"This is a teleportation token to our world's trade city, Gathara. This is a place where only the true elites can step in and not something that the likes of you can dream about. Here. Take it. With this, you will get the opportunity to procure extremely rare items and elixirs."
Kael saw that the person was still unmoving. He scathingly added. "I am not in a good mood today. I will not make this offer again."
Liam chuckled. "I am sorry, but I am afraid my answer is still no. Now if you will excuse me…"
Liam turned to the store manager and signaled for him to start the hatching process. Sure, the teleportation token to an exclusive trading city sounded good but what was he going to do there with little to no money and not even having stepped out of the Awakened stage?
Wasn't it simply courting death?
Instead of gaining something, he might directly fall under the scrutinizing gaze of some old monster and even lose whatever he currently possessed like the stone tablet and the spatial artifact. And there was also Luna.
There was a time to branch out and make allies and forge alliances with friendly factions but Liam had a feeling that this was not it.
Liam could feel the burning gaze of the young master on his back but he stood firm, focusing on the first egg that was being placed on the incubator.
There was a time to branch out and make allies and forge alliances with friendly factions but Liam had a feeling that this was not it.
Liam could feel the burning gaze of the young master on his back but he stood firm, focusing on the first egg that was being placed on the incubator.
Kael's eyes, cold and calculating, lingered on Liam for a moment longer before he let out a huff of disdain and turned away. "Your loss," he muttered under his breath as he and his entourage made their way out of the shop, leaving a trail of unease in their wake.
The store manager, relieved at the de-escalation of the situation, focused on the task at hand. He carefully placed the first egg, the Phoenix, into a specially designed incubator that began humming softly as it worked its magic.
The incubator seemed to be something that was issued just for this gambling section as no one could see what was happening inside it. The store manager also did not seem to be providing any raw materials to it. The whole thing was automatic.
Liam was curious about the process but when he enquired about it, the fairy quickly responded that he was not able to divulge any information regarding it.
Nodding, Liam could only watch the process.
A few minutes passed by in silence and soon, the egg, under the nurturing warmth and energy of the incubator, started to show signs of life. Tiny cracks appeared on its surface, and a faint, warm glow emanated from within.
The anticipation in the room was palpable as everyone's eyes were fixed on the incubator. Though no one wanted to accept what was going down here, the system shop's rules were ironclad. Not even the supreme beings would dare to defy the rules of the system in the premises of the official system-declared neutral zones. So they could only silently watch.
The store manager and the fairy stood at a respectful distance, aware of the significance of the moment. The birth of a Phoenix, a creature of legends and myths, was a rare event, one that most would never witness in their lifetimes.
The cracks on the egg's surface grew larger. The glow from within intensified, casting a warm, fiery light that filled the room. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, the crowd unable to contain their awe and excitement.
And then, with a final, gentle crack, the egg opened, revealing the newborn Phoenix. It was a small, delicate creature, not that much different from a feeble chicken youngling. However, it was clear that this was no helpless chicken. Its feathers glowed with a fiery hue that seemed to dance and flicker like flames. The Phoenix let out a soft, melodious cry, as the creature weakly blinked its eyes open. The first person it saw was Liam and its gaze held an intelligence and awareness that was beyond its apparent youth.
The room fell silent, everyone holding their breath as they witnessed the first moments of this legendary being. The Phoenix stretched its wings, still weak and fragile, and let out another soft cry. It was a sound that seemed to resonate with something deep within those present, touching their souls with its purity and beauty.
Liam stepped forward, his hand reaching out towards the emerging creature. The Phoenix, seemingly recognizing him, nuzzled against his palm, a bond instantly forming between them.
[Ding! The beast has initiated a soul bound contract with you. Are you willing to accept it? Yes/ No]
Liam didn't hesitate. He selected 'Yes'.
A warm, golden light enveloped his hand and the Phoenix, signifying the completion of the bond. The creature let out a contented chirp, snuggling closer to Liam, acknowledging him as its companion and protector.
The crowd watched in awe and envy. Naturally, there was one another creature who watched the whole thing go down with crazy eyes, but the little creature quietly remained tucked down and did not lift her head up.
The store manager let out a tired sigh as he walked over to the incubator and flashed a store card. Instantly, a huge chunk of his store funds evaporated as the incubator charged up again.
There were still four more hatchings left!
The process for each egg was similar yet unique. The incubator hummed and vibrated differently, attuning itself to the specific needs of the creature within. As each egg hatched, the room was filled with a sense of wonder and anticipation.
The Golden Thunderhawk emerged next, its feathers shimmering with a metallic sheen that caught the light beautifully. It let out a sharp, commanding cry, its eyes scanning the room with an intelligence and ferocity that belied its young age.
The Azure Serpent was third, slithering gracefully out of its shell. Its scales were a mesmerizing shade of blue, and it moved with a fluidity and grace that was captivating. As it coiled around Liam's arm, a sense of calm and wisdom seemed to emanate from it, soothing the onlookers and even calming the frenzied atmosphere for a moment.
"Wait." Liam stopped the store manager before he could place the next egg.