Chapter 1330: Designed Transcendence (8)
“10 Dream Gems grown from a Phantom Tree. Starting bid: 25 billion cells each.”
“Stania Magic Tower’s Staff of the West Wind. Among the pure spellcraft artifacts released recently, its quality is top-tier. Bids starting from 8.5 billion cells.”
“A serum of True Blood, solidified from the lineage of Yuwinas. It’s one of the top three purebloods among nobles. Barter, not cash, is preferred.”
Vulcan, District 49. The bustling commercial district near the Adamant Tower.
Beautiful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and pleasant, soft melodies drifted from all directions.
Artifacts and relics, enveloped in auspicious light, exchanged hands everywhere, and people filled every corner.
“Liquid Darkness, sold by gravediggers. A drug that inflates preserved mana by 120% immediately after consumption. Side effects to be explained later…”
“A portion of the blueprint for a demon-worship formation called Ilcantara Demonic Heaven Style. It was leaked from Kundara, and rumors say the Long-lived Beings are frantically searching for it…”
Buyers and sellers alike exchanged vast sums of money without hesitation, inspecting the goods.
Customers freely offered large sums not just to purchase items, but also for inspection and appraisal.
Hundreds, even thousands, of transactions occurred simultaneously in the deepest part of District 49’s VIP Exchange, which had now grown into the Eastern Continent’s largest.
Aris walked alone through the bustling, midday commercial district, packed with lavish auction houses and buildings, a backpack slung over her shoulders.
“Professor Richellen. You’ve returned.”
“Jenicia will be waiting for you.”
“I heard the Fearsome Blood King was looking for you, Professor. Please contact them as soon as you return…”
Throughout the exchange, staff and associates of the Tower recognized Aris, politely greeting her.
Not only those affiliated with District 49, but also researchers and professors from academia recognized Aris and often offered to accompany her.
But Aris politely declined the greetings and warm welcomes from all sides and continued on her way.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I have things to do today. I’ll greet everyone else another time.”
“Understood. If that’s what the Professor wishes…”
People stepped back, feeling a twinge of disappointment but adding no further words.
It was only after experiencing similar interactions about five more times that Aris was finally able to walk freely through the exchange.
“[There have been a lot of organisms looking for you, ever since we arrived.]”
It seemed she wasn’t the only one with that thought, as a clear voice echoed from behind her.
Aris’s backpack gave a slight twitch, and Davi’s voice spoke.
“[I see so many organisms all over the place wanting to help you. Wouldn’t it have been fine even if I hadn’t come with you?]”
“The reason I’m receiving such treatment in District 49 isn’t because of my contributions to the Magic Tower so far.”
Aris gave a wry smile and continued walking.
“It’s because I’m Lennok’s acquaintance and the creator of the Elixir, more than my background or actions.”
“[…][”
“Knowing that this treatment itself is thanks to Lennok, I can’t shamelessly take it for granted, can I? I have to do what I can by myself.”
Aris knew there were rumors that the reason a chair professor from Rebatenon Magic University joined the Tower was because of the Tower Lord.
Most of the associates who use the VIP Exchange wouldn’t dismiss such rumors lightly, at least.
But precisely for that reason, Aris tried not to lose her politeness towards the Tower’s staff and associates.
“As you may already know, since Lennok’s victory in the Subjugation Operation, the trading volume in District 49 has increased severalfold.”
Aris carefully adjusted her backpack and said, walking through the opulent trading halls.
“It must be because they judged that any item could be handled safely within the Domain of a wizard capable of waging war alone.”
“[…][”
“As District 49’s trading volume surged, the grade and quality of items handled here also greatly increased, and there are a few things I’d like to pick up while I’m here…”
Aris glanced back at her backpack and whispered quietly.
“Are you listening, Spirit?”
“[…][”
No answer came.
Instead, only the restless flick of a tail, as if annoyed, was felt from inside the bag Aris was carrying.
Had she lost interest in talking with Aris in that short time?
But Aris now knew how to get a reaction from the spirit.
