other newcomers looked at Baron Rayn's departing figure with longing, and a big question mark popped up in their minds.
"Of course, sir," the girl said with a sweet smile.
At this moment, he felt energized, his body brimming with strength.
"Are you referring to the Jet Stream Chambers for training? Those are charged by the hour, and the exact cost will depend on the training ground's Jet Stream Chamber rates. However, based on previous regulations..."
There were also several other newcomers who used two-handed war hammers, not just Ren. There were four or five others, so it was impossible for Kurman to be a one-on-one sparring partner for Ren.
As for the remaining potions to be exchanged, the over two thousand merit points he had were more than enough for the short term.
Now, looking at Ren's credit limit in comparison to her own, Evelyn instantly felt that her one thousand limit wasn't as impressive. Ren's eyebrows raised slightly as he heard this, and he thought, "With this ten thousand credit limit, I can exchange for everything I need, and it will still be sufficient."
"This must be Lord Ren? Truly a young talent! I'm Melanie Clinton, the Deputy Director of the Boost Enhancement Department. Greetings, Lord Ren." The young woman was very polite.
Additionally, this was without considering the merit points required for the exchange.
"Of course, you still need to complete missions to earn Task Evaluation Medals." Melanie nodded and affirmed.
"Ah, okay, yes, ma'am!" Melanie immediately stood up and said.
Hmm? Hearing the freckled girl's words, the others couldn't help but turn their gazes towards her, their faces showing curiosity and surprise.
"Please check the price of the Potent Strength Potion for me." This time, with his experience, Ren proactively handed over his Bronze Emblem to the girl even before she could say anything.
She didn't understand why these several Swordbearer adults, who were clearly older, were showing such respect towards this younger-looking boy.
At this moment, Ren felt a warm current rising in his stomach, spreading throughout his body. This feeling was like being immersed in a hot spring, or like a girl gently running her slender fingers over his skin, causing a tingling sensation. Ren couldn't help but lie down on the bed, closing his eyes to savor the feeling.
Several minutes later, the effects of the potion gradually weakened, stabilizing at a weaker level, and then it remained unchanged.
"Caution: To prevent unpredictable changes, strictly prohibit simultaneous consumption with other potions, Savage Beast meat, or other items. — Royal Alchemists Association Minster Province Branch."
If he included the Metal Transformation Spell he had always wanted, it would require four Gold Medals. The key point was that he didn't even have a single Bronze Medal at the moment!
The warm current generated by the Potent Strength Potion's effects continued to flow slowly into his body, and Ren felt it seeping into his muscle fascia.
At this moment, the system prompt suddenly sounded: 【Congratulations! Your Strength Attribute has been enhanced!】
"Hmm."
"Resist Fire Ring: A Level 1 Spell that consumes a certain amount of mental power to activate a specific Spell Model, drawing surrounding Fire Affinity energy particles to form a scorching fire ring around the caster. When attacked, the fire ring shoots flames at the enemy, causing a knockback effect.
(Produced by the Royal Alchemists Association Minster Province Branch, this Advanced Auxiliary Potion is a guaranteed masterpiece.)"
A guaranteed masterpiece? But the price is not cheap at all. "Ma'am, which one would you like to exchange?" The girl asked.
The other newcomers naturally had no objections.
Upon returning to his room, Ren opened the wooden box and took the yellow potion in his hand.
Indeed, it seemed that potential or credit limits were considered, and the higher the credit limit, the greater the likelihood of referencing one's ability to repay loans in the future. After all, greater potential and strength meant a stronger ability to earn merit points in the future!
"Lord Ren, do you wish to withdraw all your credit limit?"
Ren followed the sign that read 'Boost Enhancement Department Office' and soon found his destination.
"Huh? Ren, what are you..." Evelyn, with her red hair, was surprised to see Ren at the entrance.
However, his focus at this moment was on the exchange prices.
Ren nodded and smiled at the others.
"Method of Consumption: Take on an empty stomach."
"What about the Fire Affinity defensive Level 1 Spell?"
Additionally, the freckled girl had just completed all the procedures without any issues, unlike Ren's situation.
(End of Chapter)
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