My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 506: Making a business deal

Ethan chose his words with care, understanding that displaying too much desperation could undermine his position. Despite his efforts, a subtle urgency colored his voice, which he found difficult to suppress entirely.

"A formidable individual is targeting my innate talent," he declared, his gaze fixed on the young boy before him. "Will you continue to offer me sanctuary?"

The child remained silent for a moment, his head tilted slightly as he scrutinized Ethan with an intensity far beyond his years. His eyes held no trace of childish innocence.

After a brief pause, the boy finally responded. "If that is indeed the case, then I am willing to consider offering you shelter," he stated. His tone was light, yet a distinct firmness lay beneath the surface. "However, I do not provide protection without a clear understanding of the value exchanged. What precisely is this talent of yours? And more crucially, how will you demonstrate that you are worth the inherent risks involved?"

Ethan let out a slow breath, anticipating this very question. In a world where power dictated worth, mere words held little consequence unless substantiated by concrete evidence.

"I am a seer," he revealed. "My unique ability allows me to perceive glimpses of the future, albeit within a confined proximity. When facing imminent danger, I can sense approaching threats before they fully materialize. Furthermore, I can discern emerging opportunities that often accompany these perils."

He paused, carefully selecting his next words. "Should I serve under you, these threats and opportunities will extend beyond my personal concerns; they will directly impact you as well. My continued survival will naturally align with your best interests. Therefore, by protecting me, you are essentially investing in your own advancement. Would you be amenable to employing me on these terms?"

The boy's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of keen interest igniting in his eyes, more pronounced than before.

Ethan registered this change immediately.

He remained quiet after his explanation. There was no advantage in pressing the matter further. The ultimate decision rested with the boy, and any attempt to force his hand would only diminish Ethan's standing.

Internally, Ethan assessed his predicament. Relocating to another continent was currently unfeasible due to the severe restrictions and extreme dangers he faced. To survive and cultivate his strength, he required a temporary haven.

The child eventually spoke again. "Is that so?" he inquired, a note of curiosity evident in his voice. "Then, I would like you to demonstrate your abilities. If your performance proves satisfactory, I shall grant you a position of considerable importance. This seems like a fair proposition, does it not?"

Ethan gave a single nod. "That arrangement is acceptable to me."

He hesitated for a moment before posing a question, feigning ignorance. "But before we proceed, may I inquire about your identity?"

A faint smile touched the boy's lips, devoid of any warmth. "Such details are of no consequence to you," he replied dismissively.

Before Ethan could offer a retort, the boy raised his hand and made a swift, simple gesture.

Instantly, the surrounding space warped and distorted.

The environment dissolved without warning. The very fabric of the air seemed to fold in on itself, and in the blink of an eye, their location had fundamentally changed.

Ethan’s surroundings were completely unrecognizable.

They were now standing within an expansive garden, teeming with exotic plants and softly luminescent flora. The atmosphere exuded tranquility, yet an inherent power permeated the very essence of the place. Mysterious creatures roamed serenely in the distance, their presence enhancing the surreal ambiance.

"This is my estate," the child announced. "You may remain here for the time being. Do not venture beyond these grounds. The outside world poses a significant danger to you at this moment."

Without awaiting a response, he turned and departed, vanishing from view almost instantaneously.

Ethan remained still for a few moments, carefully observing his new environment. Every detail of this place suggested that the boy was far from ordinary.

After some time, he approached a magnificent tree and settled down beneath its expansive branches. The shade offered a comforting sense of peace, allowing him to concentrate his thoughts.

He closed his eyes.

"Yumiko," he addressed his internal system, "is there any powerhouse at the level of 500 currently residing on this continent?"

The reply materialized instantly. [There is one. A traveling merchant. His travels encompass all of Elysium, and he is currently within this continent.]

Ethan opened his eyes slightly. "Is his identity known to anyone?"

[No. However, no one dares to incur his wrath. A long-standing legend posits that he is affiliated with a power beyond mortal comprehension. Approximately four million years ago, a general serving under Darkseid attempted to rob him. The merchant annihilated him instantaneously, in plain sight of numerous onlookers, with a smile. Since that event, he has been regarded as a forbidden figure throughout Elysium.]

Ethan processed the incoming information in silence.

"What exactly does he peddle?" he inquired. "Might it be possible to procure the necessary components for Nini’s evolution from him?"

