Back in their room, Piccolo leaned back against the wall, a relaxed smile on his face. "So, here's another thing seniors do for juniors: rent out cultivation books. It's cheaper than buying from the sect shops, and it helps us both out. I have a pretty high-tier book I can rent to you. It costs just 400 points for three months."
Roman eyed him skeptically. "You're not scamming me, right? Those books aren't cheap."
Piccolo laughed, a hearty sound. "Not at all! Other seniors charge far more. But I keep my prices low, and I make good money. Renting is far more profitable than selling outright. One book can generate multiple profits. I only got this book second-hand from a senior who left the sect. I bought it for 2000 points. So, even at 400 points for three months, I still make a profit."
Roman considered this. The price was significantly lower than what he'd expected, and the opportunity to learn new techniques was invaluable. He nodded. "Okay, I'll rent it."
Piccolo grinned, clearly pleased. He retrieved a well-worn book from a hidden compartment beneath his cot. Its cover was worn, but the pages within appeared clean and undamaged. It felt substantial in his hands, promising knowledge and power. Roman carefully accepted it, knowing this was another stepping stone on his path to strength. He wouldn't squander this opportunity. He turned the book over, scanning the title, and began to read. This was the beginning of a much bigger journey.
"Do you have a sword I could rent for practice?" Roman asked Piccolo, holding out 100 sect points. "I'd like to learn a new sword technique."
Piccolo chuckled. "No need for that much. Ten points will do. I'll lend you my sword for five days. It's enough time to learn the basics of 'Tiger's Slash,' a pretty powerful technique. I hope you can at least get a feel for it."
Piccolo handed over a sturdy, well-maintained sword. Roman paid the agreed-upon price, then headed to the training hall. He practiced relentlessly for two hours, the sweat pouring down his face. By the end of the five days, he had mastered the basic movements of Tiger's Slash, capable of performing powerful, far-reaching slashes. He knew that combining these slashes with elemental attacks would significantly enhance their power.
Returning the sword, Roman asked, "Can I borrow it for another hundred days? I'll pay you 150 points."
Piccolo considered this for a moment. "Fifty points for fifty days is fine. Or you can buy it outright for 150."
Roman didn't hesitate. "Here's 150 points. The sword is mine."
Piccolo didn't complain. "Resourceful," he commented, smiling. "This blade is durable and reliable, though its damage isn't exceptionally high. I bought it for 100, and I wouldn't sell it for less, even though renting is more profitable. It's precious to me."
Roman, clutching his newly acquired sword, felt a surge of confidence. He turned to Piccolo. "Let's go on another mission. I need to stockpile resources before I lose my freshman status. I don't want to miss out on those benefits!"
Their partnership had been fruitful so far. It was time to take on a new challenge, together. The path ahead remained uncertain, but Roman was ready.
"Alright," Piccolo said, clapping Roman on the shoulder. "Let's head to the mission hall. We need another mission."
They arrived at the mission hall, scanning the notice boards. Piccolo pointed to one. "Look at this: Capture a wounded pirate, dead or alive. The bounty is 8000 points, but it's recommended for freshmen to team up with a senior. The senior gets a 6000 point bonus."
Roman's eyes lit up. "I'll give you 4000 points from my share; that way, you'll get 10,000 points total."
Piccolo shook his head. "No need. The 6000 bonus is plenty. Let's get this pirate."
They began tracking the pirate, following a trail of blood and disturbed earth. After some time, they located the wounded pirate, hiding in a thicket of bushes. The pirate was heavily injured, but still dangerous.
Before the pirate could react, Roman launched a swift and precise slash from his newly acquired sword. The attack struck true, rendering the pirate unconscious. They bound the pirate and dragged his body to the mission hall.
The mission hall official was impressed by their speed and efficiency. "Congratulations! You completed the mission ahead of schedule, earning you a bonus. Roman Rakrak, you receive 18,000 points. Piccolo, you receive 10,000 points for assisting a freshman.
"The regional pirate king is putting bounties on the heads of new pirate crews," Piccolo explained as they walked. "It's a perfect opportunity to gain experience and earn some serious points. We can hunt these pirates, collect the bounties, and grab some resources along the way."
Roman nodded, but a new concern crossed his mind. "I need more storage. My pockets are barely enough to carry the supplies we need. Where can I find a magical storage pouch?"
Piccolo grinned. "I've got two. One holds 38 items, enough for 38 bears. The other? That one holds 338 items. You could fit hundreds of bears in there. But it's not just for bears; you can store anything. The 338-item pouch costs 4200 points. Are you sure you want to make this trade? It's expensive."
Roman considered the offer. He remembered seeing similar pouches in sect shops, often priced at 18,000 points or more. This was an incredible deal.
"Yes," Roman said firmly. "I need it." He handed over the points. Piccolo produced the larger pouch, a simple-looking bag that seemed deceptively small. But Roman knew better. He could feel the magical energy humming within.
Roman was overjoyed. He'd learned a great deal from Piccolo in such a short time, not just about combat and cultivation, but about resourcefulness and making smart deals. This magical pouch was a prime example of that. He was quickly learning to navigate the world of the Azure Serpent Sect and turn every opportunity into an advantage. He was ready to hunt some pirates.