Chapter 5: Unexpected Arrival

The screen flashed, overwhelming Jax with an avalanche of tiny text.

"What's all this complicated mumbo-jumbo?" Jax groaned in frustration. "Couldn't they make it simpler?"

Squinting his eyes, Jax skimmed through the paragraphs like a speed reader on steroids. It felt like deciphering an alien language. He could read it but it was hard to fully grasp.

Amidst the whirlwind of words, Jax caught a glimpse of the Interdimensional Trade Commission (ITC), a shady entity calling the shots.

The idea of earning rewards got Jax's attention. He could sell his stuff, tackle tasks, and complete quests to earn credits.

However, the marketplace came with its fair share of risks, shady items, sketchy users, and the need to build a good reputation.

Jax frowned as he read that ITC wouldn't take responsibility for any mishaps—he had to own his choices.

The marketplace had no strict regulations. It was a free-for-all, where anything and everything could be bought or sold.

However, a rating and review system existed to maintain order. Reviews held the power to make or break someone's reputation.

Highly reputed users gained visibility and trust. Conversely, a reputation dip resulted in transaction restrictions based on reviews. But, other system functions remained accessible to them.

There were some serious warnings about keeping this system secret from outsiders.

Jax's mind spun like a roulette wheel. Could he trust this ITC?

Hell no.

Should he take a leap of faith and dive into this bizarre game?

The answer was a resounding yes.

If all the hype he had devoured turned out to be true, Jax could elevate himself to a whole new level in the desolate wasteland. He will no longer be shackled by meager resources and outdated junk.

Through the Dimensional Access System (DAS) Jax could access treasures and cutting-edge technologies that were light-years ahead of anything in his dreary world.

"Alright, time to put this thing to the test and see if it is as amazing as it claims," Jax muttered to himself with mixed emotions.

Without wasting another second, Jax tapped on the screen. In an instant, the display transformed, revealing the system's main menu.

[ Main Menu ]

[ User ID: #D31Y234521... ]

[ Rank: 1 Star ]

[ Balance: 100 credits ]

[ User Profile ]: View information related to the user, like status, skills, attributes, etc.

[ Inventory ]: Store and manage your items.

[ Shop ]: Buy, sell, and trade items from various worlds and dimensions.

[ Social ]: Interact with other users and join communities.

[ Quest ]: Accept and complete quests from other users or the system.

[ Gamble ]: Test your luck and skill in various games and challenges.

[ Add-ons ]: Unlock new features and functions with various add-ons.

Jax wasted no time and skipped the unnecessary options and immediately clicked on the "Shop". The screen expanded, revealing a range of choices: Buy, Sell, and Trade. He was itching to put the system to the test by purchasing an item.

[ Buy:

- Weapons

- Armor

- Medicines

- Vehicles

- Tools

- Pets

- Plants

- Food

- Art

- Books

- Clothing

- Jewelry

- Furniture

- ... ]

Jax clicked on [Buy], and the screen flooded with categories and subcategories. It was an ocean of items for sale.

From everyday essentials to extraordinary technologies, medicine, and even magical artifacts, the options seemed to stretch into infinity.

While navigating, Jax discovered a multitude of options he didn't even know existed. He could sort items by price, rating, or even popularity, to make the search easier.

Intrigued, Jax went straight to the weapons section and saw a stunning display of armaments from different worlds unfold before his eyes. Some looked familiar, like knives, swords, guns, and grenades, but it was the bizarre and exotic arsenal that truly captivated him.

A collection of weapons he had never seen before like, frost spears, plasma cannons, arcane rifles, and psionic orbs, each one radiating with untapped power and potential.

Jax couldn't help but marvel at the astounding diversity and impeccable craftsmanship showcased by these weapons. The temptation grew too strong to resist.

With swift clicks, he delved into the detailed information, eager to uncover the specifications, unique features, and, of course, the prices, wondering what he could afford with his credits. He had no idea how much they were worth, so he didn’t want to splurge on anything unnecessary.

The prices varied greatly, from astronomical levels for the wealthy elites to more reasonable ranges for the average buyer. “Let’s see what I can buy with what I have!” he thought as he delved into the details.

A peculiar and budget-friendly gadget caught his attention, "needle shooter." It resembled a pen and had a tempting discounted price for a limited time. Intrigued, Jax selected it to learn more.

[ Needle Shooter ]

[ Description: A sleek device that shoots tiny needles with incredible speed and accuracy. The needles are made of a special material that can dissolve rapidly in the flesh of the target. A deadly poison will release upon contact with blood, causing instant paralysis or death depending on the target’s resilience. A perfect weapon for stealth missions and assassinations. ]

"Damn, is this for real?" Jax marveled as he inspected the device. He noticed additional details about it, including the price.

