Multiversal Manifestation System

Wang Zi returned to the familiar surroundings of his MMS Store, the soft hum of the virtual environment calming his mind.

"Now we wait." he said to himself.

He knew Alexander wouldn't waste time getting here, curiosity and ambition driving him. As he waited, he struck up a conversation with Hua'er, who appeared beside him in her typical white-haired, winged fairy form.

Hua'er floated at his shoulder, her small figure glowing faintly as she glanced around the store.

"Master, it looks like everything is ready, but I've been thinking. Should we improve the store's structure a little? Maybe implement a tiered membership system? You know, the more they contribute to your System Points, the better their access to abilities or resources."

Wang Zi raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against one of the black counters.

"Tiered memberships, huh? You mean like a VIP system?"

"Exactly! Think about it: start with basic abilities and skills, and as they rack up contributions, they unlock higher tiers with rarer and more powerful abilities. It'll keep them motivated to bring in more SP for you!" Hua'er nodded enthusiastically.

"After all, we can't just make the good stuff available right at the start, and certainly not for every jane or joe right?"

Wang Zi smirked.

"Not a bad idea, Hua'er. I've been thinking of something aswell, I wonder if using abilities I've given throught Targeted Manifestation counts as far as SP generating goes...?"

He mentally connected with the system, his voice calm yet direct.

"System, if I distribute abilities and templates to others through Targeted Manifestation, would they generate SP for me by using the abilities they bought, and not just spreading the word about my works?"

"Yes, Host. Any ability, template, or skill provided through Targeted Manifestation will generate SP based on its usage and the reactions of others to the recipient's use of it. This aligns with the System's purpose: expanding the influence of the Host's worlds and abilities."

The system responded in its usual mechanical tone.

"That settles it, Hua'er. As long as these abilities come from the worlds I've created, the SP will roll in. The store can literally pay for itself." Wang Zi grinned, triumphant.

"That's amazing! You're going to be swimming in SP soon. But wait, Master, how do you plan to keep track of their contributions? How will they know how far along they are?" Hua'er clapped her tiny hands.

Wang Zi thought for a moment.

"The cards. They'll act as progress trackers. I'll have the system display their generated SP on the cards, or can you do that yourself?"

"Yes, master. If you give me permission to, I'll be able to do it myself!" Hua'er grinned aswell.

"Very nice. Then I'll leave it to you. Make it so that they can check the SP they've gained in their cards. That way, the users will see how close they are to unlocking the next tier, or whatever reward they're after, which should push them to work harder."

"But Master, if they're the ones generating SP and you're just passing on abilities, how do you actually profit? They'll keep spending everything they earn." Hua'er tilted her head, feigning curiosity. 

"Hehehe. Simple. I'll raise the prices." Wang Zi gave her a sly grin. 

Hua'er froze mid-air, her expression blank before dramatically clutching her tiny chest.

"Master! You're such a shameless businessman. Squeezing your exclusive members dry? The audacity!" Her voice was playfully indignant, but her glowing cheeks betrayed her amusement.

"Hey, it's a mutually beneficial relationship. They get stronger, and I get the SP I need to unlock bigger things. Everyone wins." Wang Zi chuckled, crossing his arms. 

"Oh, Master, you're so… naughty! But I like it. You're building an empire of exclusive power. No one will even notice the difference in cost, after all they have no idea what SP is actually worth!" Hua'er giggled, her wings fluttering rapidly. 

"Right, right. But I don't want to be tied to the store all the time, Hua'er. If we're doing this properly, I'll need you to take charge here. System, can Hua'er use Targeted Manifestation in my place?"

The system responded smoothly.

"Yes, Host. As Hua'er is considered an extension of the System, she can execute Targeted Manifestation on your behalf within the MMS Store. She will operate under your rules and restrictions, ensuring all transactions align with your intentions."

Hua'er brightened even more, puffing out her chest.

"I get to be the manager? I'll make sure everything runs smoothly. I'll even keep track of who's slacking off with their contributions."

"Just don't scare off the customers, Hua'er. Your job is to manage, not micromanage." Wang Zi rolled his eyes. 

"Of course, of course. I'm a professional now, you'll see!" Hua'er twirled in the air, clearly enjoying her new responsibility.

