So broke he had to sell his blood

"Brother Hei, do I really have to go?"

Brother Hei was fairly easygoing, and normally he would not mind even if Wang Shui cursed at him. But seeing how unyielding he was today, Wang Shui felt something was off.

"Yes. The city's artisans below tier one started making trips ages ago. I haven't sent anyone on this route yet. I have to send at least one person to show some support."

Wang Shui was even more puzzled.

"You have a dozen or so shops of all kinds. This crappy repair shop is the most worthless of the lot. It doesn't even have a name. Why send both Kazan and me? Besides, Kazan isn't even a life-class awakener."

"Kazan has a different assignment. My people have already done plenty of jobs. Only [Rusty Sword Fortress], a mere three hundred-odd kilometers away, requires transporters to be no higher than tier one, preferably life-class. You're the only one under me who qualifies, you scrub."

"Uh, well, the slums are full of low-tier awakeners."

"They were snapped up ages ago. Otherwise, would I come here specifically to corner you?"

"Is it really that necessary?"

"You're not getting out of it."

Wang Shui faced a helpless choice-or rather, he seemed to have no room to choose at all. If every low-tier awakener in [Iron Edge City] had gone, he certainly could not escape.

"You really dropped the ball, Brother Hei. You couldn't grab anyone in advance, and now I have to risk my neck."

"Uh, I turned off all my messages and spent over a month having fun. By the time someone dragged me up, it was already too late."

The fake smile disappeared from Brother Hei's face, leaving only a calm helplessness and an authority that allowed no refusal.

"I understand. But I want to know what happened and what I'm supposed to do. I want real intelligence."

"You just got back and haven't noticed the news on the [Dream Network], that's all. There hasn't been much false information lately."

They both sat down.

"It's just some trouble on the battlefield. The war zones closest to our safe zone are the river-laced [Bramo] tundra to the north and the mountainous hills along the [Maya River] to the east. About ten days ago, a major battle broke out on the northern main front. The system launched a [Real World Battlefield Recruitment Mission], and quite a few high-tier awakeners died at the front. The three big shots from our district came through without a scratch, though. Silvia in particular killed dozens of mid-tiers-tiers two and three-and six high-tiers-tiers four and five-in battle."

"Then why was Her Majesty transferred back to [Rusty Sword Fortress]?"

"Uh, three of the six high-tiers she killed were teammates... Silvia ignored the system's warnings and forcibly killed three **, then submitted footage of her fight with those three and reported them for colluding with the enemy. The system has reviewed the case and cleared Silvia. She's ready to return to the front, but people from other districts have maliciously cut off her hunting group's supplies. Things aren't looking good right now."

"The front is openly dragging its feet?" Wang Shui did not know much about battlefield affairs.

"The enemies in the north are too weak. But on our side, plenty of organizations don't want the war to end so soon. There's money to be made as long as there's fighting."

"So we're helping Her Majesty? She seems to be in a pretty weak position right now."

"However weak her position, she's still our district's queen. She's someone who will protect this safe zone with her life. However strong the others are, they'll only point their guns at you. You're still too young."

Hmm-

Wang Shui more or less understood. One of his district's three big shots needed supplies. Three hundred-odd kilometers was neither particularly near nor particularly far. Bulk cargo could be teleported, and big, crude, heavy equipment could be shipped by [motorized train]. But there were indeed some more delicate things, things that could not be placed in static space or compressed, which needed separate transportation. That also offered a degree of concealment and security.

"I more or less get it. Delivering goods to another district, right... What's the cargo, and what's the latest I can leave?"

After experiencing a world that had not been all that dangerous, Wang Shui had not exactly become brave and fearless. Still, he was doing much better than before, when he could barely get through each day as a mission approached.

Brother Hei patted Wang Shui on the shoulder.

"Good.

"The more you experience, the less afraid you'll be. The cargo is a [BSR-01-Rockfield Type II] multifunction repair bench and a [BSR-012-Titan-class Industrial Printer]. They have to be handed over to the [Penumbra of Destruction] hunting group. Most of the people in the fortress are low-tier awakeners, and fighting is forbidden, but they might use some disgusting tricks. Still, I have faith in your thick skin. Squeeze your way in, hand over the goods, and teleport straight back. I'll reimburse the cost." "Two brand-new industrial machines?!" Wang Shui was shocked.

