Chapter 0001: Trust is the true benefit

Aero took a deep breath, allowing his smile to become exceptionally amiable, and said: "Mr. Napa, I am fifteen this year, and as for why I am dressed as a man... it is for convenience."

Aero pinched his nose, and as soon as he stepped through the door, he was immediately forced to retreat. He held onto the hat on his head to prevent it from falling off due to his coughing

Establish the Adventurers' Guild

A human with almost zero magical affinity, a frail body, and no special racial talents

"Ah, fifteen gold coins"

Just as he was about to turn around and continue tidying up the house...

Only after the musty smell in the house became somewhat "friendly" did Airo reluctantly step inside

A woman who graduated from Old Tengshu Academy, even if she comes from a common background, should have no problem marrying into the nobility. Moreover, you are not unattractive; in my view, this should be the quickest way for you to escape poverty

Accompanied by the crisp sound of a snap, the tightly closed door was slowly pulled open

Since you believe my value is so great, to the extent that you are even willing to wager your life on it, what more can I say? Vice President of the Adventurers' Guild

He extended his hand and gently grasped Napa's small paw, giving it a slight up-and-down shake

Heh

Gently reaching out, I touched Napa's head; it was soft and quite adorable.

I cannot give you 1000 gold coins, and I haven't arranged the second floor and the basement. But... is this result enough to exchange for your 'trust'? If... if you agree... in the future... I can give you... more... much more... Zzzzz...

The more serious the problem, the stronger the setbacks, the brighter your smile should be

In the face of doubt, Airo's expression appeared quite calm. She nodded and said, "You are not wrong, Napa."

Napa, who had originally appeared quite lazy, suddenly perked up, her large eyes filled with vigilance: "Human, what do you mean?"

Therefore, all human actions are driven by interests. By extension, other thinking beings should be the same. They will choose the option that is most beneficial to themselves after weighing various factors. And you, Napa, after encountering me, pondered and concluded that allowing me to establish an adventurers' guild is the optimal solution for you. What do you think this represents?

Many girls do study, but for the Old Tengshu Academy, which generally only admits nobles and royalty, the young ladies who enter are primarily looking for future husbands. Even if there are a few who study earnestly, once they complete their education, they end up getting married, and the knowledge they have acquired is essentially reduced to mere conversation topics during tea and meals

Ah? Ten gold coins? No, no, no, that's far too little! Let me take you inside to see the internal structure; it will definitely be worth more than the price

You know my name, but out of respect, I cannot possibly refer to you as Cat Monster or anything else, can I? Moreover, as far as I know, you do not seem to be a magical beast recorded in the bestiary, so how should I address you?

But I must say, I indeed graduated from the Old Tengr Tree Academy. Moreover, it should be the Old Tengr Tree Academy of the Blue Bay Empire that you have heard about from the nature spirits

He extended his hand and gently touched Napa's paw, smiling as he said, "However, trust is something that arises from exchange. When both parties can continuously exchange their resources with each other, and the outcome leaves both sides feeling satisfied, trust is born. These resources can be tangible items, or they can be emotions and communication. So, to put it simply, trust is also a form of commercial value."

Ailuo took out a cloth and cheerfully cleaned the bar counter, then retrieved a blanket from his package and folded it into a warm square on the counter. Once finished, he smiled and gestured to Napa to invite her over.

The bright eyes no longer held that lazy disdainful hue; instead, they were filled with contemplation. The gaze that was once filled with doubt now harbored a deeper grievance: why had fate's jest awakened someone who appeared so ordinary?

Clean the bar area thoroughly. Although it may appear somewhat outdated at the moment, with time it will surely be tidied up!

The long ears twitched slightly, and Napa raised her head to glance at Airo, who was busy with various tasks.

After all, the fact that there are 100 gold coins in scholarships is already quite extravagant, as an ordinary farmer earns at most 2 gold coins a year. Moreover, how could an ordinary farmer's daughter obtain a guild management certificate issued by the empire? Ha! Even bards would not dare to write it this way.

