"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

Chapter 296: The Birth of Raven Island’s Currency

The meeting room within Raven Castle was vast, yet intimate, filled with the dim glow of lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The long wooden table at the center, though worn from age, was sturdy, and its surface had been cleared of dust. The room itself was lined with old bookshelves, some empty, others filled with records of the past, remnants of a kingdom long forgotten. The air carried a faint scent of parchment and aged wood, giving the chamber a weight of importance, as if the very walls whispered of the decisions made within them centuries ago.

Seraphis stood at the head of the table, her hands pressed against the aged wood as she addressed the group. Her white hair glowed faintly in the warm candlelight, her silver eyes sharp and focused. This moment was pivotal, a foundation stone in the rebirth of Raven Island.

“We need to establish an official currency,” she declared, her voice steady and filled with authority. “If we are to build a thriving kingdom, we must have a stable economy. A way for merchants, traders, and craftsmen to exchange goods fairly.”

Azrael leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “A currency gives structure to commerce. It makes trade more reliable. But what form will it take?”

Seraphis nodded, already prepared with an answer. “We will create a three-tiered coin system. Copper, silver, and gold—each representing different values and used for different purposes.”

Elowen tapped her fingers against the table. “And what symbols will we use? The coins need to represent Raven Island’s identity.”

Seraphis took a deep breath, then spoke with certainty. “The copper coin will bear the image of a ship. The silver coin will depict the island. And the gold coin will have the emblem of a raven.”

She motioned toward a blank parchment in front of her. Taking a quill, she began sketching the first coin—the Copper Coin.

The Copper Coin – The Symbol of Trade and Exploration

The copper coin would be the most common, used for everyday transactions—food, materials, small goods. It needed to be durable yet simple, something that could be mass-produced with ease.

She sketched a rough circular outline on the parchment, then focused on the central design: a massive, majestic ship. The ship would be a tribute to the island’s connection to the sea, representing trade, exploration, and the journey toward prosperity.

“The ship should be detailed,” she murmured as she refined the sketch. “Its sails must billow with the wind, full and strong, showing motion.”

The hull of the ship was carved with intricate patterns, and the waves beneath it were depicted with swirling, curling lines, giving the illusion of movement.

Elowen watched closely. “This ship represents trade and expansion, a perfect fit for the copper coin.”

Toren, the blacksmith, examined the sketch. “I can begin minting these coins once we secure enough copper. The design is bold, yet not too complex. It will be easy to reproduce.”

Seraphis smiled, satisfied. “Then we will begin crafting the first batch as soon as possible.”

The Silver Coin – The Heart of Raven Island

Next came the Silver Coin, which would serve as the middle currency, used for larger transactions such as land purchases, expensive goods, and business deals. It had to represent the island itself, as the land was the foundation of the kingdom.

Seraphis sketched an aerial view of Raven Island, capturing its jagged cliffs, dense forests, and the outline of Raven Castle perched at the peak of the mountain. She ensured that the coastline was distinct, a perfect encapsulation of the land they would build their kingdom upon.

Azrael studied the design, nodding approvingly. “This coin will remind people of their home. It ties them to the land, to their loyalty to the kingdom.”

“The island is the foundation of everything,” Seraphis agreed. “It represents stability, prosperity, and ownership. With this, we cement the identity of our people.”

Toren traced a finger over the sketch. “Silver is a fine material—durable, yet valuable. This coin will carry weight in transactions beyond just this island.”

Seraphis nodded. “Then let’s move to the final coin.”

The Gold Coin – The Majesty of the Raven

The final and most prestigious coin—the Gold Coin—would be reserved for the highest transactions. It had to represent power, prestige, and the identity of the kingdom. And there was only one symbol fit for that: the Raven.

Seraphis took a fresh parchment and carefully began sketching the image of a raven with its wings outstretched, its feathers finely detailed to give the illusion of movement. The bird’s head was turned slightly to the side, its eyes sharp, as though surveying the land below.

“The raven is a symbol of knowledge, cunning, and sovereignty,” Seraphis said, her voice calm but firm. “This bird has watched over this island for centuries. It will continue to do so, etched in gold.”

The detailing was precise—every feather, every curve of the bird’s wings, even the glint in its eyes was meant to convey power. The background of the coin was a ring of ancient symbols, representing wisdom and the history of the Raven Lords.

Veylan leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixated on the drawing. “This coin will be more than just currency. It will be a mark of status, a symbol of those who hold true power in the kingdom.”

Toren folded his arms. “Gold is rare. This coin won’t be common, but it will be the most valuable. Its design needs to command respect.”

Seraphis smirked. “And it will. This is the crown jewel of our currency.”

Finalizing the Currency

With the designs completed, Seraphis carefully arranged the sketches before the group. Each coin had its purpose, its symbol, and its significance. They represented the island, its trade, its stability, and its power.

“This will be our official currency,” Seraphis declared. “Copper for trade, silver for the land, gold for power. This will be what defines our economy.”

Azrael nodded. “Then the next step is minting them.”

Toren cracked his knuckles, already thinking about the process. “I’ll begin forging the molds. We’ll need a steady supply of copper, silver, and gold. But once we start, there’s no turning back.”

Seraphis looked around at her companions. “This is the foundation of Raven Island’s future. With this currency, we set the groundwork for a new era.”

The weight of their decision hung in the air. The creation of currency was more than just a method of trade—it was a declaration that Raven Island was rising.

And with that, the era of the Raven Kingdom had begun.