Chapter 514: Mr Tour Guide
Northern had been worried about how their journey was going to go, solely because of the Warp gate issue.
Of course, he had a little money right now. Thalen had been an incredibly helpful source recently.
Apart from paying Northern for helping him to successfully scout potentially powerful drifters, he helped register Northern's identity as a regular drifter-not the incomplete license he had before.
Now, Northern could present his identity card to any citadel, government official, or security avenue that demanded it.
Thalen also helped him to open an account with the Central Plains Silver Bank.
There were three kinds of banks in the Central Plain: the Silver Bank, the Gold Bank, and the Diamond Bank.
The Silver Bank was mainly used by commoners and low-ranked nobles-at large, a population that wanted to save and withdraw their money in Credis.
Since the circulation of Orens was scarce and that of Crysts was even scarcer, the Gold and Diamond banks presumably served higher-ranked individuals or merchants, dealing in Orens and Crysts respectively, though the circulation of these higher-value currencies was limited. Silver banks facilitated everyday transactions and savings for the majority of the population. Commoners used the bank to store small amounts of wealth and withdraw for basic needs like food, rent, and trade.
Essentially, the Silver Bank's focus was maintaining economic stability among the lower classes by encouraging savings and providing security for modest amounts of wealth.
The Gold Bank supported large transactions such as land purchases, investments, and trade deals. It served as a repository for wealthier individuals and entities, helping them manage larger sums of money in a stable manner.
They encouraged investment, business expansion, and larger-scale trade among the elite class and successful merchants.
The Diamond Bank functioned as a major motor of the economy, used for the rarest, most valuable transactions, such as financing wars, funding major trade expeditions between nations, or controlling powerful assets like rift resources and unclaimed territories.
They operated as a hub for controlling the economy on a macro scale, influencing the overall economic stability of nations and regions.
Every drifter without a nobility title or high-ranking government office was required to open a Silver Bank account, even if they were merchants.
The banking system could also be considered a sort of ladder that enabled one to climb higher in the economic system of the Central Plains.
But in a likewise pattern, it could also lead one to descend lower in that same economic system. All that mattered in the end was one's source of income and how they managed their wealth.
The Silver Bank had a silver card with a specified index that allowed individuals to access their funds by just going to any Silver Bank outlet, which were mostly available in citadels and large market franchises.
Some taverns were also prominent enough to enlist a member of the bank to work for them, directly managing their funds from customers.
So, Northern could withdraw his money almost anywhere and everywhere. And he could use his card for purchases without needing to spend physical money.
In the past few days of working for and with Thalen, he had gained quite a lot of money, along with their incentives as a temporary members of the citadel.
Ryan had even asked him to keep his. Of course, Shin also had a Silver Bank account of his own.
Looking at his card, Northern grinned a little before tucking it back into the pocket of his fitted black pants that tapered smoothly down to his heavy, rugged combat boots.
The boots, with thick soles and metal accents, gave a tough and rebellious edge to the look, complementing the long coat that adorned his upper body, flowing with every slight movement of the wind.
The coat appeared to be made from a sleek, high-quality material, its length adding a sense of dramatic flair as it moved with his frame.
Underneath the coat was a black shirt, tight-fitting, framing his slightly broad chest. It was simple, adding to the streamlined and understated design of the entire outfit.
Northern's entire ensemble leaned towards dark, modern, and tactical, with a mysterious and confident edge.
Shin and Ryan had also changed their outfits, looking more presentable, more like renowned drifters and less like survivors.
Finally, Alystren strolled out of the building, meeting them at the compound.
Northern turned around just after pocketing his card, calmly observing the man as he got closer to them.
Alystren cupped his hands together, bowing a little bit with his whimsical smile, a smile that made it difficult to tell what he was thinking.
"Your favorite tour guide is ready to take you 'round the world!" he yelled.
Northern moved his head slightly away, 'This journey is going to be a lot.'
"It is great to have you on this one, Mr. Tour Guide. What route are we taking to Arcadia?"
Alystren spoke with his hand rubbing his chin.
"Hmm, son, you look like the eldest. I think I like you."
'Son?' Northern blinked, exchanging glances between Shin and Alystren.
Shin smiled sheepishly as Alystren curved an arm over his neck and rambled on.
"For a low-key movement, we will be following a caravan to Elmuish, then we'll board an airship straight to Arcadia." He simpered, "Easy, right? Easy, right?"
"Yes, very easy, Mr. Tour Guide. I'm sure this is all thanks to your exquisite touring sense."
Alystren suddenly froze, his pupils expanding; he felt the wind of new realization caress his
face.
"Are you okay, Mr. Tour Guide?"
He stared in absence, even as shin tried to call him to the present.
"Mr. Tour Guide?"
"Mr. Tour Guide?"
Finally, he snapped out of his thoughts and focused on Shin with a smile spread from one ear
to the other. He leaned on Shin.
"You and I are going to get along!"
Shin stared with blinking eyes but muttered either way, "Sure, I guess?"
"Well then. To Elmuish!" He commanded with a loud tone and marched forward.
Shin followed right after, "Yes, yes, Mr. Tour Guide."
Northern, by the way, stared blankly from behind, seeing Shin like this made him remember
the old days.
There was a reason as to why Shin was very popular with kids around the countryside.
He had that shameless ability to put aside his grown-up self and relate to a child and a fool the way they needed to be related to.
A value that had made the whole countryside love and depend on him.
But recently, Shin hadn't been what he had always known him to be; that joyful, playful
nature had vanished totally. What existed of him was silence and an air of regret and
melancholy.
'I guess it's good that he is being himself again.'
Northern let loose a small smile as he followed them from behind.