World Tree Collateral
By the time we saw off the VIP guests, the clock was already pointing to 8:30 a.m.
We'd done some prep before leaving work yesterday, so we somehow managed to finish opening procedures fifteen minutes before business hours. But then we spotted one problem.
"Aren't we getting support from the main branch?"
Even if I handled loan consultations at window 5, Bishuti managed product sales at window 6, and Razma took private banking for the wealthy, we were short-staffed. There were four more windows for deposits and utilities, and the only ones left were Isaac and the short-haired non-regular female teller who hadn't arrived yet. No way Branch Manager Elama was sitting at a window, so scratch him off the list. We planned to handle deposits like account openings at my and Bishuti's windows anyway.
With this many windows, we'd anticipated customers from various dimensions flooding in—and it looked like that was exactly what would happen. But leaving empty windows visible to customers on opening day without staff felt a bit—
"Good morning."
A petite woman poked her head out from the employee passageway. The pink bob-cut teller who'd spoken casually to me yesterday. For some reason, she was using proper polite speech today.
"You're late, non-regular! Get to your window now!"
"Yes, sir."
Calling someone whose real name wasn't actually "non-regular"... it was shocking, but she—the one whose name tag read Pluto—sat at window 3 with a completely unfazed expression and finished setting up.
"Five minutes to opening. Agent Kim Jian, to your position."
"Manager, hold on."
"What?"
"Some windows still look empty."
"Where the hell are they empty? Are your eyes clogged?"
I turned back to the windows, wondering what he meant. Four had been empty. Pluto and Isaac could cover two, leaving two more. But...
"......"
For some reason, tellers were sitting at windows 1 and 2, which should have been empty. They weren't strangers—their faces were perfectly identical to Pluto's at window 3.
"...Triplets?"
"Clones."
Elama answered nonchalantly and headed into his office to sit down. He left the door open, keeping an eye on us.
"Clones, huh..."
A handy ability. I had no idea how a non-regular without a badge could use Job Authority, but covering three windows solo was a huge merit. Maybe she even earned more than me? Though she'd probably get three times the work stress.
Either way, handling the incoming customer wave without support from other branches was cause for celebration. I placed the signboard advertising the highest-rate fixed deposit special in a prominent spot and sat at window 5.
And the moment the clock hit 9:00...
Fwaaah.
The bank badge on my lapel emitted a brilliant glow.
"...What the."
It was just like the day I'd first awakened my Job Authority.
"Kim Jian."
Isaac called from the next window over as I sat there dazed. His expression was as composed as ever. Apparently, only I'd seen the badge's radiance.
"It's opening day. Focus."
"I know, man."
I'd think about what just happened later. Time to concentrate on work.
Weeeeng!
The chandelier-shaped dimensional field nullifier hanging from the high lobby ceiling began emitting a faint hum.
The multidimensional outpost had two entrances: the left for local customers, the right for those arriving via small gates from other dimensions. As the elderly white-haired guard unlocked the doors, Kikiwai Island locals who'd heard about the preferential fixed deposit special rushed in.
"Fixed deposit special, right? Here's the application—"
The deposit windows buzzed into action, greeting customers pulling numbers in order.
No loan consultations yet, so I pitched in helping Isaac and Pluto with the specials.
Of course, the crowd wasn't just Kikiwai locals.
The seascape beyond the right entrance warped, space splitting as customers from other dimensions appeared one by one. Unlike the short-sleeved locals, those through the gate wore wildly varied outfits and hailed from diverse races.
"Welcome. Shall I store your coat?"
Newly appeared Pluto clones whisked thick fur garments from climate-opposite realms to lockers. Beyond the two at windows with the original, identical Plutos guided unsteady customers or handed out souvenirs—a truly wondrous sight.
"Retiring here wouldn't be bad."
"You couldn't afford it on your current pay."
Some, new to dimensional jumps, stood mesmerized by Kikiwai's stunning ocean view through the windows. But they weren't allowed outside the outpost.
"Can't they at least stroll while waiting?"
"Sorry, sir. Leaving requires separate approval from Kikiwai Immigration."
The veteran guard and left exit's magitech barrier kept interdimensional customers island-bound.
"Come back via dimensional airship next time. Plenty of spots as gorgeous as this beach."
"Really?"
