Chapter 76: Mastering Quick-Start Magic

"Of course, I plan to abstract the copper coins into what we'll call 'work points.' You just need to add or subtract these points next to their names, without actually giving them money."

"After all, money can be stolen, but work points can't," Field spread his hands. "Once a slave accumulates the equivalent value of a gold coin in points, they can be freed from slavery and become a free citizen. Additionally, when our territory's resources increase, work points can be exchanged for extra bread, daily necessities, or other goods. They will work hard for a better life."

"Wow," Tate's eyes widened in realization. "Yes, recording work points means strong slaves can't steal them. And only the person who does the work will get the points on the spot, so the strong ones can't embezzle."

Field was about to end the conversation but then recalled the previously failed ban on indiscriminate defecation.

"No, I'm being too civilized and kind again, moving too fast," Field patted his head. "Work points should be a long-term goal, implemented slowly and steadily."

"First, have the security team crack down on the gang issues and encourage reporting. Those caught committing offenses will have their property confiscated, receive public whippings, and be assigned to the hardest labor," Field said, slamming his fist on the table.

Execution would harm the population, so severe punishment and hard labor would be the solution.

"Your fairness is astonishing," Tate shivered with awe. He silently praised himself for coming to Nightfall Domain, which might have been the best decision he ever made.

"Go execute it! I'll monitor the process closely."

After sending Tate off, Field found Asheena, intending to discuss the Survey Corps with the two Chosen ones.

"Rosalia isn't back yet, so let's talk first. I need to discuss something with you," Field pulled Asheena into the room.

"Huh? In broad daylight, you want to..." Asheena's voice trailed off, and she ended up covering her face.

"Yes, instead of waiting and wasting time, let's study magic," Field retrieved a quick-start magic book from the shelf and handed it to Asheena. "Can you master this or copy it?"

Asheena glanced through it. "I can't copy or use it. This is a creation of the Chosen, similar to a divine artifact. However, you or someone else could learn it. Would you like to try?"

"Just like the Church's fog lamps and purification potions, another Chosen product. No wonder they're so expensive," Field said disappointedly. "No one in our territory has magical abilities, so it seems this will just gather dust for now."

Asheena smiled warmly and said in a doting tone, "But since it's a creation of the Chosen, it can be powered by divine energy. If you want to try it, I can lend you some divine energy. You should be able to cast it yourself."

"You can lend divine energy?" Field was shocked. "Could I become a great mage then?"

"No, I'm not hiding anything. Divine energy can only be transferred to a contract holder, and it's extremely weak. It's nothing like Rosalia sharing Dou Qi. You'll see—it's less than one percent of what a first-rank mage has."

Asheena perched on Field's desk, crossing her legs and dangling her shoes. Even her pink soles couldn't be hidden by white stockings, and the perfect arch of her foot outlined a delicate curve. "Don't blame me if you're disappointed. It's best to find a magic book that consumes very little energy."

Field stared, entranced by the sight.

This little fox was getting bolder. When he first bought her, she only dared to sit on the floor to eat. Now, she was sitting on his desk with her legs crossed.

Given more time, she might end up sitting on his face.

Not that he'd mind.

Field cleared his throat. "I won't blame you."

"Okay then." Asheena's wolf ears twitched mischievously. She sighed and said in a playful, teasing tone, "To transfer divine energy, you need a kiss."

Asheena's face flushed red, and she quickly stuck out her tongue, waving her hand to cool herself.

Oh no! What did I just say? Asheena already regretted her words.

"No problem!" 

I've been waiting for this.

Field stood up abruptly, walked over to Asheena decisively.

"Hey, hey, I was kidding…" Asheena panicked. She was conservative and only dared to tease Field because he usually pampered her.

Field didn't care. He grabbed her hands and began to explore with the other, feeling her smooth skin.

Then came the soft lips, tasting sweet.

This wasn't an exaggeration from a knight's tale—it was truly sweet.

The hot breath brushing against his face was incredibly comforting.

Asheena, unsure if she was dazed or afraid of losing control and hurting Field, kept her eyes tightly shut, trembling slightly.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Lord, I'm here to fix the floor. You mentioned it this morning." The voice outside belonged to Greyhound, who had been handling all the carpentry work since Field brought him to Nightfall Domain.

"No time. Come back tomorrow," Field said sternly.

He'd forgotten about that.

Startled by Field's harsh tone, Greyhound stammered and scrambled away.

Asheena, equally startled, seized the moment to escape from Field's embrace, rubbing her head. "Next time...let's talk about the divine energy."

"No way." Field was visibly annoyed.

"Spare me. I was joking. The divine energy transfer doesn't need a kiss." Asheena clicked her tongue. She almost suffocated just now, but oddly enjoyed it.

Field was taken aback. "Then where do I kiss?"

"Nowhere! Lord, you're such a pervert," Asheena hid her face in embarrassment.

"Fine, I'll let you go this time."

The Chosen contract was more binding than a marriage certificate. There was no rush.

Asheena touched Field's forehead with her finger, and a pure force surged in with terrifying pressure. Field felt as if a majestic snowy mountain appeared before his eyes, almost suffocating him.

Fortunately, the pressure lasted only a moment. As Field regained his composure, he realized he was drenched in sweat.

"That's all I can give," Asheena said, worried about Field's fatigued expression. Her knowledge came from inheritance, so she was cautious in practice. "Are you okay?"

It was just a sliver of divine energy, but enough to power quick-start magic. However, this sliver of divine energy was useless for other purposes.

Like borrowing two batteries from an AI to play with a flashlight, but not having the AI's computational power.

Field took out "Feathered Beast Resonance" and dripped his blood on it. The magic book began to turn pages, and strange runes glowed brightly.

Field immediately grasped the magic techniques of Feathered Beast Resonance as if he was born with the knowledge. Although he didn't understand the specific meanings of the runes, he could activate them.

"I'm going to try it right now."