"What a weird thing to focus on. Did everything I just said go in one ear and out the other?"

"No, bro, if those two machines are brand-new, they're worth over a hundred million, aren't they?!"

Brother Hei nodded. "They are brand-new. [Penumbra of Destruction] spent a lot of money and called in plenty of favors to get them. But don't worry. Even if you're blasted to bits, those machines won't be damaged. Their outer protective cases have [Hypergravity Locks] and [Spatial Anchors]. The transport manual will explain how to activate them. No one's managed to steal one in two hundred years. If you run into danger, just activate the protection and run."

Right. Once a [Hypergravity Lock] activated, it could probably crush the ground dozens of meters down. No wonder they could not be transported by train. And with a [Spatial Anchor]'s passive effect, teleportation was impossible too.

"How am I supposed to stay calm transporting something that expensive?"

"It's fine. Relax. What you're transporting might not be real. Most likely it'll be empty crates, or crates full of ordinary supplies. However restricted something that expensive is, they wouldn't use trash like-uh, an ordinary life-class like you to transport it. Most of you are just smokescreens. All of you put together aren't worth a single crate."

You were about to say trash, weren't you...

"What about the timing?"

"You have one week at most to prepare. The [Penumbra of Destruction] hunting group will head to the front in three weeks. Their team mechanics need time to work. Hmm... I think I understand what you're worried about. You're too weak. How about this? I'll give you your payment in advance. If you need any supplies, contact the shops under my name. Arm yourself a little, at least look the part."

This time, Brother Hei stood up with absolute resolve, his gaze sharp, showing none of his usual drunken, lecherous demeanor.

"That's settled, then. One week from now, on the morning of the ninth day of the fourteenth month, the truck will be waiting for you at the east gate until two in the afternoon."

With that, Brother Hei regained his charming smile, waved, and left. Heavyhearted, Wang Shui sank into his chair and fell into thought.

Until two in the afternoon. If I don't go, I won't ever need to go again... Brother Hei actually spent all that time explaining. He's too gentle.

With no choice, Wang Shui began taking stock of his condition.

His attributes had increased a little during his recovery, but they were still a fair way from the human limits. His talent could not be used directly in combat. Of his skills, only [Foundation of Martial Arts] counted as a combat skill, and even that was passive. He truly had neither magic nor technology.

Wang Shui forced himself to calm down. He pulled a sheet of blank paper from his desk, picked up the pencil beside it, and began writing and sketching. He liked this primitive way of keeping written records. It helped him think.

At a little past nine that evening, Wang Shui went over everything again and began making voice calls to his acquaintances.

"Hey, Harvey, it's A Shui. Brother Hei told me to requisition some goods. Yes, just check with Brother Hei or the 'butler.' Right, I saw your shop's website got a few new [Bharals]? Yes, the [Daylight · Bharal], that tier-two fifth-generation model. Just keep the Super-Mobility Module. Yeah, protection would be even better. Give me an insider price, won't you? I'm risking my neck for Brother Hei here-seventy-five thousand? Fine, I won't haggle. Throw in two tier-three energy coins, though. Screw you! How the hell are privately minted coins going to cost you anything? Just send it over tomorrow. Yeah, okay, bye. Let's hit the baths sometime."

Phew-after ending the call, Wang Shui could barely contain his excitement. It was not that he had no ambition. This mobile armor was the most expensive thing he had bought himself since transmigrating.

Honestly, Wang Shui had repaired more impressive equipment before, but he had never really considered owning mobile armor himself.

But what young man didn't love mechs!

Still, this alone was not enough. He needed more preparations. It was only nine in the evening, and the city was just waking up.

"Hello? Is this Moran Bookstore? I'd like to ask if you have any introductory books on alchemy. Ah, I know there are lots. Just, something more mainstream. Yes, no skill scrolls. Right, as comprehensive as possible. Notes on consignment? Silver coins only? Isn't ten silver too expensive? How so? Really? A bundle discount? Okay, I'll take them all. Twelve hundred Dream Points, right? Huh, knowledge is pretty cheap.

"Ha, Old Moran, you finally recognized my voice. Don't you have awakener IDs? You don't even remember your regulars. Okay, I'll take the notes too. If the contents aren't as impressive as you say, I'm coming over for a refund. Yes, all right, deliver them tomorrow morning. I'll send the money first."

