In Final Fantasy VIII the payment system works very different to any other FF game. Instead of the system used in previous games where you have to fight enemies to acquire your main source of income, this system uses a salary system where you get every certain amount of steps. The amount of money you receive is determined by the SeeD level you are at. There are two different ways to raise your SeeD level, one is based on your performance. and the other, is by passing the SeeD test.