After their chance encounter and in-depth conversation in the library, an unspoken understanding seemed to have formed between Lin Yinuo and Ailina. Ailina was drawn to his knowledge, far beyond his years, and his insight into the essence of things, while Lin Yinuo admired her business acumen and her ability to think independently and question authority.
They often "ran into" each other in the same corner of the library, and their discussions gradually expanded from commercial history to resource distribution, the value of intelligence, and even the delicate balance among the various powers on the Yulan Continent. Drawing on the [Memory Enhancement] he had obtained through check-ins and the bits of miscellaneous knowledge he had picked up afterward, Lin Yinuo always managed to offer perspectives that Ailina found refreshing.
That afternoon, the two met again in their usual spot.
Ailina pushed several sheets of papyrus covered in elegant handwriting toward Lin Yinuo, excitement sparkling in her azure eyes. "Yinuo, based on the theory of 'information gaps' you mentioned last time and those examples of forgotten trade routes, I've put together a preliminary plan. We can start with the price differences for local specialties between Fenlai City and several nearby provinces, using some of the Bolenas Family's neglected outlying channels to exchange goods on a small scale. The initial investment won't be large, but the profit margins are considerable. More importantly, we can use this to build a basic information network."
Lin Yinuo quickly skimmed Ailina's plan. It was clearly organized and carefully considered, even anticipating several possible risks and countermeasures. He nodded inwardly. Ailina's ability to put ideas into action was even stronger than he had expected.
She really is a born business leader. This plan is already quite mature. It only needs a few adjustments and some ideas on using mercenaries and wanderers as covert information nodes... Those ideas happen to come from a miscellaneous book, "Marginal Occupations and the Flow of Social Information," that I obtained through a check-in a few days ago.
"The plan is very good," Lin Yinuo said approvingly, looking up, "especially the risk management. I have a few thoughts to add about passing information..." He quietly explained his ideas on using seemingly insignificant groups of people to construct the beginnings of an intelligence network that was both basic and extremely difficult to detect.
The more Ailina listened, the brighter her eyes grew, and she looked at Lin Yinuo in amazement. "That's ingenious! This way, we won't just be doing business-we'll be weaving an invisible web! Yinuo, you're a genius!"
She paused and lowered her voice slightly, a note of seriousness entering her tone. "Then does this mean... our partnership has officially begun? Profits will be divided according to investment and contribution, and we'll share intelligence resources."
"Agreed." Lin Yinuo nodded without hesitation. He needed a highly capable partner who could operate openly. He reached into the small bag he carried and took out a small scroll made from magical beast hide-though he had actually retrieved it from his system storage-and handed it to Ailina. "These are my preliminary predictions for the climate and fluctuations in mineral output in Chier Prefecture and the surrounding areas over the next year. They might help you choose your first shipment of goods."
This was not a magical prophecy, but a logical deduction he had made by combining [Yulan Continent Geography] and [Principles of Basic Climatology], both obtained through check-ins. Its accuracy far surpassed an ordinary person's judgment.
Ailina accepted the scroll as though she had received a priceless treasure. She knew that anything Lin Yinuo provided would be no ordinary thing. "Wonderful! This will give us a head start!"
There, in a corner of the library, two children under the age of ten quietly finalized the preliminary framework of their partnership. The first threads of a covert web of commerce and intelligence began to take shape.
Meanwhile, the Ernst Institute's annual wilderness trial for new students was approaching. As usual, all new students would travel under their instructors' supervision to the outskirts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range for several days of practical training. The aim was to give them their first exposure to real magical beasts and develop their combat abilities and wilderness survival skills.
After the announcement, the entire first-year residential area buzzed with excitement and anticipation, along with some inevitable nervousness and unease. After all, the Magical Beast Mountain Range was a dangerous place where peril and opportunity coexisted.
When Linley heard the news, he felt both excited and a little uncertain. Returning to their dormitory that evening, he caught hold of Lin Yinuo and asked, "Big brother, the Magical Beast Mountain Range... I heard it's really dangerous. Will we run into any really powerful magical beasts?"
Lin Yinuo looked at his little brother's face, filled with both longing and apprehension, and patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Our instructors will be there, and we'll only be staying on the outermost edges. The risks are manageable. This is a good opportunity for us to gain experience."
The Magical Beast Mountain Range... That's an important check-in location. And in the original story, that was where Linley met Bebe and obtained the Coiling Dragon Ring. Though I've changed a few things, major turning points in fate like this should still happen. I need to prepare, both to ensure Linley gets his opportunities and to gain something for myself.
He walked to the window and gazed at the distant outline of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, crouching like a massive beast in the night. The approach of a storm was already in the air.
"Linley." Lin Yinuo turned around, his tone serious. "Over the next few days, let's spend more time practicing the most basic Earth Element and Wind Element defensive and acceleration spells. In the wilderness, survival and mobility are sometimes more important than attacking."
"Yes! I'll listen to you, big brother!" Linley nodded firmly, trusting his older brother's words without question.
Late that night, when all was quiet, Lin Yinuo lay in bed without immediately falling asleep. He brought up the system interface and looked at the glow representing check-ins, calculating silently.
Tomorrow is the day we leave for the trial. Based on the pattern, checking in at a new location or a significant event should give me a higher chance of receiving a high-quality reward. The Magical Beast Mountain Range... I hope I can get something that will immediately improve my combat strength, or perhaps some insight into the laws?
He vaguely sensed that this journey to the Magical Beast Mountain Range would be his first real test since coming to this world, as well as an important point where his and Linley's paths of fate intersected.
He closed his eyes. Continuously nourished by [Soul Dust], his spiritual power gathered strength like an undercurrent surging beneath a tranquil lake.
A storm was approaching, and he was ready for both the rewards and the challenges it would bring.
Before you continue