“It’s a bit late to ask, but was it alright to leave Lennok alone at the mansion?”
“[The barrier on the second floor of the mansion is designed to be much stronger than the first.]”
Davi’s answer came as soon as Lennok was brought up.
The spirit spoke from inside the bag, in a tone devoid of emotion.
“[There are deliberately empty gaps in the barrier on the first floor to receive deliveries. That’s why you, Elixir, were able to enter.]”
“Oh, I see.”
“[If anything happens, I’ll be immediately summoned to Master’s side, so don’t worry and do your work, Elixir. You said you had something to buy for Master, didn’t you?]”
“Spirit. My name isn’t Elixir. It sounds a little similar, but…”
“[Does your name matter? Isn’t it enough to distinguish you simply?]”
“Then would it be alright if I mispronounced your name?”
“[Do you want your cheeks stretched?]”
“…”
As Aris lost for words at the spirit’s utterly brazen reply, the bustling crowd on the far side of the street parted left and right.
From outside the crowd, who had instinctively made way, superhumans radiating immense magical power walked en masse into the exchange.
Clank!!
Thump, thump…!!
Figures exuding dignity, with sharp, blue patterns embedded in their armor or robes.
With each step they took, their expressionless faces betraying an undeniable oppressive weight emanated from their entire bodies.
Customers trading items throughout the exchange quietly whispered amongst themselves as they saw them.
“Hey, those are…”
“It’s a delegation from the Western Continent. A group of superhumans, each having reached a high tier.”
“Have they already arrived in Vulcan after hearing the announcement of an Ascendant’s visit? They’re fast…”
“I don’t know how many more of those guys will flood into Vulcan.”
“…”
Aris, who had been listening to the ongoing conversations, felt movement in her bag and explained.
“I heard that with the announcement of an Ascendant’s visit to Vulcan, Seekers from all over the continent are flocking to receive her.”
“[Organisms are gathering in Vulcan to meet an Ascendant who hasn’t even arrived yet?]”
“For Seekers challenging ascension, merely meeting a fully ascended being would be a great help. It must be hard to give up even a small hope.”
Even in this world where causality is closed, there are still plenty of Transcendent beings who haven’t given up seeking enlightenment.
Those who sever ties with the mundane world and strive for perfection alone also exist throughout the continent.
It wouldn’t be strange if even Transcendent beings, who had forgotten everything else to pursue enlightenment, had taken heavy steps to meet an Ascendant.
“While everyone else is also of a high caliber, especially the person standing in the center of the group.”
Aris’s blue eyes deepened like the sea.
“Their level is so high, it would be difficult to find their equal even in the continent’s highest-tier Magic Towers. A different tier even among Seekers…”
“[…][”
An enigmatic man walked at the center of the superhuman group, bearing blue patterns carved into their attire.
He possessed no discernible features other than skin so pale it was almost white.
But Aris knew, through the ‘Mind Imprint’ she had acquired, that the man’s power had reached an astonishing level.
A serenity like a clear lake, utterly unlike anything found in the tumultuous Eastern Continent, which had been in an uproar from the Subjugation Operation—
“Professor Aris Richellen?”
Several people approached Aris, who had been softly grumbling at her backpack, and spoke to her.
A group of high-tier superhumans, distinct from the delegation, led by a tall young man and a young woman.
The young man and woman, recognizing Aris amidst the crowd, approached and bowed politely.
“Indeed, it is you, Professor. We are honored to meet a great current of Sinclair here.”
“And you are…”
Aris quickly composed her expression and turned to face the two who had greeted her.
Aris’s expression subtly darkened as she noticed the faint emblem pinned to their chests.
“Are you from Systema Aurum?”
Systema Aurum. A central superhuman organization with the epithet ‘Golden System’ (黃金逮繫).
Beginning as an ancient relic excavation group and expanding their power, they are now one of the wealthiest factions on the continent.
An organization famous for being ‘cash-rich,’ primarily led by Mercenaries, Thorben Magic Tower, and Systema Aurum.
