Necromancer's Second-Original Chat Group

In 1913, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was still using precious metal currency, but the country was in a period of transition, so gold coins, silver coins and paper money circulated at the same time. The gold coins were gold crowns, the silver coins were silver crowns, and the inherited classical currency - 9 guilders - was also available.

At that time, a pound of bread cost about 0.1 to 0.2 crowns, a pound of beef cost 1 crown, and a horse, which was considered a supercar at the time, cost 100 crowns. This shows that their purchasing power was still considerable. Furthermore, the value of precious metal currencies was relatively stable, so the price offered by Vancier was quite attractive.

Ilyich was a cautious man, and he wanted to refuse, but Wan Qi offered him just too much.

This bag of silver and gold coins was enough for him to live a very comfortable life for the next few months.

"Sir, you are very generous. Is there anything I can do for you?"

People die for wealth, birds die for food. The prospect of making such a large sum of money was an unimaginable temptation for Ilyich, so even if it was a trap, he was willing to step in and test its depths.

"Be my tour guide."

"At this price, what kind of tour guide would you expect..."

"Because it's quite dangerous, to be honest, are you still interested?"

"Let's do it! Our line of work has never really had anything to do with safety."

“Very good, deal.” Wan Qi handed all the money to Ilyich.

"You just gave it to me like that?"

"It doesn't matter, I won't stop you if you want to run away anyway."

"You'll bear the consequences, huh? Fine, a powerful mystic like you probably doesn't care about this little bit of money, but dealing with me is definitely no problem. Contract established, Ilyich is willing to serve you, and I still don't know your name."

"Wanqi comes from Zhen Dan (China)."

"Zhendan! No wonder you're so strong. So, is there anywhere you'd like to go next? Or should I arrange something fun for you?"

"I'm quite curious about the latest medical technologies. Are there any places nearby that showcase cutting-edge medical techniques?"

"Your hobby is indeed quite unique, but I do know of a place that regularly showcases advanced medical technologies. Please follow me."

Section 82: Isolde and Kacania

(Suddenly realized that Amiya and Marcus's Chinese voice actors are both Tao Dian. Then Amiya's teachers Kal'tsit and Theresa are gone, Marcus's teacher Hoffman is gone, and Kiana is gone too. Does this mean Tao Dian is the designated voice actor for both "Teacher Killer" and "The Last Lesson"? Go check what other female characters Tao Dian has voiced in other games. If any of those characters have teachers, be prepared to get stabbed!)

The 20th century was a century of rapid scientific development, and the ever-changing technology led many people to develop a superstitious belief in science and technology.

The superstition here refers to those who only half understand it. Those who don't understand it at all have no idea what's going on. They still believe in cults and shamanistic rituals. However, in the occult world of "1999", you can't say that shamanistic rituals are absolutely useless. The key is whether you find the right person.

Regardless, those who lived through it all found it a fascinating era, if one disregards the two world wars. But it was also part of the progress.

"right here."

Ilyich led Vanchi to a place named "Clinic Hall," but its layout resembled a lecture hall.

This isn't some hospital reception area; it's a very interesting place, somewhat of a venue for the enlightenment of Western thought. Many cutting-edge medical technologies are showcased here, and many surgeries are even performed publicly, all to let people experience "advanced technology."

So, sterility, disinfection, and filtration are not considered?

Technological progress is a continuous process of iteration and advancement, and people's understanding improves little by little. Before that, it is important to obtain the support of the powerful and influential. Therefore, this kind of open treatment is also part of the effort to gain investment and recognition, similar to today's open courses, except that the open courses back then were much more shady.

Although I don't know if I'll run into the person I'm looking for, I'll still go and take a look.

"Come on, let's go in and take a look."

"No, I'll wait for you outside."

"Children aren't allowed in here?"

"To be precise, only important people who are dressed in a respectable manner can enter, and my appearance is a bit far from respectable."

"I see."

Wanqi walked up to Ilich, put his hand on Ilich's shoulder, and the next second, the two appeared near a clothing store.

"Come on, let me change your clothes."

"Hmm? Ah! No, no, no, sir, I don't need it..."

"You can call me Wanqi or Mr. Wanqi, there's no need for 'sir' or anything like that. Besides, you'll be going to many places with me later, how can I just wait outside all the time? What if it gets windy and rainy outside?"

"This……"

“Come on, let’s change into some new clothes.” Wan Qi dragged Ilyich into the clothing store, and then Wan Qi said to the sales assistant, “Give him a decent set of clothes and a cape, something similar to mine, and if possible, make sure it has more pockets inside.”

"Okay sir, please wait a moment."

Ilyich's appearance was indeed far from respectable, but Vanci was dressed very respectably.

The black cloak covering her body was clean and tidy, made of a material that the waiter couldn't tell the difference from. Underneath was a tracksuit that Wan Qi had modified himself, using technology from the magical world. The shoes looked like leather shoes, but they were actually a pair of specially made tactical boots. He couldn't guarantee anything else, but it was enough to make anyone who saw this outfit think that it was very expensive.

