Chapter 3: I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [3]
The trade negotiations in the chat group had come to a close, and the contract was set. Zhongli, ever one to honor his agreements, prepared to follow through.
He exited the lively chat interface and clicked the sign-in button.
[Congratulations on your first sign-in. You have earned 2,100,000 points.]
Points are earned this easily? A single sign-in grants 2.1 million?
--- I'll reserve judgment until I understand the value of goods here.
Contemplating this, Zhongli opened the system's marketplace.
The items in the store were modest, priced mostly between a few dozen to a few hundred points. For instance, an [Infinite-ammo Desert Eagle] was listed at 500 points, though it came with a caveat: "May not function in worlds where foundational physical rules differ."
After browsing, he noted that the system's goods were mostly low-tier technological items or basic non-technological tools. The most expensive item was the aforementioned Desert Eagle.
However, the items provided by group members were far more intriguing.
[Dream Sign: Double Barrier]: A spell card from Fantasy World Earth-703, capable of spatial inversion. One-time use. Price: 1,000 points (system set).
[Basic Superpower Development Manual]: A guide from Earth-666 for creating a Personal Reality using physical stimuli such as drugs or electric shocks. Price: 5,000 points (system set).
[Sexy Muscle Training Method]: A workout routine from the Monster World. Practice it to achieve a muscular physique that's irresistibly sexy. Price: 100 points (set by Sweetheart Angel).
The variety of items offered by the group was endless, though none exceeded 5,000 points in price.
This gave Zhongli a better sense of his 2.1 million points' purchasing power.
As the God of Contracts who had created the very concept of currency on his continent, Zhongli's sensitivity to transactions was unparalleled. Satisfied for now, he closed the marketplace and returned to the chat page.
In just the short time he was away, the chat had exploded with hundreds of new messages.
Skimming through, he found nothing of particular interest. Eventually, he posed a question.
True Lord of Bright Futures: How many points did you all receive on your first sign-in?
For 100,000 Yen, I'll Do Anything: Thirty to fifty thousand. That was the most points I've ever had in my life! Of course, I spent it all on delicious food. If I could go back in time, I'd definitely—
Emilia Is Absolutely Adorable Cult: Not spend it?
For 100,000 Yen, I'll Do Anything: I'd buy even better food!
Emilia Is Absolutely Adorable Cult: Ugh, greedy shrine maiden. I only got 500 points on my first sign-in.
The Real Deal: Less than 500. +1.
My Sister Is So Annoying: Less than 500. +1.
Sweetheart Angel: I think I got around 10,000? Can't remember, boy.
The Real Deal: It's been theorized that initial sign-in points are distributed based on each member's strength. Afterward, daily points range randomly from 1 to 100.
True Lord of Bright Futures: I see. That explains it.
As Zhongli prepared to respond further, a voice from outside his silent Geo Archon Hall pulled him back to reality.
"Lord Morax."
The creak of the door opening was followed by the appearance of a tall, elegant woman with an unusually cool demeanor.
She wore a form-fitting blue-and-white dress, layered over sleek black tights that hugged her figure. Around her neck hung an accessory resembling a bell or chime. Her exposed skin was smooth and fair, and her long legs, clad in white heels, drew attention.
But what stood out most were the black and red horns curling gracefully backward from her head.
"Lord Morax," she said again, her voice clear and composed as she approached. Kneeling before him, her slender shoulders, partly bare, gleamed in the light.
"Your appointed time with the Cryo Archon has arrived."
"Ganyu…" Zhongli descended from the throne, stepping to her side. "Have you ever wondered why I would make such a contract with the Cryo Archon?"
His gaze wasn't directed at her but rather upward, through the towering ceiling of the temple and toward the vast expanse beyond.
"This was your decision, Lord Morax," Ganyu replied, her tone as steady as ever. "Whether you choose to govern Liyue or not, our contract with you remains unbroken."
"Thank you," Zhongli murmured, offering a rare smile. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before striding out of the hall.
---
The negotiations with the Cryo Archon lasted two days, during which the terms were settled, and her resolve was understood.
With some free time at last, Zhongli returned to his residence. Feeling idle, he reopened the chat group.
For 100,000 Yen, I'll Do Anything: What a shame. I can't join this mission. Some creepy old lady's causing trouble, and I have to teach her a lesson. Grrr, I really wanted those points.
Emilia Is Absolutely Adorable Cult: I'd love to help, but I'm too weak. Plus, I'm not sure if my special power, "Return by Death," works in other worlds. So, I'll pass.
Divine Lord Is the Greatest: I'll go! Please pick me!
Mind Reader: Apologies, but my abilities are useless in this case.
True Lord of Bright Futures: The atmosphere seems unusually tense today.
Emilia Is Absolutely Adorable Cult: Check the group announcement, True Lord. Scroll up.
Zhongli complied, quickly locating the announcement.
[Notice from Sweetheart Angel to all members:][Emergency Mission Request]
- Time: Immediate
- Requirements: None
- Mission Goal: Kill the monster attacking the city—Deep Sea King.
- Warning: Deep Sea King is exceptionally powerful. I was defeated. Weak members may face serious danger. Proceed with caution.
- Reward: 10,000 points.
True Lord of Bright Futures: I see. Sweetheart Angel is in trouble?
Mind Reader: Yes, unfortunately, we non-combatants can't help. Some of the stronger fighters, like "Lonely Little Kobayashi" and "Hopeless Villain," aren't available either.
True Lord of Bright Futures: I'll handle it.
Mind Reader: You're an immortal, right? That should make you suitable for this task. Please don't push yourself too hard, though.
True Lord of Bright Futures: Understood.
With that, Zhongli reviewed the mission description. Without hesitation, he pressed the "Accept" button.
---
T/N: OH THERE IT IS 2.1 MILLION! STORY END?