They were considered major clients by city-states and Magic Towers alike, wielding immense influence across the entire continent.
“Thanks to the Elixir provided by Sinclair Magic Tower, our Excavation Captain recently resolved their mana depletion.”
The young man, who had bowed respectfully before Aris, spoke.
“The Elixir’s reputation was only something I’d heard in rumors. It’s truly like a panacea that reproduces miracles. We offer our belated thanks.”
“No… it wasn’t my doing. Did you come here just to tell me that?”
“No, Professor Richellen.”
The woman standing next to the young man spoke boldly.
They seemed to be siblings, given the subtle similarity in their features, and both had reached a very high level in their true hierarchical standing.
Even among the countless distinguished guests gathered in the VIP Exchange, their unique power and solid ‘Will-thought’ were particularly striking.
“As of this quarter, our Systema has been able to establish trade with District 49. We wanted to pay our respects to you in advance, Professor…”
“So, Systema Aurum has also formed an alliance with District 49.”
Aris smiled gently and nodded.
“I’ve heard a lot about the Golden System. I hope we can maintain a good relationship with the Magic Tower in the future.”
“Excuse me, Lady Richellen, have you also come to purchase items at this exchange?”
As soon as the greetings were over, the woman looked up, smiling brightly.
“We’ve been bringing items to the exchange for a few days now, but I don’t think I’ve seen you before, Lady Richellen.”
“Yes. I’m usually at the university. I’m visiting today because there are some items I want to buy at the exchange…”
“Oh, perfect.”
The woman clapped her hands, looking at Aris, who was tilting her head.
“If it’s alright, could we accompany you, Professor, and pay for the items you wish to purchase?”
“…Pardon?”
“Currently, the value of the Elixir you, Professor, have created has reached a level that cannot be measured in money, even in the Central regions.”
The woman said with a smiling face.
“Even with immense wealth, the Elixir is incredibly difficult to acquire, but Systema was lucky enough to obtain a few bottles thanks to our connection with Sinclair Magic Tower.”
“…”
“We also want to repay the favor of you selling the Elixir to Systema when it was truly needed… Hey, what are you doing?”
The woman poked the side of the young man, who appeared to be her brother, repeatedly.
The woman glared at the young man, who was awkwardly clearing his throat, then said with a smile.
“My brother is an apothecary, and he was deeply impressed by the Elixir. It would be a truly valuable experience if he could hear your esteemed opinions, Lady Richellen, even for a moment…”
“…”
The woman watched the two with a mischievous expression, while the young man hesitated, looking at Aris.
Only then did Aris understand their true intentions, and she silently closed her mouth.
Though they used the Elixir as an excuse, it wasn’t hard to tell who the young man had feelings for.
It wasn’t surprising. Such favors were always offered to Aris, even at the university or the Magic Tower.
However, the problem was…
“[Elixir, what’s wrong?]”
“…”
At that moment, the spirit, who had been lazily rolling around inside the backpack, unusually spoke first.
Would it be a mistake to think the spirit’s voice, whispering to Aris, carried a faint trace of amusement?
“[They want to repay a favor, so taking a moment to speak with them wouldn’t hurt, would it? It’s nothing strange.]”
“…”
The spirit, with its characteristic clear voice, asked Aris, who had remained silent.
“[I’ll keep it a secret from Master. It’s not really strange, but it’s better if it’s a secret, right?]”
“…No. That’s enough.”
“[Hee, your words seem a bit sharper, don’t they?]”
For the first time, Aris didn’t answer Davi’s words.
Instead, she merely sighed lightly and walked past the two.
The smiling woman and the hesitating young man both flinched and averted their gazes.
“L-Lady Richellen?”
“I apologize, but my circumstances are not so dire that I need to accept free help from people I’m meeting for the first time today.”
Aris glanced back, smiling, and said.
“Also, I am no longer affiliated with Sinclair Magic Tower, so you don’t need to say anything further regarding that.”
The woman, who had tried to stop Aris, froze with a look of realization at her cool voice.
