CH 15

The stall owner, momentarily taken aback by the newcomer's unusual appearance, quickly recovered and inquired, "What can I get for you today, dear customer?"

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"I am new here so what is your recommendation?" Nexus asked, glancing at the menu that was posted on the right side of the stall.

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The stall owner paused for a moment to examine Nexus' proposal. Then, with a bright smile, he said, "Ah, for someone new here, I would strongly recommend one of the tastiest delicacies in my booth. It is something I created and you will not find it anywhere. It's called Aetheric Sorbet. It's a tasty blend of exotic herbs and Aetherium Core, sure to excite your taste buds."

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Nexus then pondered, "Aetherium Core, huh...? I'll have to ask Lumos about that later." With a nod, he turned to the stall owner and said, "Sounds intriguing. I'll take one, please."

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As the stall owner prepared Nexus's order, Nexus's gaze wandered around the bustling marketplace, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant atmosphere. Despite the myriad of races and species bustling about, there was a sense of unity and camaraderie that permeated the air, creating a welcoming environment for all.

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Within moments, the stall owner handed Nexus an Aetheric Sorbet. The dessert resembled a cone-shaped masterpiece, its surface shimmering with iridescent hues that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Shades of azure, violet, and gold intertwined, giving the confection a mesmerizing appearance reminiscent of a nebula in the night sky. Nexus marveled at the intricate patterns etched into the desert's surface, resembling celestial constellations frozen in time.

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Nexus then delicately retrieved a small rock from his pocket, its surface glimmering with golden, azure, and violet hues that seemed to dance in the light. Placing it before the stall owner, he watched as the vendor's eyes widened with surprise and disbelief.

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The stall owner hesitated, visibly moved by the generosity of Nexus's offering. It was a rare moment for someone accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, where transactions were often driven by profit rather than genuine kindness. Despite the temptation, the stall owner shook his head, refusing the valuable rock.

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"Dear Customer," he began, his voice tinged with gratitude and humility, "it is super expensive. I can't accept it."

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The people behind Nexus observed the exchange with wide eyes, their murmurs of astonishment evident. However, Nexus remained unperturbed, his attention solely focused on the interaction at hand.

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Insistent on his gesture of goodwill, Nexus persisted, reassuring the stall owner, "Take it. I have plenty to spare. Besides, the one I've given you won't fetch much."

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"It's just enough to cover the cost of the Aetheric Sorbet I ordered and a little extra for any inconvenience you may face in exchanging it," Nexus clarified with a reassuring smile.

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Reluctantly, the stall owner acquiesced, realizing the sincerity behind Nexus's gesture. "Alright," he conceded, his tone softening, "it wouldn't be polite to refuse such kindness. Thank you, dear customer."

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Nexus simply nodded, offering a casual, "No problem," before making his way through the bustling crowd of the market, his Aetheric Sorbet in hand.

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In a bustling park Nexus found solace on a weathered bench nestled within it, where the air hummed with the chatter of people engaged in various activities. Towering trees, their branches adorned with leaves of every hue imaginable, swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows upon the ground below. Fountains gushed forth crystal-clear water, their melodious babbling blending harmoniously with the rhythmic footfalls of joggers and the occasional vendor's call.

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Seated amidst this vibrant tapestry of life, Nexus engaged in silent dialogue with Lumos, his assistant whose form remained invisible from sight. With each bite of the Aetheric Sorbet, Nexus's thoughts turned introspective, his mind reaching out to Lumos for guidance.

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"This planet is sure intriguing, Lumos," Nexus mused inwardly, the words echoing silently within the confines of his mind amidst the park's symphony of sound.

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"Yes, master. I believe it presents the most promising opportunity among the three planets," Lumos replied, his voice a comforting presence within Nexus's mind.

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Nodding in agreement, Nexus reflected on their shared vision for the future, one that transcended the confines of time and space.

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A few origin hours prior...

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At the heart of the Origin Dimension's Core Island, Nexus sat in quiet contemplation beside the ancient tree. Before him, three floating screens shimmered with ethereal light, each representing a distinct world.

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After reviewing the information, Nexus turned to Lumos, expressing his thoughts. "Of all the options, the third one seems the most promising, but the second one..."

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Understanding Nexus's concern, Lumos intervened with wisdom. "Even if you were to intervene now, Master, it might not yield the desired results due to your lack of experience. Moreover, intervening could lead civilizations to become overly reliant on you, stunting their own development. It could also create numerous complications, possibly resulting in the planet's abandonment and its civilization's collapse. Even if abandonment is avoided, civilization could still face premature collapse due to an inability to adapt to the challenges of the natural world."

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Nexus absorbed Lumos's words, reflecting on them with a composed mind before responding. "You make a valid point, Lumos. I should have considered these implications."

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Lumos reassured Nexus, emphasizing timing. "It's not that you're incapable, Master. It's a matter of timing. I believe you'll be able to assist civilizations while achieving your objectives, but that time is not now."

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Acknowledging Lumos's perspective, Nexus nodded thoughtfully. "You're correct. As for the first option, we'll pursue it after addressing the third one as I believe it to be the most suitable for me now."

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Lumos then nodded in approval. "Excellent choice, Master. Now, to get you started, I've secured some special minerals that can be exchanged for a substantial sum of money."

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Nexus responded with a simple, "Good job."

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Returning to the present...

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Nexus addressed Lumos. "Oh, right, Lumos. I forgot to ask for general information, so I don't arouse suspicion by knowing too little, like the animals the stall owner mentioned or the minerals."

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Lumos's voice echoed in Nexus's mind, expressing remorse. "Forgive me, Master. I didn't provide that information because I thought you'd prefer to explore it yourself. These details are only specific to this country known as KL."

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"KL?" Nexus inquired.

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Lumos nodded. "Yes, Master. Such details are specific to Country KL, following the worldwide naming conventions. As for the information on the mineral I've given you, it pertains to Aethorilite. It's a rare and extraordinary material with unknown properties, primarily utilized in crafting special weapons designed to repel or annihilate monster attacks threatening the city."

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Nexus nodded in understanding. "I see. In that case, hold off on providing more information. I'll enjoy uncovering it myself. Besides, I'm eager to witness the first challenger of my game."

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