The Ruined World
"I already have everything I need for my journey to level 100, and I even earned a million crystals just a day before leaving! Now it's time to upgrade my three unique skills," Jin declared as he opened his skills window.
[Unique Skills]
Appraisal Lv2 [Active]
Merchant Network Lv1 [Active]
Dimensional Portal Creation Lv1 [Active]
"Upgrade Appraisal!" he exclaimed.
[Appraisal Lv2] Upgrade: 15,000 High Magic Crystal
"Upgrade Appraisal!"
[Appraisal Lv3] Upgrade: 25,000 High Magic Crystal
"Upgrade Appraisal!"
[Appraisal Lv4] Upgrade: 35,000 High Magic Crystal
"Upgrade Appraisal!"
[Appraisal Lv5] Upgrade: 50,000 High Magic Crystal
"I've already spent a total of 125,000 High Magic Crystals just to upgrade Appraisal to Level 5, but the changes seem insignificant. The next upgrade is 100,000 crystals for Transcendence. Should I continue or stop? Well, it's called Transcendence, so it might be worth it after all!" Jin contemplated.
[Transcend] Upgrade: 100,000 High Magic Crystal
"Upgrade Appraisal!" he shouted with determination, though it was unnecessary as he only needed to click the upgrade button.
A brilliant golden light engulfed the entire house, temporarily blinding Jin and Zephyr.
"What's happening? It's so bright! I can't see anything!" he exclaimed. After a few moments, the light subsided, revealing a golden panel before him.
[Appraisal Lv5 > Sage's Eye Lv1] The Eye of the Greatest Sage, who conquered countless galaxies in the past. It reveals the truth of the universe.
"What? Appraisal has transformed into Sage's Eye!" Jin exclaimed, eager to explore the new skill further.
[Sage's Eye Lv1] It allows the user to see everything about the target, as long as the gap between the user and the target is not a hundred times the Gap.
Upgrade: 100,000,000 High Magic Crystal
...
"Sage's Eye may not have a detailed explanation, but I can feel that it has truly transcended its previous level. My vision feels clearer than ever, even surpassing my already sharp eyesight.
The next level comes at a price that is a thousand times higher than Sage's Eye Lv1! The golden panel mentioned that it is the Eye of the Greatest Sage, capable of revealing the truth of the universe. What truth does it hold? Have I stumbled upon something I shouldn't have? If that's the case, I need to become stronger at an even faster pace! Let's upgrade my Merchant Network," Jin contemplated as he opened the skill panel.
[Current Possession]
High Magic Crystal: 1,715,345
Dimensional Points: 220,127.5
[Merchant Network Lv1: Channel 1]
A network for merchants to connect with each other across every dimension in the universe.
Upgrade Lv2: 100,000
Channel 2: 50,000,000
"Hmm, opening and upgrading channels have different prices. Perhaps I should stay in Channel 1 for now before entering Channel 2. There might be random high-level entities who would compete with me. So, I'll stick to Channel 1 for now, but I'll try to upgrade it to Level 5 if the price is reasonable."
"Upgrade!" Jin exclaimed.
Upgrade Lv2: 100,000
"Upgrade!"
Upgrade Lv3: 150,000
"Upgrade!"
Upgrade Lv3: 200,000
"Upgrade!"
Upgrade Lv4: 250,000
"Up...gra... No, I should stop for now. I still need crystals in case I need something urgent and don't have any spare crystals to spend!" Jin decided.
[Current Possession]
High Magic Crystal: 1,015,345
Dimensional Points: 290,127.5
"Wow, I've spent 700,000 High Magic Crystals in an instant! I'm no longer the same person who struggled to buy even the lowest energy crystal and barely had enough money for a day's worth of food! Hahaha," Jin chuckled. "I won't upgrade the Dimensional Portal Creation for now. I think these two skills are already quite useful."
[Merchant Network Lv4]
New!
- Can list 100 times more products.
- You can now see your reputation standing in every channel.
- Create a forum/group chats.
- Can have 100 times more friends.