Take off the hat

I still do not like this way. I hope to be able to take control of my own destiny, rather than betting my future wealth and glory on some man. After studying for so long and learning so much, is the final outcome to become the mistress of some noble young master? I do not want to waste my youth like this

Aero clapped his hands, wiped the dust from his cheeks, and walked back. He glanced at Napa's expression, then looked at the wooden door of the basement, thought for a moment, and walked over to push it open.

Aero expressed great happiness, seemingly filled with anticipation for his future

Aero instinctively raised his hands to cover his hat

Haha, I really don't believe it

Fortunate! Airo is indeed the so-called ordinary person of legend

Emerging from the basement, Airo ascended the dilapidated and decaying staircase to the second floor. This area was divided into individual rooms, all of which were in a state of disrepair and exuded a musty odor. It seems that this bar once also served the function of an inn

But this is not because this little monster has cleaned the entire first floor

However, it now seems to understand why.

The space of the basement is approximately half the size of the first floor. Looking up, the several holes in the first floor have fortunately not affected this area. A few columns made of rock have withstood the passage of time, supporting this space to prevent it from collapsing

The moment he saw the glowing orb, Airo's mind suddenly exploded! He felt a slight tension, but the smile at the corner of his mouth appeared even more radiant

Aero turned around with a cheerful smile towards Napa after hearing this sentence, saying, "Oh, you admit that this place is a dump? I was just a bit anxious earlier about what a terrifying beast you might be."

When encountering problems, one must smile. This has become a distilled experience from Airo's past life.

Aero squinted his eyes, only able to see some areas near the entrance. However, the sunlight seemed unable to fill the entire basement. He frowned slightly and turned to walk towards the stairs, wanting to see if there were any candles or the like upstairs

However, if you establish an Adventurers' Guild, I will provide you with some assistance. Assistance that you may never have imagined possible.

Napa looked into Airo's eyes and saw no lies within them. This girl was genuinely contemplating the matter of 1,000 gold coins over 3 years

Cough cough cough cough

Napa floated over as well, and the swirling dust seemed unable to tarnish its beautiful light golden fur. Watching the busy Airo, this lazy cat chuckled: "The most renowned aspect of Old Tengshu Academy is its tactical school, which has countless branches under it. In addition, it also boasts one of the rare magical schools on the entire continent. However, I think with your physique, you cannot become a warrior, and there is no affinity between your soul and magic. Furthermore, it also has one of the rare magical schools on the entire continent. However, I think with your physique, you cannot become a warrior, and there is no affinity between your soul and magic. So... the economic school? Hehe."

Looking at the place he had personally cleaned, Airo appeared revitalized, a smile spreading across his face

However, since you are willing to boast, I am also willing to listen. Young lady who graduated from Old Tengshu Academy, why did you come to such a desolate place where not even a bird would defecate

Aero nodded: "I was born in the capital of the Blue Bay Empire and graduated from the Department of Economics at Old Tengshu College. When it comes to traveling... the identity of a male is always more convenient than that of a female"

Do not waste so many words, I am the one asking you now, it is not yet your turn to ask questions

Transaction completed

Aero spread his hands, revealing a face full of a rogue's smile: "Humans are thinking beings, and therefore, under normal circumstances, they will always choose to make decisions that maximize their own interests. However, sometimes, for various reasons, the choices that humans believe to be optimal are often not the best. Nevertheless, it should be beyond doubt that all human actions are aimed at satisfying their own interests. Even a madman will use his own crazy thoughts to determine that certain things are beneficial to him. Yet, it should be beyond doubt that all human actions are aimed at satisfying their own interests. Even a madman will use his own crazy thoughts to determine that certain things are beneficial to him. Even the most noble and supreme hero, who is willing to sacrifice himself for others, includes the self-satisfaction of his own thoughts in his interests.

He snorted, "You are mistaken; what I want to establish is a commercial guild. Moreover, I have neither combat skills nor magic..."

Aero began to roll up his sleeves and clean this seemingly dilapidated house. He walked outside with familiarity, moved in his luggage, put on an apron, and started to tidy up the cobwebs and dust in this place.