Wang Zi couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. With the system's approval and Hua'er's readiness, the store felt more complete than ever. Now, he just had to wait for the first fish. He already had a few ideas to make the cards known.

As Wang Zi and Hua'er chatted, they both sensed someone physically stepping into the store.

The faint hum of virtual footsteps reverberated through the empty space. This was a rare occurrence; the store itself wasn't meant to attract foot traffic since the Demon Slayer manga and anime could be purchased conveniently through personal holo-watches or home interfaces.

The physical location of the store in the Virtual Brain was more symbolic than practical, at least for now.

Wang Zi smirked, exchanging a knowing glance with Hua'er.

"Looks like our first guest has arrived," he muttered.

Hua'er floated closer to Wang Zi's shoulder, her wings fluttering with excitement.

"I wonder if it's him," she whispered, her voice carrying a playful edge.

Alexander stepped through the doors cautiously, the card in his hand suddenly warming up. He stopped mid-stride as an arrow materialized on the card, pointing directly to the black door at the end of the otherwise barren room.

His face paled slightly as he stared at the mysterious door that seemed to hum with an aura of secrecy.

Behind him, his uncle Ray followed, his sharp eyes scanning the room. However, all he could see were four unassuming walls, a virtual counter in the center, and a few options for purchasing Demon Slayer merchandise displayed.

Nothing else stood out, except for Alexander's fixed gaze toward the room's end.

"Alexander, what are you looking at? There's nothing there." Ray frowned, his voice low and skeptical.

Alexander swallowed hard and lifted the card slightly, showing Ray the faintly glowing arrow on its surface.

"The card," he said quietly, "it's pointing me… there."

Ray's brows furrowed deeper.

"There?" He followed Alexander's line of sight but still saw nothing. "If this thing really acts as a key, that door must be layered in some serious tech or mana that only you can interact with. Go on, see if it works."

Alexander hesitated for a moment, his hand tightening around the card. His nerves were apparent, though his curiosity outweighed them. He took a few cautious steps forward, the arrow on the card glowing brighter the closer he got to the door.

Wang Zi observed the scene through a hidden display fed by the store's monitoring system. He leaned against the counter, grinning.

"He's nervous," Wang Zi said with amusement.

"Of course he is. The aura of mystery we've created here is perfect. He's stepping into the unknown, and humans love and fear the unknown." Hua'er giggled, hovering beside him.

"Ray's looking around like he's about to crack some great secret," Wang Zi added, shaking his head. "But all he sees is four plain walls and a counter. That's how it should be."

"Well, not for long. Soon, even stepping inside this store will be a privilege." Hua'er smiled mischievously. 

"True. For now, though, this is the perfect test run. Let's see how Alexander handles the experience." Wang Zi nodded. 

As Alexander approached the black door, the arrow on his card began pulsing rhythmically, matching the thrum of his own heartbeat. Ray, standing a few feet back, crossed his arms and studied his nephew intently. The silence in the store was deafening, amplifying the weight of the moment.

Finally, Alexander stopped in front of the black door.

It was a simple design, yet it exuded an otherworldly allure. The surface was a flawless void of black, almost as if it absorbed light. In the center, the Uchiha clan's symbol glowed faintly, as if acknowledging Alexander's presence.

"Well?" Ray prompted, his tone impatient but curious.

Alexander lifted the card toward the symbol. As it approached, the door seemed to hum louder, vibrating slightly as though reacting to his proximity. Without hesitation, the symbol on the door absorbed the light from the card, and with a soft click, the door began to swing open.

Alexander's jaw tightened. "So, it really is a key," he muttered to himself.

Inside the black door was a stark contrast to the plain room outside. The interior was a vast, starry expanse, with countless glowing orbs floating like stars in a boundless night sky. Each orb seemed to pulse with life, holding untold mysteries and power.

A single platform stretched out before him, leading to a throne-like structure, where a figure sat with crossed legs and a cloak that obscured his face. Only the eerie glow of Rinnegan-like eyes pierced through the shadows.

Alexander stepped inside hesitantly, his card still warm in his hand.

Ray moved to follow, but all he saw was a wall, his hand couldn't go through it, although he saw how alexander seemed to be allowed in.

"Uncle?" Alexander turned back, startled.

"I can't follow you in. It's just you now. Be careful." Ray's face was stern. 