Only after seeing Aris turn away without even waiting for an answer did the young man hastily reach out his hand.
“Professor. I-I will explain. If you would just listen for a moment—!!”
“That’s far enough.”
Whoosh-
The young man moved to stop Aris, but halted at the imposing, massive figure that blocked his path.
The figure of a bird-headed giant stood upright, a heavy hammer slung diagonally from its waist.
Felix looked down at the young man, who had abruptly looked up, with his hollow eyes, and spoke.
“I was watching, wondering if you knew the Professor, but it seems that’s not the case.”
“That’s…!”
“If you have something to say, would you mind telling this mere mercenary first? Regarding the Elixir’s performance, I might be able to offer some conversation, even with my limited knowledge.”
The young man wore a look of dismay, and the woman shook her head with a wry smile.
Both of them likely knew not to directly clash with an associate of the Tower in this place.
While the members of Systema Aurum hesitated, Felix glanced back at Aris and quietly nodded.
Felix was a veteran highly respected within the Magic Tower. Aris was not so foolish as to misunderstand his gesture.
Aris silently acknowledged him with her eyes and immediately headed for the corner of the exchange that handled elixirs and catalysts.
“[The social lives of organisms are truly complicated.]”
Davi, who had been lying in Aris’s backpack, said.
“[Ever since earlier, being called by name has caused trouble. Wouldn’t it be better to just go with Elixir after all?]”
“…Yes. Let’s do that. Please call me Elixir.”
Aris, conceding with a resigned expression, continued on her way.
Aris carefully examined the elixirs and catalysts being traded all around, a hint of exhaustion on her face.
As she had declared herself, she personally selected the items, then took out a notebook to list them and write down quantities.
Aris meticulously adjusted her selections, calculating prices and quantities, comparing them with the funds she had.
Davi, who had been watching from inside the backpack, finally asked Aris.
“[So, what are you trying to get for Master?]”
“Huh?”
“[I need to know what you’re buying if I’m going to help you or not.]”
Davi said.
“[What just happened was a little amusing. So, I’ll help you, just as much as you’ve created Elixirs for Master.]”
“…That’s a very strange answer, considering you’re offering help.”
Would it be a mistake to faintly guess what had put Davi in a good mood?
Aris, unexpectedly gaining the spirit’s cooperation, gave a wry smile and looked away.
“But it’s fine. The advice I sought was always regarding Lennok’s preferences. Purchasing the items is something I have to do myself.”
“[What do you mean?]”
“As you might have heard when we entered, many of the rare items handled at the exchange are auctioned off through private bidding.”
Aris looked at the electronic display boards floating throughout the exchange.
“Basically, people declare their intent to buy by anonymously writing down their bid price, and most prices are set far above the minimum bid. From now on, to get the items you want, you’ll have to busily search and write down your bids.”
“[…][”
“For example, there are already seven bidders for the Black Kirin’s Inner Core I’m trying to buy, and I can’t know who offered the highest price among them—”
“[900 million cells.]”
“…Pardon?”
“[Three of the seven bid 900 million cells. The rest bid below 700 million. It seems there’s some collusion.]”
Davi said, as if it were nothing.
“[Just write 900 million and 1 cell. You’ll definitely win the bid then.]”
“…”
Aris, blinking silently, unslung her backpack and turned it to face forward.
Davi, who had been lying on her back in the backpack, met Aris’s gaze and asked.
“[What is it?]”
“Spirit. I’m truly sorry, but.”
Aris asked with a strange expression.
“Can you, by any chance, see the exchange’s bidding prices—”
“[Mitachia’s Ice Crystal, highest bid 24.74 billion cells.]”
“…”
“[Damaged Dead Flower Petals, highest bid 9.06 billion cells. Eldrua Anti-Gravity Generator, highest bid 63.3 billion and 1 cell… Don’t you like it much?]”
Davi rolled around inside the backpack, leaving a speechless Aris.
“[You were worrying about the budget, are you short on money? Then I’ll make some for you. Don’t be stingy with money for Master.]”
