The obsidian shard pulsed faintly on the workbench, humming with invisible frequencies.
It hadn't stopped since Lysir left.
Kai stood over it, the Chain interface hovering nearby in diagnostic mode.
[Anomalous Chain Fragment: Echo of Origin]Classification: Non-tradeableSource: Unknown Chain ForkStability Rating: 42%
Would you like to initiate a Deep Diagnostic Scan?Warning: May alert Chain Subprocess Monitors.
→ Proceed? YES / NO
He stared at the warning.
A month ago, he was eating moldy protein bars and praying for water pressure. Now, he was deciding whether to hack something older than recorded civilization.
He tapped YES.
The screen flickered. Static hissed.
Then data began to unfurl in a spiraling cascade—ancient code stitched with Chain runes and cosmic markers.
Amid the stream, something strange appeared:
[Log Entry: Trader #000]Name: Arix of the Hollow ChainTitle: The First MerchantStatus: [Erased]
"If you are reading this, then the Chain has cracked. You were never meant to exist. Not like this. But maybe... that's exactly why you must."
The log was fragmented, most of it corrupted.
But there was a file attached:
[Trade Algorithm: Arix Protocol – Black Tier]Description: Allows inter-trader trade link for limited, high-risk, high-reward exchanges.Requirements: Trader Rank 3+, Active Node, Unlocked Crosslink Access
Would you like to install?→ YES / NO
Kai hesitated only a second.
Then: YES.
An hour later, the node interface expanded.
A new menu appeared: "Trader Network – Live Protocols"
And with it, an incoming request.
Incoming Trade ProposalTrader ID: #04872-A – [Rook of Sector 94-Beta]Offer: 12 Gravsteel Ingots + 1 Synthsteel Relay CoreRequested: 1 Atmospheric Stabilizer + 4 Nutrient Paste UnitsRisk Level: 2-STARProfit Potential: +14.2 C.U.
Accept Trade? → YES / NOTimer: 03:00
Kai blinked. It wasn't just trade anymore—it was live commerce, real negotiations, risk of loss, chance of theft, even sabotage.
The timer ticked down.
He hit YES.
The transfer process was nerve-racking. The stabilizer module vanished in a burst of light, followed by the paste. Seconds later, three metal crates phased into the garage.
Yena rushed to them, scanning for integrity.
Trade Complete.Transfer Secure.
Net Gain: +14.2 C.U.Inventory Updated.
They'd done it.
Kai grinned. "We're playing a bigger game now."
Yena raised an eyebrow. "Do you think this Rook person will trade again?"
As if on cue, another prompt appeared:
Trader Rook has sent you a message:"Good trade, Earth trader. You move fast for a backwater. Let's see how long you last."
Kai smirked. "Oh, we're lasting."
Later that night, he stood alone in the back alley behind the node, watching the skyline flicker in the polluted dark.
He was changing.
Not just wealthier—but more dangerous, more networked, more… connected.
The Chain was giving him access to more than goods. It was giving him leverage.
And with the shard humming behind him, the lines between trader and anomaly blurred even further.
What would happen when the Chain realized what he was becoming?
Too bad.
By then, it would be too late.
Current Status (Narrative Format):
Kai has now unlocked the Arix Protocol, a long-lost trading algorithm tied to the Chain's origin. With it, he successfully completed his first inter-trader deal, securing rare building materials and proving he can operate beyond Earth's boundaries.
His Cosmic Units have increased to 52.9, and his Earth Credits stand at 147.6.
His Trade Node is now drawing the attention of seasoned traders, some friendly—others not. But more importantly, Kai is no longer just a pawn in the Chain.
He is now a player.
And the First Merchant's shadow looms ever closer.
📌 Author's Note:
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— S.A.