In the corner, almost forgotten among the more popular choices, stood a massive cleaver. The weapon was nearly as tall as Theon himself, with a broad, rectangular blade that looked more suited for a giant than a human cultivator.
"I want that one," Theon pointed at the cleaver with blazing eyes.
The clerk frowned and followed his gaze. "Young man, I would strongly advise against that choice. The Titan's Cleaver weighs over sixty pounds and is extremely difficult to wield effectively. Most combat techniques become nearly impossible to execute with such an unwieldy weapon."
"I'll take it anyway."
The clerk sighed and retrieved the massive weapon. "Very well, but don't say I didn't warn you. This thing has been gathering dust for three years. Even the strongest students find it impractical. Using combat techniques would drain the user more thatln three times."
"Don't worry, I have my reasons for choosing it."
As Theon gripped the handle, he felt the weapon's considerable weight. His enhanced strength from reaching Level 2 Genetic Soldier made it manageable but it was truly impractical, he could understand why it would be difficult to even use combat techniques as it was really hard to even lift this with one hand.
[Ding!]
[Quest Completed]
[Reward: Tier II Relic Weapon - Crimson Executioner's Cleaver]
[Accept reward? Y/N]
Theon mentally declined to accept the reward immediately. He needed to be somewhere private first.
"Thank you," he told the clerk, shouldering the massive weapon.
As he was about to leave, another thought struck him. He still needed to acquire a Symbiote organism for his cultivation technique.
"System, I need to acquire a Symbiote organism."
[Ding! Quest Created]
[Objective: Acquire a Symbiote organism]
[Reward: Legendary-Grade Crimson Symbiote]
[Accept Quest? Y/N]
"Accept."
"What the hell?"
Theon coudknt help but curse since he saw tbd legendary grade beside the Symbiote.
He coudknt help but question his luck at this moment. It was incredibly godly! He only hoped he hadn't used up a thousand lifetime of luck for this.
It might even be worth it on the short run.
Theon approached a beautiful senior student with long auburn hair who was browsing the treasury. The two stars on her badge marked her as a second-year.
"Excuse me, senior. Could you direct me to where I can purchase a Symbiote organism?"
She looked up from examining a set of throwing knives, her green eyes taking in his massive cleaver with mild amusement. "A Symbiote? That's unusual for a new student. They're kept in the Biological Research Facility. I can show you the way if you'd like."
"I would appreciate that."
"I'm Sarah, by the way. Second-year Elite student."
"Theon. Thank you for your help."
Sarah led him across campus to a sprawling complex of interconnected buildings. The facility hummed with activity - students in protective gear moved between laboratories, and the air carried the faint scent of various dimensional energies.
"The creatures are housed in the rear complex," Sarah explained as they walked. "Most students come here for standard cultivation aids, but Symbiotes are… different."
They passed through several checkpoints before arriving at a large clearance area where various dimensional beasts roamed in specialized enclosures. The sight was impressive - creatures from different dimensional planes coexisted in carefully maintained habitats.
"The Symbiote section is this way," Sarah continued, leading him to a smaller, more sterile building.
Inside, rows of containment units lined the walls. Each unit held what appeared to be a blob of living material, ranging in color from translucent white to deep black. The organisms pulsed gently with their own internal rhythms.
A research assistant approached them. "Looking for a Symbiote? They're not very popular among students. Apart from enhanced energy absorption during meditation, most people don't understand their full potential."
"What do you mean?" Theon asked.
"Well, the cultivation technique manual mentions transformation at the highest level, but it's just theoretical. No one in the academy's history has ever reached that stage. Most consider it an exaggerated rumor."
Theon examined the various organisms. His enhanced vision allowed him to perceive subtle differences in their energy patterns. Most appeared fairly standard, but one in particular caught his attention - a dark, almost black Symbiote that seemed to absorb light around its container.
"That one," he pointed.
"Interesting choice. That's one of our more unique specimens. The cost is 7,500 Galaxy Points."
Theon's face fell slightly. He had barely any Galaxy Points to his name.
"However," the assistant continued, "if you have valuable materials to trade, we can arrange an exchange."
Theon's eyes lit up. "I have a Perfect-Grade Evolver Pill."
The assistant's eyebrows rose. "Perfect-Grade? That's… extremely valuable. Let me call a supervisor."
Minutes later, a senior researcher arrived to authenticate the pill. After careful examination, he nodded approvingly.
"This is indeed Perfect-Grade craftsmanship. We can offer you 10,000 Galaxy Points for it."
"Excellent. I'll take 7,500 worth of that Symbiote, and keep the remaining 2,500 as Galaxy Points."
The transaction completed, Theon carefully accepted the containment unit holding the dark Symbiote. The organism seemed to react to his presence, its movements becoming more active.
[Ding!]
[Quest Completed]
[Reward: Legendary-Grade Crimson Symbiote]
[Accept reward? Y/N]
Again, Theon chose to wait before accepting the reward.
"Thank you for your assistance," he told Sarah as they prepared to leave the facility.
"No problem. Though I have to ask - why the interest in such obscure cultivation methods? Most students focus on straightforward techniques."
Theon considered his answer carefully. "I believe there's potential in paths others have abandoned. Sometimes the most rewarding challenges are the ones everyone else avoids."
Sarah smiled. "That's either very wise or very foolish. I guess we'll see which one you are."
As they parted ways, Theon made his way back toward his residence, the massive cleaver strapped to his back and the Symbiote container secured in his arms. The day had been productive, but he was eager to return to the privacy of his training room.
There, he could finally accept his system rewards and begin integrating these powerful new tools into his cultivation path. The dark Symbiote pulsed gently in its container, as if sensing the potential for the bond that awaited them.