Shhhwing!!!
The amount displayed on the bank app linked to Aris’s phone account changed before her eyes.
“[Should I put your name as number one on all the exchange’s computer networks? I can also make it so that if they don’t trade with you, they can never use the exchange again.]”
The bidding prices and anonymous numbers on the electronic display boards updated in real-time, scrambling about.
As the red-lettered text rapidly flickered and changed shape, the murmuring voices from all directions grew louder.
Superhumans, realizing that the situation was unusual, scanned their surroundings with sharp gazes.
The atmosphere of the exchange grew taut with increasing tension, but the spirit rolling inside the bag paid no mind.
“[I can also change the auction system so that trades only happen at the minimum bid. Or I can delete everyone else’s bidding authority so no one but you can even bid.]”
“…Spirit.”
Aris couldn’t reply.
She merely stared at the fox spirit rolling around inside her bag, an inexpressible look on her face.
But Davi, paying no attention to Aris’s reaction, leisurely licked her tail and said.
“[Ah, that won’t do. There’s collusion and shills mixed in, not just here, but in other businesses too. The thoughts of organisms are pretty obvious, after all.]”
“…”
“[That seaweed-head couldn’t possibly have failed to consider that this would happen if it proceeded with private bidding… Well, does it really matter?]”
Davi tilted her head cutely.
“[It would be more convenient for shopping to just crash the exchange system and reset the cache data.]”
Static, crackle-crackle-crack—!
At the same time, the electronic display boards hung throughout the exchange simultaneously flickered off, and chaos erupted everywhere.
“Wha-what!!!”
“It’s a disaster. The exchange’s auction system has crashed!!”
“Contact the Magic Tower immediately!! All the bidding data up until now—!!!”
“No, no!! Why now of all times—!!!”
Fuses blew, wires sparked, and lights flickered everywhere.
All electronic equipment in the exchange was temporarily paralyzed, processing speeds slowed, and even artifacts stuttered in their operation.
Hacking and interfering not just with the Cybernetic Space, but with the flow of mana in the area, and even the internal structures of artifacts.
The one and only miracle that pulled off a feat usually only possible within a network, manifesting it in the material world.
In the center of the suddenly erupted chaos, only Aris stood blankly alone.
“[Server reset complete. Data initialization finished. If the records artificially inflated by collusion disappear, the exchange’s average bidding prices will drop by about 30%.]”
But the fox spirit, who had effortlessly manifested all those miracles, remained seated in the bag, grooming its paws.
“[I’ll send the data on the organisms who tried to pull strings in the exchange to seaweed-head, and he’ll take care of it.]”
“…”
“[Elixir. You asked me to help you with your shopping.]”
Davi asked.
“[Is there anything else you want me to help with?]”
“No, it’s not that, but…”
Aris, looking at Davi with a strange expression, raised her gaze.
“I’m quite sure you learned your way of handling things from Lennok, Spirit.”
“[Are you complimenting me? Thanks.]”
“It’s not a compliment.”
Aris gave a wry smile, slowly hugged her backpack, and continued walking.
It seemed she would need a little more time to truly communicate with this special spirit.
“I… if I cause such a commotion in Lennok’s Magic Tower, I won’t be able to show my face. I’m sorry, but could you please revert the exchange to 10 seconds ago?”
“[I didn’t break the Tower’s system, so it’ll recover immediately. The exchange will also return to normal quickly. Do you want me to undo what I did to your account too?]”
“Yes. That’s not the kind of help I wanted. I already had enough budget to buy the necessary items anyway…”
Aris, who was about to firmly say she didn’t need help, then said in a small voice.
“…If you could just secretly tell me the highest bid, I’ll handle it myself.”
“[You’re surprisingly honest for an organism. You know what’s important, don’t you?]”
Davi, poking her head out of the bag, stretched her front paws forward.
“[Let’s go, Elixir. Today, for Master, let’s clean out this exchange.]”
“Strictly speaking, isn’t this exchange also Lennok’s?”