This is the second part of the story. Please be mindful of skipping ahead.
Wahid offered something to Schmidt, who was agonizing over something in his heart, as if to push him further.
“…What is this?”
At first glance, it was a palm-sized card-like object.
Prompted by Wahid, Schmidt took it.
It had exquisite decorations on both sides and seemed to be folded in two.
Upon opening it, several items were written inside.
Schmidt recognized some of them.
“Is this a Guild Card? It seems a bit large for that… And what is this Status section?”
It was Kousuke, who had been silently listening to their conversation so far, who answered Schmidt’s question.
“You are correct, it’s intended to be used as a Crown Card. Regarding its size, it’s related to that Status section… Simply put, the skills a person possesses will be displayed in that Status section.”
“Skills…?”
“To put it simply, it’s a record of a person’s abilities. However, that might be hard to understand, so let’s make a card for you, Schmidt.”
As Kousuke said this, he removed the outer box of a case that was on the table.
Inside, a box with a crystal ball appeared.
Kousuke took the card Schmidt held and inserted it into a hole in the box.
“Could you please place your hand on the crystal?”
“Like this?”
When Schmidt placed his right hand on the crystal as instructed, it began to glow faintly.
Schmidt, startled, tried to pull his hand away.
“It’s alright, please keep it there a little longer.”
As Kousuke guided him, the light faded after about fifteen seconds.
Once the light had completely disappeared, Kousuke continued, speaking to Schmidt.
“You’re done. You can remove your hand now.”
After confirming Schmidt had removed his hand, Kousuke pulled out the card inserted in the box and handed it back to Schmidt.
Schmidt, holding the card, examined its contents.
His previously confirmed skills were now added to the Status section.
“…What is this!?”
Schmidt gasped at the list of skills written there.
He was beginning to understand what Kousuke had meant by “abilities a person possesses.”
“Do you understand now? Using this tool, we can display skills on the card. Of course, some skills you might not want others to see, so you can choose to display or hide them.”
Schmidt immediately grasped the usefulness of this card.
He could see at a glance the skills he possessed and those he lacked.
It would undoubtedly be valuable not only for adventurers, whose livelihoods depend on their skills, but also for people in other professions.
Furthermore, the fact that this card was specifically called a “Crown Card” made it clear that it was intended for use within an organization they planned to form.
Wahid then took over from Kousuke and continued.
“Of course, this card is intended for use within the Guild as well, but to prevent others from using it as an identification card, it’s designed so that others cannot use it.”
“…What do you mean?”
“In the initial stage, we register the person’s unique resonance, like a fingerprint that appears when using Holy Power, Magic Power, or Divine Power. Even if someone tries to forcefully rewrite it, the content will be erased at that point.”
Regarding security, it was foolproof.
“The only way to alter it would be to tamper with the main device itself, but that would be extremely difficult.”
“Why would that be?”
“This is powered by Divine Power. In short, it’s a Divine Tool.”
Schmidt was again speechless upon hearing this information.
He had never heard of anyone who could handle such a thing.
Occasionally, items believed to be Divine Tools would be found in places like towers, but their fundamental principles were largely unknown.
Moreover, while he had heard of Holy Power and Magic Power, the term “Divine Power” was generally used only by a very small number of clergy.
At this point, Schmidt could only chuckle.
“…I suppose it’s better not to ask about its origin.”
He could speculate endlessly, but for his own good, he decided to say this.
There’s no need to poke a sleeping bear unnecessarily.
Wahid continued to explain the usage of this card.
“We plan to provide this card to all members of the Crown, and we’re also considering some benefits.”
“Benefits?”
“We have a few in mind, but the biggest one would be the free use of Teleport Gates.”
“That’s…!”
He was surprised, but at the same time, it made perfect sense.
It was the greatest advantage for an organization within the tower and for its users.
It would be virtually irrelevant for those who spent their entire lives within the tower, but such individuals would be rare.
“Of course, we plan to apply this not only to people but also to luggage.”
Schmidt, upon hearing this casual remark, cast aside his earlier worries.
For merchants looking to profit from the tower, this card would be an absolute must-have, even if it meant being bound to the Crown organization.
The usage fees alone would be a considerable burden for them.
If they were to eventually belong to the Crown, it would be better to become its leader from the start.
He couldn’t help but feel that he was being skillfully manipulated, but in a situation like this, he welcomed it.
After all, he knew for a fact that he could make a substantial profit.
There were virtually no merchants who wouldn’t jump at an opportunity that guaranteed profit.
“…Understood. I accept your offer.”
“Oh, really? That’s great. I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise.”
Schmidt and Wahid shook hands.
Schmidt then shook hands with Kousuke, and during that handshake, Kousuke dropped another bombshell.
“Thank you for accepting. I’d like you to discuss the finer details with Wahid, but I have one request.”
“What is it?”
“Once this village becomes more stable, we will increase the number of gates. Please consider potential locations for them.”
Increasing the number of gates by one more. Schmidt, understanding the implications, felt his merchant instincts soar at the prospect of the future.
After all, with this village as a hub, they would be able to travel between towns.
Depending on the monsters in the surrounding area, this would be the safest trade route currently available.
Even if they could only connect two towns, the utility value would be immense.
Schmidt, already mentally searching for suitable locations, never realized until the very end that Kousuke had said “furthermore,” not “one more.”
As a result, Schmidt would find himself in a predicament in many ways, some time later.
This was the second part of Schmidt’s story.
The writing became somewhat theoretical and perhaps difficult to understand, but it was necessary information for the future, so I conveyed it through Schmidt.
May 24, 2014 Correction of typos
June 6, 2014 Correction of typos
Two parts will be posted again tomorrow. Part 1 at 1 PM, Part 2 at 8 PM.
