After the ceremony, Lomio and his first “chosen brother” in this new life immediately set out, reaching the dormitory ahead of the surging crowd.
The process went unusually smoothly.
They successfully secured that perfect dormitory spot which Lomio regarded as the “Dragon’s Rising Ground.”
This meant that for the next three years at the Academy, Lomio had a most solid physical guarantee for his student life.
The two pushed open the doors to their respective rooms, placed their luggage down simply, and then, as if by tacit agreement, met in a secluded courtyard behind the dormitory building.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, casting mottled patterns of light.
Karenina sat upright on a stone bench. Even in men’s clothing, her innate elegance could not be concealed. Only now, her ice-blue eyes were filled with scrutiny and anticipation.
Lomio wasted no time and went straight to the point:
“About credits, I’ve figured out several key points.”
Karenina set down her teacup, adopting a listening posture.
“First, this ‘credit’ system doesn’t only target students—the teachers are also affected.”
Teachers?
Karenina recalled a few names.
In her mind, teachers at the Principality’s Magic and Martial Academy were all renowned powerhouses or scholars.
How could such people willingly be restrained by a system meant for students?
“You mean, the teachers’ promotion and evaluations are also tied to credits?”
“Exactly.”
Lomio nodded affirmatively, then added with a shift in tone,
“But I suspect the teachers have a separate system. The way they obtain credits is mostly unrelated to us students.”
“As far as I know, many senior students trade credits and even exchange them with teachers for daily conveniences or privileges!”
Lomio had deduced this from the in-game shop system.
Every week, the in-game shop would rotate through different teachers, and the materials that could be obtained with credits were always different.
And that shop wasn’t officially part of the Academy, but rather an underground exchange known as the Black Shop.
Reflecting real logic, that meant—even the powerful teachers needed credits.
And this also proved the tradability of credits.
“If that’s the case, there’s only one answer.”
Karenina’s mind spun rapidly:
“It’s about resources. Powerhouses need resources, so they comply with the rules.”
So that’s it.
The Academy used scarce magical resources, ancient knowledge, even secrets to advancing to the Legendary tier, as the items to be exchanged with credits—thus attracting and keeping those top-tier powerhouses who could shake the world with a single stomp.
This wasn’t just a way to manage students; it was also a bridle to control the strong!
This single piece of information alone was enough for her to reassess the grip the upper echelons of the Principality held.
Following this train of thought, Karenina continued,
“In other words, as long as we can amass enough credits, we can also exchange for resources capable of changing our fate.”
“Exactly! Ah, talking to a smart person is so effortless!”
Lomio was overjoyed, filling Karenina’s teacup with black tea as he gave a “brotherly” warning:
“But let me give you a word of advice—this place is full of hidden currents. Some resources are just too conspicuous. Us boys out here have to protect ourselves, lest we become someone else’s meal.”
He said this with all sincerity, coming from the survival instincts of a straight man in a matriarchal world.
However, when Karenina heard it, the meaning twisted.
“Someone else’s meal?”
Her fingertips tapped lightly on the cool stone table.
“For example?” She asked with interest, wanting to see just how much he knew.
Interesting.
And…his face was truly pleasing to the eye, that rare blend of composure and shrewdness unique to a merchant.
You could never find someone like this among those pretentious noble scions in the royal court.
A flavor all his own.
“For example, after the classes are divided, there’ll soon be a massive ‘initial screening.’”
Lomio began breaking down the first plot point he remembered from the game.
After class placement, the Academy would use practical tests to teleport various groups to areas where dangerous magical beasts roamed.
Each mentor would score and screen them, finally forming the real classes.
If a group’s teamwork was outstanding, the whole group could be placed in the same class—not a rare occurrence.
“The details aren’t clear yet, but when the time comes, I hope we can work together.”
“Not just pass, but rank high! Let’s scoop up a fat sum for our starting capital!”
Karenina’s blue pupils contracted slightly.
Starting capital?
That was not a phrase an ordinary student would use.
“Are you planning to resell materials?”
“No, no, I call this plan…”
Lomio grinned mischievously:
“Credit Loan!”
“As long as we accumulate far more credits than everyone else in the early stage, we can use ‘contract loans’ to lend credits to those who urgently want to grow stronger, but can’t figure out the rules or earn a single credit—the ‘clients.’”
The more Lomio spoke, the more excited he became, as if already seeing wealth rolling in.
“If we manage things well, by the end of the first month, we’ll have our first batch of profits!”
Of course, this wasn’t his original idea.
In the game, a certain wildly popular businesswoman character had risen to power using this very move, and because of that, noticed the protagonist’s “talent,” eventually blooming into a yuri romance.
Lomio didn’t care about any popular character.
But he was twelve times more interested in money and credits!
With money and credits, he could buy materials, experience cards, and grow his talent tree.
Isn’t this just like League of Legends?
Farm gold fast, be the dragon-slaying overlord; farm gold slow, and get stomped!
Lomio agreed wholeheartedly.
“The risks are too high.”
Karenina’s voice turned grave as she frowned in thought:
“If the Academy is as ruthless as you say and runs on elimination, how can you ensure that those eliminated ‘clients’ will pay back their credits?”
“If they’re expelled, all that’s gone for good. Not even magical contracts would help.”
“About that…”
Lomio revealed a mysterious smile, stopping at just the right moment.
“I’d like to keep that a secret for now.”
Of course he’d go after the future game protagonist team and important supporting characters!
As long as he didn’t touch their core interests and followed the basic rules of trading, making a killing was just a matter of time!
Karenina saw the “everything is under control” look on his face, and her heart skipped a beat.
He’s already…chosen his targets?
This wasn’t just simple lending anymore.
He was screening for “usable people”!
He was using “credits” as invisible shackles, binding potential talents to his war wagon in advance!
The opening ceremony had just ended.
Today was only the first day at the Academy!
How could he dare, how could he, when everyone else was still lost about the future, have planned so far ahead, so thoroughly?!
“No, Karenina, you can’t lose your composure.”
Admonishing herself so, Karenina sank into cautious contemplation.
This plan could not possibly be his idea alone.
It must be a core mission handed down by the force behind him.
There were plenty of influential people in this school, but the credit system forced even these newcomers to compete on an even starting line…
Was that what he’d set his sights on?
At this, Karenina felt she understood a bit.
But what would this plan ultimately affect, and whom was he targeting?
How would he use this method to accomplish his goals outside the Academy?
If…if he could truly accomplish everything he said…
Karenina felt she would do whatever it took to keep such talent by her side.
If she couldn’t have him, she must at least ensure he would never stand against her—even if she had to destroy him.
Fortunately,
The northern plan had just begun, and before returning to the Empire and completing her ultimate bid for power, there was still plenty of time to observe him.
For now, the wisest move was to cooperate, push the plan forward, and accumulate credits.
“Since my ally has said so, I won’t ask further.”
Karenina gave up on pressing.
Seeing is always better than asking.
“Ah, thank goodness you agree…”
Meeting the depths of Karenina’s slightly intimidating gaze, Lomio said this aloud, but a chill crept down his back.
This guy…should have a normal orientation, right?
“But there’s still one thing I’m very curious about.”
As if seeing through his thoughts, Karenina gave what she thought was a gentle smile, her finger gently brushing her spatial ring.
Clack.
A crystalline card shimmering with magical brilliance landed on the stone table.
An unregistered card with a thousand magic crystals.
“You’ve borrowed this money—what do you plan to do with it?”
She leaned forward, her ice-blue eyes staring at Lomio, carrying a hint of pressure.
“Is it for some woman you fancy?”