Global Era of Star trekking Chapter 1690 - 826: [Exploring the City of Transcendence] (Part 3)
Previously on Global Era of Star trekking...
A cold, mechanical voice resonated from the Eye of Chaos as it began to rotate upon the approach of the Mirror Image Warship:
[Exchanger identified. Please choose the [Exchange Zone] you wish to access.]
Song Chi’s thoughts stirred. Through the vision of his Ethereal Body, he focused on the Eye of Chaos looming ahead. A moment later, a specialized projection interface manifested in his field of vision.
The display was organized into three distinct categories.
[Basic Exchange Zone] [Rare Exchange Zone] [Special Exchange Zone]
As his attention shifted to the [Basic Exchange Zone], seventy-two massive pillars started a slow rotation, causing a spiraling Light Gate to manifest rapidly in the center of the hall.
The hull of the Mirror Image Warship shuddered violently as it passed through the Light Gate; the local spatial laws were forcibly compressing the vessel down to a length of only one hundred meters.
Once through the gate, a circular architectural complex suspended within the Chaos Void came into view.
Countless individuals, their forms obscured by Chaos Gauze Clothes, moved between the structures, each preceded by floating holographic projection screens.
Song Chi soon realized that these displays contained catalogs of items available for redemption. He noted that the local currency required exchanging various high rank resources for the specific tokens used in this district.
"I see..."
Song Chi understood now that this area functioned as an automated trade hub. Provided one had sufficient high rank resources, any desired item could be acquired through exchange.
He directed the Mirror Image Warship to dock at the nearest terminal. As the ship’s Traction Beam locked onto the exchange pillar, a list immediately projected before him:
[Basic Exchange Zone]
Eighth Rank [Golden Apple]—Price: 1000 exchange coins
[Chaos Mirror Image Stone (Lower Rank)]—Price: 12000 exchange coins
Ninth Rank Dominator True Spirit—Price: 40 exchange coins
...
He then proceeded to examine the remaining two sectors.
[Rare Exchange Zone]
Colorful/Lower [Eternal Barrier]—Price: 25000 exchange coins
Colorful Upper [Space-Time Mirror]—Price: 500000 exchange coins
[Chaos Mirror Image Stone (Intermediate Rank)]—Price: 350000 exchange coins
...
[Special Exchange Zone] (Permission required to unlock)
Song Chi’s eyes lingered on the Special Exchange Zone for a long time. Even though the specific inventory remained hidden, the faint seven-colored radiance shimmering at the screen's edge hinted at the presence of mythical-tier Strange Objects.
Before he could investigate further, a sharp alarm blared from the exchange pillar:
[Warning! Abnormal scanning fluctuations detected!]
Two shafts of light suddenly struck the ground nearby, coalescing into figures clad in silver uniforms.
Their Chaos Gauze Clothes featured a distinct grid pattern, and they wore emblems shaped like scales upon their chests.
"The Law Enforcers of the City of Transcendence!"
Whispers broke out in the surrounding area, causing Song Chi’s heart to race. He instantly switched the Mirror Image Warship to silent mode. He doubted these Law Enforcers were searching for him specifically and hoped that by remaining inconspicuous, he would avoid trouble.
His attention remained fixed on the newcomers. He could sense that these two Law Enforcers were likely powerful Eleventh Rank entities.
The lead Law Enforcer raised a hand, scattering myriad specks of light as his frigid voice filled the exchange zone:
"Unsanctioned probing has been detected in Zone B-714. All entities must cease operations immediately for inspection."
Reacting instantly, Song Chi severed the link to his Ethereal Body.
Though he didn't believe the Mirror Image Warship was their target, he felt it was better to be safe than sorry.
Just as the Law Enforcers prepared to scan his sector, a sudden ripple in space halted the process—a brilliant explosion of chaos light erupted from the direction of the Transcendence Zone.
The Law Enforcers immediately changed course, transforming into streaks of light as they raced toward the disturbance.
Seizing this opportunity, Song Chi navigated the Mirror Image Warship toward the Mission Area.
While he was curious about the chaos in the Transcendence Zone, his gut told him that getting involved would be reckless and dangerous.
The Mission Area’s layout was surprisingly uncomplicated, featuring a multitude of bubble-like light orbs drifting in the center.
Each orb contained a task of varying difficulty. Completing these would earn "Transcendence Contribution Points"—a primary currency within the City of Transcendence. These points could be traded 1:1 for "exchange coins" and were also the prerequisite for becoming a Law Enforcer. Only those with a certain amount of "Transcendence Contribution Points" were eligible to apply for the position.
Song Chi was aware of the perks: Law Enforcers could view the Special Exchange Zone’s contents, received discounts on all trades, and enjoyed unrestricted access to the Transcendence Zone.
Song Chi reached out to touch a large orb, and mission details instantly filled his mind:
[Pursuit Mission:
Target: The world-devouring worm inhabiting the Chaos Sea (Peak of Tenth Rank)
Reward: 50000 Transcendence Points
Details: Last sighted in Chaos Sea shattered star belt, sector HT-927]
As he continued to browse the various task orbs, he stumbled upon a mission that caught him off guard.
[Collection Mission:
Objective: Acquire the corpses of high-rank living beings.
Reward: Transcendence Contribution Points awarded based on the life rank and quantity of submitted remains.
Note: No maximum limit; higher rewards for larger quantities of eligible remains.]
Seeing this request left Song Chi feeling perplexed.
His mind immediately went to high-rank Biological Origin Blood.
However, he reconsidered; trades involving Primordial Blood were rare in the City of Transcendence. It didn't seem logical for the city to suddenly push for such a trade policy.
Still, he couldn't think of any other reason why they would require such a massive volume of high-rank corpses.
Unable to find an answer, he pushed the mystery aside and began to seriously evaluate which missions he should undertake.