Energy currency

The AI's interface buzzed with activity as Evan contemplated the potential of merging the dark pearl with his knife. The glow from the AI intensified, highlighting the profound significance of this choice.

"If you decide to merge the dark pearl with your knife," the AI began, its voice more vibrant than before, "I can utilize its vast energy to restructure the knife, transforming it into a bona fide growing weapon. Tailored specifically to your energy signature, the knife would not only resonate with you more deeply but also hold the potential to evolve alongside your journey."

Eldris, observing the shifting patterns on the AI's interface, added, "Incorporating the essence of the Cosmos Corrosion Colossus into your weapon means that its foundational inscription will intertwine with the colossus's latent abilities. The resulting synergy will not only enhance the growing inscription but also unlock a broader spectrum of capabilities."

The AI continued, "By merging the dark pearl's essence, your knife's inscription will harmoniously fuse with the cosmic energy, magnifying its potential exponentially. This fusion would allow the knife to absorb, harness, and channel the abilities of the Cosmos Corrosion Colossus. Over time, as you cultivate and strengthen your bond with the weapon, these abilities will mature, granting you access to even more formidable powers."

Evan, absorbing the gravity of the information, questioned, "So, in essence, my knife would not only regain its original potential as a growing weapon but surpass it, drawing strength from the cosmos itself?"

"Correct," the AI affirmed. "Your weapon would become a conduit between you and the boundless cosmos, a tool of unparalleled power and adaptability. Its growth potential would be vast, limited only by your own cultivation and understanding of its abilities."

Evan took a deep breath, the weight of the decision bearing down on him. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to craft a legendary weapon that could become a cornerstone of his journey. The allure of having a blade imbued with cosmic power, evolving alongside him, was undeniably enticing.

Evan nodded in affirmation. He understood that trying to tackle everything at once, especially when he was just beginning, could be overwhelming. Focusing on a few, crucial elements would be key. "I agree. Let's proceed," he said with determination.

"Very well," the golem stated. "That will be 2000 2nd tier energy currency."

Evan's brow furrowed, a look of confusion evident on his face. "Energy currency? What's that?"

The golem, noting Evan's confusion, began to elucidate, "Energy currency is the standard of trade within Mystic Meadow and many advanced realms. It is a system of valuation based on pure, refined energy. The system comprises multiple tiers to make large transactions feasible and to categorize the potency of the energy. Here's a basic breakdown:

**1. Lumina (1st Tier)**: The most basic form of energy currency. Lumina is usually used for small, everyday transactions or for novice cultivators to trade.

**Conversion Rate**: 1,000 Lumina = 1 Lustra.

**2. Lustra (2nd Tier)**: A higher concentration of energy, Lustra is used for more significant transactions, usually involving more advanced resources or services.

**Conversion Rate**: 1,000 Lustra = 1 Luxa.

**3. Luxa (3rd Tier)**: This is a premium form of energy currency, used for major transactions like acquiring advanced cultivation methods, rare materials, or even territories within certain realms.

**Conversion Rate**: 1,000 Luxa = 1 Luminar.

**4. Luminar (4th Tier)**: The pinnacle of energy currency. Luminar represents an immense concentration of energy and is used for the most grandiose of transactions, often involving kingdom-establishing resources, legendary treasures, or domain-controlling rights.

To put it in simpler terms, imagine Lumina as coins, Lustra as banknotes, Luxa as gold bars, and Luminar as diamonds in terms of value and rarity."

Evan nodded, absorbing the information. "So, you're asking for 2000 Lustra, which is equivalent to 2 million Lumina?"

"Correct," replied the golem. "The refinement and merge process requires a vast amount of energy, especially considering the potential of the weapon we aim to create."

Evan blinked a few times, attempting to wrap his mind around the staggering figures. To him, this concept of energy currency was new and overwhelming, and the prices mentioned were almost beyond his comprehension.

The AI, sensing Evan's confusion, sought to explain further: "Let me provide a clearer perspective. In many realms outside of Mystic Meadow, 1 Lustra can be used to purchase 100 initial adept grade standard soul weapons. Now, if we're speaking of a growing soul weapon of the initial adept grade with an average inscription, you would need the entirety of that single Lustra to acquire it."

Evan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, so if 1 Lustra can get me a growing soul weapon outside, and you're asking for 2000 Lustra, that's... That's the equivalent of 2000 growing soul weapons with average inscriptions!"

The golem nodded. "Precisely. However, do bear in mind the exceptional potential of the weapon we're aiming to forge. The Cosmos Corrosion Colossus, though in its infancy when it perished, was a being of immense power. Its essence, combined with the Tempestuous Ethereal Inscription, holds a potential that is hard to quantify. This merging is not just about joining two powerful entities; it's about creating a synergy that transcends their individual capabilities."

Evan exhaled deeply, running his fingers through his hair. "I get the enormity of what we're trying to achieve here, but the cost is just... It's more than I can comprehend. I doubt I can afford even 1/100000 of this process."

Eldris chimed in, attempting to comfort Evan, "Master Evan, this realm and its treasures were created by the legendary Eldrake with the intention to assist promising young cultivators like yourself. You're not alone in this journey. We're here to guide and support you. If you decide to proceed, we can discuss various methods to procure or offset the energy costs."

Feeling a mix of determination and apprehension, Evan nodded, "Alright. Let's discuss the options then."