- You can have a custom name for other channels.
"I can now see my standing in this server and even have a custom name? Oh, I remember, people here use names like ByteKnight. Let's check my name."
[Name: Aetherius the Grand Arbiter]
"What's with this grand name? Is it possible that the system automatically assigns a name based on how you interact with the channel? That could be it, or maybe it's because I've been busy and the system decided to give me a name. Regardless, the name isn't bad, but it's quite grand. Some random high-level entities might think I'm a strong opponent or something. Haha!" Jin mused.
..
"Then let's unlock some random worlds where only monsters exist!" Jin exclaimed.
[Dimensional Portal Creation Lv1] Unlock random dimensions - Price: 1,000 Magic Crystals
"Unlock!" Jin clicked the button repeatedly, searching for the desired world.
"I've already unlocked 100 worlds, but I still haven't found a world where only monsters exist. But don't worry, I still have enough crystals to unlock more worlds!" Jin assured himself. After a few more clicks, he finally found the world he had been searching for.
"Finally!" Jin exclaimed.
[The Ruined World] This world was home to billions of monsters and demons. In the past, it was an extravagant world where various races such as elves, dwarves, humans, and many others races coexisted. However, a disaster struck, and monsters and demons flooded in through dimensional portals. Faced with the sudden emergence of these creatures, the inhabitants of this world were unable to adapt in time, leading to the ruination of their world.
"What a sad description! Our world could end up the same way if humanity is not fortunate enough to awaken their magical and spiritual powers in time! I've spent 125,000 High Magic Crystals just to find this world. But don't worry, people of The Ruin World who were unfortunate enough not to save your world, I will seek revenge for you. I will hunt monsters and demons to become stronger!" Jin declared with determination.
..
"Hey, Zephyr. Get ready we are going to The Ruined World! Make sure to become stronger!" Jin said, excitement evident in his voice.
Zephyr squirmed with enthusiasm, understanding the adventure that lay ahead. Without hesitation, Jin opened the portal, stepping into the unknown with his loyal companion by his side.
As they emerged on the other side, a sense of awe washed over them. The Ruined World stood before them, its desolation evident in the crumbling structures that stretched into the distance.
The remnants of what was once a bustling town now lay in ruins, a stark reminder of the catastrophe that had befallen it. Jin couldn't help but marvel at the sight, his curiosity piqued by the mysteries that awaited him.
"Wow! We're really in another world! Look at this place, Zephyr. It's a desolate town, torn apart by time and destruction," Jin remarked, his voice filled with wonder.
Jin and Zephyr cautiously explored the ruined town, taking in the sight of the crumbling structures and scattered debris. The eerie silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint sound of their footsteps echoing through the desolate streets.
"I hope we don't encounter any overpowering monsters right away. It would be wise to start with smaller ones and gradually work our way up," Jin murmured, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement.
As they ventured deeper into the ruins, Jin noticed a peculiar aura emanating from a nearby mountain. It was foreboding, filled with an ominous energy that sent chills down his spine. He instinctively knew it was best to avoid that area for now, as the strength of the creatures there could surpass their current capabilities.
"It seems the Sage's Eye allows me to perceive the auras of different locations. That mountain must be teeming with formidable beings," Jin speculated, his curiosity piqued. However, he reminded himself to focus on the task at hand and save the exploration of that area for a later time.
Lost in his thoughts, Jin contemplated the possibility of any original inhabitants still surviving in this decimated world.
The description mentioned the ruination of their realm, but it didn't explicitly state the absence of any remaining beings. Perhaps there were hidden pockets of resistance or survivors struggling to reclaim their land.
"But for now, our priority is hunting. Let's search for lesser monsters and gradually grow stronger. With each challenge we overcome, we'll inch closer to unlocking the truth of this world," Jin affirmed, his determination shining in his eyes.
Armed with their skills, equipment, and the burning desire for strength, Jin and Zephyr continued their expedition through the Ruined World, ready to face the creatures that awaited them and carve their path to greatness.