Card simulation, starting with the Goblin Deserter

["Goblin Warrior" → "Deadbeat"]

【Card: Essential Deserter (Spell Card)】

[Rank: Two-Star Excellent]

[Effect: Grants a friendly unit a significant boost to evasion rate and a significant decrease to attack power]

Wow! A two-star, excellent quality card!

On the bed, Hayes habitually rubbed his neck, his eyes shining.

His original "Goblin Set" was bought for him by his family by selling everything they owned, but all the cards in it were just ordinary one-star cards, with a market price of only a few hundred or a thousand yuan per card.

The price of a two-star premium card is completely different; any one of them can sell for tens of thousands of yuan on the market.

It was worth all the careful survival he had endured for half a day; this one card alone was worth more than his entire original deck!

The only problem is that using two-star cards consumes a large amount of magic power, which feels like "using a sledgehammer to crack a nut" for Hayes, who is currently only a one-star card master.

Hayes didn't think much of it and immediately checked his new find. He remembered that he had a new adventure while being chased by the wolves.

You have experienced a miraculous escape from death.

[Gain the talent "Anti-Enemy Strategy"]

"Hmm? Talent, what is that?"

Hayes frowned, as the original owner's memories did not include any card master knowledge about "talent".

So it turns out that these so-called "adventures" don't just offer rewards like power-ups.

Just as Hayes was about to take a closer look, a sudden flutter of emotion stirred within him.

He subconsciously looked up towards the dormitory door, and then Norton appeared at the door.

"Well..."

Meeting Hayes's intense gaze, Norton was taken aback. He chuckled dryly and asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Want one?"

This was just a polite remark; Norton didn't really intend to invite Hayes to dinner. In his mind, the two were from different worlds.

"Okay, let's go together." Hayes happily agreed, already knowing the effect of the talent "Anti-Enemy Strategy".

Norton's face showed a flash of surprise, but it quickly disappeared.

"The steak chef at Cafeteria No. 2 has excellent control over the cooking time; I'd like you to try it."

-

Thirty minutes later, the two who had arrived at the cafeteria had their steaks served.

Exquisite plating, the aroma of caramelized meat, paired with a smooth and creamy sauce.

Hayes picked up his knife and fork and remarked, "It must be expensive."

"Thank you, I'll treat you to a meal next time."

Norton took a sip of tea and watched him without making a sound.

"Hays, have you been staying in your dorm for the past three days?"

I didn't go to the training ground to train, nor did I meditate in my dorm...

"The practical test is next week, are you ready?"

Passing the written exam alone is not enough to get admitted.

Norton thought to himself, but he didn't say the rest of his sentence.

Hayes raised an eyebrow. He had indeed been staying in his dormitory idly for the past three days because the discomfort he felt in the early stages of his transmigration made it difficult for him to even walk.

"What are you trying to say?" Hayes asked directly, realizing that Norton's words had a hidden meaning.

"..."

Norton looked at him, remained silent for a moment, then took out a bank card from his pocket and placed it in front of Hayes.

"Let me be frank, with your skill level and deck inventory, there's no way you could pass the real-world test."

"Here's 300,000 yuan to buy your spot. My brother's written test score was a few points short."

Norton stared intently at Hayes, but his tone softened.

"Zuma Academy strictly prohibits the buying and selling of places, but don't worry, my father can handle this."

"You don't need to do anything, just..."

"Is it enough for me to just submit an application for absence from the exam to the academic affairs office?"

Taking advantage of the situation, Hayes preemptively spoke Norton's words.

The latter was taken aback for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Hayes felt a pang of emotion.

Although his temporary roommate looked down on him as an ordinary person, he at least put on a good show.

Not only did they invite him to dinner (which they hadn't originally planned), they were also willing to pay 300,000 yuan to buy his spot.

Norton was right. If it weren't for Hayes's time travel and the simulator's assistance, even with the original owner's high written test score, the weak "Goblin Set" would have prevented him from passing the practical test.

The entrance exam for Zuma Academy is very difficult, extremely difficult, and the chances of an ordinary person passing it are very low.

From the perspective of the original owner, Norton's proposal was not only "contempt" but also a "gift".

Three hundred thousand is an income that an ordinary family cannot earn in several years.

"Hey, even though you have a bit of an arrogant air about you, I'm starting to like you a little now."

Under Norton's gaze, Hayes clicked his tongue.

"How about we talk about something else? I have a card here, I'll sell it to you for 300,000..."

"How is it?"

In an instant, Norton's gaze toward Hayes changed, the implication being something like: Are you out of your mind?

I'll offer 300,000 for your goblin?

Hayes didn't waste any words and immediately took out the "Essential Deserter" card from his deck.

"I know you've asked about those defensive cards that are good for survival on the academy forum, this one should meet your requirements."

After saying that, Hayes picked up his knife and fork and ate a piece of steak, which tasted really good.

As for Norton, his gaze changed the moment he saw the "essential deserter".

"A two-star card?"

"Still excellent quality!!"

Norton hurriedly took it to check the effect. After he finished reading it, he slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly!

Bang! The force of the blow startled Hayes!

At the same time, the other students in the cafeteria also turned their curious gazes over.

"Ahem... Sorry, I lost my composure."

Norton cleared his throat awkwardly, sat back down, leaned closer to Hayes, and lowered his voice.

"Where did you get this card from?!"

Hayes smiled faintly and said, "It was a coincidence."

"But I don't need it, do you want it?"

With the incredible combo of [Rebel] and [Deserter], Hayes doesn't really need this card much.

Of course, more importantly, selling this card would not only greatly alleviate his financial pressure, but also allow him to send some money home to his family.

Although the "Goblin Deck" is weak, it's still a product of the family's love and dedication.

"Hiss... Let me think about it."

Norton lowered his head, his expression constantly shifting.

He did inquire about these types of cards on the forum and has already bought one.

But that card, in terms of both rarity and effect, cannot compare to Hayes's [Essential Deserter]!

This is a two-star excellent card, it's priceless and unavailable. The vast majority of trainees in this cohort only use one-star excellent or two-star good core cards.

The problem is that Norton already has core cards, and buying a defensive card is simply to strengthen the team. Spending 300,000 on such an accessory...

Is it worth it?

It's worth it, absolutely worth it!

Norton looked up, gritted his teeth, and said, "I'll buy it! But you'll have to wait."

Hayes nodded as expected: "The price is indeed considerably inflated, we..."

"I don't have enough money on me, but I'll contact my father tomorrow to pay you!"

"Three hundred thousand is not the true value of this card at all; let's settle for five hundred thousand!"

Hayes: ?

This development caught Hayes off guard.

It seems the original owner had a mistaken understanding of the prices of these "high-end luxury cards." He thought that the "essential deserter" would at most sell for tens of thousands of yuan.

However, Hayes’s self-perceived foolishness led Norton to misunderstand.

He didn't even finish his steak. He immediately got up from the table and ran out of the cafeteria as if afraid Hayes would change his mind. Only a few words drifted over from afar.

"Wait here, I'll go get the money for you right now!"