A few hours after Aion released the first tokens, one such token found its way into the streets of Mosaka Town.
There, a boy of about twelve chased through the alleys, laughter ringing out as he ran after his companion—a lively pup of the Ignis Hound line. The little beast darted playfully, its fiery fur flickering with traces of heat.
After a few moments, the pup returned, something gleaming between its teeth. It dropped the token into the boy's hands. The moment his fingers brushed against its surface, a stream of information surged into his mind, whispering of a place unknown. Intrigued, he exchanged a glance with his companion—and in the blink of an eye, boy and beast vanished together.
When the light faded, they stood in a strange, silent realm. Before them rose a solitary building, its signboard marked with words the boy read aloud in a whisper: Origin Pet Shop.
He turned in a slow circle, but there was nothing else—no houses, no voices, no world beyond the lonely structure. A shiver ran through him, born of both fear and curiosity. Why would anyone open a shop in such a desolate place?
Steeling himself, he placed a hand on the warm back of his Ignis Hound pup. Gathering the little courage he could, he stepped forward. The empty silence pressed closer with every pace, until at last he stood before the door.
He raised his hand and knocked.
Seeing the little customer, no more than twelve summers old, clutching a fiery pup in his arms, Aion's gaze softened with intrigue. The boy's steps were hesitant, but there was determination in his eyes—a rare glimmer for one so young. So this child is my first visitor… Aion mused, watching him approach.
Putting aside his idle thoughts, Aion activated his Origin Insight, a faint shimmer of runes gliding across his vision as the boy's details unfolded before him:
Name: Kyle Hunston
Age: 12
Talent: Beast whisperer(A rank)
Level: 13( Rank 1)
Pet: Ignis Hound (Level 7)
At once, Aion understood. The child's path had only just begun, standing at the lower threshold of cultivation, yet his beast already held potential far beyond what most novices could dream of. For someone at the mere middle of Rank 1, this was nothing short of remarkable.
Aion allowed a small smile to surface.
"Welcome," he said gently, voice carrying a calm yet weighty timbre. "This is the Origin Pet Shop. Here, you may seek many things to aid you on your journey—though for now, what lies open to you is but a single pavilion."
With a wave of his hand, motes of starlight spiraled outward, weaving themselves into a door that shimmered like a mirage.
"This," Aion continued, "is the Mirage Pavilion. Within, your pet may enter countless simulated environments—worlds conjured from origin essence—where it can temper its skills without the risk of injury or death. Every challenge is real, yet safe. Every failure, a lesson carved into instinct."
He guided Kyle closer, letting the child feel the faint hum of energy that pulsed from the spectral archway.
Kyle's eyes widened, awe gleaming brighter than the fire in the hound's tiny eyes. "How much… would it cost to use something like this?" he asked hesitantly, tightening his hold on the Ignis pup.
"The shop does not recognize worldly coins or common trade," Aion replied, his tone steady.
"The cost of training varies with the beast's level. Here, for now we only train beasts below Rank 6—King level. The chart on the counter lists the prices for each service." He gestured toward it.
"As your companion is not yet even Rank 1, an hour of training will cost a mere 1 Origin Point, and a full day in the Spirit Nurturing Chamber is 5 Origin Points—a special discount, just for you.
Outside, the chart gleamed in the soft light, carefully crafted by Aion himself. It displayed the standard prices for every facility the shop offered, beginning with Rank 1 beasts
Then Aion continues.."By spending Origin Points, I could help your pet evolve," Aion said gently, his eyes meeting the little puppy's eager gaze. "But its current level is too low—it must reach at least Rank 1."
With that, he activated his innate ability, Origin Insight, a faint shimmer of light dancing across his palms. Data materialized in the air before him, intricate runes and glyphs aligning to reveal the puppy's essence:
Species: Ignis Hound
Attribute: Fire
Level: 7 (Rank 0)
Potential: Rank 3 (Elite)
Skills:
① Inferno Breath (Rank B) – Beginner level
② Blazing Rush (Rank C) – Beginner level
Evolution: Expand…
Aion studied the display for a moment, his brow furrowed in thoughtful consideration. The pathways of evolution shimmered faintly, tantalizing in their possibilities. Yet he chose not to delve deeper. The puppy's level was not yet sufficient; it would need to reach at least Rank 1 before any true transformation could be set into motion.
Our shop also offers beast food," Aion said, his voice calm but carrying a quiet weight, "the finest for nurturing your companion's growth. And… if you want to seek beyond the ordinary, there is the Origin Oracle." He let the words hang in the air, as if they themselves carried secrets. "It can reveal nearly anything you desire if available in your current world.
