Versatile Mage: Void’s Craft

Bo City, a bustling hub of magical activity, had recently become the backdrop for a series of unexpected events. The city had been abuzz with the whispers of a new establishment—Bo Mage's Bank—ever since it was set up by the infamous and selfish genius Chen Yu a year ago. (At that time, Mo Fan was just awakening his magical abilities,) and now, a year later, the bank's reputation and the events surrounding it had become a topic of intense discussion.

At first, many skeptics predicted that the bank would soon declare bankruptcy. Chen Yu's reputation had taken a nosedive after his expulsion from Pearl Academy and his exclusion from the National Tournament. Few trusted him, and fewer still believed in the sustainability of his financial venture. Yet, as the year rolled by and the annual financial report was unveiled, the critics were left dumbfounded. The bank had raked in a staggering 2.4 billion in pure profit—an astronomical figure in the Mage Society.

In a world where the financial economy was in tatters, Bo Mage's Bank stood out like a beacon. The Mage World was grappling with severe economic challenges. Continental Optical Connections and Satellites were impractical, as they risked destruction by Commander or Monarch-level monsters, or worse, incurred the wrath of Emperors. The only viable option for fast information sharing was through cities connected by Optical Lines. Maintaining these lines was exorbitantly costly, far exceeding the expenses of Chen Yu's previous world.

Amidst this chaos, Chen Yu reclined in his lavish office, his eyes gleaming with a mix of arrogance and satisfaction. After his expulsion from Pearl Academy, Chen Yu had no choice but to plan his retirement in Bo City, his hometown. Many of his devoted female followers, charmed by his handsome appearance and high-tier mage status, had accompanied him to his hometown. They had helped him establish and develop his bank, their admiration for him almost cult-like.

Chen Yu's secretary, a flustered young woman named Lin Mei, approached with a stack of files. Her cheeks flushed, and she was visibly dazed, unable to hide her admiration for Chen Yu's captivating divine blue eyes and striking features.

"What a day!!" Chen Yu sighed, his gaze drifting to Lin Mei Figure with lecherous appreciation. "Being handsome with divine eyes is just too good."

"Ahem, boss," Lin Mei blushed slightly as she adjusted her glasses. "Another problem kid wants to meet you."

Chen Yu's eyes remained on the file he was perusing. "Oh, and why are you in such a hurry? Can't you even handle such a small matter?" His voice was a mix of irritation and amusement. He paused mid-sentence as he glanced at the file. The information inside made him sit up straight—this was no ordinary visitor; this was a "big fat fish."

"Never mind, send him in. I will deal with it," Chen Yu said, tossing the file into the corner of his desk.

A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and a young boy stepped inside. Mo Fan, a beginner Fire Mage at Level 1, stood nervously before Chen Yu. His clothes were slightly disheveled, and his aura lacked the confidence one might expect from someone seeking a high-stakes loan.

"Have a seat," Chen Yu gestured lazily, his amusement evident.

Mo Fan sat down, trying to mask his unease with a semblance of confidence.

"So, any way I can help you, young mage?" Chen Yu's eyes twinkled with curiosity.

"Well," Mo Fan began hurriedly, his voice trembling slightly, "I want to ask if I can loan the Stardust Magical Tool. I promise to compensate for it in the future."

Chen Yu raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. "Oh, and why should I? Tell me."

With a sudden burst of confidence, Mo Fan straightened his back and spoke more forcefully. "I am sure to become a great mage in the future. Please state your price; I can repay it to the bank in the future."

"Hmm..." Chen Yu pondered, tapping rhythmically on his chair, creating a tense atmosphere. The sound of his fingers on the armrest seemed to intensify Mo Fan's anxiety. Mo Fan considered revealing his mysterious pendant or asking for help from his teacher, Tang Yue, but decided against it.

"Well, I won't ask where this confidence comes from. Since you came with such an unreasonable justification, I will also state a few unreasonable demands in the contract. If you can't accept them, I'm afraid the deal's off, kiddo," Chen Yu said with a sly grin.

Mo Fan's eyes widened. "Oh please, let me see."

Chen Yu passed a contract across the desk. Mo Fan's eyes skimmed the document, and his face turned pale as he read the terms.

"What is this? This is pure robbery!" Mo Fan exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief.

Chen Yu's grin widened. "What's wrong?"

The contract's demands were outrageous:

Party B (Mo Fan) is required to pay 200% of the loaned item's worth every year until the debt is fully paid.

If not paid by the deadline, the debt increases by 200%, and the deadline is extended by one year.

If not paid, Party B is not allowed to take another loan from the bank.

Any disputes or delays in payment will result in a 100% penalty charge on the total debt every year.

Failure to repay the debt within seven years will result in permanent banishment from Bo City.

Mo Fan's jaw dropped. "This is insane!"

'Indeed it is. After all, it's specifically designed for you, young man. Either accept these terms or go to Tang Yue, lose your proud aura, or expose your pendant's specialty and become experimental material.'

"Yeah, anything wrong?" Chen Yu tilted his head. "It's not like I'm specifying a deadline or forcing you to pay. If you want, you can borrow one item and not pay. How about it? Doesn't it sound interesting?"

He continued with a nonchalant tone, "You're the one in need, and not me".

Mo Fan's frustration boiled over. "Ha HA, you crazy, drunken, white-haired devil! Fine, just give me the Stardust Tool. I'll be on my way!"

Chen Yu's eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief. "Oh! I see. How about this? It's a premium quality tool worth 12 million." Chen Yu tossed a bracelet onto the desk. It appeared out of nowhere, gleaming with magical energy.

Mo Fan's eyes widened in shock. "What, how? You—you are a Space Mage, my god! That's rare!"

Chen Yu leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Didn't you know? I'm the infamous Space Mage from Pearl Academy from a year ago."

Mo Fan's expression hardened. "Oh, that one. I heard some rumors. Bastard is truly selfish."

Chen Yu chuckled as he watched Mo Fan's reaction. "Well then, it seems you're ready to accept the terms. Enjoy your new tool, young mage. I look forward to seeing how you handle the debt."

He turned to his secretary with a smirk. "Mie'r, have our guest complete the formalities."

"Sure, boss," replied Lin Mie, nodding.

Mo Fan grabbed the bracelet with a mix of reluctance and determination, preparing to leave. Chen Yu's eyes followed him with a gleam of interest, already considering the potential amusement this new pawn might bring.