[ Details:

- The device resembles a pen and can be easily hidden or disguised.

- The device has a button on the side that activates the firing mechanism.

- The device can fire up to 20 needles before requiring a reload.

- The device has a small slot on the back where you can insert a cartridge of needles.

- The device uses compressed air to propel the needles.

- The device has a built-in laser sight that helps you aim at your target.

- The device has a safety lock that prevents accidental firing.

- The device is silent and leaves no trace of the needles.

- ... ]

[ Discounted Price: 10 credits ]

[ Buy | Add to Wishlist | Compare | Reviews ]

"Ten credits? That's a bargain, right?" Jax exclaimed, his excitement soaring after reading the mind-blowing description.

"Time to take the plunge!" Jax eagerly selected the "buy" option, sealing the deal with a satisfying confirmation.

Like magic, the needle shooter materialized within his inventory, and his credit balance decreased by 10 credits.

Jax retrieved the device from his inventory, feeling the weight and sleekness of its form. The smooth surface was a pleasure to touch, with a conveniently placed button on the side.

Curious, Jax pressed the button, eliciting a satisfying click. To his surprise, a needle sprang forth from the tip, ready for action. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he directed his aim toward a nearby wall of the crater.

Without hesitation, he pressed the button once more, unleashing the needle with a faint hiss. It struck the wall with precision, leaving behind a tiny impact point.

This purchase from the dimensional marketplace had become tangible and solid proof of its surreal reality.

Jax burst into laughter, exclaiming to himself, "This is insane!" His gaze remained fixed on the needle shooter clasped in his hand.

According to his understanding, the needles were the real gem of this device. They may be tiny, but they were made of some mind-blowing material that reacted with blood, dissolving instantly and spreading that deadly poison within the target's body.

As far as he could recall, such material didn't exist in their world. That alone made this device an incredibly valuable treasure. A grin slowly spread across his face as he imagined the envy and awe that would follow in his wake.

The wasteland was about to witness a whole new level of badassery. And at what cost? That was something he would figure out along the way.

Suddenly, his awesome daydreams came crashing down as the distinct sound of a motorcycle engine pierced the air. Someone was approaching the ruins, ruining the moment.

Instantly on high alert, he swiftly climbed out of the crater. Taking cover behind a crumbling wall, he peered out to identify the approaching figure.

To his surprise, it was none other than his despised supervisor, Gerald. "What the fuck is he doing here?" Jax frowned, his resentment resurfacing.

Gerald had a tall and imposing figure. His scruffy beard and rugged exterior matched the piercing intensity of his gaze, suggesting a man who was not to be trifled with.

Jax and Gerald were like oil and water from the get-go. Gerald was the poster child for narrow-mindedness, jax could see the malice in his eyes plain as day. Jax figured it might be because of jealousy and envy, but he wasn't sure.

But one thing Jax knew for certain, the outpost was deliberately screwing him over by sending him to places that had already been checked out. And Gerald, no doubt, played a part in this conspiracy against him.

Jax composed himself, masking his true emotions, and put away the needle shooter in his pocket before he emerged from his hiding spot.

Gerald got off his motorcycle, and the engine's growl gradually subsided into a low hum. A predatory gleam flickered in his eyes as his piercing gaze locked with Jax's.

Gerald's coarse voice cut through the air, filled with eager confidence. It was almost as if he already knew what Jax had discovered.

"Hey kid, what did you find?" Gerald inquired grinning wickedly as he approached him.

Jax knew Gerald was up to no good, but he acted calm. Revealing the existence of the dimensional access system to anyone was out of the question.

Casting a glance around, Jax retorted in a direct tone, "Let's not play dumb. Everyone knows this place has been stripped bare by others."

He continued, "If you really wanted me to find something, you would've convinced those outpost folks to send me to unexplored areas."

Gerald was well aware of Fletcher's final ultimatum to Jax. He knew exactly what he was doing when he assigned Jax to this desolate area. It was all part of his twisted plot to witness Jax's miserable demise.

Today was supposed to be Jax's breaking point, where desperation and defeat should be etched on his face.

Yet, there was no sign of it. Jax's face showed none of the expected despair. How could that be possible? Jax's unwavering attitude only solidified Gerald's belief that something remarkable had crossed his path.

The bright light he had witnessed from this direction, combined with Jax's nonchalant yet confident demeanor, left Gerald with no room for doubt. Jax had undoubtedly discovered something extraordinary in this place.

Gerald's face twisted into an angry scowl as he locked eyes with Jax. "Quit the bullshit, Jax. I know you found something. Don't make this harder than it needs to be," he growled, stepping closer with an intimidating presence.