Hmm... but... how about 10 gold coins... or 40 gold coins? This is the largest house in our Pelican Town! You won't find a better house within a hundred miles!

The youthful voice, however, sounded somewhat indifferent, even a bit disinterested

Three years, 1000 gold coins

Ah ... ... Ah ?

The situation is stronger than the individual, and Airo could not have anticipated that just as he was preparing to embrace a new life, he would be struck a heavy blow. He slowly removed his hat, and a cascade of slightly naturally curly, beautiful golden long hair fell from beneath the brim.

Because only by smiling will others be unaware of what you are truly thinking in your heart

He carefully covered his hat and cautiously descended the stairs into the basement

Oh dear, isn't that so

So, why are you still laughing

Hmm? Are you in fear? But why are you laughing?

The cat circled around Airo several times, sniffing up and down with its nose. It observed from Airo's coarse cloth shirt all the way down to the hems of his linen trousers, and then to the pair of large shoes on his feet that had faded but were polished very clean, before finally hovering in front of Airo

Aero furrowed his brow and sighed, saying: "No, I originally thought that economics would teach me how to procure goods, how to calculate accounts, how to reduce tax liabilities, which items sell well, and which items need to be stocked. However, I never learned a single bit of knowledge in this area until graduation."

Seeing Airo's head so close, Napa knew that with just a swipe of her claw, she could leave three bloody scratches on that face

The orb seems to be able to perceive Ai Luo's emotions in the darkness, yet its voice sounds exceedingly dull, as if its interest in the human before it has reached an all-time low

Napa once again looked up and down at Airo, and it seemed that the cat was somewhat puzzled: "The Blue Bay Empire? The Old Tengshu Academy? Hey, girl, do you really think I can be easily deceived, sealed here and unaware of everything? Let me tell you, the Wind Spirit often collaborates with me to compose music, while the Rain Spirit recites distant poems with me. The Dark Spirit whispers tales of generals and wars to me at night, and even the Earth Spirit beneath your feet comes to inform me of the rise and fall of nations and their transitions"

The door to the basement was gently closed

I must tell you, I did not come here casually. There is a mine nearby, right? Recently—

The most fundamental point is that you cannot create a well-functioning adventurer's guild solely with your own strength. You need a spokesperson, a representative who can be utilized to help you fulfill certain interests.

After pondering for a moment, Airo finally approached the bar, gazing at the little cat, a slightly wicked smile unexpectedly crept onto the corner of his mouth

Aero reached into his pocket, where he found eighty-four gold coins and some loose change. It looked like a lot, but he was well aware of what this money truly meant

Napa's eyes sparkled with a hue of suspicion; it was supposed to be the one threatening the girl, yet unexpectedly, this little girl turned the tables and began to demand things from it instead

What kind of creature are you? I do not have this in the bestiary at school

If I do not agree to exchange with you, or if I were to exchange with something of very little value, what would you do

I am wondering, how much could I sell you for? Although the collection of specimens is not very complete, there should still be many people who would want to buy such a cute creature like you

The house is quite nice—if we are only talking about the space

The luminous sphere swayed in mid-air as if it were alive, slowly approaching Airo and circling around him.

Napa, lying over there with her eyes closed in sleep, still appears so listless, yet her voice sounds remarkably resolute

Napa wagged her tail, looking at the girl with curious eyes: "And then? You graduated, how did you end up in a place like this?"

If a warrior or a mage faces it without fear, then it can be understood. But how is it that an ordinary person is also unafraid of it?

So, this seal is not a lock belonging to some untidy wizard, but rather a sealing array used to seal a magical beast

The cat, upon seeing Airo question it once more, could not help but feel a twinge of anger. It opened its mouth, revealing sharp teeth, and a faint, ominous dark glow emanated from its body.

This is an abandoned wine cellar? Hmm, not bad, it can be used as a warehouse in the future

Napa slowly calmed her hair and said, "This is the first time I've heard someone articulate 'distrust' so clearly. Are you really sure that your economics education hasn't taught you how to do business?"