These days, those who can afford to shop in ready-to-wear stores are all respectable people in Europe. They might own a lot of land, factories, and villas abroad. The sales staff are also very knowledgeable and well-versed in all kinds of mainstream clothing and materials. The words "clean and tidy" themselves represent respectability and status. If you don't believe me, just look at the workers and farmers of this era. The moment you get close to them, you will feel like you are right next to a scoundrel.

Health and hygiene were class-based in this era, so if Ilyich entered the store alone, he would definitely be kicked out by the staff, or even beaten out (it's no exaggeration; staff in this era would indeed use wooden sticks to drive away poor people who approached the store, and it wouldn't be surprising if they were beaten to death). But when Wanqi brought Ilyich in, no matter what Ilyich was dressed like, the staff would treat the two of them with utmost respect.

Moreover, Wan Qi and Ilich's attitudes upon entering the store were completely incomprehensible. The former was casually browsing, while the latter was tense and cautious. To the waiter, it was as if the master was habitually surveying his surroundings. As for Ilich's identity, it didn't matter, since that master could definitely afford to pay.

Vienna, the land of art.

Guess why most of the artists who are admired are either children of the powerful or have connections with the powerful.

Oh, right, rich people also like to cultivate their children's hobbies, what's it called again? They're all special talents that can add points, tsk tsk tsk.

Soon, Ilyich appeared before Wanqi in a different outfit. Wanqi felt uncomfortable all over, and his demeanor was completely out of place with the clothes, but he did look much neater and more handsome.

There's some truth to the saying "clothes make the man," the difference being that it's just a bonus.

For example, not just anyone can pull off that outfit, but she manages to carry it off with her looks and charisma, which is a fundamental quality of a person.

Raise your hand if you've ever seen tanks or Tyrannosaurus Rex at a comic convention; does it leave you with a psychological scar?

"Sir...I still..."

"Okay, this is the set. Let's pay."

Vanchi ignored Ilyich's weak protests and paid directly.

Thank you for your patronage!

After leaving the clothing store, the previously lively and cheerful Ilyich was now unable to walk properly.

"You're moving your hands and feet in unison."

"Sir...sir, these clothes are still..."

"Don't forget, you're my tour guide now. Please switch back to your previous behavior; I still need you to lead the way."

"yes! "

It's unclear whether the clothes are binding his soul or his soul is being disciplined by the clothes, but Ilyich is giving off a very strange vibe right now. He seems afraid that his actions will betray the clothes he's wearing, and he's always tense standing next to Wan Qi.

The contrast between his performance in the game and his behavior is quite amusing.

"Let's go in and have a look."

"Yes, sir."

"Don't be so nervous."

The two entered the treatment hall one after the other. The staff opened the door for them very politely, which made Ilyich feel flattered. Normally, he would avoid these people, because well-dressed waiters represented the face of high-end places. Since it was about face, he couldn't lose face. He had to be respectful to the powerful and wealthy, but he had to strike hard at the poor who polluted the eyes of the powerful and wealthy, making them cry out in pain.

Once inside the hall, Ilyich breathed a sigh of relief: "Phew? I was so nervous."

"You have a problem with those waiters?" Wan Qi asked.

"Mainly because I was beaten by them before, and these people never show mercy to poor people."

"Don't the police care?"

"They helped beat me up and almost got me arrested and thrown into detention, which is hell."

"Are the detention centers here terrible?"

"Yes, those who are sent in always disappear inexplicably, and the reasons for their disappearance are varied. If they are impoverished occultists, then they have additional value, such as being taken in as experimental subjects."

"So you don't have a license to use mysticism."

Ilyich sighed. “Sir, that’s beyond my reach. Just the ‘guarantee for safe use of mystical arts from the third generation or higher’ alone is something I absolutely cannot do. I’ve been selling goods since birth; I’ve never even met my mother’s mother. And that’s fine, guarantees are always the easiest to forge. But now, if you apply for a license in Vienna, it has to be issued by the central government. Not the Austrian government, not the Hungarian government—it’s that central government sandwiched between them. And that’s the hardest part; no one can reliably distinguish the differences here. Where’s the emperor’s, where’s the king’s, where are the emperor and king’s… If you follow the rules exactly, you’ll find yourself completely fooled! When you come to your senses, you’ll be trapped here by unknown spells, bound hand and foot, unable to move. Unless you pull out some glittering crowns to lure it in…”

As if venting his pent-up frustration, Ilyich rattled off a long list of details not found in the game. To summarize: it involved three governments—Austria and Hungary—and the application process was incredibly complex and complicated. Getting a license required real money.

A very good limited edition of the European Austro-Hungarian Empire's motto: "The government office faces south; if you have reason but no money, don't come in."

Why is it a limited edition?

This country ceased to exist after World War I; it's not only limited edition, but also completely out of print.

"What would happen if a wild mystic like you got caught?"

"Oh, that's exciting. You might be detained for three days, or you might be sentenced to ten years in prison. Or you might be sentenced to ten years, but the court forgets to notify you. Or perhaps you're so skilled that you're perfect for a cutting-edge brain surgery to prove the overwhelming victory of reason over mysticism… The system here is far more random than mysticism; our chances are quite high!"