Kyle's eyes widened. Intrigued… but suspicious. His small, logical mind whirred. How could such a shop exist in a place like this? He glanced at the empty shelves, the bare walls, and the single closed room. The so-called "pet shop" seemed to have nothing at all no pet to sell and there is no pet beast.
Aion noticed the hesitation in Kyle's eyes and offered a patient smile. "The shop allows only one visitor at a time," he explained in gentle tone. Kyle's frown eased as he began to understand.
"Why not start with the shop's Spirit Food?" Aion continued, his tone calm and encouraging. "When you're ready, you can explore the other facilities later."
."
Kyle thought for a moment, then frowned. "I… don't have any spirit materials the shop desires." He rummaged through his pouch and produced a few coins, some scraps, and… well, that was it.
Aion blinked, momentarily speechless. But then, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind: Rank 4 Spirit Metal Fragment detected. Can be converted into 400 Origin Points.
He looked at the tiny piece of metal in Kyle's hand and suppressed a chuckle. This little metal was worth 400 Origin Points? Hiding his amusement, he said, "Very well. I can exchange this piece for anything in the shop worth… 200 Origin Points."
Kyle stared in disbelief. "Wait… this? I took this from my father's cupboard yesterday… and it can… buy things?"
Aion only smiled mysteriously, enjoying the moment.
Now fully intrigued, Kyle's eyes sparkled. "Alright, then—what kind of food do you have, and how much does it cost? Also… is there anything that can help my little beast reach Level 1 faster?"
Aion's lips twitched with a hint of amusement. "Ah… you've got spirit, boy.
Aion placed the metal piece on the counter and rested his hand upon it. A soft tremor ran through the air as he drew the Origin Energy out of the fragment, threads of light gathering under his touch. Slowly, the metal lost its luster, breaking apart into fading motes before vanishing completely. The absorbed energy swirled within Aion, refining itself into 400 Origin Points.
With a calm motion, he guided the flow and transferred 250 Origin Points into Kyle's token, which flickered with a gentle glow as it accepted the power.
Aion's calm voice carried a faint warmth as he presented the items.
"First, I recommend Blaze Meatball—a packet of twelve, Grade 0 food.
Its unique flavor is a favorite among young fire-type pups.
Each pack costs 10 Origin Points.
For a gentle treat, there is the Hearthling Roll—a Grade 1 food, two rolls per pack.
(It strengthens energy and stamina for beasts of Rank 1 and below,)
The price is 20 Origin Points per pack."
And if you wish for your companion to reach Rank 1 swiftly and safely, I also carry an Advancement Elixir.( Rank 1)
A single dose each day for three days will guide its growth without harm.
Each vial costs 30 Origin Points."
Kyle listened carefully, his young eyes bright yet thoughtful.
After a moment of silent calculation, he nodded.
"Please pack seven packs of Blaze Meatball," he said,
"one pack of Hearthling Roll, and three Elixirs."
Aion's fingers moved with quiet precision as he tallied the cost.
Seven Blaze Meatball packs came to 70 Origin Points,
the Hearthling Roll added 20,
and the three Elixirs totaled 90.
"The sum is 180 Origin Points," he confirmed with a small smile. And then went to origin alchemy kitchen to create the product .
From Kyle's token, the amount was gently drawn,
leaving 70 Origin Points in reserve.
Aion usually charged twice the charge system shows
and this first trade left him with an extra 90 Origin Points.
With the 150 already stored,
the shop's balance now shimmered at 240 Origin Points.
A quiet thrill stirred in Aion's chest—
for a first customer, this was a promising start.
Kyle accepted the neatly packed goods,
but his youthful face held a hint of caution.
Though only a child, he was not careless.
He resolved to seek his parents' guidance
before offering any of the precious food or elixirs to his beloved pet.
When all was complete, Aion stepped forward,
his tone both gentle and firm.
"It's time for you to return home.
The next time the shop opens, your token will reflect your remaining points.
Remember, only you and your bonded companion may enter.
And to return, you must spend Origin Points—
worldly currency holds no value here.
The shop will appear again next week.
Bring only what may be traded."
Kyle clutched the token,its faint glow dancing across his small fingers.With a final nod of gratitude,he rubbed the surface and, in a shimmer of light,vanished with his young beast.
Left in the quiet glow of the shop,Aion exhaled a satisfied breath The first trade of the day was complete,and with Origin Points secured,
he began planning for the next day.