Chapter 36: Counting the Harvest

Karna and the other arrived on shore, soaking wet, but smiles never left their faces.

"Any findings?"

Blake looked at the two of them; their expressions were a bit too overtly joyful.

This couldn't help but make Blake wonder—could it be? Had His Highness actually discovered some treasure-filled ruins down there?

Karna smiled without saying a word. He reached into his spatial pouch and pulled out a palm-sized sapphire.

With a look of utter bewilderment on Blake's face, Karna pressed it into his hand.

Once he regained his senses, Blake hurriedly refused, attempting to return the gem to Karna.

"No, Your Highness, this is too precious."

Karna’s expression turned serious, and he used his hand to block Blake's attempt to return it. "This is what you deserve. You are a loyal and brave knight. Accept it; this is your earned reward."

Having said that, he took six gold coins from his spatial waist pouch, placed them in Blake's hand, and said solemnly, "This is for Lien and Kecha. The next time you see them, please help me deliver this to them."

Since this was intended for others, Blake found it difficult to refuse. He nodded solemnly and gave a grand salute.

Not being very good at compliments, Blake could only say, "You are truly a generous person."

"Haha, alright, we are soaking wet and it's quite uncomfortable. Let's head back first."

After bidding farewell to the mermen, they took a boat back to the town.

Just as they entered the town, a guard seemed to have been waiting for them; he hurried over and called Blake away.

Karna and Aliris were soaking wet, but fortunately, it was midday, and since the season had only just passed summer, it wasn't cold.

Passing by a tailor shop, Karna went in and emerged a moment later with a cloak, handing it to Bobot, who had been walking with his head low, acting cautiously since entering the town.

"Bobot, a gift for you."

Bobot, who had been walking with his head slightly bowed, looked up. Seeing the fabric in Karna's hand, he took it and realized it was a cloak. A look of joy appeared on his face as he hurriedly wrapped it around himself.

Covering himself up, Bobot immediately felt much more relaxed. It felt as though the gaze of the people around him had diminished significantly.

He couldn't help but say in gratitude, "Thank you, Karna. You are truly a thoughtful friend."

Karna smiled and said nothing more.

Back in the courtyard.

The servant responsible for looking after them hurried to boil hot water and prepare clean clothes.

After cleaning up, Karna immediately ducked into his room.

Before entering, he said to Aliris, "If anyone comes looking for me, tell them to wait. I don't want to be disturbed right now."

Aliris nodded with full understanding. She knew that His Highness had made a great discovery today and was very happy.

In the courtyard, Bobot looked at Aliris and asked, "Did you have a big harvest today?"

Bobot had been watching the whole way; although she was curious, she hadn't dared to ask abruptly. After all, Karna had taken her in, but she wasn't familiar with Karna or anyone else. Even as a round-eared ratman, she still possessed certain rat-like traits: caution and timidity.

"His Highness is very pleased with the harvest," Aliris said ambiguously rather than stating it directly.

Seeing that Aliris didn't want to be too specific, Bobot stopped asking and instead began to ask Aliris about her experiences and life in this country.

Her primary occupation was collecting and organizing observations and experiences from various continents and countries. Aliris was quite happy to chat with Bobot about these things, and she could also ask Bobot about matters of the outside world, as she was very interested in it. Especially since it was now certain that she would be following the Prince out.

Inside the room.

Karna rushed in impatiently, locked the door, and sat down at the table.

First, he picked up his spatial waist pouch and carefully sorted through the spoils.

A silver alchemical shield—a very good piece of equipment. Once his mana recovered, he would digitize it.

9 alchemical ancient coins, 90 gold coins, 900 silver coins.

This was a massive amount of money. One must realize that a warhorse only cost two gold coins, and a full set of knight's plate armor plus inner armor also cost two gold coins. Most finely forged standard weapons ranged between a few dozen silver coins and one gold coin.

100 copper coins equal 1 silver coin; 100 silver coins equal 1 gold coin.

A magnificent decimal system.

Although there were occasionally fluctuations in exchange rates, they generally maintained this ratio. As for the alchemical ancient coins, they were mainly of collector's value, but they were generally worth more than 10 gold coins each.

Various gemstones and several alchemical materials followed; as for these, Karna found it difficult to estimate the value, because clearly, the material prices in the game could not be compared to those here. After all, materials in the game could be farmed infinitely—it was just a matter of "grinding." But the "grind" in the game compared to the actual effort required to obtain these alchemical materials in reality was like comparing a small stream to a great ocean.

The items in his brother's tomb were all of wealth value—except, of course, for the Genesis Stone.

In the tomb of the younger brother, who had actually built the burial site, the value could not be measured by wealth alone.

A [Spherical Doll].

The foundation and the source of development for the [Doll Master] profession.

An alchemical experimental manual; the notes and records inside were all regarding the [Spherical Doll]. Although it was the source of development, it was somewhat outdated by modern standards. However, it was undeniable that it was still very useful and durable.

A [Knowledge Crystal], which was this palm-sized cylindrical crystal.

An expensive item passed down from the ancient alchemical empire that remained extremely useful even now. It could store knowledge within the crystal to be rapidly absorbed by intelligent life, skipping the tedious process of reading and memorizing.

In the game, players called it a [Skill Crystal].

Unsurprisingly, what was stored inside should be the various basic pieces of knowledge required for the prerequisite of crafting [Universal Artisan], most of which were the knowledge of alchemists. In the game, it could be roughly compared to the certification for the sub-profession [Alchemist], as well as the prerequisite for unlocking the hidden profession [Doll Master].

At the very least, for Karna, this trip had been incredibly profitable.

But for him, the true priority and the foundation of his survival was

[Genesis Stone Fragment (Small)]

This was the crux of everything.

Karna looked at the tiny fragment in his palm, which was only about the size of a thumb.

Upon careful observation, although it was an irregular broken shape, it still possessed two smooth facets. Based on its scale and size, it should be a fragment of a triangular body.

There were six Genesis Stones in total, and each had a different shape: Sphere, Triangular Prism, Cylinder, Rhombus, Cube, and a Cross-star. One could collect them based on the characteristics shown by the fragments and then bring them together to form a complete Genesis Stone, perfectly unleashing its true power.

Of course, very few people could ever achieve this.

Looking at the Genesis Stone fragment in his hand, Karna took several deep breaths.

Come on, it's time to continue strengthening my "cheat."

To continue along the path of digitization from the game.

Since this was a different world of the game, he might as well turn this world into a real game.

And the Genesis Stone, which belonged to the origin of the world, was the best tool for that transformation.