Alexander nodded, swallowing his nervousness, and walked forward into the mysterious space. The door silently closed behind him.

As Alexander stepped through the black door, his footsteps echoed in the vast, starry expanse. His breath caught in his throat as he looked around. The floating orbs of light were mesmerizing, like tiny universes contained within a sea of infinite darkness.

His eyes followed the only path visible, leading to a platform where a cloaked figure sat with an air of authority. The faint glow of the man's purple eyes pierced the shadows under the hood, their eerie intensity sending a chill down Alexander's spine.

Swallowing his nerves, Alexander walked forward. When he was close enough, the man raised his head slightly and gestured to the empty seat across the table with a slow, deliberate motion.

"Sit," the man said, his voice calm but commanding.

Alexander hesitated for a fraction of a second before lowering himself into the chair. He had never felt this kind of pressure before, not even when negotiating with the most influential figures in his family's circles.

The air around this figure seemed heavy, his presence suffocating yet oddly magnetic.

Alexander's heart suddenly skipped a beat. His grip on the card in his hand tightened. Before he could respond, the cloaked figure raised a hand, and the card floated out of Alexander's grasp, hovering in the air before him.

The man studied it for a moment, flipping it over with a slight tilt of his finger. The glowing serial number 10 shimmered faintly in the dim light.

"I am the overseer of this store," the man began, his voice reverberating in the vast space. "You are here because Wang Zi recommended you."

"Serial number 10," the man murmured, his tone unreadable. He then sent the card floating back to Alexander with a slight wave of his hand.

"Wang Zi sees potential in you. I will see if his judgment holds true. Explain why you are here."

Alexander hastily grabbed the card from the air, clutching it tightly. He glanced nervously at the figure before him, the glow of those eyes making direct eye contact nearly unbearable. Steeling himself, he nodded.

"Wang Zi told me that this store... this place... seeks contributors. People who can help expand its reach and purpose. My family-" He stopped, swallowing hard, feeling his throat dry out.

"The Nedeirs hold influence across the Federation. We have access to resources, people, and technology that most can only dream of. I believe my family's connections could benefit this store, and in return, it could benefit us."

"And you personally, Alexander? What can you contribute?" The man tilted his head slightly, the motion almost curious.

The question sent a ripple of nervous energy through Alexander. He fidgeted for a moment before answering.

"I... I can generate interest. Through my streams, my contacts, and my network, I can spread the store's reach. I may not have my family's full weight behind me right now, but I can make people see this store. I know how to make them pay attention."

The man sat silently for a moment, as if pondering Alexander's words. Finally, he leaned back slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing in thought.

"You speak with conviction," he said. "I will grant you a place as a member of this store. But understand - membership here is not a passive privilege. You are expected to contribute."

The man raised a hand, and ten transparent cards materialized, each glowing faintly. Alexander's eyes widened as they floated toward him and stacked neatly in his hands. Each card had a serial number - 11 to 20.

"These cards," the man began, "are your first test. Distribute them wisely. Each one represents an extension of this store, a doorway for others to join. Choose your recruits carefully. If they fail, it reflects on you. And know this, should any of them act against the store's interests, the cards will vanish, and their privileges will be revoked."

Alexander nodded slowly, his hands trembling slightly as he held the cards.

"Understood," he said.

"As a gesture of goodwill for being recommended by Wang Zi," the man continued, "you may select one ability from the current available world, Demon Slayer. Once learned, it cannot be taught to others. The abilities from this store are yours alone to wield."

Alexander's breath hitched. The very idea of having access to the breathing techniques from Demon Slayer was staggering. He had seen Wang Zi use them to devastating effect.

"And remember, Demon Slayer is merely the beginning." His tone shifted, a faint hint of amusement creeping in. "The next work is already being prepared. Its abilities... its powers... are far beyond what Demon Slayer offers."

Alexander's heartbeat quickened at the declaration.

"Far beyond?" he echoed.

The man nodded slowly, his glowing eyes fixed on Alexander.

"If you think Flame Breathing is impressive, what lies ahead will shake your world view. Contribute to the store, Alexander. Earn the right to access what comes next."

Alexander clenched the cards tightly, a mixture of excitement and determination flaring in his chest.

"Thank you, I will." he said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him.