“Alteration? Trial Phase? Crystal? You keep mentioning those. What does all of that mean? Tell me what do you people want from us!”

『The planet and aboriginal life forms are altered and receive an artificial enhancement, we refer to them as an Origin Crystal. An Origin Crystal allows you to harness lifeforce to perform supernatural abilities. The Trial Phase is the initial change, allowing aboriginal Users to have an increased chance of survival against the initial onslaught of soulless. Once the Trial Phase ends, survival shall become more difficult.』

“Why did you alter the planet?”

『You are not qualified to know that. If your adaptability is good. You will learn the answer to that question yourself in time.』

“Why did you come to Earth?”

『Aboriginal life forms are to train their lifeforce for selection.』

“Selection?” Noah was becoming increasingly distressed the more he heard.

『I detect that you are becoming agitated. I have revealed the limit of what you are qualified to know. We will begin our trade, I will only display items that you have the authority to buy. This is what I have in stock. Take a look.』

[Grade 1 Rations] cost 1 Merit

A synthetic tasteless cube approximately 1cm³. Restores the full stamina of a grade one user, also satiates hunger and thirst.

[Grade 1 Potion of Healing] cost 10 Merit

Accelerates the healing process of a life form, inferior to the same grade healing abilities.

[System Crafted Weapon] cost varies, minimum of 25 Merit

A weapon crafted by the System to the specifications of the user.

[System Crafted Armour] cost varies, minimum of 50 Merit

Armour or clothing is crafted by the system to the specifications of the user.

[Augment Equipment] cost 10 Merit

An item crafted by the System augmented with an Origin Crystal containing an ability supplied by the User. Allows the User to utilize the ability. This is an optional add-on for System-crafted items.

[Pocket Dimension Item] cost varies, minimum of 100 Merit

An item containing a pocket dimension which can store objects within which can fit through the opening. If the bag is destroyed the items contained within will appear in its place. 100 Merit per 1m³ of space.

[Tier One Ability Embryo - Common] cost 1,000 Merit

Stimulates the user into awakening a random tier one ability.

{Exclusive} [Augmented Weapon: Tier one ability Wind Blade] cost 1,330 Merit {in-stock:1}

A weapon using a grade one origin crystal containing the tier one ability wind blade as material crafted by the System to the specifications of the user. [Common Wind Element ability: Wind Blade. A single blade formed with air can be directed towards a target.]

{Exclusive} [Zero-Space Dimension Item] cost varies, minimum of 1,000 Merit {in-stock:1}

An item containing a zero-space dimension which can store a certain amount of objects touched against it. 1,000 Merit per 10 items.

{Exclusive} [Augmented Armour: Tier one ability Spirit Armour] cost 1,650 Merit {in-stock:1}

Armour or clothing using a grade one origin crystal containing the tier one ability spirit armour as material crafted by the System to the specifications of the user. [Rare Spirit ability: Spirit Armour. An ethereal armour floats above the surface of the user’s body which absorbs damage directed towards it.]

{Exclusive}[Tier two Ability Embryo - Uncommon] cost 10,000 Merit

Stimulates the user into awakening a random tier two ability.

Noah looked over the items in shock, with each item being more enticing than the one before it. His eyes especially lit up when he reached the pocket dimension item on the list, and read its description. He then noticed the Zero-Space item description even further down the list.

"What's the difference between a pocket dimension item and a zero-space dimension item?"

『A pocket dimension item must be in the form of some kind of container and possess an opening. It is larger on the inside than its exterior suggests. A zero space item can take any form, most commonly something that can be worn, such as a piece of jewellery. It contains a dimension similar to the one we currently reside in. A zero-space ring stores a limited number of items unrestricted by size or shape instead of limited space. Containers and consumable system items with the same description count as only one item within zero-space.』

"You told me when I arrived that during the Trial Phase there is a fifty percent discount, has that been applied to the prices on the list already?" Noah asked the merchant.

『No. In the event of the Trial Phase ending during negotiation, prices have remained at their original cost. So, do not deliberate for too long on what you wish to buy.』

"How much can be stored inside a pocket dimension item?"

『The smallest size contains a pocket dimension of one meter squared with larger sizes costing more. Dimension items can be enlarged by storing another of its kind within, which will merge the second item's anchor point then combine the pocket dimensions together. Zero-space items share this function, but instead of size, it is the number of items. I recommend the latter.』

"How much Merit do I have?"

『You currently possess two thousand, and twenty Merit. Crystals can also be exchanged for Merit in the Store.』The alien merchant reminded him.

After thinking for a while, Noah made his decision on what he was going to buy. He chose a chest-piece armour augmented with the [Spirit Armour] ability, a zero-space dimensional item in the form of a ring containing the smallest dimension. Also, a sword augmented with the [Wind Blade] ability.

Noah couldn't resist purchasing a few consumable items as well. Three [Grade 1 Potion of healing] With his remaining Merit, he bought one month's worth of [Grade 1 Rations] to be able to safely hide as he waits out the [Trial Phase].

Noah didn't have the slightest clue of when the [Trial Phase] could end. All he knew was that he possibly wouldn't get a chance to purchase the high priced items at a massive discount like this if he returned. He also didn't know if or when he would awaken a second ability like he suspected Rachel and the house cat had.

He didn't want to risk his life to kill an army of soulless and mutated animals to collect Origin Crystals. He didn't want to murder other people for Crystals even more. It was far too dangerous compared to the huge amount of Merit he was awarded in exchange for gaining his [Omega Role] and awakening his rare ability.

After finishing his trade, Noah was delighted to obtain what he believed to be the mutated house cat's [Wind Blade] ability and the chest plate with the [Spirit Armour] ability, which would significantly increase his odds of survival.