Evan nodded slowly. "Could you tell me how to get there?"
The receptionist reached beneath the counter again and produced a small circular token no larger than a bracelet charm. Its surface held faintly etched lines that formed an intricate pattern of streets and symbols. She placed it on the desk between them. "This is a local navigation token," she explained. "Touch it and allow it to synchronize with your registration interface. Once integrated, it will project a navigational map through your system status and highlight the primary routes through Dornhaven, including the Empire Bank branch."
Evan picked up the token and turned it slightly between his fingers. The etched lines shifted faintly as the metal caught the light, revealing more detail than he had first noticed. When he touched the center of the token, a brief pulse of warmth spread through it before the object dissolved into a thin stream of light that slipped into his system interface.
A new panel appeared within his status display almost immediately. The lines from the token unfolded into a clear map of Dornhaven's districts, marked with small icons that represented major locations across the town. Evan could see the Authority Hall where he stood, the arena district he had visited the day before, and a highlighted path leading toward the nearest branch of the Empire Bank. The route traced itself neatly across the streets, adjusting as he shifted his perspective.
The map settled into place and then dimmed slightly, remaining available at the edge of his awareness. Evan let it rest there and looked back at the receptionist. The addition felt intuitive enough, another layer of information tied cleanly into the system he was still getting used to navigating. He gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
"If you require issuance of your remaining allocation," the receptionist added, "I will need your registration credentials." She extended her hand slightly across the counter. "Present your registration card."
Evan focused inward for a moment. Within his status interface, a small symbol corresponding to the registration card rested alongside the other system-linked elements. He reached for it mentally and tapped it. A brief flicker of light formed in his palm, resolving into the same thin metallic card he had been given moments earlier. He placed it on the counter, sliding it toward her for verification.
The receptionist placed her fingers lightly against the surface of the card. The band at her wrist responded at once, a faint glow passing between the two as the system verified the credentials. After a brief pause she nodded and returned the card across the counter. "Verification complete," she said.
She then reached into a smaller compartment beneath the desk and produced a thin metallic chip no larger than a coin. With a practiced motion she tapped it against the surface of the card still resting in Evan's hand. The chip dissolved instantly, the light flowing into the card and disappearing. Evan felt the change register inside his system interface almost immediately, a quiet addition settling into place without any visible disruption.
Evan focused inward again, and a small notification surfaced within his status interface. A new line had been added beneath his registered credentials.
System Credits - 100
The number sat there with the same quiet certainty as the rest of the interface, separate from the physical currency he carried in the pouch in his hands. He studied it for a moment, then looked back at the receptionist.
"What exactly are these used for?" he asked.
"They are system-regulated credits," she replied. "Separate from local currency. Their use is restricted to services and exchanges managed directly through authority or system-linked functions. You will find more options become available as your access expands."
Evan considered that for a moment, then asked, "What kind of services?"
The receptionist folded her hands lightly on the desk. "Several," she replied. "You may use system credits for regulated teleportation services, including recalibration of personal transport tokens. They are also required for access to certain controlled environments such as legacy dungeons, where entry is limited and monitored. In addition, credits can be exchanged for direct assistance from Authority Hall services under specific conditions."
She paused briefly before adding, "There is also a system marketplace interface that becomes available at higher tiers. Through it, credits may be used to acquire certain resources or services without requiring a physical intermediary. That access is restricted at your current level but will be unlocked once you advance further."
Evan gave a small nod, absorbing the explanation. The distinction between currencies was becoming clearer now. Physical coin for everyday transactions. Bank systems for convenience and storage. And this, something separate entirely, tied directly to the system itself and the structure that governed it. He let the thought settle for a moment before closing his fingers around the registration card returned and watching it dissolve again.
"Is there anything else I should know before I go to the bank?" Evan asked.
The receptionist considered for a moment, then replied, "Only that you should carry a small portion of physical coin even after opening an account. Not all transactions are processed through Arcnet, especially in smaller stalls or temporary markets. Beyond that, the bank will guide you through the rest of the process." Her tone remained even, but there was a practical edge to the advice that suggested it came from experience.
Evan nodded once. "Understood."
"Then you are free to proceed," she said, already turning slightly toward her ledger as the conversation came to a natural close.