Chapter 3: The Cosmic Market
The blinding light receded, replaced by a breathtaking sight. Dev found himself standing within a surreal, azure world, a swirling vortex of celestial hues surrounding him. In the center, an ethereal figure shimmered, a holographic projection of a diminutive, doll-like girl with eyes like shimmering stars.
"Welcome, Host," the girl's voice, melodic and ethereal, echoed through the azure expanse. "I am your Cosmic Market System."
Dev, initially stunned by the sudden manifestation, erupted into a fit of laughter. He had read countless novels, fantasized about such a scenario. A system? In this world? He had scoffed at the very notion, dismissing it as the product of an overactive imagination. Yet, here he was, face-to-face with the impossible.
He couldn't help but feel a surge of euphoria. Reborn in this alien world, thrust into a society obsessed with "Awakening," he had felt a distinct sense of detachment. But now, with a system at his disposal, the tables had turned. This was his chance to break free from the constraints of this world, to forge his own path, to become… exceptional.
Dev, overcome with excitement, impulsively reached out and hugged the holographic image, eliciting a surprised gasp from the ethereal girl. "Thank you!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you for choosing me!"
The girl, after a moment of stunned silence, giggled. "You're quite… enthusiastic," she observed, her voice laced with amusement.
Dev, somewhat embarrassed, pulled back. "Sorry," he chuckled, "I just… I never thought this would actually happen."
"Indeed," the girl replied, her voice returning to its usual ethereal tone. "Now, let me explain the basics. This is a trading system, a marketplace connecting individuals across the multiverse. You can trade anything here – resources, technology, information, even skills."
Dev's eyes widened. "Anything?"
"Anything within the system's limitations, of course," the girl clarified. "The system itself has its own universe, a space where traded items are stored and processed. This universe grows with every system level-up, unlocking new features and increasing the number of available trading portals."
Dev's mind raced. "So, I can trade with… aliens from other galaxies? From other dimensions?"
"Precisely," the girl confirmed. "The possibilities are virtually limitless."
"And within this system universe…" Dev hesitated, "am I… invincible?"
The girl smiled. "Within the system universe, you are the ultimate authority. You can create, you can destroy, you can manipulate reality to your will. However, these powers are primarily for managing the system itself."
"I see," Dev mused, his mind already churning with possibilities. "And how does the system level up?"
"The system levels up based on the volume of transactions conducted within the market," the girl explained. "The more trades are made, the more the system evolves."
Dev nodded thoughtfully. This was far more than he had initially anticipated. A cosmic marketplace, a personal universe, the potential for immense power… the possibilities were truly staggering.
"This is incredible," he breathed, a sense of awe washing over him. "Thank you, System. I won't let you down."
The girl smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I look forward to witnessing your growth, Host. Now, let's begin."
With a flourish, the azure world began to shimmer, transforming into a more tangible space – a vast, empty chamber, its walls shimmering with an iridescent sheen. In the center, a holographic table materialized, its surface displaying a multitude of options: "Trade," "Inventory," "Market," "System Settings," and more.
Dev, eager to explore, began to navigate the interface, his mind buzzing with excitement. This was just the beginning. The universe, with all its wonders and dangers, now lay open before him, and he, armed with his Cosmic Market System, was ready to make his mark.