"...Why are you so surprised? Don't you know the golden rule about equivalent exchange?" the voice asked confusedly. "Information is the most expensive asset in existence, you know. Giving it away for free is a total waste."
Soren shifted his weight, his eyes moving back to the empty space where the voice originated. He hadn't expected to negotiate with a ghost, but it made sense. In any world, things were rarely free.
"What is the price then, Senior?"
"Hmm... Actually, I haven't thought about it yet..."
The voice trailed off, and a heavy silence settled over the hall.
Soren then felt an invisible pressure sweep over him, like a cold, prying gaze that scrutinized every fiber of his being. It was as if he were being placed on a scale and found wanting.
"What can you even offer anyway?" the voice muttered, sounding unimpressed.