The value of knowledge really varied wildly. A bundle of dozens or even a hundred introductory books cost just over a thousand points, while a single set of private alchemy notes could be listed for ten silver coins.

[Alchemical Silver Coins] were not a general equivalent of value, but a special consumable. Perhaps because their name contained "silver coin," or perhaps because they really were shaped like coins, these heavily consumed items were often used as a currency that held its value well. Naturally, they were also important strategic supplies, very suitable for stockpiling as an investment.

An Alchemical Silver Coin had never dropped below a thousand Dream Points in value. With all the recent fighting, online prices were heading straight toward twelve hundred.

Wang Shui had twenty-three silver coins, but he had never considered them money. They were supplies that could save his life. Still, if the alchemy notes really contained what Old Moran claimed, then, as he said, ten silver coins was a steal.

No. No, it's still not enough. The mobile armor mainly provided mobility and protection. Studying alchemy was so he could use the gold equipment [Hermit's Hand]. Wang Shui was still desperately short of offensive options.

Keep calling people!

Steeling himself, Wang Shui selected someone on his friends list whom he had never contacted before, a man whose name was a single character: [Dong].

"Hello, this is Half Bottle of Water. Do you remember me?" Wang Shui's calm voice held a hint of caution.

"It's only been four or five months. My memory isn't that bad." The man's voice was rich and powerful, deep and resonant, leaving an impression after a single hearing.

"I'd like to trade for something."

"Changed your mind? It's just a little blood. You'll recover in a few days. I'm a proper cleric. I'm not going to do anything to you. So, what would you like?"

"Something offensive that a tier zero can use. No skill scrolls. Something fairly powerful."

"Why are you still tier zero? Oh, life-class. Those are very restrictive conditions... Do you have a way to use [Mystic Cards]?"

"Uh, could we try something else? I have... a bit of a particular problem with [Mystic Cards]."

"So you're from a world without supernatural powers? Mystic Cards it is, then. Send me your location. I'll deliver the goods and collect mine, and treat your condition while I'm there."

Wang Shui knew about [Mystic Card Phobia], but he had never owned a Mystic Card himself. His symptoms were not obvious, so he had left it alone.

But now... a cleric of a legitimate god should be trustworthy, right?

"443 Artisan Street. The same crappy repair shop where you met me. Come straight up to the second floor. The door's open."

The man was decisive too, hanging up as soon as he heard the address. Wang Shui sat quietly for a few minutes, until steady footsteps sounded along the stairwell.

"It's quite tidy upstairs."

Wang Shui turned his gaze toward this cleric-with the very charming voice.

The newcomer was not particularly tall, but by human standards, he was frighteningly muscular. His holy clerical robes, white with gold trim, were stretched over his frame like armor. The bright red decorative patterns on them resembled enemy blood.

He was [Dong], the cleric of the [God of Rose Red] who had offered to buy Wang Shui's blood several months ago. He was an awakener with a modest reputation in the city.

"No need to stand, and no need to get me a seat. This won't take long."

As Dong spoke, he extended his right hand from beneath his white-and-gold robe. Approaching Wang Shui, he made a declaration in a level voice.

"May the blood of rose red grant you vitality."

Blood-red light flickered around his right hand. Dong rested it gently on Wang Shui's left shoulder, and Wang Shui felt an invigorating energy spread from his shoulder through his entire body.

It was a blessing ability from the theological side.

"I didn't expect you to come from a world without supernatural powers. I imagine Mystic Cards existed in your world too, but they were just very, very ordinary pieces of paper, or simply electronic products. Am I right?"

Wang Shui nodded. Mystic Cards had indeed existed in his original world. Not only had they existed, they had been a major card game he had once maintained.

After transmigrating into this world and seeing those familiar Mystic Cards again, many ideas had popped into his head. He had thought Mystic Cards had brought him here, but later learned that they were merely a very ordinary supernatural system found in many worlds.

In occult terms, a disparity in supernatural expectations had given Wang Shui a relatively common case of [Mystic Card Phobia]. He did not even need to use a card. Merely staring at one or holding it for over half an hour would make him nauseous, vomit, and feel dizzy. His symptoms were much milder than Shino's, only somewhat unpleasant, but they would have a major impact in combat.

"Have you used Mystic Cards before?"

"Yes. I can last about an hour with item cards."

"Then it's even simpler. Focus on the Mystic Card. I'll guide your energy to activate the card together with mine. Feel its interior carefully. A few circuits should do it."

