Looking at the Neon Star Alliance Headquarters in the Azure Public Trading Zone, he noticed it was still bare.

Besides the land and some core buildings, there wasn’t much in place.

"What do you think of this place?" Marcellin asked.

"It’s not bad," Nash nodded in satisfaction.

Although still bare, having land was more than enough to start.

While regular storefronts gathered ordinary customers, this place was meant to attract friends and allies.

In Nash’s plan, it would have a central building, reception area, auction hall, entertainment section, battle arena, and more.

Unlike other teams that placed production lines inside, Nash would produce the items they sold at the Sun Star Void Area.

Although it was a hassle to transport, it was safer and cheaper.

Furthermore, who knew what would happen in the future?

If the Azure Heaven Alliance revolted, everything they built would be gone.

The land was still fine since it hadn’t been paid for. But what about the technology and materials they would use to build?

Thus, to keep it safe, Nash planned to use this place only as an external headquarters.

If not for the sake of the Neon Star Alliance’s image, a small plot of land would be enough.

Soon, after touring the headquarters with Marcellin, they began to talk about the opening of their storefronts.

"Your storefronts should be ready. What do you plan to sell?"

"Haha, you’ll see. It might even surprise you."

"Oh? Then I look forward to it."

As the manager of the whole public trading zone, Marcellin didn’t think anything could surprise him.

However, given Nash’s standing, he still planned to attend their opening to show support.

Finally, after some preparation, the two parted as Nash began talking to his subordinates.

Their storefronts around the Azure Public Trading Zone would open in a week.

Nash had to finalize inventory, store management, staffing, and other matters.

He also had to check for any discrepancies they might have missed and encourage his subordinates, giving them a boost of confidence.

Placing a Neon Battleship as a center display in each shop, he quickly awaited the opening.

---

A week later...

After a week of work, the storefronts around the Azure Public Trading Zone opened simultaneously.

With Marcellin’s help and some funding, the opening was advertised across the Azure Public Trading Zone for a day.

Although everyone was used to aggressive advertising, a few remained curious and visited the shop.

Among them was Jakari. Having nothing to do, he walked to the nearest storefront he could find.

"Neon Star Tower... A General Store?"

Reading the unfamiliar brand, his interest waned a little.

As a regular around the public trading zone, he was familiar with the top teams in the Azure Heaven Alliance.

Not having heard of Neon Star Tower, he assumed they were some unknown team.

"Welcome to the Neon Star Tower, gentlemen. Please browse freely and tell me what you need."

"Hmm." Greeted so enthusiastically, Jakari decided to take a good look.

As he scanned the room, something quickly caught his eye.

It seemed like a Tier 6 battleship, but on a smaller scale.

Stretching over a few kilometers, it occupied almost an entire floor.

Noticing the runic engraving covering most of its body, Jakari suddenly thought of something.

"Is this battleship a dark technology?"

"You guessed right, sir. This is the flagship product of our store, the Neon Battleship!"

"How much is it? What are the specifications?"

"You can get this tier 6 Neon Battleship for the low price of just ten billion void source crystals."

"Ten billion void source crystals? So cheap?!"

Although an ordinary tier 6 battleship costs about a hundred million void source crystals, it was incomparable to a dark-technology battleship.

This thing was a perpetual tool that mowed the battlefield without pause or energy consumption.

As long as there was a thick layer of dark energy, it could go on until destroyed.

For a low-level team like his, it was practically a miracle that could save money and fight.

Even used as mere transportation, it could save a massive amount of money in the long run.

"This is as real as it gets. However, we only offer presales for now. Depending on quantity, you can get them in a few months to a year."

"Presale? How much is the down payment?" Jakari frowned, thinking it was a scam.

Although this was the Azure Public Trading Zone regulated by orders and laws, scams were still possible.

"You only need to pay a down payment of 30%."

"This-so much?! How can we ensure you will deliver? What if it takes dozens of years for the item to arrive?" Jakari asked angrily.

As if discovering a treasure only to find a trap, Jakari felt his heart burn.

"It can be written into the contract. The longest it would take is three years; if not, you can get your money back."

"Three years? That’s fine."

Three years was not too long. If he could really have a dark-technology battleship for such a low price, he was willing to wait.

"Then do we have a deal? How many do you want to order, sir?" the clerk asked eagerly.

"I want ten. Is that all right?"

"It’s perfectly fine. However, I suggest you order a few more. Otherwise, you will have to wait a long time later."

"No, this is enough."

Still wary, Jakari only wanted ten for a trial.

However, just as he was about to confirm the order, he heard another customer order a thousand in one go.

A thousand! That’s ten trillion void source crystals!

Who would be so rich?

Turning to the person, shock appeared on his face.

"It’s you! How did you get so much money?" Jakari asked, seeing that it was their rival team.

"Heh, you are just ignorant of the goods." Fearing a longer wait, Hendrix quickly signed the order.

"You!"

"Sir, if you’d like you can test the ship’s performance to decide further."

"No need, give me 1,000 Neon Battleships!"

Since their enemy could order so much, he couldn’t fall behind.

Calling the leaders of his team, he asked them to deliver the money to the store.