Awakening：The Infinite Evolution of My Talent as a Low-Level Awakener - Chapter 540

Chapter 540: Chapter 540: Exchange Complete, an Insult from the System!?
“It can only absorb the excess energy it radiates, but the upper limit hasn’t been specified.”

Sterl was left speechless. Holding the object, which resembled a heart, he could vaguely sense that the energy storage limit was roughly ten times his own energy reserve.

However, the issue was this: not only did his current combat power rival that of a god, even an ordinary legendary powerhouse could control their own energy with such precision that almost no excess energy leaked out!

In other words, was this so-called [Endless Energy Pool: Faux] just a useless decoration?

Now, it seemed that way. Since he had chosen this item, all the information about it was under his control. He knew that it could indeed only absorb the energy leaking from his own body. Beyond that, actively feeding it energy would have no effect and could even cause it to break or become damaged.

As for absorbing external energy, that was out of the question. If he tried to use it and the incoming energy clashed with his own, it would only damage his combat power instead of enhancing it.

So, did that mean that for his three remaining selection chances, he had picked two duds in a row? Together with the previously selected Wings of Glory, that made three useless items. It was a perfect 50-50 split.

“Well, at least this item can be improved through evolution. I wonder if it will change once enhanced.”

Sterl comforted himself. After all, this item was based on the legendary Endless Energy Pool. Both its concept and purpose were lofty, and as for the materials, he wasn’t sure what creature’s heart this came from, but his instincts told him that the quality of the material wasn’t low. So, after using his evolution ability to enhance it, it might still turn out to be useful.

At the very least, it wouldn’t be as useless as it was now, just sitting there as a decoration.

With that, all six selection opportunities had been used. Aside from [Endless Energy Pool: Faux], which still couldn’t be judged for its value, Wings of Glory and Staff of Glory were confirmed to be complete junk. The other three items, however, were of great use to Sterl and could be considered treasures: [Boots of the Void], [Illusory Dream], and the final one, [Mind Shield].

Among these three, Boots of the Void and Mind Shield were both pieces of equipment that had already reached their full potential and could no longer be improved. On the other hand, Illusory Dream was a treasure that combined offense, defense, and support. If it could be infinitely enhanced through cheats, its potential was unimaginable. It was undoubtedly the most precious item among the three for Sterl.

[Selection Complete, Please Leave the Vault Immediately]

The voice of the royal city echoed in his ears. Sterl reluctantly cast a final glance at the mountain of treasures. He was sure that there were many incredible items hidden within, but unfortunately, his opportunities were limited. At this point, unless he could conquer the entire Kingdom of Orichalcum, along with the royal city, he wouldn’t have another chance to enter here.

He shook his head. If I gain it, I am fortunate; if I lose it, it is my fate. He couldn’t see the things he didn’t acquire as losses. While there was regret, he didn’t linger on it. With his evolution ability, he had already surpassed countless rare treasures. Moreover, his cheat ability was close to turning a piece of junk into something valuable. If he evolved it once more, just how powerful would the evolution ability become?

With that thought, he quickly walked out of the vault, moving away from the treasures to avoid punishment from the royal city. After all, while you could say it had some level of intelligence, at its core, it was just a program. No matter who you were or what your status, as long as you triggered an issue with its program, you’d inevitably be targeted and attacked.

“Open the Contribution Marketplace.”

After exiting, Sterl didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he called on the [Transcendence] system to open the Kingdom of Orichalcum’s contribution marketplace. Compared to relying on luck in the vault, this was the real deal!

Moreover, the contribution marketplace was connected to the vault, meaning everything in the vault could be exchanged for items here.

Soon, a glowing screen appeared before Sterl’s eyes. Various items, equipment, consumables, and even powerful abilities that could be directly learned began to manifest, leaving him a bit dazzled.

However, this wasn’t his first time opening the Kingdom of Orichalcum’s contribution marketplace. He didn’t bother with the items at the front of the list, which required millions of contribution points. Those items were either related to the authority of the Kingdom of Orichalcum or involved powerful Divine Power-level objects and abilities.

He activated the filtering function, and soon found the item he had already set his sights on among the countless treasures: the [Dream Orb].

The system immediately informed him that the Dream Orb was connected to the Dreamland, which had significant importance to him. At the very least, due to his connection with Illusory Dream, he had a deep and curious interest in the mysterious and dangerous Dreamland. If he had the chance, he would definitely venture in to explore it.

