After becoming aware of my newfound abilities, I can't stop wanting to test: Void Mall. I decide to activate it and a large arch appears in front of me. The inside of the arch seems to contain the vast pearly sky. I take two steps forward and enter the portal. After a slight feeling of dizziness, I find myself in a separate world, a space resembling the cosmos in various shades of dark blue. The ceiling is made up of distant stars and the floor reflects everything perfectly, creating an extraordinary view. It's beautiful, I think. I don't see any boundaries around me, and it gives me a sense of infinite emptiness.
Suddenly, a robotic voice is heard in my head:
"Do you wish to initiate the opening of Void Mall?"
I reflect and indicate yes. An explosion of light fills the entire space, and after a minute or two, the place where I am is no longer the vast cosmos, but what appears to be a large store.
Void Mall floats peacefully in space, seemingly defying the laws of gravity. The floor of the store is made of shiny white stone, contrasting with the walls and ceiling which are almost transparent, allowing a view of the infinite cosmic space.
The first floor is spacious and divided into two rows of empty counters. Opposite the entrance, at the back of the room, there is a solid wood desk with an old register open on top, which probably contains information about transactions.
In each corner at the back of the floor, stairs lead to a mezzanine. The stairs, made of smooth white stone, seem to float in the air, adding to the mystery of the place. The mezzanine, which is smaller than the first floor but equally impressive, contains more empty counters, as well as comfortable couches where customers can rest and contemplate the infinity of space.
Beyond the magnificent view of the cosmos, there is something magical and mystical in the air that makes the store unique. As I examine everything, I notice a door behind the counter with the register. Curious to know what's inside, I go there and enter. The interior is completely isolated from the store and contains the private quarters of the owner.
"Congratulations to the host for opening Void Mall," the robotic voice is heard again. At the same time, a multitude of information infiltrates my mind and I feel dizzy. I sit down and the sensation passes quickly. As I get up, I realize that I have just become the owner of Void Mall, a shop governed by a mysterious System. I returned to the shop.
"System, explain the situation to me," I ask, having learned that I can speak to it.
"You have just acquired Void Mall..."
Yes... but more than that, I say a little exasperated.
You are the owner of it.
Ok... so what's in it for me? Can I buy or sell items there, stranded in the middle of space? Will I at least get customers? I asked, looking at the stars twinkling in the distance.
To answer the host, the shop mainly attracts customers in need. The shop will appear wherever they are, and they can enter and buy or sell what they need.
Furthermore, the host gains a new way to level up. Unlike the traditional way of gaining experience, with the System, the host will now level up based on the amount of gold coins accumulated. As a reward for acquiring the Void Mall, here are three new products: Red Heart Potion, Exp Potion, and Ocean Flame Potion. They will be available for sale in the shop starting now.
Excited by the names of the new potions, I head towards the counters. Each of them is stacked there with a description written.
Red Heart Potion (Cost: 1000 gold coins):
An effective remedy for quickly healing all physical wounds.
Exp Potion (Cost: 1000 gold coins):
Fills the experience gauge of the drinker by 10%. Maximum once per day.
Ocean Flame Potion (Cost: 1000 gold coins):
When thrown, it generates a large wave of flames that moves quickly and destroys everything in its path. To be used with caution.
Wow, I think to myself as I read their description. They are truly exceptional. I'm not an Alchemist, but I'm convinced they must be worth more than 1000 gold coins.
"Hey, System, can I change the price to 10,000 gold coins instead of 1000? I'm sure I could even sell them for a higher price if I find an auction," I say.
"Negative," the system refuses with its cold voice. "All prices issued are fixed and fair."
I little disappointed, I ask if I can use the items from the shop as I please, and the system confirms that it's possible, I just need to think of an item and it will appear wherever I want. This advantage is going to be very handy, I think to myself with a smile.
Having obtained all the information I wanted for now, I decide to leave the shop and suddenly reappear in my room at the academy. After a brief reflection, I come to the conclusion that my skill is truly extraordinary! But for now, it's better to keep it to myself if I don't have the strength to defend myself. I wouldn't want some shady organization to find out and capture me to exploit it. I've heard enough horror stories from my friends that I won't take any risks on this matter. So, to avoid such a situation, I'll have to level up as quickly as possible to be strong enough to protect myself. That way, with a decent amount of power, I can make a living without any trouble and at the same time, allow my family to live peacefully.