Morning came—
But Kaien Voss had already been awake for hours.
Standing in the training grounds.
Waiting.
His grip tightened around his sword.
Next duel…
The words echoed in his mind.
Not just a fight anymore.
A transaction.
Across from him—
Another disciple stepped forward.
Tall.
Confident.
Smirking.
"…you challenged me?" the man said.
Kaien said nothing.
But his aura—
Was different now.
Stable.
Controlled.
Dangerous.
The surrounding disciples began to gather.
Whispers spread quickly.
"…isn't that Kaien?"
"…he's been stuck for months…"
"…why would he challenge him?"
The opponent laughed.
"You're either brave…"
"…or stupid."
Kaien exhaled slowly.
"…we'll see."
Abyss Market
Ren Kairo watched.
The scene displayed clearly before him.
Every movement.
Every breath.
[Linked Transaction Active]
[Condition: Victory Required]
Ren leaned forward slightly.
Show me your value.
Back to the Duel
The signal was given.
The fight began.
The opponent moved first.
Fast.
Stronger.
His blade cut through the air—
Aimed directly at Kaien's chest.
Kaien reacted instantly.
His body blurred—
Shadow Step.
He vanished—
Reappearing to the side.
The crowd gasped.
"…what?!"
The opponent's eyes widened.
"…you—"
Kaien didn't hesitate.
He moved again.
Fast.
Precise.
Strike.
The opponent barely blocked.
The impact forced him back.
"…since when—"
Kaien pressed forward.
No pause.
No hesitation.
Because he knew—
He had to win.
The fight intensified.
Blades clashed.
Steel rang.
The opponent adapted quickly.
Stronger.
More experienced.
A heavy strike—
Kaien barely blocked—
He slid back—
Pain shot through his arms.
"…you're still weak," the opponent said coldly.
Kaien's breathing grew heavier.
He's right.
Even with the technique—
He wasn't stronger.
Just faster.
And speed alone—
Wasn't enough.
Abyss Market
Ren's eyes narrowed.
He's reaching his limit.
The outcome—
Was uncertain.
And that—
Was where value was decided.
Back to the Duel
The opponent rushed forward again.
This time—
Faster.
Stronger.
Kaien's eyes sharpened.
I lose…
A flash of thought.
I lose twice.
His grip tightened.
"No."
He moved.
Not backward.
Forward.
The opponent smirked.
"…desperate."
Their blades clashed—
At that moment—
Kaien shifted.
A step.
A twist.
Shadow Step—
Not to dodge.
But to reposition.
Behind him.
The opponent's eyes widened.
"…impossible—"
Too late.
Kaien struck.
Clean.
Precise.
The blade stopped—
At his opponent's throat.
Silence.
The entire courtyard froze.
"…I win," Kaien said quietly.
Abyss Market
Ren exhaled slowly.
[Condition Fulfilled]
[Victory Confirmed]
The system activated.
[Value Claimed]
Back to Reality
Kaien staggered slightly.
"…what—"
Something left him.
Not strength.
Not skill.
But something else.
Subtle.
But real.
The cost.
He steadied himself.
"…so that's how it works…" he muttered.
The opponent stepped back slowly.
Shock written all over his face.
"You… changed," he said.
Kaien didn't respond.
Because he had.
Abyss Market
Ren leaned back slowly.
Another successful transaction.
Another piece added.
[Market Energy Increased]
[Customer Growth Potential Rising]
He closed his eyes briefly.
Then opened them.
Calm.
Focused.
"Good," he said quietly.
Because now—
The system was proving itself.
Not just with promises.
But results.
And soon—
More would come.
Not because they were invited.
But because they heard.
Because they saw.
Because they wanted…
What the market offered.
Ren Kairo stood from his throne.
Looking out into the darkness.
"…let the world notice," he murmured.
Because once it did—
There would be no turning back.