A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 118

As human civilization advanced, various cultures emerged, and among them, one stands out.

That is none other than ‘money.’ Broadly speaking, it can be referred to as economics, and more narrowly, as currency.

Money has occupied a significant portion of human civilization, causing countless incidents and accidents. You don’t have to look far—just consider the Soviet Union.

A superpower that divided the world with the United States through the unprecedented ideology of communism. Although it dissolved after reaching its limits, it left a significant mark on history.

As such, there’s even a saying that human civilization is driven by money, highlighting its immense role. This applies not only across eras but also universally.

The reason I bring this up is that a massive fortune is about to fall into my hands. The weekdays have flown by, and the weekend is approaching.

I decided to leave the auction and commission payments entirely to Kara, but I plan to oversee it personally.

Since the auction is being held at the Academy, there’s no room for underhanded deals.

Therefore, I plan to deposit the funds in the bank as soon as the auction concludes.

“Alright, Sivar. Let me teach you the concept of money. Do you see this?”

Before the auction began, Kara came to the dormitory to give me a lesson.

Neither Kara nor anyone else knows that I already understand money. They probably assume I only know the basics.

“This is a silver coin. You can think of it as a key currency, a common currency. Each country uses different currencies, and the amount you can exchange for these silver coins varies.”

Kara showed me a silver coin as she spoke. The coin had the face of a man engraved on it.

It was likely modeled after the hero who was said to have subjugated the Demon King. At least, that’s what I remember.

Coincidentally, silver coins began circulating during that era, and later, the Academy was established.

Initially, they were only used within the Academy, but over time, they became a key currency.

“Exchange rates… you probably wouldn’t understand even if I explained. Anyway, with this, you can buy candy or cake that you like. You’ve seen us purchase things, so you have a rough idea, right?”

“Yes. One silver coin for one candy.”

“You remember it exactly.”

In most games, there’s usually only one type of currency. Soul World also uses silver coins as its main currency.

While each country has its own unique currency, the value of silver coins doesn’t diminish, so they can be used anywhere.

However, due to exchange rate issues, they’re less efficient in some places, and during certain events, the value of silver coins can plummet.

People carry silver coins primarily for their versatility, but they’re not all-powerful. Think of them as similar to the US dollar.

Regardless, having more silver coins is always better. They can even be used to develop non-combat roles.

“The more silver coins you have, the better, but the more people will target you. As I mentioned before, once the auction ends, strange people will flock to you after hearing the rumors. If I’m by your side, I can block them in advance, but if you’re alone…”

Kara looked uneasy, as if worried I might fall victim to a scam. Her gaze then shifted to my side.

Since we were conversing in my dormitory, Rize was naturally present as well. In other words, Kara directed her gaze toward Rize.

Rize seemed to catch on to the meaning behind Kara’s gaze and spoke with her characteristic smile.

“I can’t always stay by Brother Sivar’s side. You might want to mention this to someone else.”

“Hmm… then, in the unlikely event that Sivar gets scammed, could you help him a little?”

“I’ll help by cutting off the scammer’s wrist.”

If that’s not brutal, I don’t know what is. It’s dangerous for a saintess to say such things, but if it’s the Fist Saint speaking, it’s merciful.

In the Medieval Era, scammers were often dealt with severely. Especially counterfeiters—they’d be executed without question.

Anyway, if Rize were to act as my reliable backing, scammers would likely hesitate to approach me… or maybe not.

“Just to add, be wary of anyone who claims it’s not a scam while mentioning my name. Many scammers operate with the mindset that they’ll never see you again.”

“Ah, I’ve experienced that too. Luckily, my father showed up just before I fell for it. Otherwise, I might have been fooled.”

“How did he punish them?”

“He pulled out their tongue and let them go.”

“How merciful.”

Look at this brutal conversation. The fact that it flows so naturally is even more absurd.

Given their high reputation, they must have attracted all sorts of parasites. They’ve likely had their fair share of trouble.

“Still, there are some genuinely helpful people, which makes it all the more frustrating. There was someone I told to leave, and later, I was shocked to see them establish a major merchant guild.”

“Economics works best when insight and knowledge are combined. Kara, you have both, so you’ll do well.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about; it’s Sivar. He seems to have an eye for people, but his knowledge is a bit…”

Excuse me. I can understand everything you’re saying now. Since you’re genuinely concerned, I can’t even get mad.

Moreover, while they don’t know it, I also possess knowledge. I’m already aware of merchant guilds or companies destined to skyrocket.

If I invest in them, I can make money easily. The problem is doing it without their knowledge or convincing them.

Especially Kara, who is sensitive about money matters, making conflict highly likely.

‘For now, I guess I’ll just leave it in the bank?’

In this world, there are scientifically advanced nations, so banking and finance are also well-developed.

So, leaving it in the bank to earn interest wouldn’t be a problem, but it would take too long.

In the first place, even in Soul World, banks are meant to keep money safe, not to grow it through interest.

“Once the auction ends, the funds will be deposited into Kara’s account, right?”

“I plan to visit the bank first. If Sivar’s account can be set up, I’ll deposit it there. If not, I’ll put it in my account.”

