Chapter 109 - 700k Top Up
The market district buzzed like a neon hive. Lanterns of drifting light floated above the cobblestone paths. Merchants lined the streets, their stalls flashing animated signs, each yelling louder than the last for attention. Oliver led Xavier through a narrow street that opened up into a sleek-looking shop embedded into the wall—its design less medieval, more futuristic, all glass and shimmering chrome panels with pulsating blue veins running through the walls like glowing roots.
Inside, it was quieter. Smooth jazz played in the background—some fantasy remix with flutes and synths—and an animated merchant NPC stood behind a long, hovering counter. His robes glowed with currency symbols, and his white beard flickered like glitch particles.
"Welcome, dear adventurers! Come, come! I am Gurven, your financial alchemist! Gold, silver, Rift Coins—I process them all!"
Oliver pointed to a panel floating in the air. "That’s the terminal. Just link your game account and authorize your payment source. The rest’s smooth."
Xavier walked up and waved his hand. A soft ding followed, and his system menu synced with the terminal. The merchant’s eyes lit up—literally.
"Oh-ho! A fresh soul, I see! New blood in the Rift, eh?" Gurven’s voice boomed through the shop, attracting a few looks. "You’ve arrived at a most fortuitous time, friend! We’re currently celebrating ten years of Celestia Rift! And to honor that, our mighty developers have bestowed generous blessings upon our transaction rituals!"
Xavier tilted his head. "Uh huh. I just wanna top up."
The merchant’s script kicked into overdrive.
"Ah, of course! Right this way!" A screen popped up in front of Xavier with different bundles, packages, top-up options, shiny loot boxes with golden sparkles and radiant titles like Celestial Conqueror’s Vault, Fateforged Arsenal, and Ascendant’s Choice.
"Now listen closely, adventurer!" Gurven said, leaning over the counter like he was about to sell forbidden magic. "Since this is your first-ever official transaction, you shall receive our sacred Double Bonus—every coin you spend, the Rift shall match! Spend 10,000? You get 20,000! Spend 50,000? You receive 100,000!"
Xavier smirked.