Ilyich's mocking expression never stopped, showing that he himself was a victim of this system, and may very well have almost become one.

"Perhaps I should make some money and go to Aurora. I've heard that mystics there hold a high status, but the secular government there seems rather unstable. Indeed, there's no such thing as having it all. Speaking of which, Mr. Wan Qi is a mystic in Aurora. How are mystics treated there? Are they friendly?"

How could Wan Qi possibly know? But he could answer from a unique perspective.

Is it possible that when you are strong enough, you can live well anywhere, because strong people are surrounded by smiling faces, and even those who hate you have to greet you with a smile?

"Oh, you're absolutely right. I've learned something. It's a pity I'm just a nobody, a wild boy with no skills and no one to teach me. Even those high-ranking mystics don't recognize us as mystics; they call us bastards."

On the way to the hall, Ilyich kept saying that he had been open and honest about everything he knew.

As the two were about to reach their destination, Ilyich stopped, clicked his tongue, and said, "It's strange. I'm usually very careful, but I feel inexplicably relaxed when I'm with you, sir."

"I see. Why is that?"

Ilyich pointed to his eyes and said, “Your eyes are different from those gentlemen who see us as bees and bastards. They look at us like we’re insects on the street, afraid that we’ll soil their fine clothes and jewelry. But the way you look at me is the way one person looks at another. It’s amazing that someone as important as you would look at me like that. It’s incredible.”

“I don’t think this is anything to brag about, Ilyich.”

"But this is a very novel experience for me. Thank you, Mr. Wan Qi. Even though it was just a brief encounter, you have made me more interested in the country of Aurora."

"Then you'd better do your best. If you do well, I can take you to my Aurora."

"real!"

"Want to pinky swear?" Wan Qi extended his little finger.

"Tch, that's childish stuff. But I'll be happy to serve you. I'm definitely more valuable than those tour guides who only know how to stroll through upscale streets (pedestrian-style areas, but only for the wealthy and powerful)!"

"I'll see."

As the two entered the hall, a public "advanced medical technology demonstration" was about to begin. Looking down from the highest point of the tiered hall, Wan Qi saw his target.

Isolde was now strapped to an electrotherapy chair.

This scene... how should I put it... it looks familiar. Professor Yang, do you have any clues?

Of course, Professor Yang from Wan Qi's world, along with his irresponsible parents, have already been punished by the "Child Social Support Law." The government will support the child you can't raise, but you will lose your parental rights. Don't expect this child to support you in your old age. Who told you to give birth but not raise the child, increasing the operating costs of the entire society?

As for Professor Yang, he was publicly tried for thirty years and exiled to a hard labor camp in the Northwest. When Wan Qi accidentally transmigrated to the Red Sea world in his previous life, Professor Yang was still repairing Earth.

However, the man in front of him clearly had no leader named Ilse to discipline him, so he appeared extremely arrogant.

Schwartz, that's his name. In the game's storyline, he's a doctor with no moral compass.

"Ladies and gentlemen! On behalf of the Vienna Association of Integrative Medicine, I would like to thank you all for participating in this open clinic. We salute you!"

Schwartz cleared his throat and continued, "Friends, the great age of technology has arrived. Technology will help our medicine become the greatest field of this new era. Now, I am honored to invite you all to share this moment of glory with me!"

After heating up the atmosphere, Schwartz took two steps back and gestured for everyone to turn their attention to the victim—Isolde.

"Please allow me to introduce our volunteer again—Ms. Isolde von Dietersdorf, who is dedicated to medicine and is about to regain her health."

"Her many misfortunes caused by her nevus are so regrettable. As you all know, mental illness is eroding our nation—to the point that suicide is becoming a trend. Tragedies continue to unfold, and our esteemed lady is suffering inhuman pain!"

"And medical advancements will once again save us from the abyss. As I said, electrotherapy is the most advanced technology available today. The use of electricity in medicine has a long history, dating back to the 18th century..."

From here on, Wan Qi witnessed firsthand how Vienna doctors in 1913 could spout nonsense.

The principles of electrotherapy described by Dr. Schwartz, while not perfect, are at least entirely flawed. Even Wan Qi, who has no experience in modern medicine, could point out the errors in them.

Putting everything else aside, how can you guarantee the control of that current? And do you even know what the safe voltage and safe current are for the human body? The whole theory is not supported by any truly valuable medical concepts. Electrotherapy is indeed effective, but you can't use it to create acquaintances. Moreover, judging from the other person's increasingly excited emotions, this person probably doesn't even care about Isolde's life or death. If an accident happens, it will be a sacrifice for the great medical cause.

Damn it, even the counterfeiters back home know they can't bleed life-saving drugs. At most, they'll make a fuss about health products and Viagra. Even if they're caught red-handed, they won't die from invasive metal poisoning at the execution ground.

But the doctors here are really bold enough to present dubious gadgets as advanced technology.

But it's one thing for the doctor to be so hysterical, but look at the reaction of the audience.

"Isolde? The youngest daughter of the Dietersdorf family?"