Chương 43: The First Paycheck

The 11th day of the month of Plums. A fortnight had passed since that fateful training exercise. A fortnight seemingly spent in perpetual inertia… only a lot had happened when all was said and done. Finch Quiverwing had made a full recovery, thanks in no small part to the first aid provided by Bramble Oldmoon. In fact, he was already back leading the Gym Rats through physical drills a full day before the rest of the platoon returned from their exercise.

If the Greater Roc's [Galestrike] had left any lasting marks on the reticent Ranger, he didn't show it. Nor did he ever bring up the incident with the recruit he'd risked himself to protect. Rangers Heron and Finch, along with all six Gym Rats, received official commendations from the Governor of Featherift. They came in the form of a stuffy letter that went straight into the barracks' dusty archives, as well as small pendants of carved jade depicting a peacock feather.

There were eight such pendants, one for each of the meritorious party members—including, of course, Jordan himself. Item acquired. [Emblem of Featherift]: The winds blow from one end of the land to the other, unbroken. Feathers dance in the open sky. Awarded for exceptional service to the province of Featherift. Display it on your person as a symbol of status and character. Weight: 0. 1 lbs. Symbol of status and character.

Jordan couldn't quite picture what that meant in practical terms, but was certainly curious to find out. Crafty Pewter helped him and the other Gym Rats wear the pendant on their waist, attached to a beaded chain that could accommodate more pendants in the future. A tad overly optimistic on his friend's part, perhaps, but Jordan appreciated the gesture all the same. Then there were the Vessels.

In that the recruits were finally allowed to equip them at all times, now that they'd all graduated from the Fundamentals of Spellcraft module. Yes, even Jordan, who'd yet to learn a single spell due to the [Hoarding Mode] restriction. That should have been a deal-breaker if he were any other recruit studying under any other instructor. But Heron Catchgrain had been the closest witness to the miracle of the Heavenly Cauldron.

He'd also apparently gleaned enough from Jordan's written incident report to suggest that this particular recruit really did have the 'Fundamentals' down, even if he couldn't show it with routine 'Spellcraft'. The upshot was that the Heavenly Cauldron now sat in Jordan's corner of the dormitory, free for him to do with it as he wished. Which, to be fair, was usually nothing. The thing hadn't gotten any lighter just because Jordan now knew a bit more about the closing and opening of gates.

Nor was it good for much else other than simply storing mana. In due time, Jordan told himself with slowly but surely growing confidence. There's a clear path to the endgame; I just have to be patient and take it one step at a time. Part of that path, at least for now, was to soldier on as a soldier until such time that a sensible career change presented itself. Jordan thought he even had an inkling of exactly how that might play out, especially after the events of the last fortnight…

but best not get ahead of himself. Besides, there were still plenty more ways he could stand to benefit by continuing to serve the Emperor. Case in point: receiving a steady income." What do you mean you don't know your banking information?" Presently, Jordan was being interrogated by an incredulous Taison of Hundred Springs. The Speedster, in his capacity as the platoon's senior recruit, was going through the ranks collecting…" What do you mean I'm supposed to know my banking information?

No one even told me you guys had banks!"" It's usually the first thing we do on our Bearing Day, Jordan." This from a ruefully smiling Pewter, a little less incredulous than his fellow Stormvaster.

"We bind our Vessel on Bearing Day, which marks our coming of age and our ability to make our own living. Naturally, that also means opening a bank account so we can get paid."" How does that even work?" Jordan thought of the only other fantasy-world 'bank' he knew. Somehow, he couldn't picture Stormvasters delving into an underground vault on goblin-operated mine carts.

"Where do you guys keep all the coins? Must take up a lot of real estate in a city of this size." Taison and Pewter exchanged a look. The former nodded to the latter in obvious exasperation, as if to say: you take this one." You're still living in the Immaculate Guidance Era, Jordan!" Pewter remarked in a jokey tone, though the joke was utterly lost on Jordan.

"Ever since Emperor Kardy Goldcrest decreed that all bankers be of the Illusionist class, we've all adopted the immaterial currency. It doesn't take up any real estate for bankers to just keep some paper records for us!" Jordan stared blankly, still lost. That was when one of the gods finally lost their patience. Intelligence DC 12: success Fuxi:"The spell is—rather unfortunately, I might add—called [Forgery].

All prospective Illusionists undergo a rigorous vetting process before being employed by the Imperial Bank. They are then required to permanently register three of their [Forgeables] slots to gold, silver, and copper coins—all hallmarked as to ensure their legitimacy. Then they simply [Forge] whatever amount a client wishes to withdraw from his account." Wait, does that mean—? Fuxi:"Yes. All money is fake. An illusion. A construct, if you wish to be philosophical about it.

Certain precious metals have since become less precious because of it. And because of that, as you might imagine, not everyone in Stormvast is happy with the sitting Emperor." Jordan had to manually shut his slackened jaw. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. First showers and now a full-blown banking system straight out of Planet Earth's paper passbook days… Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

The upshot was that everyone in the platoon was getting a paycheck, including Jordan. But in order to cash that check, Westerner Jordan first had to open a bank account. Lucky for him, payday also doubled as leave day. Or leave weekend to be exact. Today was Nüwa's Day, or Saturday for Earthlings.

The whole platoon had been granted the weekend off, to be spent however you liked as long as A) you didn't bring dishonor to the Emperor, B) you stayed inside the city gates, and C) you returned before curfew on Heaven's Day night, ready to go again the very next morning. Jordan was as nervexcited as he'd ever been. Excited for a chance to finally explore Featherift City on his own terms. And nervous because… well, did he really need to spell it out?

