Dekan's Third-Order Card Maker Certification

The morning sun hung on the horizon, and the passing breeze was filled with the fresh scent of fruits and flowers.

Stepping through the twilight, Dekan walked slowly across the campus in his school uniform, a faint smile on his face.

With a peaceful expression, he bathed in the morning sunlight, his entire being radiating a sunny temperament.

Since he had no classes this morning, Dekan had signed up for today's Tier 3 Card Creator certification exam.

After obtaining a high-tier certification, he would receive better discounts when purchasing various standard materials at the Card Creator Association.

Furthermore, the commission rates for consignments and accepting targeted commissions would also be reduced.

In addition, the Card Creator Association was also a great place to post requests for rare materials.

Although Dekan's current net worth was nowhere near enough to afford Tier 6 Epic materials, he could at least register his purchase intent.

Once he cleared another Shadow World, he might have enough money to make the purchase.

Dekan and Cornelia had scheduled their next Shadow World raid for a month from now.

First, raiding a Shadow World had a cooldown period.

Second, Dekan hoped to wait until Cornelia advanced to Tier 4 in the real world before heading into the Shadow World.

This way, their destructive power would see a qualitative leap.

Cornelia had been acting a bit mysterious these past two days, constantly running off to a small hill behind the school.

However, since she hadn't actively sought Dekan's help, he decided not to pry into her privacy.

Although the two gave other students the impression of being inseparable, in reality, they spent most of their time doing their own things.

Dekan often locked himself in his dormitory to craft cards, while Cornelia went for combat training every day.

Theresia, on the other hand, had heard Dekan mention he was going to take the Tier 3 Card Creator certification and had arranged early on to go and observe.

She was one of the few people in school who knew Dekan was a card creator.

Theresia had long wanted to see Dekan's card-crafting process.

Additionally, if Dekan managed to create any new works, she would have the chance to be the first to purchase them.

"Good morning, Dekan!"

"Morning, Theresia!"

The two met at the agreed-upon spot at the school gate and then headed toward the Card Creator Association.

Dekan had recently been rising to fame in the Royal Capital; the feats of him and Cornelia ravaging a Tier 4 Shadow World and defeating the Faceless One had already spread far and wide.

The school had even produced a highlight reel, though most residents lacked the magical equipment to watch it.

Thus, many in the Royal Capital had only heard his name but had never seen the person himself.

On a side note, although the process of Dekan's Shadow World raids was highly entertaining, some parts might... severely impact the school's image.

Therefore, the school ultimately decided that future broadcasts of Dekan's Shadow World raids would be internal only, with edited recordings released to the public.

However, Professor Morgut of the Alchemy Academy had still signed a lucrative profit-sharing contract with Dekan and Cornelia.

About half an hour later, they arrived at the Card Creator Association, Norton Kingdom Royal Capital Branch.

Pushing open the heavy solid wood doors, they entered the magnificent and spectacular building.

The interior of the association looked very quaint; aside from the clearly divided counter areas, there were no excessive decorations, and everything appeared very tidy.

Even though it was still morning, the association was bustling with staff everywhere, and many visitors were gathered in small groups at the counters discussing various topics, with hearty laughter erupting from time to time.

"What time does your exam start?"

Theresia asked.

"Ten o'clock. We're a bit early, so I plan to register my purchase requests and head to the second floor to buy some things."

Dekan checked the time; it was only a little past eight.

"That's fine, I'll take a look too."

The two went up to the second floor together.

Just as they arrived on this floor, which resembled a merchant guild, their attention was quickly drawn in one direction.

Not far away, a blonde girl also wearing a Havenlit Academy uniform was surrounded by several staff members in high-tier steward attire, as if she were the moon surrounded by stars.

Judging by her uniform, she appeared to be a second-year student from the Alchemy Academy.

Such a scene was generally rare.

Unless her status was exceptionally noble.

Before Dekan could express his surprise, Theresia had already recognized the blonde girl's identity.

She grabbed Dekan's sleeve, seemingly preparing to turn and leave.

However, because Dekan and Theresia's uniforms were also quite conspicuous, they coincidentally caught the blonde girl's gaze.

"Theresia?"

The noble, elegant, and captivating blonde girl gazed at Theresia and Dekan with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Theresia let out a secret sigh.

When she looked back at the blonde girl, her face was already full of smiles: "Good morning, Your Highness Alice."

Standing to the side, Dekan noticed Theresia's subtle attitude and seemed to have realized something.

This blonde girl was a princess, and a rather troublesome one at that.

"What a coincidence, Theresia!"

Alice had already quickened her pace, looking at Theresia with a face full of smiles.

Clearly, she and Theresia were already well-acquainted.

"Hmm... is this student Dekan? I didn't expect to see you here. Even my royal brother has praised your heroic performance in clearing the Shadow World."

However, Alice quickly shifted her attention to Dekan; after all, Dekan had become far too famous in the academy recently.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Dekan bowed to Alice, a composed smile still hanging on his face.

The royal capital truly lived up to its name; one could run into such a prominent figure just by stepping outside.

It was truly quite thrilling.

"Dekan, I presume you came to the association today to sell the materials you obtained in the Shadow World earlier? I can purchase them at a high price!"

Alice had already stepped right in front of Dekan, smiling as she spoke to him.

"Ah, no..."

Before Dekan could finish, Alice nodded thoughtfully: "I understand. You are here to purchase Tier 3 cards. You have just ranked up, so it is time to replenish your deck."

Dekan was just about to explain.

Alice continued: "You are so lucky to have met me. I happen to be a super-skilled magic card crafter!"

Dekan: "..."

He already understood.

This princess did not listen to a word anyone said.

She was far too headstrong.

Just as Dekan wanted to refuse.

He found Alice looking at him with a smug expression.

It seemed she was waiting in high anticipation for Dekan to say: "Please craft cards for me, Your Highness Alice!"

This was truly a case of kindness being hard to refuse...

However, since she was so confident, her skill level should be quite good.

After all, even Dekan would not dare to claim that his own card-crafting skills were "super-skilled."