Now Rohan understood why these one-time use Genetic Armaments were so lucrative.

If an ordinary Awakened were to get their hands on one of them, it could quite literally turn their life around. They could take down an Elite beast using strength that outclassed them, and if they were lucky enough, might even obtain a Gene or Genetic Armament out of it.

’I understand why the government might want to control higher tier versions of these Genetic Armaments now — if they exist.’

Giving weaker people the opportunity to face off against beasts as strong as Commander tier probably wasn’t something the upper echelons wanted to see. It wasn’t that the Federation didn’t want to see stronger Awakened enter their ranks, but it was actually that they didn’t want to lose them!

After all, using them against beasts far stronger than them was a huge risk, and as they were one-time use, if they missed their attack or miscalculated at any point, then that was it. Game over.

It was already happening with Awakened stuck at the peak of F rank, only having Normal tier Genetic Armaments, too afraid to advance to E rank without absolute confidence in succeeding in the evolution, but still wanting more power.

To them, these one-time use Genetic Armaments might be their ticket to the Elite — literally and figuratively.

"One to break into its shell," Elane spoke. "And one to blow it to hell!"

Rohan laughed at her attempt at some rhythmic sense, but he agreed that her plan did seem plausible.

Absolutely crazy, but plausible.

Something like this could only work because it was taking place inside the Origin Realm — there was no way in hell they’d risk their lives in the real world doing such a thing.

Not long after, they arrived at Hathsword Exchange, and Elane’s eyes seemed to glint with excitement for a split second upon seeing the place.

Compared to the other exchanges they’d passed by on their way over, this one didn’t look nearly as extravagant or flashy — giving it a mysterious air.

They stepped inside, and the first thing Rohan noticed was that the interior far outmatched the exterior. It was luxuriously decorated in furniture and accessories that made the place look more like a renaissance period palace rather than a shop in the middle of a 22nd century city.

’Whoever owns this place clearly has some unique tastes. Maybe this comes from their experiences in the Origin Realm?’

With technology not working over there and all, people started to take inspiration from those times centuries ago in city and urban planning.

There were a few other people inside, all looking at the glass shelves and counters containing a large variety of Genetic Armaments, and even a few genes.

’There’s even an Elite gene on display! And is that a fucking Commander tier Genetic Armament...’

Rohan was gobsmacked by the things he was seeing on sale in this place. Although it was only an F rank Commander tier Genetic Armament, bringing its price and demand down massively, it still left him shocked.

This was his first time seeing a genuine Commander tier item, after all.

Suddenly, a sensual female voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh my, if it isn’t little Elane coming over for a visit?"

Immediately shifting his gaze to look in that direction, Rohan saw a mature woman who, by his standards, was a peerless beauty! She only looked like she was in her late twenties, but in the age of Awakened, she could be thrice that age for all he knew.

She wore an emerald green dress with a thigh-high slit as she sauntered over from an unknown corner. Her long jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders and accented her flawless white skin.

Rohan was unsure whether she was wearing any makeup or if her beauty came naturally to her, but even if she were, it wouldn’t change his perception of her.

Trying not to embarrass himself by staring too much, he focused more on her polite and teasing gaze, which was itself focused on Elane.

"My! And you’ve even brought a friend!" She exclaimed rather playfully. "You can call me Madam Stella. And you must be...?"

She looked over at Rohan, not hiding her curiosity.

Rohan half smiled, looking back at Elane, using his eyes to communicate his confusion about this whole thing.

But she purposely ignored him, cheeks slightly reddened.

"I’m Rohan, Maam."

Stella had a mysterious aura to her, and Rohan couldn’t get a feel for her strength. Adding that to the fact she referred to herself as ’Madam’ in her greeting only made him more sure that she was someone important in this place.

Stella’s eyes curved slightly at the corners, as if amused by his overly polite and cautious tone.

"Maam?" she repeated, sounding entertained. "How formal. As a friend Elane personally brought to my store, you don’t need to use such formalities with me. Just call me Stella."

Rohan’s eyebrows twitched.

What a complicated woman...

Before he could say anything else, Stella turned her attention back to Elane and placed a hand over her chest in mock offence.

"And here I was thinking you’d stopped coming because you no longer wanted my advice. To think it was only because you found a handsome boy and got distracted instead..."

"Stella!" Elane suddenly blurted out, face blushing even harder now.

’She knows her well.’ Rohan thought carefully.

Elane shot him a look that practically screamed ’I’ll kill you if you say anything,’ sending chills down his spine. It was as if she’d read his mind and heard what he just thought!

Stella looked between the two with amusement.

"I’ve known her since she was a child." She glanced at Rohan again, the teasing gesture in her eyes not hiding the sharp intelligence behind them.

"That old coot Harland’s daughter has been dragged around enough markets and exchange houses in her life that she may as well have grown up in one."

That answered some of Rohan’s questions, but he still felt uneasy beneath Stella’s gaze.

Particularly because she’d just mentioned Harland’s name and his relation to Elane directly. ’Is she probing my intentions?’

He looked over at Elane.

’Has she been tricked by people before, just wanting to use her to get to her father...?’

He wanted to ask, but there were better times for such conversations. Things like that were likely part of the reason her feelings towards her father were so awkward at the moment.

"So, what can I do for the two of you? I take it this isn’t just a networking opportunity?"

Thankfully for all present, Stella got straight to the point.