Aero cares a bit, but actually not too much.

The thought of potential treasure instantly lit up Airo's eyes

Aero turned around, thinking he had misheard.

Aero looked at the clean first floor and then at Napa now

The cat nodded and continued, "What is your name?"

The youthful voice sounded quite weary: "Fifteen gold coins, to be paid in full at once. Moreover, if life here is satisfactory, I can introduce more business to you. Otherwise, I will leave right now"

This silence caused the originally lively time and light, which were dancing with each other, to fall into a hush, as one observes this seemingly ordinary farmer girl

Creaking sound

Although he does not understand magic, Airo has certainly read many of those public magic books at school

The young man's hands gently pushed, and sunlight poured in from outside, filling the entire entrance hall, awakening the long-lost vitality of the years, and bringing the freshest air into this small world

Airo chuckled and said, "I do not possess combat skills, nor do I have any magic. Since I was able to graduate from the Old Tengrui Academy, it at least proves that I have learned something, right? I have a scholarship of 100 gold coins in my hand, and I have also obtained a 'Guild Management Certificate.' In that case, why shouldn't I establish my own commercial guild? Through my own efforts, perhaps I can break free from the fate of poverty, or perhaps not!" I have a scholarship of 100 gold coins in my hand, and I have also obtained a 'Guild Management Certificate.' In that case, why shouldn't I establish my own commercial guild? Through my own efforts, perhaps I can break free from the fate of poverty, or perhaps not!

The lack of transparency in information often signifies a sharp increase in business risks, and there is even a significant possibility of being deceived

World of Warcraft

Until ーー

Why disguise oneself as a man

Only by laughing can you find a way to solve problems

However, Airo has no affinity for magic, so she cannot perceive these lights. When facing this little cat, her past experiences and education lead her to respect it, but not to feel humble.

I am an orphan, and I have lived a difficult life since childhood. The root of many problems actually stems from poverty, and the solution to many issues is essentially how to become "not poor".

Napa's body fell back onto the cushion, appearing somewhat weak, with its eyes not as wide open as before. Its back rose and fell sharply as it lay there, clearly exhausted.

The cat appeared to be in a rather poor mood, its tone sounding lethargic, yet its large sapphire blue eyes were observing Airo with great attentiveness

Saying this, Airo extended three fingers, and the expression that had originally shown a mischievous smile instantly turned serious, as he said with great solemnity

Aero turned around, only to find that the cat had already fallen asleep. How unfortunate that he had just said so much nonsense.

In the darkness, a sphere of light suddenly illuminated.

Why don't you get married

You girl, from head to toe you look just like a peasant. You tell me you graduated from the Old Tengshu Academy of Blue Bay Empire? Although I have only heard of that school from the ears of elves, it is definitely not a place that a little girl from a slum like you could afford to attend and graduate from successfully

Will this cat believe?

After a moment of silence, Napa finally nodded gently. Its body floated up again, and some golden light radiated from it.

Indeed, there are many powerful seals that those magicians use to attack others and to imprison magical creatures, but there are also some seals that are purely used by the magicians as a lock for a safe. If this house has truly been left unattended for such a long time, it is possible that there is a treasure hidden beneath it that a magician forgot to take away

As Airo stated, trust arises from exchange

Ten gold coins, your house looks so dilapidated from the outside, the renovation budget might exceed the cost of purchasing this house. I will only offer ten gold coins

"I ask you to take off your hat, why hide such beautiful hair? Will you take it off? Or do you wish to defy me?"

Aero straightened up, placed his hands on his hips, and said with a smile: "Though it is called an exchange, in reality, I am also weighing my value in your eyes. The more you anticipate me acting as your agent to manage the adventurers' guild you mentioned, the greater my value becomes. Of course, the value in the eyes of beasts and that of humans may differ in emphasis. How about this: to demonstrate my sincerity, I will share my expectations with you."