Of course, just because finance is advanced doesn’t mean you can create an account recklessly. On the contrary, it’s annoyingly demanding.

You need an ID card or an item that can definitively prove your identity. Without it, it’s absolutely impossible.

If anyone could create one, ghost accounts would be everywhere, used for crimes. People in the Medieval Era weren’t stupid.

“Since Sivar is an Academy student, setting up an account shouldn’t be difficult. However, Kara will still need to manage it for him, right?”

“I can’t hold onto it forever. Teaching him economic sense is the priority… but it’ll be tough, won’t it?”

“If you educate him at his level, it won’t be too hard. With Kara and Ellie’s help, he’ll catch on.”

“Ah, Ellie…”

Kara reacted somewhat reluctantly when Ellie’s name was mentioned. She looked as though it hadn’t crossed her mind.

‘Ellie’s economic sense isn’t great either…’

It’s not that she’s a big spender. It’s just that when it comes to herbs and potions, her spending skyrockets.

For now, she’s making do with herbs from the forest because she has no money, but if you invest in her, she’ll spend it all.

Still, her growth rate is so remarkable that she’s the top investment priority. I also plan to invest in Ellie as soon as I get money.

“It’s about time for the auction to start. Are you heading to the bank first?”

“Yes. I’ll set up Sivar’s account first. I can teach him economic sense gradually.”

As the auction time approached, I headed outside with Kara. Our destination was the bank.

Since Tatars emphasize trade, they naturally have to be sensitive about money. Because of this, Hector introduced banking and finance.

While he causes trouble in many ways, his abilities as a ruler are quite decent. Otherwise, he would’ve ruined the country long ago.

Thanks to this influence, Kara is also well-versed in banking. More than that, she’s quick-witted and good at investing.

‘Though she hasn’t ventured into stocks yet.’

The reason she hasn’t is simple. Stocks haven’t been introduced yet.

Knowing about something and actually using it are two different things. In reality, Tatars are only now starting to adopt it, so there are many shortcomings.

Despite being labeled a barbarian, Kara is relatively cautious. She doesn’t act without prior information.

“Let’s see… I’ve got the ID card ready, and the information that I’m an Academy student should already be recorded, so there’s nothing to worry about. Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

It didn’t take long to reach the bank, where we conducted another round of checks. The bank’s exterior, though made of different materials, looked familiar.

A place that feels both fitting and out of place—a curious mix. Thanks to one scientifically advanced nation, the world is reaping the benefits.

While I wandered around examining the bank, Kara consulted with a bank employee. Naturally, it was to set up my account.

“What? Academy students can’t deposit more than 10,000 silver coins?”

“Yes, it’s due to a newly implemented regulation. There have been many cases of accounts opened by Academy students being used for crimes.”

However, an unexpected problem arose. Academy students couldn’t deposit more than 10,000 silver coins.

Nobles are fine because their households provide solid guarantees, but commoners are not. They have to go through annoyingly demanding procedures.

Kara seemed like she wanted to argue further but quickly gave up. It seemed the justification of crime prevention was too solid.

“Ugh… then can I use my account?”

“Well… aren’t you from the Tatar Tribe?”

“…So what?”

Could it be that she’s being rejected just because she’s from the Tatar Tribe? Kara’s expression hardened, as if she had a similar thought.

The bank employee glanced around before whispering to us in a low voice.

“The credit rating for those from the Tatar Tribe is unclear, so the deposit limit is very low. This is unavoidable due to past issues involving the Tatars.”

“It’s not like I’m issuing a national bond; I’m just an individual.”

“Please consider your status…”

“Ah.”

She finally seemed to realize that she was the Princess of Tatars. An entirely unforeseen problem had emerged.

In any case, the maximum deposit limit for Kara’s account was 500,000 silver coins. I realized just how expensive the Usk Blade Fang was.

Ultimately, even setting up an account became a hassle. Even Kara’s trusted account couldn’t handle the deposit.

Essentially, the only option left was to increase the limit on my own account. To do that, I’d have to go through a complicated process.

“The auction starts today… Is there really no other way? Canceling the application now feels awkward with everyone already gathered.”

“As I mentioned earlier, if you bring an item or a witness that can definitively verify your social status, it will suffice.”

“Hmm… Ah.”

A brilliant idea suddenly came to me. I nodded and spoke to Kara.

“Wait for me. I’ll be right back.”

“Huh? Where are you going?”

“You’ll see.”

I should have done this from the start. Without any hesitation, I stepped out of the bank.

About ten minutes later, I returned with the ‘witnesses’ the bank clerk had mentioned.

“I didn’t realize there were such regulations since I don’t use banks often.”

“Agreed. I didn’t expect even Kara’s account wouldn’t be sufficient.”

Rize and Rod. None other than the Fist Saintess and the Sword Saint.

The bank clerk’s expression turned bewildered at the appearance of such unexpected individuals. It was a reaction of utter disbelief.

“So, what happens to the account now?”

“…Please wait a moment. I’ll need to consult with the Bank Manager…”

Forget verification—if even this doesn’t work, it’s outright discrimination.