The Great Crestmaster

He returned to the real world with a total of eighteen essence orbs, a large amount in the past, not anymore. That is with the assumption that each attribute needed sixteen orbs to advanced further. He had to use two orbs to return to the real world and to bring that coin pouch took six orbs.

Aldrich even felt that the potential of essence orbs was not so easy to measure, the possible uses for essence orbs could surpass his imagination.

The next morning Aldrich finished his morning routine and went downstairs and found Ayemon drinking coffee and reading a newspaper.

"Good morning."

"Good morning. Have a seat."

Aldrich took his seat and poured himself a cup of dark coffee, no sugar or milk. Ayemon continued reading the newspaper and Aldrich busied himself with the egg and bacon.

"Your identity is ready. Here you go, Aldrich of Oakwood."

Aldrich took the measly three papers stapled together and looked at his information.

"Could somebody find out if they looked into it?"

"This fake identity isn't like the ones you'll find on the black market it's something that's as real as a real Imperial identity as you can get. But I wouldn't say its impossible, just very unlikely."

"Is this village even real?"

"Sure it is. It's in the north, far north."

"What if someone asks about it?"

"Just say it's snowing all year round." Ayemon replied, unconcerned.

"Well, be ready at noon today we'll go to the academy to register you officially. Finnish everything else before then."

"Great, I'm going to the bank now. Then I'll complete my apartment contract and I'll be back in time."

"Well? What are you waiting for? Get going."

Aldrich departed along with the papers of his fake identity, then he stopped a private carriage.

"I want to go to the imperial bank."

The carriage driver looked at him, waiting. Aldrich looked back, he didn't know what he was waiting for.

"Which branch? Which district?"

Oh, he didn't think of that.

"Is there a branch in close to the pioneer street?"

"So the academy district? Yeah, hop on."

Soon after he got out and paid the carriage fare of three coppers. The imperial bank was as expected a grand building but it was only three stories high which wasn't much in Voryhrm but it was bulky and the decorations of grand statues and beautiful garden full of colorful flowers and vases gave it a trustworthy appeal.

Aldrich saw many important-looking people entering and exiting the bank, they wore clean and neat clothes, some wore luxurious accessories like red gemmed rings and golden necklaces.

Aldrich entered the building from the many doors of the building, the air in the bank was cooler and refreshing somehow. The smell was of some kind of high grade perfume.

Aldrich saw that the employees of the bank were wearing a green and white uniform similar to the servants uniform at the mansion.

Aldrich approached one of the widely smiling employees and asked, "hi, I'm here to deposit some coins."

"Do you have an account with us, sir?"

"No, but I was hoping to make one now."

"Why, certainly. Please head to the right they'll give you a number and when your number is called its your turn."

Aldrich did as he was told, he was given a number and told to wait at some of the chairs scattered in the area. When his name was called a young man in the same uniform asked for his identification papers.

Aldrich didn't hesitate and handed the fake papers to the employee, his expression did not betray his inner turmoil. He was scared that the papers would be discovered and then he could get into unending troubles.

But his worries were unfounded, fifteen minutes later his account was successfully made and the employee thanked him for his patience.

Aldrich proceeded with his tasks normally and asked the employee to deposit thirteen silver coins to his account. Three of the coins were imperial coin the rest were from the nightmare realm.

"Sir, ten of these coins are not recognized by the imperial bank."

The employee suddenly said. Aldrich didn't know what to say.

"Really? Are you sure? It's silver, what's the problem?"

"Apologies sir, we cant do that. The bank can't accept coins of unknown value."

"So, what are you going to do about this?" Aldrich asked nervously. He didn't want this to escalate any further.

"Sir, in cases like these we will present the coins to the bank's expert appraisers. It might take a while."

"Oh, that's fine I don't mind. I can wait a while." Aldrich wanted to breath in relief but held himself back with supernatural willpower.

"No, sir. I meant that you must book an appointment."

"Oh, when are they free?"

"Eeh, next week? Maybe?" The employee was unsure.

"What's this? It's just a few coins, why delay the client?" A high pitched voice suddenly interjected behind the employee.

The employee who was handling his case turned around and greeted the newcomer.

"Ms. Yasbel, this can't be helped the schedule of the appraisers is always busy, as you are well aware."

The newcomer was a young woman, she was wearing the same uniform as all the employees but instead of the green she wore dark blue.

"It's fine I happen to be free, you can go now. I will take care of this client."

"As you wish."

Aldrich could now have a better look at the woman, she was beautiful woman with black hair and deep black eyes. Her hair was done in a bun and she wore silver glasses.

"These are the coins? Well let's go to my office. My tools are all there."

"Sure, thanks for the help. I wouldn't have liked to wait for a week."

She laughed softly as the walked, "I know that feeling. It's just the pressure on the staff is a little too heavy these days. I'm Yasbel."

Aldrich followed Yasbel into a study type room on the second floor. It was neat and sparsely decorated.

"I'm Aldrich, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, you just made an account in the bank? You must've just arrived in Voryhrm, right? Do want to know how I knew?" Yasbel asked, very amused.

"Don't tell me, it's my accent isn't it?" Aldrich answered, as he rolled his eyes.

"Oh, come on, yes it's the accent. Don't be so grumpy I really like countryside accents."

"Well you're in luck, I've got a fresh accent."

Yasbel talked as she took out several tools from different drawers and placed them on the table.

"By the way does the appraisers being so busy mean that many people bring unrecognizable coins to the bank?"

"Yes, but not necessarily coins. Most of the times its precious gems and old relics, like rings and accessories. Of course we do get coins from time to time.

It's mostly because of the Great Division during the Age of Dread. When the monsters occupied the land and built strange tombs, weird cities and terrifying monuments to their Dreadlords.

During that time many of their cities got buried underground or shattered in Liberation war. And the remnants still get discovered even today by daring adventures. Some of the coins that were used at the time along with old relics are found and they get brought here to determine their value."

Aldrich had no idea that this was such a complicated matter. He just thought that silver was silver and thats it, but clearly the matter was of some importance.

He regretted casually bringing the coins so carelessly, he was glad that he wasn't the only one otherwise it might draw unwanted attention.

He could have talked to Ayemon about it but he didn't know how to explain where he got these unknown coins. In addition all this time he was traveling with Ayemon where would he have gotten them?

Of course he could claim that he just had them before he met with Ayemon and the rest. However the matter was said and done, it couldn't be changed.

"These silver coins all have no inscriptions on them, likely because of the wear and tear throughout the years."

"Well I wouldn't really know. I thought the same too."

"Well I've finished the primary inspection, these coins have a slightly higher silver content than the imperial coin. Very impressive."

"I'm glad that's the case."

"Yeah, well I can tell you roughly that one silver coin is equivalent to one silver and two coppers of our own coin."

"What does that mean?"

"It means the ten silvers you have are equivalent to twelve imperial silver coins."

Yasbel held the coins before him and grinned.

"Congratulations! I will have the converted coins deposited into your account. You can withdraw them from any imperial branch."

"Even overseas?"

"Anywhere in the world where our bank has a branch. As long as you have the account key and sign properly then the bank will be at your service. Anything else I can help you with?"

"Yeah actually, I need some bank credit notes."

"Of course, here use this. If you want us to customize one for you tell me."

"Customize it? Why would anyone want that?"

"This option is sometimes used by big companies, guilds, organizations and noble houses to distinguish themselves. They add their sigils or brands and whatnot."

"Well, the bank is very through. Thank you very much I'll come to see you next time too."

"Please do, it's my pleasure."

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