I am just an ordinary poor girl. Not to mention the Adventurers' Guild, I do not even have any experience in managing a commercial guild. It is only natural that a person with no experience would need to follow the guidance of a senior like you after accepting your advice. At that time, you may instruct me to go east or west, and I might completely lack understanding of the purpose behind these actions.

At this point, Ailuo simply leaned on the bar, positioning his head directly in front of the cat, grinning mischievously

Napa's expression was somewhat hesitant; after much deliberation, it slowly settled onto the mat made of the blanket

In the next moment, the radiance emanating from the sphere of light began to spread on its own, illuminating the entire basement. It was at this moment that Airo truly saw the full extent of the basement and also gained a clear view of the sphere of light

For many years, the cat had only been able to lie on the rotting wooden floor, but suddenly it felt a very strange sensation. It extended its paw, gently stepped on the mat, and then began to lie on the mat with great ease, continuing to maintain its laziness

Standing in the middle of the first floor, Airo briefly surveyed the surroundings.

If it were an ordinary beast, that would be one thing, but for a beast sealed by a certain array, the best course of action for an average person is to comply and then find a way to leave

What is your name? Cat?

Hoo ... ...

Mingming heard that he might sell it for money. As a Warcraft, he could easily eliminate this ordinary human, yet he still exhausted his magical power, transforming into a state where he could be at the mercy of others. This can only prove that this representative is truly important to him.

The wooden door has not been opened for an unknown length of time, and the light from outside shines through the holes created by insect damage

However

Aero's lips curled up; maintaining a smile when faced with problems has become a habit for him

I have been poor since childhood, so I thought, since I am studying economics, this field must be able to teach me many ways to make money, to earn big money, and to easily earn big money, right? Therefore, I excitedly enrolled in this field. However...

As Airo strolled, the sound of his footsteps stirred up dust, which danced in the sunlight. When his footstep landed on a section of the floor in the corner of the room, the hollow sound beneath the wooden planks inevitably piqued Airo's curiosity

He took a small step back, slightly sweeping away the dust on the floor. A tattered magical array, resembling a winged structure, appeared before Airo's eyes

Haha, young man, you really know how to do business! Alright! From now on, we will be neighbors in the same town, I concede to you!

However, this human girl has quite a reverent attitude towards herself. Moreover, no matter how one looks at it, she is an ordinary person and poses no threat to herself at all

Seal? Hmm... It seems quite ancient, doesn't it? The sealing effect... Ah, it has been opened

Ailong was taken aback; he attempted to push, but to his astonishment, he found that the entire door panel could not be moved at all

Ten gold coins, if you don't sell, I will go buy a house in the neighboring town, they are much cheaper than yours

What appeared before Airo was not the terrifying monsters depicted in the bestiary, but rather a creature resembling a cat, with a smooth body, a slight yellowish hue, floating in mid-air, and with notably elongated ears and tail... a cat?

Sir, you have indeed found the right person! This building is the most magnificent structure in our area! No matter what you use it for after purchasing, you are guaranteed to make a profit! Do not be deceived by its dilapidated appearance; with proper renovation, its value could increase tenfold or even a hundredfold! At fifty gold coins, you will definitely not incur a loss!

If Napa wishes to gain my trust, then she must also offer something of substance in exchange

Therefore, I am already aware that you have certain expectations of me, but I do not understand what these expectations mean for me. Rather than allowing you to remain in my shop as this unstable factor, do you not think that selling you for money would be a more optimal solution for me?

Alright, considering that you are quite polite, you may call me Napa. Now, answer my question: how old are you? Why are you disguising yourself as a man?