With a slight thought, the Dream Orb was successfully exchanged. Thirty thousand contribution points disappeared, and a small object the size of an egg appeared in his hand. It glowed with a dreamlike mix of blue and purple, with swirling mists seemingly moving within it. Its exquisite, almost ethereal design was mesmerizing.

Holding the Dream Orb, a glimmer of excitement flashed in Sterl’s eyes. “This is great! The Dream Orb can also be enhanced through the cheat ability!”

Previously, he had been concerned that the Dream Orb would only have three uses before becoming completely useless. But now, knowing that the cheat could enhance it, he was certain it could not only increase the orb’s usage count but perhaps even improve its overall functionality.

Unfortunately, today’s evolution attempts had already been used on Illusory Dream, and the items he needed to evolve were piling up.

Whether it was Illusory Dream, Dream Orb, or the [Endless Energy Pool: Faux], all of them were waiting for enhancements.

“It looks like I’ll need to lay low and focus on development for a while,” he muttered to himself.

Sterl had never been one to recklessly chase after danger, but he wasn’t a fool either. Until his strength reached a certain peak, he wouldn’t allow himself to act too boldly.

Glancing at the map module, he saw that both Ashen and the Kingdom of Orichalcum were accelerating their preparations. Armies and various weapons were being assembled, creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere. However, based on their current progress, it would take at least another week for either side to reach their peak readiness and launch an unprecedented war.

This meant he had ample time to safely develop himself and enhance the new items and abilities he had acquired.

“Still got a hundred thousand contribution points left,” he noted.

After exchanging for the Dream Orb, Sterl continued browsing the contribution marketplace. It was no wonder he had been overwhelmed in the treasure vault—there was simply too much to choose from. Even now, the sheer number of items in the marketplace alone was enough to make his head spin, let alone the physical treasures hidden behind their magical seals.

With one hundred thousand contribution points, most items in the marketplace were within his reach, except for those closely tied to the Kingdom of Orichalcum’s authority. However, trying to acquire every item that caught his eye was impossible. Even with a million contribution points, it would be a drop in the ocean compared to what he truly wanted.

After much deliberation, Sterl settled on three items. Two of them were things he had been eyeing during his previous visit: the [Hourglass of Time], the [Starry Battle Armor], and the [Ruin Belt: Shattered].

[Hourglass of Time]

[Description: A mystical hourglass containing the power of time. In myth, it is said to be an artifact casually crafted by the God of Time, holding within it the fleeting insights of the God of Time. After countless ages, these insights have undergone a magical transformation, granting this ordinary hourglass extraordinary abilities.]

[Effect: It can alter the flow of time within a certain range. At a critical moment, the power sealed inside the hourglass can be consumed to reverse or accelerate time, either to change the tide of battle or to recover important information that was previously missed.]

[Starry Battle Armor]

[Description: This is a suit of armor crafted from the core of stars. It is said to have deep connections to the legendary, now vanished, Starry Clan. Perhaps it was once their treasure, though for some unknown reason it ended up in the outside world. It could also be the spoils of war from some powerful being. It serves as proof of a bygone era and is a treasure that shines with the brilliance of stars.]

[Effect: Increases all attributes by 10%!

It automatically absorbs star power to form an impenetrable defense. While worn, the user is enveloped in star power, greatly enhancing their energy, vitality, and regenerative limits. Additionally, the armor grants some control over star power.]

[Note: If the wearer is already blessed by the stars, unexpected gains may occur.]

Sterl spent a total of 20,000 contribution points on the Hourglass of Time and the Ruin Belt, while the Starry Battle Armor cost him a hefty 60,000 contribution points!

Now, his remaining contribution points were as empty as his pockets—he was broke.

[Your contribution points are now zero. The contribution marketplace is now closed. To reopen the contribution marketplace, you must have at least one contribution point.]

The system’s message served as a reminder of his poverty, and it promptly shut down the marketplace. Sterl could feel a slight vein bulging at his temples. He had to admit, he felt insulted.

But it was probably for the best that the marketplace was closed. Out of sight, out of mind. Otherwise, seeing the endless treasures he couldn’t afford would have only further soured his mood.

Moments later, three glowing orbs, each about the size of a palm, materialized in front of him, containing the three items he had just exchanged for.