He was a millennial about to enter a busy and unfamiliar environment. Enough said. On that count, he was lucky again. For Pewter Sapling had very enthusiastically offered himself up as a local guide for the weekend. A face he could trust whole-heartedly, and Jordan wasn't above having his hand held just a while longer. First things first.

The pair made a beeline for the financial district, a rather intimidating corner of the city full of official-looking buildings and smartly dressed people conversing in low voices. Some of said hoity-toity whispery people frowned up as a pair of young men in humble tunics passed through their midst. Then they seemed to lose interest as soon as they caught sight of the [Emblems] hanging from said young men's sash belts. Well, here's at least one use for the new Item.

Get the fancy rich folk to ignore you while you trample their lawns. In contrast to the unwelcoming atmosphere just outside of the building, the clerks at the Imperial Bank Featherift Branch were polite enough. They sat behind two layers of protection: first a pair of Lv. 13 Battlemasters who side-eyed Jordan and Pewter as they walked in, and second a set of metal bars like in the old-timey banks from Planet Earth.

Opening a bank account in Stormvast was as simple as a single cast of [Transcribe Character Sheet]—the same spell Heron once used to sign Jordan's life away, minus the blood. A few minutes later, the clerk emerged from the back to hand Jordan his very own passbook, complete with a balance that reflected his first paycheck. Item acquired.

[Imperial Bank Passbook]: When future historians look back on Emperor Kardy Goldcrest's reign, it's fair to speculate that his promulgation of the immaterial currency would be a point of debate. None can deny the sheer convenience of the new system, but have we as a society also lost something in the process? Time will tell. Open the [Passbook] to view your bank account balance. Current plan: basic. Interest rate: 2%. Current balance: 3 silvers, 5 coppers. Weight: 0. 1 lbs. Three silvers from six weeks of training.

I have no idea if that's good or not. I guess I'll find out soon enough… The clerk lost interest in Jordan as soon as the transaction was finished. Even Pewter seemed anxious to leave the financial district behind. But Jordan just had to ask the clerk," Hey, uh, what happens if I ever travel to another province? Would this [Passbook] still work?"" Where do you plan to go?"" Uh, nowhere yet. Just speaking hypothetically.""

You would need to specify a destination and bring an account transfer or correspondence form to the indicated branch. But yes, the same [Passbook] stays with you for life."" Uh, okay, good to know." The pair exited the bank. Pewter gave Jordan a curious look but didn't say anything. The next stop was the industrial district—and more specifically the Sapling estate. Pewter had generously offered lodging for the night, and Jordan had no reason to refuse.

The plan was to pop in, exchange some hellos and how-do-you-dos, then pop back out so the pair could tour more of the city. This part of town was a lot livelier (and smellier!). Workers in rolled-up sleeves and hems hustled to and fro, while a cacophony of shouts, hammers, and metallic clanging rang through the air. Though Jordan preferred this to the snobby rich folks, it still left him feeling a bit anxious and out of place. He subconsciously sidled close to Pewter as the pair came up on a gated estate.

As genteel as any of the buildings from the financial district and almost as big as the city barracks. Jordan couldn't help but blink at his friend in amazement, having underestimated the extent of Pewter's affluenza." Don't let the stately exteriors fool you, Jordan," the Tetherer insisted as he rapped a tiger-head door knocker.

"My folks are as hospitable as they come. I'm sure they'll love you!" Jordan smiled gratefully, having no reason to doubt his friend's words. Said 'folks' couldn't be all bad if they'd raised such a sweet boy like Pewter. Jordan pictured something like the Copper Hill situation, and his smile widened another touch. The gate swung open, with a tad more force than might have been expected.

Out leaned a tall, sturdy figure—a man possibly about Jordan's age but dressed in the sort of prim business attire seen in the financial district. The system introduced him as: <Character Sheet> Name: NICKEL SAPLING Race: Human Age: 33 Class: Metallurgist, Lv. 9 Vessel: Gourd of Constancy I'm willing to bet 3 silvers and 5 coppers that this is one of Pewter's older brothers. With that in mind, Jordan expected big smiles and a happy reunion. But instead…" Pewter!"

the man called Nickel snapped, stern and not at all happy.

"About time you returned! Do you know how worried Father is about you?"" Uh…" Pewter stammered as he paled a touch. Clearly, this wasn't the reception he'd been expecting either.

"Brother Nickel, allow me to introduce you. This is my fellow recruit Gatekeeper Jordan Yu. You… did receive my letter about him, didn't you? About him staying the night with us?" Nickel cut Jordan an irritated look before flashing a cursory smile. The man continued to stand in the gateway, looking not at all inviting, let alone hospitable." Nüwa bless our meeting, Gatekeeper Yu. But I must apologize. Our family has urgent business to attend to with regards to my younger brother. Private business.

Would you mind terribly if you returned some time later… say, around the Hour of the Rooster? We'll be more than honored to accommodate you then."" Uh, I mean, I suppose that's—"" Splendid." Nickel didn't even wait for a full reply. He grabbed Pewter by the collar of his tunic and dragged him inside, before slamming the gate in Jordan's face. For a good few seconds, Jordan could only stare in stunned silence. He then turned to face the hustle and bustle of Featherift City. Alone and nervex—no, just nervous now.

Welp. So much for my trusted local guide …