Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1926: Prize (4)

"Third, the ownership of a shop with a designated size in the commercial hub of the biggest city on the Survivor Fortress inhabited by that race."

"Fourth, an allocated plot of farmland of a certain size on the Survivor Fortress where that race lives."

Ye Zhongming mused inwardly, 'Well now,' if managed properly, these could prove far more precious than ten thousand pieces of Moonspan Gold. While Moonspan Gold diminishes once spent, these pair of prizes—a shop and a tract of land—promised ongoing streams of income.

Judging by this, the cosmic races appeared to favor the top-ranked race generously.

"Fifth, select an expert of your choice and receive specialized guidance from them for thirty cosmic days."

Huh?

This particular prize... Ye Zhongming's initial reaction wasn't joy but concern.

The Star-Eye Clan had become a prime target for numerous powerful clans. Among the cosmic races, true experts mostly hailed from those dominant clans. What risks might arise during such targeted instruction?

Ye Zhongming wasn't being paranoid; after all, he had slain countless foes on the Novice battlefield and provoked far too many influential clans...

Noticing Ye Zhongming's look, Cheng Liujin grasped the issue right away. Yet on this matter, he truly lacked a solid plan. In the worst case, they'd have to forgo it entirely.

"Sixth, five days' access to A-level materials in the Survivor's Library Palace."

Cheng Liujin realized Ye Zhongming was unfamiliar with such concepts, so he elaborated: "The Library Palace stands as the core structure in Star Shine City, a neutral hub on the First Survivor Fortress. Construction began in the second cosmic year following the fortress's establishment and activation. Its history nearly matches that of the cosmic races themselves."

As he mentioned this site, Cheng Liujin's gaze brimmed with admiration.

"The Library Palace came into being originally due to the looming danger from the Slave Race, which forced the cosmic races' forebears to confront the possibility of total annihilation. Thus, they gathered knowledge from everyday matters to advanced techniques, binding them into tomes and safeguarding them within the Library Palace as a heritage for descendants, preserving vital insights. That era marked the cosmic races' greatest unity; virtually every race contributed their finest assets without reservation."

"Yet over time, the various races grew more self-serving. Contributions shifted away from their top treasures; they began hoarding secrets. In particular, over the recent few hundred cosmic years, without the binding ancestral regulations requiring periodic additions to the Library Palace, few would bother sharing their race's texts anymore. The worth of this prize has dwindled steadily. Back then, it would have topped the list."

"Still, no matter what, the Library Palace has endured for countless years, from its origins to the present, expanding three times into a vast compound. More than ten thousand employees operate within, and the Librarians number three thousand strong. That represents a formidable presence. Whispers suggest that among those Librarians, at least three boast power rivaling today's premier masters, though who knows if that's fact or fable. Most crucially, the concealed tomes total an astonishing five hundred million volumes or more."

Though Ye Zhongming possessed broad knowledge, Cheng Liujin's description left him profoundly stunned by the Library Palace. At the same time, he puzzled over it: with such a vast collection, why not store them in compact devices? Wouldn't that simplify access? Why demand such an immense space?

This felt akin to a modest independent power. If it truly housed such elite figures, forget three—even a single one could challenge a mid-tier faction.

Should all three thousand Librarians be powerhouses, then...

Ye Zhongming shied from pursuing the thought.

"I see what's on your mind, but the founders of the Library Palace worried about birthing a dominant force. Hence, a strict decree binds them: Librarians forbid involvement in external conflicts. Most Librarians are erudite academics, not fighters."

With Cheng Liujin's words, Ye Zhongming felt a surging longing for this central landmark in Star Shine City. He yearned to visit. Perhaps there lay the precise truths to all his burning questions.

"Is that all?"

As Cheng Liujin fell quiet, Ye Zhongming inquired whether the Novice top prize consisted solely of these six offerings and nothing else.

The Gold Order Leader gave a subtle nod.

These stood as the modified prizes. One could say they nearly charted a clear path for a talented novice to ascend into a supreme powerhouse.

A momentary hush settled in the tent. Silence hung between them. Ye Zhongming absorbed the prizes while anticipating further words. He sensed the upcoming discussion would shape the bond between him and the Star-Eye Clan.

"These prizes are impressive, tempting enough to stir jealousy. Yet converting them into personal power demands ages. Meanwhile, your current points hold the utmost value."

Though Cheng Liujin had known of Ye Zhongming's points for ages, the notion still sparked envy within him each time.

"Your points... they're simply overwhelming." Cheng Liujin marveled, then swiftly refocused. He regarded Ye Zhongming and continued, "The Points Shop has refreshed its stock. The wares there could drain every participant's reserves. However..."

Cheng Liujin gestured toward the exterior. "It's obvious that early entrants snag the rare and vital goods first. Latecomers settle for scraps."

"From what I've heard, plenty of treasures fill it, but junk abounds too."

Ye Zhongming voiced his concern, "So what does that mean for us?"

"We get to enter first." Cheng Liujin answered promptly. "This counts as an extra perk for the Novice champion."

"That said, this priority brings added troubles."

Cheng Liujin called for another drink. Noting Ye Zhongming's glass barely touched, he proceeded solo.

"Items in the Points Shop cost a fortune. Though not as inflated as during your Novice battlefield stint, they run roughly twenty percent above standard rates."

"Some goods there are impossible to find elsewhere, including unique specialties. Certain items prove invaluable to one race yet worthless to others."

"Since points transfer freely, from boarding the ship to arrive here up to this moment, I've fielded hundreds of overtures."

"Some seek trades for points with goods, others pledge favors for points, a few propose we buy with points and resell externally, direct bids of Moonspan Gold for points, and even attempts to purchase our entry priority."

Shaking his head while eyeing Ye Zhongming, Cheng Liujin deemed these propositions thorny.

Numerous involved races the Star-Eye Clan preferred to avoid antagonizing, or simply couldn't.

Crucially, the Star-Eye Clan harbored its own needs for Ye Zhongming's points. But that hinged entirely on his willingness.

"As for exact exchange details, I can't specify; the options are endless. I can only gauge the worth of your points to offer a rough idea."

"That Red Condensation seven-piece gear set of yours is tough to acquire externally. The Points Shop lists it at around thirty-five thousand points..."

"Your points could secure fifteen such sets, with plenty remaining..."