Chapter 121: Progress Nexus

  After Shell’s hauntingly beautiful set, Synexus pulled Gene to the side and discussed his plan on how to use his Divine skill selection that he had divulged to Ecclo earlier that day. The owl was hesitant and still weighed more towards letting the mana dissipate, but they did see the merit in the idea and thought it would benefit the universe. Ultimately, it was up to Synexus and Gene would support his decision either way.

  With that they both left the inn and found a quiet park bench by a fountain for Synexus to sit and focus. He had picked this spot because it reminded him of the cascading mini ponds that he had trained by in his trial. The constant splashing of the water helped him to clear his mind.

  Gene stood next to him and talked him through what the process would be like. They told Synexus that it wouldn’t be like a regular skill selection, but more like a conversation with System themselves. System, would get the final say if the Divine skill would be accepted.

  He sat there once the owl stopped speaking and listened to the gentle trickling of the water and the various insects chirping out in the darkness of a chilly night. Soon, his mana started to flow except, instead of flowing through his body, it started to circulate in his soul. Seconds later, the pool of Divine mana started to burn within him and his eyes opened to the bright white of System’s domain.

  This time System went with the visage of an elven woman while still glowing brightly and retaining the six arms they had before.

  “Back so soon?”

  “It is nice see you again, System. I have acquired a bit of Divine mana and hope to use it for a skill selection.”

  “Yes, I know that. I see all through the soul, remember?”

  Synexus thought that was fair and simply nodded. His eyes looked past the elf before him as if expecting someone else. System noticed and knew what his thoughts were.

  “Creator will not be joining us this time. He wanted me to pass on his regards; however, he is afraid that his presence may influence the change you wish to make.”

  “Thank you. Tell him that his presence will be missed and that I’ve learned a lot from his codex.”

  System nodded before pacing around the empty space.

  “You absorbed a decent amount of Divine mana. Not the most I’ve ever seen, but enough. Tell me in detail what skill you wish to create.”

  “I want to create the Progress Nexus. A universal trading hub within the…well you. I believe this will be beneficial to all class chosen and advance their progress to new heights. People on every planet will be able to obtain objects or materials that they normally wouldn’t be able too. It’d be a great boon for all combat, trade, and artisan classes. Not only that, but the progress of planets will advance as well. There are more technologically advanced planets out there as well as less advanced planets. This could bring the universe to a new standard.”

  “Interesting. Continue. I will need logistics.”

  Synexus nodded.

  “There will need to be a universal currency which I would like to call Progress Credits that way it doesn’t destabilize the economy. I’m sure every planet has a unique currency, and I believe that anyone with a banking class will be able to access a specific function of the Progress Nexus that will allow them to trade local currency for Progress Credits or Pc’s. This will provide a great boost to the progress of those in those classes I believe.”

  “Traders will also greatly benefit from this new function since they will have a much wider customer base to work with, and I believe their classes will be the center of this. Therefore, I think they should also have a function allowing them to be the only class chosen that can negotiate. They will know what items are actually worth and that’s the benefit of having a trader sell your things on the nexus for you. Their name on the Nexus should also show that they are a trader and they should be able to list items in bulk.”

  “This is different from how other class chosen can interact with the Nexus. Each person can access, sell, and trade from anywhere through your interface, however, class chosen outside the trader classes can only list one item at a time. Now, they can have multiple listings available on the Nexus at a time, but they would have to put each one up individually. They set the prices as with any other listing. This makes it beneficial to go to a trader as they would know what things are actually worth and they will be able to put a mass number of listings up at a time.”

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  System was following along when they suddenly had a question.

  “These sub-functions would make it easier to create as those classes already have skills that would be utilized. What are your plans on how they would get the items from one side of the universe to the other?”

  “That is the most questionable part of my decision and one your sibling said should be possible, however, you are the expert. I was hoping that it would be facilitated by you. Instant transportation using space mana. I know you were able to manipulate space mana in the past when dungeons were being created, but that function isn’t in use anymore. Is it possible?”

  “It is possible and intriguing. It’s true the dungeon function is no longer active due to people finding out how to destroy them and releasing their mana into the greater world. I would need something additional from you, however.”

  “From me? What could I possibly have that you want?”

  “There is plenty. All your creations are new and exciting just like the Creators. It is not a creation that I require for this though. It’s the Nothing Stone you possess.”

  “You want the Nothing Stone? You can have it, but may I ask why?”

  “It still possesses Divine Mana equal if not more than what you absorbed.”

  Synexus summoned the Nothing Stone and handed it over. System looked at it then absorbed the stone entirely.

  “Yes, this had much more. I should be able to implement the delivery function now. In addition, it will cost the class chosen that lists an item a small amount of mana each time they create a listing. I’ll have to create a spatial warehouse of sorts to hold the items until there is a buyer. This will help the cost of spatial mana for both transporting the item and keeping the spatial warehouse stable.”

  “That should be fine. I don’t see anyone having issues with that except those that don’t use mana.”

  “For those individuals, I’ll take a bit of whatever resource they possess and convert it to mana. Do not worry. Now what else. You should have some room to add a couple more functions to your Divine skill.”

  Synexus placed his hand on his jaw to think. This was a universe changing decision after all. A few ideas popped into his head, but System said he only had a couple more he could add and one stuck out more than others.

  “Alright. I believe items should not only be up for trade. I think class chosen should be able to post a listing for their skills. For instance, an artisan can have a listing up for custom orders, that way class chosen can have things made by them or class chosen specializing in certain areas can have a listing up for exchanging important information.”

  System nodded.

  “Finally, it would be beneficial if class chosen were given an amount of Progress Credits when they levelled up.”

  System’s glowing eyes widened when Synexus said this as his final function.

  “Interesting. I thought you would ask that a portion of the credits go to you. Most that make a Divine skill ask for something for their personal gain.”

  “Really? That’s surprising. No, I want this to be for the universe. For every class chosen. Their progress is important and every part of me believes this will help.”

  “Admirable. I see why my creator has taken interest. Your Divine skill has been approved. The Progress Nexus will be created. Give my sibling my regards and when you do assure them that your name will not appear in the notifications. They worry you will be in danger.”

  “Thank…”

  A moment later he was back in the park. He didn’t even get a chance to properly thank System for their help. Gene looked startled that he was back already and began speaking, but before Synexus could reply, several notifications filled his interface.

  Congratulations on creating a Divine Skill! Your creation of the Progress Nexus will have a great impact on all those integrated with the System. It will be a true testament to the achievements of a Progress Architect.

  Creator of the Progress Nexus Achievement has been awarded!

  Creator of the Progress Nexus: 100,000 Progress Credits have been added to your Nexus account. 10% boost to all stats.

  Among the Divine Achievement has been awarded!

  Among the Divine: You’ve created a Divine skill without ascending past the rank of Class Master. You will now be able to sense Divine mana.

  Due to your creation of the Progress Nexus you will not be eligible for a Divine skill selection for at least 73 years.

  Welcome to the Progress Nexus!

  For reaching level 20, you’ve been awarded 2000 Progress Credits

  Your current balance is 102,000pc. This is equal to roughly 1020 gold guins in your local currency.

  Progress Nexus can be found on your interface. More details are available when opening the function for the first time.

  Synexus willed it to open, and information came streaming in on how to navigate, what it’s for, how to list an item, the cost of listing an item, how to get more PC’s, the benefits of using a trader to sell for you, and an explanation of how anything, even services could be listed. It was a lot to take in.