I wiped the cold sweat off my brow, finally hearing some good news.
With any luck, this test would end with some kind of miraculous free healing, just like in those endless survival novels.
I took a few steps forward and noticed the others looking at me expectantly. Shaking my head with a grin, I said, "Everyone, let's head in. By now, we should all know this isn't some ordinary game. Whether it's aliens pulling the strings or something supernatural, let's just go along with it as instructed." With that, I stepped into the left light column.
Seeing my example, the others found their spots as well. As I entered the light, I heard that familiar voice: "Task complete. Commencing free restoration."
'Hell yeah...'
The pain in my right arm vanished instantly. The nasty swelling faded, and even the scrapes and bruises from our chaotic landing were healed.
[First assessment results: A-]
[You demonstrated excellent adaptability and caution, though your courage has room to grow. There's a hint of inexperience, but your potential is undeniable. Awarded 2,000 points.]
'Points? No idea what these could actually buy, but maybe they are like in novels, where one can exchange them for techniques, treasures, or powers?'
Before I could think too hard on it, the room faded away, and I found myself in an endless starlit expanse, surrounded by a sea of twinkling stars. In the midst of it all, a figure of light appeared in front of me.
"Congratulations, Lucas Morningstar, on completing your task."
'That voice—I know it. It is the same voice from before, from the TV screen, when the others were unconscious', I cautiously replied, "You're the Guide we heard before, right? Are you the one who created this test?"
The light figure approached and nodded. "That's right. As you've guessed, this is a game of sorts that traverses space and time. It's similar to those 'infinite' adventure novels from Earth, but with some key differences. I didn't pull you into this to play out some life-or-death selection game. That's not my goal, nor is it yours."
"Strictly speaking, I'm a researcher, and individuals like you, brimming with potential, are precisely the kind of help I need."
'Huh? This isn't what I expected at all. It sounds… downright courteous,' I couldn't help but ask, "With your power to alter space and time and unlock abilities, what use could someone like me possibly have to you?"
Though the light figure had no face, I could somehow feel it smile. "That touches on certain principles of the multiverse and dimensional boundaries. I could try to explain, but it would likely be incomprehensible at this point. Think of me as a platform provider. I can offer 'contracts' and rewards to individuals like you to retrieve things I cannot obtain myself."
"What could a mere mortal retrieve that you couldn't?" I questioned, still skeptical.
Patiently, the light figure continued, "Let's put it this way—my true self isn't even within this universe. What you see before you is a mere fragment, stationed here to manage this 'dimensional relay.' If my true self was here, there'd be no need for any tasks like these. But tell me, would you expect a billionaire to personally oversee the construction of a building?"
"Oh, I see… You're saying that with this 'relay' setup, the things you want can be retrieved by regular people. So why go through the trouble yourself?" It made sense, 'If this 'relay' is nothing more than a project to this higher being, then gathering a few standout individuals for such tasks is really efficient.'
Nodding in understanding, I asked, "So what would you need us to do, and what do we get in return? What happens if we fail?"
The light figure smiled again, exuding a calmness. "Lucas, I am a scholar by nature. I'm not interested in forcing or threatening anyone into compliance. You earned 2,000 points for this trial, which can be used to acquire many things—strength, knowledge, wealth."
"Tasks, in turn, are requests for you, my chosen agents, to enter other dimensions and retrieve specific items, knowledge, or sometimes intangible things."
"If someone wishes not to participate, they are free to decline and return to their lives as if waking from a dream. All memories of this experience will be erased, and any abilities granted will be revoked to prevent real world imbalance. But there are those who wish for more than an ordinary life, or seek a change beyond what reality can offer."
'Now that is unexpected. Such leniency… To let us decide freely, without hanging life-or-death consequences over us? This truly is a different caliber of recruitment than what I thought.'
Unable to hold back, I asked, "The reason you let us use our abilities during the flag capture was to make your offer more appealing, isn't it? Otherwise, it seemed like overkill for such a simple task."
The light figure chuckled. "Precisely. Many people can grasp the concept of 'extraordinary power,' but without firsthand experience, they rarely understand its allure. The experience of transcending ordinary limits attracts those with the right spirit. For instance, Carl missed the chance to use his power, so I expected he would choose to leave."
I was almost convinced. The figure's answers aligned with its intentions, and it had no reason to deceive me. Only a few questions remained.
"Pardon my curiosity, but I have a few more questions. How risky is this space-traveling work? Is it possible to quit once you join? And what about the abilities or items we purchase—can we use them back in reality?"
The light figure nodded. "There are two kinds of dimensional travel depending on the task: 'soul transmigration' and 'physical descent.' A soul transmigration means you will inhabit an alternate version of yourself in another dimension until the task is done."
"If you 'die' in that form, you will only lose a part of your soul—a recoverable loss, though it can be dangerous if it happens too often. A physical descent, however, carries full risk. Death there is permanent, unless you have resurrection means."
"Once you accept the contract, you're bound to my platform. The relay opens once a month, allowing you to enter for a mission or to access the facilities."
"You are required to complete at least three tasks per year, though you can skip one with a fee. After a year, you may renew your contract if you wish."
"To end the contract early, you'll need to pay a 20,000-point exit fee. You may also need to part with certain assets acquired here to avoid disrupting your world."
"As for purchased items or abilities, if they align with your dimension's rules, you may bring them back. But Earth's laws of physics limit anything unscientific. The more powerful an ability, the greater the chance it draws attention from universal forces. Those too powerful may find it impossible to remain within their original dimension."
The light figure's tone was steady. "Well, Lucas, now that I've laid out the terms, I trust you understand that deception isn't my style."
I stood silent, thinking it over, 'Compared to the brutal worlds in novels, this platform seems far more reasonable and even humane. Logically, I know this might drag me into unpredictable and dangerous situations. But this power, this taste of something beyond the ordinary—I can't deny how deeply it appeals to me.'
Finally, I exhaled slowly. "Your offer… it's too compelling to pass up. Please, let me join."
The light figure seemed pleased. "I had a feeling you wouldn't disappoint. Sign this contract, and welcome to my ranks."
A piece of paper and a pen appeared out of nowhere.
After carefully reading it over and finding no discrepancies, I signed my name.
The light figure accepted the contract, saying, "Excellent! Now you can explore the exchange store and check out your next mission. This first task was only a trial; with your next mission, you'll officially become a full contractor, complete with all benefits."
"May I ask your name, or the name of this relay?" I inquired before the light figure faded away.
"You may call me the 'Transcender.' I built this platform in hopes that some would break free from their bonds and rise to the challenge, as I did. Thus, it is called 'Transcender Space.'"
'A fitting name', I thought,'A place to transcend the ordinary and surpass oneself.'
When I blinked again, I was back in the initial room. On my wrist was a sleek silver watch. According to what the Transcender told me, this was my link to the Transcender Space. I touched the watch, and it morphed into a simple ring on my middle finger.
"Personal interface," I whispered, and a user panel appeared in my mind.
"Empyrean Divine Art, 15,000 points. Hmm, steep but maybe worth it?"
"Primordial Sword Art, 25,000 points—seems like cultivation techniques are at a premium. The full set is worth a staggering 20,000 points. The exchange rate—1 point to 100 Dollar. Nice, so I just made two million bucks?"
"Primordial Emperor Sword (Replica), 50,000 points? Wow, pricey!"