Michael read through the class description with a broad smile on his face.
The pain of losing so much money instantly faded away.
“Finally.
We’re here,” Michael said, smiling as he stared at the grand city gates of Iron City.
“Awooo!” Flame howled, dashing ahead excitedly.
Together with his battle pets, Michael approached the city gate.
“Halt!
Entrance fee!” one of the guards demanded.
“And what is your purpose for visiting?”
“Gate fee?” Michael asked, genuinely surprised.
As a former prince, he had never paid such a thing in his life.
“You’re new here?
It’s two copper coins per person,” the guard explained.
“Oh.
Here you go,” Michael said, handing over two copper coins from his pouch.
“I wish to register as a mercenary and adventurer,” he added, trying to walk through.
The guards stopped him again.
“You really lack basic manners, newbie.
You can’t just drop two copper coins and expect to pass,” the guard said, stretching out his hand once more.
Michael was starting to get annoyed.
He hated greedy people, and these guards were no different.
Just as he was about to act, a sweet voice intervened.
“Here.
Eight copper coins.
Gate fee for me and my friend.”
Michael turned around and saw a beautiful young woman with auburn hair, emerald-green eyes, and flawless skin.
“Haha!
Finally, someone who knows how things work!” the guard laughed heartily and stepped aside, letting them both pass.
Once inside the city, Michael turned to the woman.
“Thank you.
Let me refund you the money.”
She smiled politely and refused.
“If I wanted you to pay, I would have told you before paying.
My name is Cecil.”
“I’m Michael.
Thank you again,” he replied.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Michael quickly excused himself and left.
“Love dulls the sword of a man,” was Michael’s favorite saying — especially after the betrayal by the siblings he once loved dearly.
Cecil stared at Michael’s retreating figure in shock.
It was the first time a man had fled from her presence so quickly.
“My lady, should I bring that discourteous fool to you later?” a whisper reached her ears.
A powerful S-rank guardian resided within her shadow.
That won’t be necessary,” she replied.
“But he was rude to the princess of—”
“Geldon.
Right now, I’m just an ordinary person without any titles,” she reminded him coldly.
“Apologies, princess,” the voice whispered before falling silent again.
Michael, completely unaware of the conversation, continued with his plans.
He already knew his Twin-Headed Wolf couldn’t enter the city, so he stored both Flame and the ice wolf inside his Inventory.
He found an average-looking inn, booked a room, and ordered some food.
Once inside, he counted his remaining coins — about one and a half silvers.
“This should be enough for my next plans,” he muttered.
After resting, he headed to the blacksmith district and carefully inspected several shops, using his Sword Heart to judge the quality of their work.
He eventually found a suitable blacksmith.
“Yes?
How may I help you?” the blacksmith asked as Michael walked into his shop.
“I’m here for business,” Michael replied.
“Oh.
You want to buy a sword?
D-rank or C-rank?
If you want B-rank, it’ll cost a fortune and must be pre-ordered.
The price is…”
“Hold on.
I want to purchase at least fifty D-rank swords,” Michael said.
The blacksmith paused mid-task.
“Fifty swords?
What for?”
“It’s personal,” Michael replied.
“Is there a war coming or something?” the blacksmith pressed.
“Are you willing to do business or not?” Michael asked, losing patience with the nosy man.
“Cough!
Cough!
Of course I’m interested.
A D-rank sword normally costs 12 bronze.
For bulk, I can do 10 bronze each.
Fifty swords will be 500 bronze total.”
“Hmm.
Fair enough.
How about we sign a contract right now?” Michael suggested.
With a wave of his hand, a glowing contract appeared.
The contract terms were strict:
– The blacksmith would supply Michael with as many swords as he could produce.
– He would not inquire about or reveal Michael’s intentions or identity.
Any breach would result in his death and the transfer of all his wealth to Michael.
– Michael must pay in full.
Any attempt to cheat would make him the blacksmith’s slave for five years.
The blacksmith hesitated at the ominous terms, but Michael’s persuasion skills worked wonders.
After signing and receiving a down payment, Michael left with the fifty swords.
In a secluded alley, he touched each sword, raising their grade to C-rank using his Sword Heart.
He then sold them near the Adventurer’s Guild with his face partially covered.
C-rank swords normally sold for around 30 bronze each.
By the end of the day, he had sold everything.
He paid the blacksmith the remaining balance and returned to the inn.
“Damn.
I’m quite the businessman,” Michael praised himself.
He had bought swords for 10 bronze and sold them for 30 bronze — a 200% profit.
In one day, he had made 10 silvers.
“Finally.
I can spin again,” he thought joyfully.
[8 silver coins spent.]
[Drawing Gacha…]
[Congratulations!
You have received the SSS-grade Bloodline: Daylighter.]
[Daylighter]
Vampires are believed to be creatures of darkness, cursed to never walk in sunlight.
However, a rare variant exists — Daylighters.
They can bask in sunlight without fear and have nullified most of the traditional vampire curses while greatly enhancing their bloodline’s strengths.
Abilities:
– Improved Senses: Sharper senses than most races.
– Regeneration: Heal wounds by drinking blood or basking in sunlight.
– Improved Physique: Increased strength, speed, and stamina.
– Compulsion: Compel weaker-willed beings to obey.
– Growth: Become stronger by consuming blood.
The longer you live, the more powerful you grow.
Warning!
It is strongly advised to find a secluded area and secure a blood reserve before accepting this bloodline.
“What kind of bloodline is this?” Michael muttered, confused.
He had never heard of Daylighters or vampires before.
His eyes then fell on the ominous warning.
It discouraged him from accepting the reward immediately.
He decided to wait until after registering with the Adventurer’s Guild and hunting in a dungeon.