Aero was curious, but soon he understood what had actually happened

... ... Alright, I will take it off

Even though Napa has lost consciousness now, this promise has already been made

In just a few minutes, the space on the first floor has been transformed completely! The candles on the candelabra are lit, the tables and chairs are arranged neatly, and apart from the absence of any liquor on the cabinet, it resembles a tavern that has just been renovated and is ready to open for business

However, in the face of an ordinary poor person, such behavior seems rather petty

In the year 1301, on August 1, the purchase cost was -15 gold. Travel expenses amounted to -7 silver and 3 copper. The remaining balance is 84 gold, 2 silver, and 7 copper

However, while this girl was speaking so cheerfully, she was unaware that the cat behind her was silently staring at her

Thinking of the sad places, Airo couldn't help but feel a bit dejected. He sighed and said: "It wasn't until graduation that I truly understood that economics is not a discipline that teaches people how to make money. Rather than teaching how to earn, it focuses more on analyzing why others make money and why they lose it. The crux of the matter is... no one can guarantee making money by simply copying someone else's path; sometimes, it is even difficult to ensure that one does not lose money."

Napa gradually arched its body, faintly sensing that the seemingly ordinary farmer girl before it might not be as uncultured as it had imagined

Hmm? Strange

I have said that! Now it is my turn to ask you, not the other way around!

This time, it was indeed pushed open quite smoothly

Napa directly expressed her attitude, floating in mid-air with her arms crossed, adopting a reclining posture, and spoke with a hint of laziness in her expression

Apart from the 15 gold coins spent on purchasing this house, as well as the travel and meal expenses to reach Pelican Town, if I am unable to earn 1,000 gold coins by the 'Christmas Festival' three years from now, it will have a tremendously negative impact on my future life. What exactly this entails... well, that remains my own secret.

Its voice seemed weak, no longer exhibiting the feigned laziness from before. Later on, the little cat lay on the cushion, no longer speaking.

Try again, but this door panel that seemed so easy to open just moments ago now stands as immovable as a wall

Aero stood with hands on hips, gazing at the roughly cleaned first floor, a smile of anticipation for the future gracing his face

This place may have once been a tavern, with the wooden bar counter covered in a thick layer of dust and filled with cobwebs. In the corner, a few chairs were haphazardly placed, and when one was lifted, the entire chair immediately fell apart with a crackling sound. This made Airo hesitant to touch the wooden shelves and tables nearby, fearing that even the slightest movement might cause the entire building to collapse.

Aero carefully assisted those chairs up, smiling as he spoke

Therefore, when I had the opportunity to enter the Old Teng Tree Academy, I did not hesitate to choose the faction that seemed to promise me a wealth of knowledge—the Economics faction

The house, which originally appeared dilapidated, gradually became clean under the embrace of this golden light! The heavy dust and the cobwebs that were intertwined inside and out slowly disappeared, and the broken wooden planks seemed to come to life, growing to block the holes.

Aero stopped his work, turned his head to look at Napa, but did not speak to agree.

Aero appeared very calm as she raised her hand to smooth her hair, tucking it neatly back into her hat. Once properly adorned, she transformed back into the appearance of a young man. She then glanced around the basement, confirming that there were no other strange magical beasts present.

But there is no mistake, the sound is indeed that of the cat

Just as he released his grip, contemplating whether he should use the broken wine barrel in the corner to smash this dilapidated door...

Compared to Airo's discourse, Napa appeared increasingly disheartened, as if Airo was not the candidate she had in mind. Yet, she found herself awakening to a sense of melancholy and helplessness: "Stop turning the pages; that magic circle is what I used for my self-sealing."

An empty treasure chest is even more disappointing than a treasure chest monster

Convenient

The little cat, which originally had a very smooth body, now had its fur standing on end. It even cracked its mouth open, revealing its tiny teeth as it faced the grinning Airo.

Ariel

Unfortunately, this first breath of fresh air does not seem very welcoming

Establish an Adventurers' Guild. Otherwise, I will not allow you to use this building

There is actually no need to discuss one's own matters with this mysterious cat monster, and it is believed that it would not fully trust the words of this "mysterious" farmer girl either

Are you ... ... a cat

Like its appearance, this house is an old wooden structure. The walls are covered with decaying wood, the floor is uneven, and there are several places with holes.

The originally seamless wooden boards formed a downward cavity with a gentle push from Airo's hand. Airo waited at the opening for a moment, confirming that nothing strange would rush out, before daringly peering down into the abyss.