042 Dekan’s Third-Rank Cardmaker Certification
The morning sun hung at the edge of the sky, and the light breeze was filled with the fresh scent of fruits and flowers.
As the morning mist dissipated, Dekan, dressed in his school uniform with a faint smile on his face, walked slowly through the campus.
Bathed in the morning sunlight, he exuded a calm and sunny demeanor.
Happily, there were no classes in the morning, so Dekan had signed up for today’s third-rank cardmaker certification exam.
Gaining a higher-level certification would provide better discounts when purchasing various standard materials from the Cardmaker’s Guild.
Also, the fees for consignment sales and accepting custom commissions would be reduced.
Moreover, the Cardmaker’s Guild was a great place to purchase rare high-level materials.
Even though Dekan didn’t currently have enough money to afford epic-level sixth-rank materials, he could still register his intention to purchase.
Once his Shadow World venture yielded more resources, he might have enough to buy what he needed.
Dekan and Cornelia had decided to take on the Shadow World again in a month.
First, there was a cool-down period after each Shadow World expedition.
Second, Dekan hoped Cornelia would advance to the fourth-rank in the real world before they ventured into the Shadow World again.
With Cornelia at that level, their destructive power would increase significantly.
Cornelia had been acting somewhat mysteriously lately, often going to a small hill behind the school.
Since she hadn’t sought Dekan’s help, he decided not to pry into her privacy.
Although others thought they were always together, most of the time, they actually did their own separate things.
Dekan often locked himself in the dormitory to make cards, while Cornelia practiced combat daily.
On the other hand, when Dekan told Trecia about his plan to take the third-rank cardmaker certification, she eagerly arranged to observe.
She was one of the few people at school who knew Dekan was a cardmaker.
Trecia had long wanted to see Dekan’s cardmaking process.
Additionally, if Dekan created any new works, she would have the chance to buy them first.
“Good morning, Dekan!”
“Good morning, Trecia!”
The two met at the agreed spot by the school gate and walked towards the Cardmaker’s Guild.
Dekan’s reputation was rising in the Capital City. Stories of him and Cornelia overcoming fourth-rank Shadow Worlds and defeating the Faceless Man had spread throughout the city.
The school had even compiled highlights of their adventures, though most residents lacked magical equipment to watch them.
Therefore, many in the Capital City had only heard about the duo but had never seen them in person.
Moreover, while Dekan’s Shadow World exploits made for engaging entertainment, some parts might… severely damage the school’s reputation.
Thus, the school decided to stream Dekan’s future Shadow World adventures internally only, releasing edited versions to the public.
Still, Professor Morgut from the Alchemy Institute had signed a lucrative revenue-sharing contract with Dekan and Cornelia.
…
About half an hour later, they arrived at the Cardmaker’s Guild, the Norton Kingdom Capital City branch.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, they entered the grand and imposing building.
The interior was very rustic, with clearly demarcated counter areas and minimal decorations, exuding a sense of cleanliness.
Even though it was early morning, the guild was bustling with busy staff, and there were clusters of visitors discussing various topics at the counters, occasionally breaking out in hearty laughter.
“What time is your exam?”
Trecia asked.
“Ten o’clock. We came a bit early, so I plan to register some purchase requests and grab a few items on the second floor.”
Dekan glanced at the time; it was only a little past eight.
“No problem, I’ll come along.”
Together, they went to the second floor.
As soon as they arrived at the chamber-like floor, their attention was drawn to a particular direction.
Not far away, they saw a golden-haired girl in a Hewenlit Academy uniform, escorted by a few high-level butler-clad staff members, like stars encircling the moon.
From her uniform, she appeared to be a second-year student in the Alchemy Institute.
Such scenes were rare.
Unless her status was particularly high.
Before Dekan could show any surprise, Trecia had already recognized the identity of the golden-haired girl.
She grabbed Dekan’s sleeve, seemingly ready to turn and leave.
However, Dekan and Trecia’s uniforms also caught the girl’s attention.
“Is that Trecia?”
The elegant and charming golden-haired girl looked at Trecia and Dekan with a touch of surprise in her eyes.
Trecia sighed secretly.
When she met the girl’s gaze again, her face was full of smiles. “Good morning, Princess Alice.”
Dekan noticed Trecia’s subtle attitude and seemed to understand something.
This golden-haired girl was the princess, and someone who might bring a bit of trouble.
“What a pleasant surprise, Trecia!”
Alice approached quickly, her face beaming at Trecia.
Apparently, she and Trecia were already acquainted.
“Uh… Is this Dekan? What a surprise to meet you here. Your exploits in the Shadow World have even earned praise from my brother.”
Alice soon turned her attention to Dekan, who had become quite famous in school recently.
“Princess Alice, good morning.”
Dekan bowed to Alice, maintaining a composed smile.
Impressive, isn’t it? You can bump into such big personalities just by stepping out of home in the Capital City.
That’s quite stimulating.
“Dekan, I assume you’ve come to the guild today to sell the materials you obtained from the previous Shadow World, and I’ll buy them from you at a high price!”
Alice had already walked up to Dekan and said with a smile.
“Ah, no…”
Before Dekan could finish, Alice nodded knowingly: “I understand. You’re here to buy third-rank cards. Having just leveled up, it’s time to replenish your deck.”
Dekan was about to explain further, but Alice continued:
“Meeting me is your good fortune. I’m an incredibly talented magic cardmaker!”
Dekan stared.
He now fully understood.
The princess didn’t care to listen to what anyone said.
She acted completely on her own initiative.
When Dekan was about to decline, he saw that Alice was looking at him with a self-satisfied expression.
She seemed to be eagerly waiting for him to say, “Please, Princess Alice, make cards for me!”
This was a situation that was hard to turn down.
Still, if she was confident, she must be good.
Even Dekan wouldn’t casually claim, “I’m an exceptionally talented cardmaker.”