As he spoke, Dong flicked out a card. It flew a little over a meter before fixing itself in midair.

"Spell card activation."

The voice command was unnecessary. Dong was mainly reminding Wang Shui to focus.

Soon, Wang Shui felt ripples of energy radiating steadily from his body like waves of water. The moment the floating card touched them, it actively established a connection with him, synchronizing some information to his biological brain.

[Spell Card · Energy Link (blue)]

The information flashed past, and Wang Shui's vision began changing. At first, the world merely seemed covered in a film of water. Then his sight grew clearer and clearer, and the glow of various energies in his surroundings became distinct. Points of energy in every color gave off faint halos, almost filling the world, yet without obstructing his view.

An especially bright, pale blue thread appeared between the card and Wang Shui's body, enticing him to reach out and touch it.

"Follow the pale blue thread to the card with your mind. Observe the array structure inside it. Just let your consciousness follow the energy."

Dong's voice sounded beside his ear. Following his instructions, Wang Shui began sensing the card. Soon, the card before him rushed toward him like a mountain, turning into a sky full of lines and symbols that filled his entire vision. Wang Shui was like a tiny ant gazing up at a giant built of lines and symbols.

He lost himself.

But soon, as though rewinding, his view began retreating. When his attention finally refocused, the card was already flying back toward Dong.

"Done. Remember that feeling. When you have time, activate some simple Mystic Cards and observe them. It may be slower without my guidance. Be patient with it."

"Thank you..." Wang Shui suddenly felt a little exhausted, even though the divine vitality blessing was still affecting him.

"It was nothing. I'm more interested in your physical condition. You're still a pureblood human, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Have you had sex recently? Within the last ten days."

"No."

"Excellent. I intend to take fifteen hundred milliliters of blood. Divine magic will help you resist the negative effects of blood loss and replenish your blood and vitality quickly. But try not to visit Flower Street for a month. You'll pass out."

Wang Shui nodded somewhat numbly, but Dong slapped his forehead.

"Almost forgot. This is the Mystic Card I chose for you. Inspect it first."

So down-to-earth? And I actually let your presence intimidate me before. Though Wang Shui was a little tired and dizzy, his mind was still fairly agile. He could not resist inwardly poking fun at the cleric as he accepted the card.

[Spell Card · Deadly Flying Blades (green)]

[Spell tags: "mind," "force field"]

[Spell duration: sustained]

[Spell range: small]

[Spell manifestation: invisible, orbiting force field]

[Base damage: 5-100]

[Additional damage: varies according to casting materials, "mind" attribute, and "thought" attribute.]

[Usage restrictions: none]

[Consumption: 2 points/second · any spell energy]

[Durability: 92/100]

[Description: an orbiting force field array controlled by mental power. Sharp objects can serve as casting materials to enhance the spell's physical damage. Casting without materials is equivalent to an orbiting "Magic Missile" effect.

Increasing energy input increases the flying blades' kinetic energy;

increasing the "mind" attribute increases the weight and number of flying blades supported;

increasing the "thought" attribute improves control over the flying blades.

What a detailed description... Wang Shui's knowledge of Mystic Cards was limited to simple item cards, the kind with only two or three lines of information.

"It's only green quality, but this Mystic Card has extremely high killing power and decent growth potential. Blue quality and above have tier requirements," Dong explained.

"It must be expensive, right? I've never seen anything like it on the market." Even as Wang Shui asked, he had already put the card away.

"It's worth about thirty thousand, but supplies are extremely limited. You can only buy it in certain small Mystic Card circles. This card still has plenty of durability. As long as you don't overload it, it'll last a long time. Green-quality Mystic Cards are relatively cheap to repair too."

As the cleric spoke, he took out a sealed crystal tube about thirty centimeters long.

"Pure blood has little value to most people, but I'll offer you generous compensation. Our doctrine forbids us from craving blood, so you'll need to contact me yourself in the future as well. Now, relax."

The divine method of drawing blood was quite peculiar. The cleric simply held the crystal tube in his left hand and rested his right on Wang Shui's shoulder. A barely perceptible wisp of blood energy connected Wang Shui to the tube. Then, under Wang Shui's gaze, red liquid welled up like springwater inside the crystal tube and filled it.

"So, try to stay alive a little longer."

Those were the last words Wang Shui heard before falling asleep.