Reading other's experiences online, David started figuring out what kind of world Cosmic Confluence was.
It powers, dynamics and people inside, from the stories of people.
Many newcomers found themselves confronted by a plethora of alien species, each with their own reactions to human presence.
Some just ignored their attempt to talk while others actively interacted with them.
"But most…"
…most weren't that kind. They either outright attacked humans that crossed the barrier or demanded to hand over their lord seal.
They would either camp outside till they got what they needed or try to threaten them.
The barrier protecting humans within the Confluence lasted only three days, after which they were left vulnerable to the whims of its already-established inhabitants.
"Most humans just return to the earth after finding the way. Some agreed to their demand, letting them take their lord seal with a weird device."
Taking away their lord power wasn't a pleasant experience, instead, it caused unimaginable pain even though the person was left alive and became a wanderer.
Those wanderers would either be left alive, killed, or invited to join their settlement.
The killed part was assumed by David after seeing many didn't return.
'Or they are still inside.'
"Well, whatever, I'm just glad that there wasn't a settlement or other species' traveler in the area I spawned."
There was even more information.
"Apparently, the lords can check their subordinate's status panel."
This information caused David to lose even more trust in Keira.
"She held this much information even after pestering her many times, then there must be something going inside her head."
'What's her plan?'
After getting a headache from spinning his gear of mind to full speed and even then not arriving at any solid conclusion, David left the issue for later.
'Let's move, there is no time to waste.'
The internet wasn't just filled with information about Cosmic Confluence, even more people who are rather dumb had shared their abilities and their findings on it.
"This is a chance that I can't miss, especially when the people hadn't seen their value or dismissed the entire existence of Cosmic Confluence and moved on."
'They will cry in the future, even blame me but that doesn't mean I will let go of treasure this early on.'
David was thinking the whole ordeal akin more to a game, so finding things that can give an advantage early on would be the best course of action in his mind.
'Nearest from here, a lady has thrown a knife she got from her summon into the garbage can and then posted a video. Let's see if it's real or not.'
David was thankful for the video's high revolution as he was able to see the logo of BurgerBliss and able to pinpoint the location of the garbage bin.
Grabbing his keys for his motorcycle, David jumped on the seat and roared the engine before zooming in.
Swoosh-
(What you thought he was just a nerd with a good-looking face. Nah, the boy has more to him but that is for later.)
After crossing the speed limit of 100, which is his average as well, he arrived at the location.
Smiling from ear to ear, he bent down and took out a green-colored knife with bandages wrapped around its handle till its pommel.
The knife was right at the top saving him loads of trouble. But the smell still made his nostrils shrunk.
'Thankfully it wasn't thrown in a liquid garbage container.'
"Oye!"
Suddenly a shout came from behind. Turning he saw a mid-twenties or something old woman, wearing some skin-tight clothes accustomed to her healthy physique and pretty face.
Long waist-length hair tied in a ponytail, waved in the wind, funky armband, vibrant nail paints that matched her hazel green eyes.
She has this vibe around her that could be described as a gal from the anime he watches.
'She isn't the same lady that threw the knife. So why is she calling me?"
Then realization was drawn upon him as he considered his own case.
Lifting the knife in the air, David questioned.
"You want this?"
Catching breath, she replied. She seemed to have run a long distance to reach here.
"Yes, I would appreciate it."
A smile was spread across her face as her message was delivered without saying a word.
But it crumbled in the next second.
"But I've found it first, which means that it now naturally belongs to me."
"Look kid, you must be no older than a high schooler, and a student like you should listen to their seniors. So be good…"
"I can but what would you give me in exchange? This item looks really good, so what would you exchange with this?"
"Didn't you listen to what I have said?"
She said as he stomped on the ground like a bull.
"That would mean you're extorting me in broad daylight."
Rumbling through her hair, she said.
"What do you want?"
Listening to her words, a small smile spread across David's face as he asked.
"Have you entered the Cosmic Confluence or not? Judging by your impatience, you probably were and have seen its value firsthand."
"A smart kid, huh."
Saying that the lady started walking towards David. Her previous agitation and oppressive ambiance toned down quite a bit but still there in the form of the sharp look of her hazel eyes.
"So what do you want with that information?"
"Nothing much, I just want to trade with you."
Hearing an unexpected response, a perplexed look appeared on her face.
"What trade?"
"Trade with the item that you held in your pocket right now."
Her face tensed at those words followed by sparking electricity radiating out of her body that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
The next moment, her hand moved at a speed his eyes couldn't follow.
"Say what? How did you know about it?" she demanded as her eyes stared dagger into his.
David gulped hard as her hand positioned itself in the form of a chop near his head.
It was still nearly 30 cm away from his face but the tendrils of lightning were scaring shit out of him.
Still, god knows how his facial expressions didn't change and he replied.
"The mana it's leaking is just too much to not get my attention."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Let me guess, a sensory type ability."
'Hell no! Just like I said, the mana it was spreading to the surrounding area was too much. Even the mana gathered by Keira behind my back wasn't as tickling as this.'
David screamed in his mind but didn't say his thoughts out loud.