Time passed swiftly, and after leaving the Evolver's Association, Grey made his way to the top-tier merchant association of Blue Star—the Golden Chamber.
The Golden Chamber had branches across every sector of Nova City, and the same held true for other major cities scattered across Blue Star.
It was the go-to place for evolvers who wished to buy or trade items.
"Welcome, customer. What would you like to buy today?" A mechanical yet polite voice rang out as soon as Grey stepped into the branch building. An artificial intelligence robot stood at the entrance, programmed to greet every visitor.
Of course, Grey had a purpose in coming here. For starters, he wanted to buy a spatial ring.
He considered it crucial. He would become an evolver sooner or later, and it wouldn't hurt to prepare in advance. With his current bank balance, he could definitely afford one.
A spatial ring would make managing his inventory far easier. He could store his important evolutionary path documents inside and retrieve them instantly, without wasting time searching for the right one.
Spatial rings worked thanks to special array and rule formations carved into them. Together, these formations created a pocket-space, functioning like an automated inventory with a built-in system for quick access.
Originally, such items had been the exclusive creations of immortal cultivators. But with centuries of research, the Federation's top evolutionary scientists had optimized the design so even ordinary mortals could use them.
But Grey's goal wasn't just a spatial ring. He also wanted something else—something called the Cosmic Energy Conversion Formation Diagram.
Cosmic energy was the equivalent of electricity in this world. From toys to cars, even the AI robot standing before him drew its power from cosmic energy.
The Conversion Formation Diagram was the heart of it all. It functioned by drawing raw cosmic energy from the atmosphere and converting it into pure energy, which could then be refined into any required form.
For example, when engraved precisely onto the circuit modules of an AI robot, the diagram allowed the machine to continuously draw cosmic energy and sustain itself indefinitely, powering its high-level computations without end.
And it wasn't only machines—evolvers also used it. Espers, for instance, could channel cosmic energy through the formation to instantly replenish their psionic reserves.
Its applications were virtually limitless.
But Grey's own goal was much simpler. He wanted to use its hidden function: the ability to materialize cosmic energy itself.
He wasn't aiming to power civilizations or change the world of science. He simply wanted a tool to sense the natural flow of cosmic energy—the fundamental building block of this world.
And he wasn't about to buy a ready-made version. No, what he wanted was the diagram itself. With his heaven-defying comprehension, why settle for the fish when he could seize the entire ocean?
He can easily comprehend it and use it anytime he wants without having a need to buy it again.
"I would like to purchase a spatial ring," Grey finally said, cutting short his own musings.
"Understood, customer. Our Golden Chamber specializes in top-grade spatial rings, each carved from cosmic energy ores and refined by the finest craftsmen on Blue Star. Quality and durability are guaranteed."
As the AI began its scripted chatter, it guided him toward the section where the rings were displayed. Rows upon rows of gleaming rings floated within transparent cases.
Grey's eyes swept over them, unimpressed. Each design looked crude and uninspired. None spoke to him.
Until one did.
Amid the dull collection, a single ring drew his gaze.
It was sleek and futuristic, forged of dark metal etched with glowing neon lines of blue and purple. The designs resembled circuits, like a piece of cyberpunk tech, radiating a faint light as though alive with energy.
Grey liked it instantly. It would definitely catch attention when worn—and it would look good on his hand.
But when he saw the price, his expression stiffened.
"1,000 Union Credits?" His brows twitched. A normal spatial ring sold for three to four hundred credits. This was double, nearly triple!
"This ring, while more expensive, is far more durable," the AI droned. "It was carved from refined cosmic ore free of impurities. More importantly, it is the latest invention of Golden Chamber's top scientists—a fusion of science and formation. This is the first upgradable spatial ring. It contains a miniature artificial intelligence that manages the formations within, ensuring all items are kept organized and maintained. It can display local time, and most importantly—the space inside can be expanded. Currently, it holds twenty cubic meters, but the capacity can be upgraded indefinitely. This model is called Prototype, the first of its kind. It arrived only today. You are truly fortunate to be the first customer to encounter it."
Grey's lips twitched. He seriously wished there was a "skip dialogue" button.
Still, after weighing the pros and cons, he decided it was worth it. An upgradable ring meant that once he comprehended spatial formations, he could expand it himself in the future, avoiding the need to buy bigger rings later.
"I'll take the Prototype," Grey said at last.
"Understood, customer. I will pack your order right away and register a one-year warranty. Should the ring malfunction during that time, you may visit any Golden Chamber branch for instant repair or replacement."
The AI's wrist clicked open, revealing a glowing barcode scanner.
"Please scan this code to complete the transaction."
Grey complied without hesitation, transferring 1,000 Union Credits. His heart ached slightly, but he believed the young lady would call him again for training soon, so he endured.
"Transaction complete, customer," the AI said as it handed over a transparent box containing the ring.
Grey opened the box and slid the ring onto his finger, just beside his middle finger.
"How do I bind it?" he asked.
"It should bind itself right now."
The moment those words fell, a faint sting pricked his finger, like a needle piercing his skin. The ring glowed, and a virtual display flickered to life, showing the local time in luminous digits circling its outer rim.
Sleek. Futuristic. Eye-catching.
Satisfied, Grey moved on to his true goal.
"I would like to buy the Cosmic Energy Conversion Formation Diagram,"
"Understood, customer. The diagram sold by the Golden Chamber is a direct copy of the original created over a century ago. It is inscribed upon a material harvested only from mutated beasts in the outer rings of Power City…"
The AI launched into another endless explanation, much to Grey's distress, before finally leading him to the section where the diagrams were kept.
"That will be 100 Union Credits," the AI said, handing him a scroll sealed in a protective case.
Grey wasted no time. He completed the payment in a single motion, snatched the diagram, and tossed it straight into his new spatial ring.
Without sparing the place another glance, he turned and strode out of the Golden Chamber.
The day was almost over. It was time to refocus—time to begin building his evolutionary path.