Weapon seller in the world of magic



As the black-colored barrier enveloped the store, Mark and Allen get transported out of the store. 

As for Alina, since she wasn't an android, she could be placed in the inventory. Hence, Mark stored her in one of his inventory slots before getting kicked out.

After coming out in the open, Mark didn't waste time in equipping the exo skeleton suit and flew away. Allen followed him from behind until they reach a remote location with nothing but wild trees and plants around.

"Open inventory."

From the inventory, he then took out an object that resembled a genie's lamp.

"Do I need to rub it or something?" He wondered.

*Ding! You got it correctly.

Assuming that a familiar-looking genie will come out of the magical lamp, Mark rubbed it on its side, "Come out genie and grant my wishes."

However, only smoke came out. There is no genie inside the lamp. Instead, he just got a notification.

*Ding! You used the lamp of wishes. The host may now state the wish. According to the wish (if it could be granted), the cooldown timer will change.

*Warning: Please be careful when asking for the wish. The wrong choice of words might bring calamity to the host.

With his cheeks reddened in embarrassment, Mark didn't argue with the system and spoke out loud, "I wish for a healthy functioning human body for Allen's core to transfer into. 

Now for the conditions. It should have the same appearance as his current self but include all parts of a healthy adult male. The system should transfer his core into his new human body and not take his android body that was left behind. All of his current abilities and rank should be retained by his new body."

*Ding! Is that all? Once the wish was locked in, it cannot be changed.

"Hmm…" Mark thought, "Since you are already giving me a wish, I might as well add powers. Nah, if I will become too greedy, the cooldown timer will become so high that it will be unusable anymore. Let's just add a simple thing."

He then said, "The new body shall possess the light attribute and remain the owner of Aries, the sword of light."

*Ding! Locked in the wish?

"Proceed."

*Ding! Please wait for a while. Calculating…

10 seconds later;

*Ding! The wish shall be granted and has a cooldown timer of 12 years, 6 months, and 15 days.

*Note: The host cannot change the wish and can only modify it.

"Proceed with the wish, System."

*Ding! Proceeding with the wish.

Mark's forehead brightly glowed in the next second before shooting out a beam of golden energy toward Allen.

As the android was hit with it, he collapsed on the ground and his core was extracted by the system before dragging it into Mark's body.

*Ding! The process has been started. Estimated time for completion: 176 days.

*Ding! Trade Allen's android body for 20 million credits?

"No thanks…" Mark placed Allen's body in the inventory as he rejected the system's offer. However, strangely, the system didn't stop.

*Ding! Trade Allen's android body for rank-6 android?

"A rank-6 android?" Mark felt slightly suspicious. Why would the system offer such a deal? Nevertheless, he wasn't interested in selling it.

"Nope." He rejected it again.

Little did he expect that the system didn't back down, it stayed persistent in acquiring the body. 

*Ding! Trade Allen's android body for rank-7 android?"

"A rank 7 android?"

It was then Mark felt too suspicious. As he remembered how the system attempted quite a few times on acquiring Allen, He couldn't help but ask, "What is Allen's specialty? Is there a secret in his body or something?"

*Ding! Allen's body was augmented by the upgrade crystals.

"Nope, even before that, you were interested in retrieving Allen from me," Mark argued back. This time, he felt like the system is hiding something.

*Ding! Allen's body is made of superior materials and is more precious than the rest.

"What kind of materials?" Mark asked. 

But this time, there was no response from the system.

"Hmpf, I can find it out myself." Mark planned to research it anyways. Hence, he thought the system's silence shouldn't be a big deal.

Opening up a portal, he returned to Lunaris City and traveled to the royal palace by his vehicle.

***

Roughly around a couple of hours later, at the Imperial palace, the four contenders were summoned to the imperial court just like the earlier day.

Emperor Shang then announced the second stage of the Trial. Once again, they were locked in private chambers filled with hundreds of scrolls according to their difficulty.

However, this round is about solving the riddles. The Contenders are presented with a series of riddles and brainteasers that test their problem-solving skills and lateral thinking. They must unravel the mysteries and provide correct answers within a time limit.

As the highest scorer of the previous trial, Shang Jun gets to choose once again. Even for the remaining 5 stages of the trial's second phase, he will be the first to choose too.

Once again, he chose the second most difficult one.

Shang Xiang also chose a safe route. However, the crown prince went with the toughest one, not intending to give an opportunity for his brother to get ahead of him in the race.

And he lost this gamble as he wasn't as smart and intelligent as Shang Wei. Once again, he ended up getting the lowest score.

The following day, they weren't locked anymore. Instead, a philosophical debate was conducted in front of the ministers and officials. 

Contenders must engage in a lively debate on philosophical topics and ethical dilemmas. They must present logical arguments, demonstrate critical thinking, and defend their positions against opposing viewpoints.

In this round, a heavy competition occurred between Shang Wei and Shang Jun but the third prince eventually won the most score.

On Day 4, Contenders were faced with a simulated diplomatic scenario where they must negotiate and resolve conflicts between different factions or kingdoms. Their ability to navigate complex political situations, foster alliances, and find peaceful resolutions will be evaluated.

Here, Shang Jun excelled the most. Despite the fact that Emperor Shang is rooting for his children, he couldn't help but praise Shang Jun's diplomatic ways, although it was only in theory. 

On Day 5, Contenders are presented with a strategic warfare scenario and must devise comprehensive battle plans to overcome challenges and achieve victory. They must demonstrate tactical acumen, resource management, and adaptability in their strategies.

Once again, Shang Jun excelled here.

On Day 6, Contenders were presented with a series of ethical dilemmas and must make difficult decisions that impact the well-being of the empire and its people. Their ability to weigh consequences, consider multiple perspectives, and make wise judgments will be scrutinized.

Shang Wei won this stage.

By the end of Day 6, Shang Wei was slightly leading with a score of 1245; Shang Jun was in second with a score of 1198; Shang Xiang was in third place with a score of 640 and Shang Zexi was in last place with a score of 610.

The officials, the ministers, and the public weren't interested in who will emerge as the first in this trial. They wanted to know who will be eliminated.

Only one last stage in the second trial remained and Shang Zexi wanted to make sure that he gets qualified for the next trial.

The final stage of this trial is a test for leadership. Contenders are given a group of individuals with varying skills and personalities and must lead them through a challenging task or obstacle. Their leadership qualities, including decision-making, communication, and motivation, will be assessed.

The three contenders arrived at the court to receive their helpers. 

But, the fourth one never arrived even as the time crossed half past nine in the morning, bringing a frown to the Emperor. The servants couldn't find him in his allotted room either.

"Someone, go and fetch Shang Xiang, this instant," said the displeased Emperor.

Shang Wen, the second prince responded to it, "Your Majesty. I'll go and investigate the matter."

The crown prince, who seemed very pleased by the incident, stated his opinion, "Your Majesty, we cannot delay the trial, any longer. It's already been more than 30 minutes. Those who don't give value to the time of the imperial court don't deserve to be your successor. I suggest you disqualify him right away."

"Yes, Your Majesty" "I agree, Your Majesty" "The Crown Prince is right, Your Majesty"

The three ministers who are in Shang Zexi's camp chimed along so that their prince will be saved. Meanwhile, Shang Jun and Shang Wei glanced suspiciously at the crown prince, wondering whether he has something to do with it.