The carriage didn't take Kaelen to a palace, but to the Golden Leaf Academy—the Capital's premier institution for the children of the 1%. In Oros, holiness was synonymous with net worth.
As Kaelen stepped onto the campus, his System screen flickered with a new, localized notification.
[NOTICE: You have entered a 'High-Tax' Zone.]
[Daily Survival Tax increased: 500 KP $\rightarrow$ 2,500 KP.]
[Reason: Premium Atmosphere Surcharge.]
Twenty-five hundred a day just to breathe the air? Kaelen gripped his cane, his jaw tightening. The universe really is a predatory lender.
He looked at his current balance: -999,996,150,000 KP. Even after the heist at the Sun-Spire, the interest was already mounting. He wasn't a hero; he was a man one missed payment away from soul-liquidation.
"Kaelen, look!" Elara whispered, pointing to the shimmering dormitories. "The Headmaster said we are to stay in the 'Ivory Hall' as guest representatives of the Valerius branch."
"Don't get too comfortable, Elara," Kaelen muttered. "In a place this shiny, everyone is looking for someone to polish their boots."
As if on cue, the crowd of students parted. A young man with hair the color of spun gold and armor encrusted with mana-gems stepped forward. Above his head, the Sovereign's Ledger displayed a shimmering, arrogant red.
[TARGET: Julian van Oros]
[RANK: Tier 3 Swordsman / Heir to the Royal Mint]
[KARMA: -15,000 (Sin: Extortion, Pride, Tax Evasion)]
[THREAT LEVEL: Low (Wallet Level: Massive)]
"So," Julian said, his voice dripping with condescension as he eyed Kaelen's travel-worn (and intentionally tattered) robes. "This is the 'Martyr' we've been hearing about? You look more like a beggar who stumbled into a cathedral."
The students around him snickered. In Webnovel terms, the "Face-Slapping" sequence had begun.
"I apologize if my appearance offends you," Kaelen said, his eyes downcast, activating [False Saint's Halo]. A soft, tragic glow emanated from him. "I gave my finer robes to the refugees in Valois. I didn't realize the Capital measured a man's spirit by his tailor."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[Skill 'False Saint's Halo' Successful!]
[Audience Impression: Pity/Admiration.]
[Karma Generated: +200 KP.]
Julian's face flushed. Being out-virtued in public was the ultimate insult in Oros. "Watch your tongue, 'Saint'. This is the Capital. Here, your 'miracles' don't mean a damn thing without the gold to back them up. I bet you can't even afford the mana-induction fee for the Academy library."
Julian tossed a single copper coin at Kaelen's feet. "Go buy some bread, pauper."
Kaelen looked at the coin. To anyone else, it was an insult. To Kaelen, it was a Physical Karma Link.
"Thank you for your charity, Lord Julian," Kaelen said, picking up the coin. As his fingers touched the metal, he activated [Void Siphon].
[LINK ESTABLISHED: Sovereign's Ledger is now synced with Target: Julian.]
[New Feature Unlocked: 'The Tax Collector's Mark'.]
"I'll make sure this coin goes... exactly where it's needed," Kaelen whispered.
Julian laughed, oblivious to the fact that a translucent black thread now connected his "Hidden Debt" to Kaelen's account. "See that you do. Now move. You're blocking the light."
As Julian swaggered away, Elara fumed. "How dare he! Kaelen, why did you let him treat you like that?"
"Because, Elara," Kaelen said, watching Julian's retreating back. Above Julian's head, the ledger was now ticking. Every step Julian took, a small notification appeared in Kaelen's peripheral vision.
[TAX COLLECTED: 5 KP (Julian's Pride)]
[TAX COLLECTED: 5 KP (Julian's Pride)]
"In this city, you don't fight your enemies," Kaelen smiled, a cold, predatory glint in his eyes. "You just garnish their wages."
Status Update:
Current Balance: -999,996,149,800 KP
Daily Goal: 2,500 KP (Progress: 200/2500)
Active Plot: The 'Taxing' of the Royal Mint Heir.