I handed a tourism pamphlet to the young couple signing their fixed deposit application. Produced with the Kikiwai Tourism Board, it encouraged bank users to explore the island.
"By the way, our account holders get discounts on airfare and lodging."
"Perfect! Our fifth anniversary's next month. Oh, can we take this too?"
"Of course!"
They grabbed the investment immigration guidebook beside it—courtesy of Kikiwai Immigration.
"Thinking travel? Why not get a card while you're at it?"
"I already have a couple credit cards..."
"Use Dimensional Credit Vault debit or credit cards here, and fees drop big time."
"We'll sign up."
After my pitch, they signed for cards too, then left hand-in-hand. They'd be back via airship soon, cards in wallets.
"Customer C-008, to window 5."
Checking the lobby waitlist while calling the next, numbers had thinned. Not from bored customers leaving or impossible speeds—just Bishuti's sub-space hangar, formerly the parking lot.
Once VIP cars left, he'd had security clean it spotless. With high-power air purifiers and plush sofas, it was now comfy—a second lobby.
"Talk about devotion."
25th-dimensional customer service, huh.
"Even built customer restrooms in the hangar walls ahead of time. Veterans who’ve been in the trenches are different."
"Yeah. Thought he just brought it as parking backup, but he's thorough beyond imagination."
Even swamped, Isaac and I marveled at Bishuti's prep and resourcefulness. Despite his brain-melting musclehead look, he anticipated every customer need meticulously. Not just solo performance, but leaving visitors impressed. It embodied Dimensional Credit Vault's customer-first core.
"I recommended this fund because I truly believe it'll help your retirement. Care to hear more?"
Customers ready to leave after deposits trusted Bishuti's words and care, signing for his recommended products one after another.
The bank's seed of trust. Bishuti wielded a banker's basics flawlessly.
But he wasn't the only ace shining on opening day.
"Worried about inheritance tax? I have a solution."
"Tell me more."
Razma, in private banking, offered intriguing fixes.
"First, establish a consulting firm with your son as rep."
"A consulting firm...?"
"Yes. Then acquire dual citizenship in Dimensions 15 and 16 immediately. This voids your original Dimension 8 status under their nationality laws."
"Why such a complicated process?"
"Holders of 15- and 16-dimensional citizenship can continue economic activity via necromancy for a period post-death declaration."
Razma calmly explained to the stunned customer.
"Set up a company under a local 16-dimensional name, then pay all assets to your son's firm as consulting fees—gift complete."
"No financial info auto-exchange between Dimension 8 and 16 means tax authorities can't prove evasion."
"No gifts pre- or post-mortem, so no gift or inheritance tax. Pure corp-to-corp—only corporate tax applies."
"What if investigators chase to Dimension 16?"
"Stop necromancy after. Dead men tell no tales."
"Brilliant... utterly brilliant!"
"Join our private banking, and we'll refer top lawyers and accountants."
"Where's the form? Signing up now."
A tightrope between legal and illegal. Dimensions 8, 15, 16 lacked Dimensional Credit Vault branches, yet Razma knew their laws cold. He could pass for a tax evasion consultant.
I couldn't fathom Razma advising necromancy or the customer applauding.
"That's not talk for a banker."
"No normal banker's mind cooks that up."
Isaac stated flatly. True—only a few loose screws could birth that idea. Death and taxes are inevitable, yet dodging both?
Private banking aids the rich comprehensively: investments, law, taxes beyond deposits/loans. Razma's bypass inheritance mocked laws—a taboo. But purely for customer satisfaction, he was top-tier.
"Now I get why Del Monte said I'd learn a ton working here."
"Gotta pull that off to climb."
Soldierly devotion to basics versus anything-for-results madness. Bishuti and Razma lived up to their factions' ace status. Elama reducing reps to tears in five seconds was impressive, but these two had lessons too.
As I thought that, a group of young elves in suits entered via the right entrance into the lobby.
"Customer D-001, to window 5."
Their ticket: loan consultation. My turn.
"Hello, how may I assist?"
I greeted with my best smile. The elves nodded tensely and cut to the chase.
"We need a loan."
"Personal or...?"
"Collateral loan possible?"
"Of course. What collateral—"
"We want to borrow against the World Tree."
"...Pardon?"
What did you say you'd use as collateral?
