While taking out the World Store ticket, I asked, "How should I use this ticket?" Auriel, my trusty support fairy, flew towards the front and replied in her mechanical yet sweet voice, "You could just tear it, and it will send you to the store."
Following her advice, I carefully tore the ticket, and in an instant, I found myself teleported to a mystical room. Before me stood a magnificent counter, and a friendly clerk greeted me with enthusiasm, "Welcome, esteemed customer! It seems you and I will be seeing each other frequently on your adventures. As the first customer of this prestigious World Store, allow me to extend a special 50% discount to you. Please have a look at my splendid collection of goods; I assure you they are of unparalleled quality." I politely requested, "Can you kindly show me the section for fusion tokens?"
The clerk smiled knowingly, evidently pleased to assist, "Of course, dear customer. Since this is our first encounter, permit me to offer some invaluable advice. Along with purchasing the race fusion token, you should acquire two regular race tokens, which will enable you to fuse three races. One of these tokens should be a unique race token, granting you the privilege of selecting a higher-tier race. While all races possess their unique advantages, aiming for higher potential will undoubtedly benefit you in the long run. As for your remaining World Tokens, investing them in a resource pack and focusing on raising a formidable army while recruiting a commander-type hero would be a prudent decision. Should you require, we also have hero-type tokens available in our store."
Curious to know the total cost, I inquired, "How much would the tokens alone amount to?" The clerk, adept at his calculations, replied, "One race token costs 10 coins, one unique race token costs 20 coins, and a guaranteed hero token is priced at 2 coins. Considering the generous 50% discount, the total would come to 16 coins."
"Very well, let's proceed with that first. Additionally, I would like to obtain special building blueprints, including the Healing Well. Please allocate the rest of my tokens for the necessary materials to construct the Healing Well." The merchant, beaming with satisfaction, promptly conveyed, "That will amount to 25 tokens for all of your selected purchases."
After a smooth transaction, I carefully stored my acquired items in my inventory and prepared to address my secondary purpose for visiting the store. "In this World Store, may I inquire if I can purchase anything, even certain rare information? Moreover, can you undertake special information gathering tasks on behalf of your customers?" I asked. The clerk, with an air of confidentiality, replied with a knowing smile, "Indeed, you can obtain almost anything here, even highly classified information. However, for very secretive data, the price may be more substantial. Rest assured, this store can fulfill any legitimate request, provided it can be obtained with a price."
With the confirmation in hand, I bid the merchant farewell, "I will return for further purchases in the future."
"Your next visit will be eagerly awaited, sir," he replied with a courteous bow.
Back in the previous hall, Auriel, my loyal companion, stood before the altar, waiting for me. "Auriel, I'm back. Let us hasten to choose my races so we can proceed to the next step," I said with determination. She inquired, "Do you have a clear idea of which races you wish to pick?" I nodded, "Yes, I have narrowed down my choices to a few potential races. The main race I will select is the human race, and I have identified two races to complement it." I explained my rationale, "Humans are versatile beings, capable of adapting to most environments given sufficient time. Although their physical attributes might not be the most remarkable, they possess an advantage when we wish to discreetly send spies to observe human cities. Moreover, I plan to utilize diplomacy whenever possible, rather than solely relying on brute force for conquest."
Auriel attentively listened to my explanation and probed further, "So, Raiya, you aim to strike a balance between force and diplomacy. I understand your reasoning, but I wonder why you chose the undead and the void as the fusion, rather than races like the dragonoids and protoss." I elucidated my thought process, "Both dragonoids and protoss require complex environments and substantial food resources. On the other hand, the undead thrive with minimal resources, being unaffected by hunger and possessing a fearlessness that aids in the face of peril. As for the void, they excel in energy manipulation, space, and time magic, which synergizes remarkably well with the undead race."
Satisfied with my explanation, Auriel concurred, "I see your strategic thinking behind the choice. But now comes the crucial decision—of the three races, which unit tree will you unlock first? Will it be the human race?" Considering her question thoughtfully, I revealed my strategy, "While diplomacy is a goal, I understand that it can only be achieved when I am strong enough. I am not naive enough to believe that those in power would willingly follow someone with insufficient strength. Hence, strength is vital to convince others to consider diplomacy. Therefore, my first choice will be the undead race, as their abilities to hunt and scout the surrounding areas are crucial in the initial stages. Additionally, most undead do not require sustenance, allowing for a strategic advantage."
Listening to my plan, Auriel approved, "A wise choice, Raiya. You can entrust the resource management to me. Let us now proceed with using the altar."
With a firm step forward, I touched the small orb on the altar, prompting a familiar sound.
"Ding! The user is detected to have 1 extra race token and 1 unique race token. Please choose 2 races and 1 unique race."
Before me appeared a comprehensive list of races.
=======================
Human
Dwarf
Orc
Slime
.....
========================
Deliberating carefully, I made my choices, aligning with my plans for the Eternael.
Another notification appeared, affirming my decision.
"Ding! The user has 2 race tokens to start fusing the 3 races."
Bzzt...BZzt...
Congratulations!!!!
The user has acquired the Eternael.