Chapter 26: Wealth?
Kaiden leaned forward, supporting himself, as the hologram seemed to fade away.
Through the vanishing light blue surface, he saw the crystalline surroundings. Several questions raced through his mind. Were these real specimens, worth a fortune?
If so, it could provide him with enough wealth to sustain thousands of lives in particular prosperity.
His eyes, once filled with slight pain, now reflected banknotes. He couldn't think straight anymore. His grin widened, and internally he thought he could provide his brother with enough wealth.
However, his seemingly greedy nature quickly changed back to his normal self. How would he transport such a quantity, let alone take a small portion with him?
A handful would be enough for him, and he would already be content. He approached the nearest crystal wall. To his shock, it seemed to change too.
As soon as he touched it, the solid form turned liquid. The seemingly solid matter of sparkling crystals transformed into a thick liquid substance, similar to blood, but different in texture, leaving no stains.
Startled, as he only wanted to admire it, he quickly withdrew his hand, causing the liquid to fall to the ground.
However, the impact was not like that of spilled water from a glass; it resembled the collision of weighty masses, like a stone hitting stone.
Bewildered, Kaiden stared down, bathed in the colorful lights of the crystals.
His eyes and brows widened, and his forehead creased with folds of amazement.
He couldn't keep his mouth closed. It seemed that the crystals could indeed be transported, but he would need a certain type of transportation medium.
After a short pause, he wondered if he could simply produce such a means of transport, like a bag. With his thoughts now entirely focused on his ability, he attempted to mimic what he had done before.
Unfortunately, he didn't understand how he did it this time. Thus, he asked for guidance, saying "status".
The hologram appeared out of nowhere once again, creating a faint light source in the already cool and well-lit room.
Among the various pieces of information he saw, one was self-explanatory.
[Available Manipulation of Molecules]
Kaiden selected this option from the many possibilities, and a small list of different molecules he could manipulate appeared, including Water, Oxygen, and one unknown substance, Flexidur.
When Kaiden asked the hologram how it all worked, it explained step by step.
"Your ability is limited to manipulating molecules with a very simple composition. This may include Water, Oxygen, Cyanide, and Flexidur, potentially.
You can manipulate these quite simply by imagining how you want to create, disappear, or transform them. Additionally, you've received a small bonus for being in a near-death experience and under extreme conditions, which allows you to manipulate a more advanced compound, Flexidur."
Now with a clearer understanding of the current situation and what he could and couldn't control, Kaiden also understood why it hadn't worked earlier.
He had been imagining creating a plastic bag or a bag made of polyester the whole time. Although he felt somewhat foolish, he didn't hesitate to try again.
This time, he attempted it with Flexidur, since the poison Cyanide, as well as Water and Oxygen, wouldn't help him transport the crystals.
Nevertheless, Kaiden felt happy; not only because he would take a pile of money, but also because he could manipulate Water, a poison, and Oxygen, which would likely be the main ability for some.
Lost in thought and entirely focused on creating Flexidur, he slowly and surely formed a small area of Flexidur, about 10 square centimeters.
He also imagined how to transform it, since it was only a flat surface.
In just a few seconds, the apparatus transformed into a kind of key with a cover to lock it. It looked like a box. Proud of his work, he looked down as he poured his hand full of liquid colorful substance into the box.
While doing this, he became aware that his shoulder was slightly painful. But now he knew why it was; he had been attacked.
Yet, the thought was now less important, as he had filled his box and transformed the liquid back into solid crystals. His smile expanded like the morning sun.
If this actually worked, he would probably get a huge sum of money for it, and he would no longer have to live in poverty under any circumstances.
As he walked with large, eager steps through the glowing halls of crystals, he heard voices in the distance. A familiar voice said,
"Our plan is really ingenious; we just have to wait for loners and overwhelm them with our superior numbers. Truly a great idea."
Following, an unknown voice added,
"Yes, it's really a brilliant idea, Alex."
With a nearing voice, Alex replied to the two, thanking them.
"But you should be the ones I should thank, without you, I probably wouldn't really make it."
With a loud laugh that seemed to approach even closer, the first unknown voice said,
"Don't be so modest, Alex."
Laughter drew near, and an image of three people appeared.
They walked towards Kaiden, laughing, until they reached him.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone