Chapter 281 – Benlajet-Nokanini

Although the design of the reception golem made Punk desperately want to complain, he still listened carefully to the golem’s explanation of the exchange rules. After all, the golem would only explain this information once, and even as a “Senior Mentor,” Punk couldn’t obtain any privileges from a pre-programmed golem.

The fully energy-based “Phantom Image” pointed indifferently at the information on the projection template and said:

“This exchange section is divided into ‘Headquarters Section’ and ‘Branch Section.’ All mentors of the Thought of Truth can place resources they wish to sell in these sections, but once listed, the information cannot be withdrawn. If a buyer arrives but the seller cannot provide the corresponding resources, they will face penalties including reduced credit rating and fines.

The ‘Branch Section’ displays resources available at this Gray Rain Country Thought of Truth Branch. Buyers only need to pay a sufficient number of exchange points, and golems responsible for transportation will deliver the goods outside the buyer’s residence.

For resources in the ‘Headquarters Section,’ in addition to paying the exchange points set by the seller, buyers must also cover necessary transmission costs. Transmission fees vary based on the energy level of the transmitted item and the distance between the buyer and seller. Please pay special attention to this.”

After finishing its explanation, the golem stood motionless nearby.

“The rules are fairly simple. I just hope the transmission fees for items from the headquarters aren’t too outrageous. Otherwise, the resources available at this branch wouldn’t be particularly abundant.”

Puck frowned slightly as he opened the section list.

The resources in the Headquarters Section were overwhelmingly numerous, encompassing items from every corner of the world. From the Desolate Trees of the endless deserts to the unique Mora Wandering Fish from the Chaotic Sea, even the Shadowbloom Flowers that only grow in God Realms were displayed.

Of course, aside from their inherently expensive values, Punk couldn’t even afford the transmission costs required due to the vast distances these resources would need to travel.

Eventually, Punk gave up browsing through these dazzling but unattainable precious materials and focused on searching for what he actually needed.

Fortunately, the creators of the projection panel had considered search functionality. This seemingly simple projection panel did include search options, saving Punk from manually browsing through the massive database. He only needed to input keywords to find the desired information – this magical application by the Thought of Truth was no worse than Earth’s Baidu or Google.

Punk first searched for information about Aoke Fire Rock Crystal.

Unfortunately, Aoke Fire Rock Crystal wasn’t available at this Gray Rain Country Thought of Truth Branch. This type of fire rock crystal only forms in areas with highly concentrated fire elements, such as the Morse Kingdom branch located near a volcano, where Aoke Fire Rock Crystal was available for purchase.

“At least it’s available somewhere!”

This was Punk’s initial thought. Then… when he saw the price, his perspective immediately changed.

The price panel for the fire rock crystal clearly displayed:

“Aoke Fire Rock Crystal, 95%+ purity: Selling price – 17 exchange points

Required transmission fee: 20 exchange points!”Punk felt any trace of good mood vanish as he looked at the data. Although he had anticipated that even a legendary organization would require substantial resources to establish teleportation arrays bypassing unstable spatial regions—meaning fees wouldn’t be as low as Earth’s courier services—he never expected the cost to be this exorbitant. The teleportation fee actually exceeded the price of the Aoke Fire Rock Crystal itself.

After scanning other commodities and finding similarly inflated teleportation rates prevalent, Punk could only sigh in resignation:

“What else can be done? I’ll buy it. Even if the teleportation fee is absurd, it’s better than being unable to purchase it at all. Just having access to such precious resources is already something to be grateful for.”

With a helpless shake of his head, Punk handed his identity card to the golem.

The construct didn’t take the card, merely tapping its edge with a finger before turning to announce:

“Respected Master Punk Cyan, your purchase procedure is complete. Please safeguard your card. Your ordered Aoke Fire Rock Crystal with over 95% purity will be delivered to your Magic Tower within three days.”

“Next, I need information on Minisen Alloy.”

“According to records, the Gray Rain Country Branch maintains ample reserves of Minisen Alloy. The seller’s listed price is two exchange points per kilogram. Do you wish to proceed?”

“Oh? Available locally? This should save quite a sum.”

Relief washed over Punk at the golem’s words—his current financial state was pitiable. Had he needed to pay staggering teleportation fees for bulk metals, he’d have reluctantly postponed his golem construction plans. But with local stock available, things became far simpler.

“I’ll take thirty kilograms for now,” Punk promptly instructed.

Semi-elemental golems were lightweight constructs, and even accounting for material waste, thirty kilograms would suffice.

Having completed his purchases, Punk prepared to depart. Since the Thought of Truth’s logistics required retrieving goods from sellers, the Minisen Alloy delivery to his Magic Tower would take approximately one day.

“Please wait, Mr. Punk Cyan!”

Just as Punk stepped beyond the Pyramid exchange’s entrance, the golem—already returning to its counter—suddenly called out:

“Master Benlajie Nokani, the seller of Minisen Alloy, has sent a message. Please receive it, Master Punk Cyan.”

Though the golem’s voice remained measured, every syllable reached Punk with crystalline clarity.

“Master Benlajie Nokani?”

Punk frowned slightly. He knew this Ben Lajie was one of the six Master-Level Casters in the Gray Rain Country Branch, but they had no acquaintance. Could this be a seller requesting to meet the buyer?

Puzzled, Punk returned to the projection panel and opened the message from Master Benlajie Nokani.

The projected handwriting appeared in neat, moss-green Common script:”Hello, Mr. Cyan. I happen to have Minisen Alloy stored in the warehouse of my Magic Tower. If you don’t mind, I’d like to invite you to visit my Magic Tower as a guest. As a hospitable mage, I sincerely look forward to your arrival —————— Benlajie Nokani.”

Lovely cats are waiting for you in the group… Come quickly to pet the cats~~

(End of Chapter)