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In the end, Volt gave an exact price of 43 million Units.
"Why is it so much higher?" Fanny's eyes widened in surprise. Her original estimate had been much closer to 30 million.
"Some time ago, the original owner was officially declared dead, so there will be no legal disputes over inheritance. As a result, market price has normalized. Additionally, the cost of pet maintenance and life support over the past hundred years has been added," Volt explained. This accumulated maintenance debt was why so few were willing to purchase such properties.
"I see..." Fanny fell silent, unable to argue with the logic.
"However, since you're a guest of the Nova Corps, we'll discount 10 million Units," Volt said, glancing at Rhomann Dey.
"No need—just follow the original price. I have sufficient funds," Aidan shook his head, refusing the charity. He produced the credit chip Nova Prime Irani Rael had provided and handed it over. Though the Corps payment was only a deposit, over 60 million Units was more than enough to cover costs.
"Paid in full. Do you need additional formalities?" Aidan asked.
"Many more steps, but leave the rest to me," Rhomann said beside him.
"Dear guest, your payment has been processed. This is the permission card for the property. Please keep it safe." After deducting the amount, Volt retrieved a metal key-card from the side panel safe and, placing both hands together respectfully, presented it to Aidan.
"Well, I'll leave the paperwork to you then," Aidan pocketed the chip and card, addressing Rhomann.
"No trouble at all. My Centurion status makes bureaucracy much simpler—you won't have to deal with it," Rhomann waved dismissively. "Let's inspect the house first."
Interior decoration would need careful planning. It was going to be a busy day.
"I'm curious what a Central Plaza property looks like inside myself," Rhomann admitted, genuinely interested. Though he was an elite Centurion with respectable salary, spending over 40 million Units on property was simply impossible. Besides, he had his own home and family. No need for a bachelor pad in the capital's central district.
After saying goodbye to Fanny and Volt, they followed the address coordinates to their destination.
Xandar Central Plaza.
The capital's Central Plaza was a massive trading hub. The largest building was a towering spire housing the Bounty Exchange—where countless galactic bounties were posted and claimed. Many intermediary brokers operated inside. Surrounding areas were all entertainment venues, devoid of stiff administrative agencies. The Bounty Exchange was actually a platform created by the Nova Corps in its early days to outsource law enforcement, so heavy oversight was unnecessary.
A Nova hovercar arrived at a building approximately 500 meters from the Bounty Exchange. Two men emerged, attracting passerby attention. After all, this building had been seemingly abandoned for nearly a century—no one had entered except automated maintenance drones.
"I heard that besides the Colt Bugs, there's also a Mermaid among the pets kept inside," Rhomann asked curiously as soon as he exited the vehicle.
"Yes. Plus Glare Beasts," Aidan retrieved his room card and approached the closed metal door. The card wasn't just a key but contained various control codes for the house's systems.
"A Glare Beast? Excellent! My daughter has always wanted one, but their numbers are scarce and they're difficult to catch, so I haven't purchased one," Rhomann's eyes lit up.
Glare Beasts were creatures native to deep vacuum. Petite in size, covered with bio-electric fur generating lightning. Wandering through the universe, they left trails of brilliant streamers—a true cosmic spectacle.
"If Dahl likes it, bring her over to play anytime. Or she can help care for it while I'm managing the store," Aidan said indifferently as the metal door slowly hissed open.
"Thank you so much!" Rhomann didn't refuse such a generous offer.
When they walked inside, their eyes widened.
In the spacious atrium, brilliant blue light flickered. A small beast could be vaguely seen running happily, leaving light trails. Looking up, the ceiling was actually a transparent containment field holding massive water volume—a Water World. A beautiful Mermaid with shimmering fish tail looked curiously down at the two humans, surrounded by strange marine creatures swimming lazily.
On the right was a terrarium simulating desert environment, where several Colt Bugs watched them vigilantly. It was like entering a private museum or high-end zoo.
"It seems the money wasn't entirely wasted," Aidan raised his eyebrows in pleasant surprise.
"Definitely not," Rhomann nodded, amazed.
Aidan retrieved a whistle-like device included with the key-card and blew it. The sound was ultrasonic, but the little beast running around suddenly stopped. They finally got a good look.
Covered with fluffy blue fur, electric sparks jumping across its body periodically. A pair of large, round blue eyes regarded Aidan. Its appearance was somewhat feline, but charged with cosmic energy.
"It's adorable!" Rhomann looked at the creature with pure adoration.
Aidan waved. "Come here."
The little beast hesitated, but looking at the master-whistle in Aidan's hand, it approached cautiously. Aidan crouched slowly. When the beast was close, he reached out and touched its head. The fur felt wonderful—fluffy, with slight static crispness. The creature squinted its eyes in enjoyment.
Rhomann reached out too, but the beast grinned, revealing sharp teeth, and let out a threatening growl.
"Uh... seems he doesn't like me much," Rhomann withdrew his hand with embarrassment.
"Probably because I'm holding the whistle. Let's continue exploring!" Aidan picked up the creature and held it.
Besides the Mermaids, Glare Beasts, and Colt Bugs, there were no other pets. But all three species were aesthetically pleasing and exotic. No disgusting or weird creatures, which saved Aidan the trouble of immediately selling them off.
The room's structure was highly functional. Surrounding walls were lined with hidden control panels for environmental manipulation.
"By the way, the Traveler hasn't emerged yet," Aidan suddenly remembered while walking around. He quickly released the Traveler from spatial storage. Yesterday, the Traveler's intelligence matrix had been undergoing upgrades, so he hadn't followed. It should be complete now. The house needed a manager.
"Boss!" After the Traveler materialized, he greeted Aidan. The electronic apertures of his pupils were much more flexible and expressive now.
"This will be our store. You'll be the shopkeeper."
"And the receptionist..." Aidan looked up at the Mermaid swimming above.
The Mermaid stared back curiously, her fish tail creating gentle ripples in the contained water.
"Can she breathe air?" Rhomann asked practically.
"Let's find out." Aidan examined the control panel, finding environmental controls for the water containment. "There's a transition chamber. She can exit temporarily if needed."
Perfect. A Mermaid receptionist would certainly attract attention in the Bounty Exchange district. Memorable, unique—excellent for business.
"Traveler, familiarize yourself with the building systems. I need full inventory of what we have here, structural assessment, and security protocols established."
"Understood, Boss. Beginning comprehensive scan now."
Aidan smiled, looking around the property with satisfaction. This was going to work perfectly.
A weapons shop with exotic pets and a living robot shopkeeper, right next to the galaxy's premier bounty exchange?
Business would be very good.