The air in the Abyss Market shifted.
Not violently.
Not dramatically.
But subtly.
Because something had changed.
Kaien Voss stood at the center of the hall—
Breathing.
Feeling.
Alive in a way he had never felt before.
His aura flowed smoothly now.
No blockage.
No resistance.
"…this is what it feels like…" he whispered.
Power.
Real power.
Nyra watched him quietly from the side.
Hooked.
She had seen that look before.
Not just relief.
But hunger.
The beginning of it.
Above—
Ren Kairo observed everything.
Every detail.
[Customer Satisfaction: High]
[Future Transaction Probability: 91%]
A faint smile formed.
He'll come back.
Not because he was forced.
But because he wanted to.
That was the difference.
"Is there anything else?" Kaien asked, looking up.
His voice had changed.
Less doubt.
More urgency.
Ren didn't answer immediately.
Instead—
He raised his hand.
The stage shifted.
Several items appeared this time.
Not one.
Not two.
Five.
[Available Items]
Spirit Accumulation Pill
→ Speeds up Qi gathering
Minor Body Reinforcement Scroll
→ Strengthens physical durability
Shadow Step Technique
→ Short burst movement technique
Refined Spirit Blade
→ Weapon that enhances Qi flow
Information Fragment
→ Secret knowledge about rival disciples
Kaien's eyes widened.
"…all of this…"
Nyra crossed her arms slightly.
Now comes the real test.
Because the first purchase—
Was always the easiest.
"The prices?" Kaien asked.
Ren spoke calmly.
"Varies."
A pause.
"Some require lifespan."
"Some require effort."
"Some require… something else."
Kaien hesitated.
But only for a moment.
"…I want that."
He pointed—
At the Shadow Step Technique.
Nyra's eyes flickered slightly.
Smart.
Mobility meant survival.
Ren nodded slightly.
"The price…"
A pause.
"Your next victory."
Kaien blinked.
"…what?"
Ren leaned forward slightly.
"You will win your next duel."
A pause.
"And the moment you do…"
"…the market will claim the value."
Silence.
"…so I fight…"
"…and you take the reward?" Kaien asked slowly.
Ren smiled faintly.
"Exactly."
Kaien frowned.
Thinking.
"…and if I lose?"
Ren's voice didn't change.
"Then you lose twice."
That was enough.
Kaien exhaled.
"…fine."
He stepped forward.
"I accept."
The contract formed instantly.
Binding.
Absolute.
The technique scroll vanished—
And entered his mind.
His eyes widened.
"…I understand it…"
Knowledge.
Instant.
Complete.
He stepped back.
Testing it.
His body blurred—
Then reappeared a few feet away.
"…fast…" he whispered.
Nyra smirked slightly.
"Don't rely on it too much."
Kaien glanced at her.
"…you're one of them too."
She didn't answer.
Because the answer was obvious.
Above
Ren leaned back slowly.
[Transaction Complete]
[Future Value Linked]
Now he's tied in.
Not just by power—
But by outcome.
Every win.
Every loss.
Would matter.
Because now—
The market had a stake in his future.
Kaien looked up again.
"…what happens next?" he asked.
Ren's voice echoed.
"You return."
A pause.
"You live your life."
Another pause.
"And when the time comes…"
"…you come back."
Silence.
Kaien nodded slowly.
"…I will."
And this time—
There was no hesitation.
The market opened.
He stepped through—
And vanished.
Silence Returns
Nyra remained.
Watching.
Thinking.
"…he'll grow fast," she said.
Ren nodded slightly.
"Because he has to."
A pause.
"And when he does…"
"…he becomes more valuable."
Nyra looked up at him.
"…everything here is about value."
Ren's gaze met hers.
"Everything."
Silence.
Then—
Nyra turned.
"…I'll find the next one."
Ren didn't stop her.
Because now—
The system was working.
Customers.
Agents.
Growth.
Step by step.
Ren Kairo stood alone once more.
The market pulsing softly around him.
Stronger.
Smarter.
Alive.
And now—
For the first time—
It wasn't just reacting.
It was planning.
"…soon," Ren said quietly,
"…they won't come here for survival."
A faint smile formed.
"They'll come… because they want more."
And when that happened—
The Abyss Market…
Would become unstoppable.