A flicker of annoyance flashed in Jax's eyes as he replied. "I'm telling you, there's nothing worth finding here. So stop wasting your damn time interrogating me."

Gerald's frustration exploded, his eyes squinting. He didn't believe a word Jax said.

While on his way here, Gerald's mind had been filled with tales of fearless explorers discovering mighty treasures.

He had fantasized about being in their shoes. And now this punk-ass kid thought he could swipe it from under his nose? He was never going to let that happen. Gerald was determined to claim it for himself.

Gerald's eyes burned with determination, and his voice pierced the air like a rusty nail through flesh, "I know you're hiding something, you sack of shit!"

He towered over Jax, his piercing gaze filled with sheer determination. Jax seemed minuscule in comparison to his imposing presence, but that didn't intimidate him one bit.

"And I'll be damned if I let you keep it to yourself. Hand it over before I decide to yank it out of your sorry ass!" he snarled, his voice dripping with menace.

Jax could feel the flames of anger rising inside him like a volcano on the verge of explosion. Gerald's blatant disregard for his dignity made him seethe with frustration.

Maintaining his composure, Jax fired back, "If you're so damn sure, be my fucking guest and search for yourself. I've got better shit to do than waste my time arguing with the one who sent me on this wild goose chase," Jax scoffed, striding toward his motorcycle. He had no time for this nonsense.

Gerald swiftly blocked his path, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and superiority as he mocked, his words laced with contempt, "So what if I sent you here on purpose? What can you do, you pathetic waste of flesh?"

He continued in a venomous tone, "No matter how hard you try, you'll always be a fucking slave. Might as well let them blow up that damn collar."

Jax's gaze hardened. "Listen up, Gerald. I don't have time for your bullshit. Step the fuck aside," he growled, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.

Gerald grabbed Jax's collar, their faces inches apart. A vile stench wafted from his foul breath. "Or what? You think you're fucking tough? I can crush you like a damn bug, you insignificant piece of shit."

Jax's muscles tensed, his hand itching for the knife secured to his belt. But he knew better than to get into a fight at this point. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to keep his hand steady at his side.

"Look, I'm not here for a fucking fight. Just let go, and we can both be on our way," Jax said, his voice tinged with a hint of fury.

Gerald's chilling laughter pierced the air. His eyes gleamed with a sadistic glint. "Oh, you think it's that easy, huh? Do I look like a fool to you?"

His voice morphed into a savage growl, "This is your goddamn last chance. Hand over the fucking thing you found here, and maybe I'll consider letting you off the hook for disrespecting your supervisor"

Jax's fist clenched tightly, the temptation to teach him a painful lesson growing stronger. "How many damn times do I have to say it? I haven't found shit."

Gerald's face twisted with fury, his anger reaching a boiling point. "You think you're so fucking clever, huh? I'll show you just how damn wrong you are." With a sudden burst of rage, he swung a powerful punch aimed straight at Jax's face, intending to put him in his place.

Jax's instincts kicked into overdrive, his body springing into action. He raised his left arm with lightning speed to deflect Gerald's incoming blow. There was no way in hell he was going to stand there and let himself get pummeled.

'You think I'm some weakling? Today, I'll make you regret underestimating me.' Jax thoughts fueled his determination as he retaliated with a powerful right hook aimed at Gerald's gut.

However, reality quickly reminded him that it wouldn't be that easy. Gerald's sheer strength proved overwhelming, overpowering Jax's defense.

Jax couldn't completely block the full force of Gerald's punch and the blow landed squarely on his jaw. A surge of pain shot through his skull. momentarily obscuring his vision with a twinkling stars.

Simultaneously, Jax's counterpunch found its mark, landing solidly on Gerald's stomach, The unexpected blow elicited a grunt and forced Gerald to stagger back a few steps.

The force of Gerald's powerful punch sent Jax stumbling backward, the impact reverberating through his body. As he was thrown back, the sheer strength behind the blow caused Jax's old shirt to tear apart, leaving a part of the fabric still clenched tightly in Gerald's hand.

Gerald recovered quickly, he rubbed his stomach and let out a laugh. "You call that a punch? Even a damn hooker can throw a better punch than that," he mocked Jax, closing the distance between them.

Jax swiftly stood up while blood trickled down his cheek. He discarded his backpack along with the tattered shirt. In their initial encounter, he had come to understand that this bastard was far stronger than him.

But Jax refused to yield. He was tired of being pushed around by these arrogant fools. Enough was enough.

Fueled by a surge of adrenaline and unwavering determination, he let out a primal roar and charged at Gerald.