Universal Rules

Barter's Ruler had revealed a devastating truth at the worst time.

Watching the needle thin rapier get too close for comfort, Null couldn't help but remember his interaction with Benji.

He had been terrified of Null even though he was the one troubling the former.

But he threw aside his fears just to comfort Null when he was breaking down.

'What happened to me.' Null could remember the feeling of devouring the souls of his victims.

He had no idea how the vortex took over him, but it seemed like it was triggered by his desire to save Sophina.

'I can't let myself be controlled by my emotions,' he slowed his thoughts.

"Focus on what's right in front of you...," Benji's tough advice surfaced in Null's mind.

As execrable as he felt towards the death of the kind soul, his words were the only thing that helped him out at the time.

Null focused on the sharp tip that threatened to skewer his face.

He only needed a thought to produce a faint purple pulse to shield his eye.

Hence, when it was only a mere inch away from blinding his left eye the rapier ceased its movement.

The fuming ruler pulled back his weapon in an attempt to go at it again.

But every time the rapier stung at Null like a pissed of hornet, it was halted right before it struck his body.

'Why is my rule not affecting him anymore?'

His concern grew with the realization that he wouldn't be able to strike him in close combat any further.

Null had presumed it would benefit him to show off his defense first as a way to scare Barter's Ruler off of him.

Because he was too close to him, he couldn't make use of the destructive red energy without being caught in the blast.

Null was elated when he saw his opponent backing away a single step.

However, his instincts were alerted in the next instance as the rapier once more struck out.

This time was different from the others; Null utilized the purple energy, but the rapier sunk through it with ease.

"Causal Power: Ends Meet"

The basic golden equipment on Barter's Ruler began to liquify and become more refined, detailed engravings and ornaments adorning them.

.....

With his mastered universal rule, Barter's Ruler was capable of harnessing the power of the universe itself through a specific path.

The path that he chose aligned with the concept of wealth.

For his power to work, he had accumulated a trove of valuables and channeled his greed as he managed to become one of the only immortals out there who could wield the might of the universal rules.

Achieving such a feat ensures that the one capable of doing so is the master of his forte.

Planet Barter was a way he supplied himself with a way to progress.

The only reason Barter's Ruler remained in the confines of his market planet was because it directly affected the strength of his powers.

All of the wealth accrued on his behalf would in turn be able to determine the output of his abilities.

For example, the more he profited from his planet, the heavier his attacks would be.

Additionally, the more one comprehended his rule of power, the stronger he would get as a result.

Barter was located near the edges of the universe where the spiritual energy was sparse; when its current ruler decided to reign, he did so with the center of the universe in mind.

....

"NO MORE!!!"

Null's cosmic aura exploded with the booming shout.

Helpless against the pervading shockwave, Barter's Ruler's feet skidded along the ground as he steadied himself majestically.

"If you want a fight, you best prepare yourself for the consequences. I know I'm in the wrong here, but there is no way I'm going to let someone other than myself beat me up for it."

With his head held high and his privates exposed down low, Null stared his foe down.

"You say that you are in the wrong, yet you have yet to compensate for my losses." 

"You want to fight, right," Null smirked, "Then come get an ass whooping from a little kid, tough guy. Maybe then you'll hear me out while you lick your wounds."

"Not only that, but it seems you're an impertinent vile thing as I see now," Barter's Ruler had yet to even break a sweat.

He was going to eliminate the monstrous being before dealing with the aftermath of the massacre. 

And for Benji and the rest of the deceased, he would enjoy it.

"Hehe. How long has it been since the last rogue immortal stepped foot on my doorstep," Barter's Ruler pointed his golden rapier towards Null.

"Tell me... do you know the value of a life?" 

As he asked the question, three golden chests emerged vertically from the ground.

They opened to reveal three bodies with coins over their shut eyes, the furthest on the right being the previous market guard's murderer.