[It is indeed possible. However, his pricing is astronomically high, and you currently lack the requisite resources. That said, you possess Aurelion’s teleportation crystal. A trade could be arranged. In exchange, you might secure a teleportation pass to a region near the Hidden Sage Village. Remaining here will only hinder your advancement.]

Ethan gave a slight nod.

The crystal had become a burden, its tracking capabilities posing a significant risk. Divesting it would resolve multiple issues simultaneously.

"Then I must arrange a meeting soon," Ethan murmured.

At that precise moment, he sensed an abrupt disturbance.

His demeanor grew stern.

"What is it?" he questioned.

The voice of Ethan’s clone resonated within his mind.

"Those two primordial entities have become cognizant of my present power level. While direct interference within the trials is restricted, they have dispatched three subordinates. These agents will likely resort to manipulation, aiming to target me."

Ethan’s gaze turned icy.

"Understood," he responded curtly.

"You must reach level 130 with all haste. Only then will I be able to commence the trial required to claim dominion over the tower."

Ethan’s fist clenched subtly.

"Is there any method to hasten my progression?" he inquired.

[Affirmative. You should exchange information with the merchant for twenty monsters ranging from level 81 to level 100. Furthermore, request his aid in gaining entry to the Hidden Sage Village. The chieftain residing there is also a level 500 entity.]

Ethan pondered this proposal with great care.

"Information?" he echoed. "What category of information would hold sufficient worth for such a transaction?"

[Information pertaining to Hyperion. It represents one of the supreme beings' most coveted desires. However, its value is immeasurable. You must not divulge everything at once. Disseminate it in fragments.]

Ethan exhaled slowly.

"Understood. How may I initiate contact with this merchant?"

[Utter the name ‘Great Merchant Null’ and proclaim your possession of information regarding Hyperion. He will acknowledge your call.]

Ethan’s eyes snapped open fully.

Without any hesitation, he spoke his declaration aloud.

"Oh Great Merchant Null, I am in possession of information concerning Hyperion. If a trade interests you, you may present yourself here."

Yumiko’s voice emerged once more.

[This action entails considerable peril. Once this knowledge becomes public, other supreme beings will undoubtedly pursue you. You must augment your strength substantially before that eventuality.]

Ethan remained silent.

He simply waited.

Suddenly, an explosive surge of presence permeated the surroundings.

A figure materialized directly before him, without the slightest prior indication.

The individual was diminutive and stocky, his countenance suggesting an acquaintance with illicit dealings. Despite his unassuming build, the aura emanating from him was undeniably potent.

Yumiko’s analysis materialized instantaneously.

[Name: Null

Level: 500

Status: Void Merchant]

Null fixed his gaze upon Ethan, evident interest glinting in his eyes.

"You asserted possession of information regarding Hyperion?" he inquired.

"Yes," Ethan confirmed with an even tone.

Null’s expression remained impassive.

"Comprehend this," he stated, his voice even. "Should you dare to squander my time, your existence shall be extinguished."

Ethan offered a single nod.

Before he could elaborate further, an additional presence intruded upon the garden.

The child had returned.

The instant he perceived Null’s potent aura, his countenance shifted dramatically. The initial irritation vanished entirely, supplanted by an air of profound caution.

"Great Merchant Null," he addressed respectfully. "It is an honor. Might I inquire as to the purpose of your presence here?"

Null did not even deign to glance at him.

"You are intruding," he declared flatly. "Depart."

The boy offered no rebuttal.

He dematerialized instantly.

Null’s attention reverted to Ethan.

"What knowledge do you possess?" he demanded.

Ethan met his piercing gaze directly.

"Let us first establish the parameters of our agreement," he proposed.

Null’s eyes narrowed subtly.

"An agreement?" he repeated incredulously. "I could obliterate you in an instant, and yet you speak of negotiation?"

Ethan offered a faint smile.

"Hyperion exists both near and unfathomably distant from Elysium," he stated cryptically. "The linkage between the two realms remains incomplete. However, I hold insights that could facilitate the bridging of this chasm."

He leaned forward slightly, intensifying the moment.

"Perhaps, armed with such comprehension, you could transcend your current constraints and ascend to a superior state of being."

For the very first time, Null’s stoic facade wavered.

"What is it you desire?" he asked, his voice holding a new edge.

Ethan did not hesitate in his response.

"I shall impart the information in increments," he declared. "In return, you are to furnish me with twenty monsters, each spanning levels 81 to 100, all in a subdued state. Subsequently, you will facilitate my entry into the Hidden Sage Village."

He paused for a brief moment before concluding his demand.