章 99: Chapter 99: A One-Sided Acquisition
While Sunan had resolved to deal with the Hundred-Armed Monster, taking down a creature comparable to a third-circle legendary knight required thorough preparation. With his current capabilities, he didn't have the absolute confidence needed to defeat the monster.
"Fortunately, that Hundred-Armed Monster likely won't surface anytime soon."
Based on the kobolds' conversations, the monster seemed driven by hunger to send its minions out to raid. After Sunan's slaughter, the cave was now littered with corpses, which should suffice to feed the monster for some time.
During this period, Sunan could prepare a strategy to confront the creature.
He already had some ideas on how to proceed.
This unexpected incident didn't disrupt Sunan's schedule. After attending Key's wedding, he continued to focus on his meditation and studies.
With the use of mid-grade third-circle transcendence potions, his meditation efficiency increased significantly.
Now, practicing the Star Ring Meditation Method each day yielded over 1800 proficiency points.
Sunan estimated that by the next Winter Harp Month, he should be able to construct his eleventh star ring.
By then, his mental strength would likely reach 34, allowing him to switch to high-grade third-circle transcendence potions.
In terms of constitution, after consuming Dragon Blood Fruit synthesized with his cube, Sunan's physique had soared to 30 points.
In terms of physical constitution alone, he was comparable to a grand knight.
With his mental strength and physique meeting the standards required to integrate a magic rune core, he only needed to advance his Magic Item Manufacturing skill and gather the necessary materials for the rune core.
The former, after months of practice and the creation of numerous alchemical-grade magic items and sub-magic stones, was just over 1000 proficiency points away from reaching level 4.
For the latter, Sunan recently discovered four more substitute materials, leaving only seventeen rare metals still needed.
Additionally, the Hidden Dragon's draconic subspecies bloodline concentration was steadily increasing, rising from less than 8% to just over 10% in two months.
"Bloodline concentration is easier to increase at lower levels."
Sunan glanced at the Hidden Dragon sunbathing in the open space.
Whether due to its evolution into a draconic subspecies or its newly awakened flame breath ability, the Hidden Dragon had developed a fondness for sunbathing—a typical "bad habit" of dragons.
Shaking his head, Sunan looked away, turning his gaze to the Red-Eyed Crows flying overhead.
Before hatching them, he had modified the eggs, infusing them with a trace of dragon blood.
As a result, the Red-Eyed Crows that hatched were larger, had scales, and showed increased intelligence.
Ordinary Red-Eyed Crows couldn't even match apprentice knights in combat, but those infused with dragon blood could suppress two to three apprentice knights in a fight.
If not for the crows' inadequate foundation, limiting their ability to absorb more dragon blood, Sunan could have strengthened them to knight-level.
"Unfortunately, living creatures can't be enhanced using the cube, or it would be much simpler."
However, this modification allowed Sunan's Biological Modification skill to finally reach level 3.
"Tonight is the Forest Cabin gathering."
Sunan headed to his workshop, staying until evening before returning to his meditation room to retrieve the trading house key.
Once the key became active, Sunan immediately used it.
In a blink, he found himself in the familiar wooden cabin.
Soft moonlight streamed in through the window, accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Sunan glanced around, noting that Night Owl, Red Heart, Rose, and Wraith were present, along with a new person.
The newcomer wore a simple silver mask with no adornments, and the word "Scepter" was engraved on the table before them.
"A fifth member," Sunan mused.
"This gathering has six members attending, the most in recent years," Night Owl said cheerfully from the head of the table.
Rose and Red Heart both glanced at Sunan.
Their attendance was largely due to Sunan's presence, hoping to trade for more resources from him.
"By the way, Scepter, let me introduce you to the newest member of Forest Cabin, Player," Night Owl said.
Scepter nodded graciously at Sunan, speaking with a voice that conveyed calm and confidence.
"Welcome to Forest Cabin. I heard from Night Owl that you killed Hebb. Well done!"
"I've always believed in the importance of order. Without it, everyone's interests suffer."
"Maintaining order is a core principle of Forest Cabin. Hebb's actions recently violated our initial agreements. Even if you hadn't killed him, we planned to expel him."
Sunan raised an eyebrow. It seemed Forest Cabin was more principled than he had expected.
It made sense; the wizard apprentices of Forest Cabin were connected to noble powers or even royal families to varying degrees.
For them, stability was paramount.
If everyone acted like Hebb, causing chaos for personal gain, it would lead to an uncontrollable situation.
Hearing Scepter's words, Wraith snorted but said nothing.
Night Owl shook his head. "The man's dead. No point in dwelling on it."
Scepter chuckled. "Night Owl, I know you want to bring more wizard apprentices into Forest Cabin to facilitate resource exchange, but we need to choose members carefully. People like Hebb only bring trouble."
Red Heart and Rose nodded in agreement.
Scepter had a point. Hebb's beastification disaster could easily be misconstrued as a scheme by Forest Cabin, dragging them into unwanted conflict.
They had no desire to bear the consequences for Hebb's actions.
Night Owl sighed and nodded. "Alright, I'll be more stringent in the future."
"Thank you," Scepter nodded amicably at Night Owl.
Sunan observed quietly, noting the familiar noble demeanor in Scepter's conduct.
The kind of grace and poise instilled from childhood, ingrained in one's very being, was something outsiders couldn't mimic.
Others might not see it, but Sunan recognized Scepter's noble origins at once.
"Rose, Scepter, and myself—there seems to be a significant proportion of wizard apprentices from noble backgrounds," Sunan thought to himself.
"Enough idle chatter. Let's start the gathering," Night Owl clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention. "Who wants to go first?"
"I'll start," Rose said eagerly, placing three boxes on the table and addressing Sunan.
"Here are 356 mid- to low-grade gems, valued at about 6800 gold coins, along with four types of rare metals you requested, and 54 wizard tomes. All together, how about 100 magic stones?"
Sunan's eyes lit up as he inspected the items.
Gems were always welcome as strategic resources.
Of the four rare metals, three were materials he still lacked for the magic rune core.
With this, only fourteen rare metals remained.
After selecting from the wizard tomes, he set aside over a dozen duplicates and accepted the rest.
After some negotiation, Sunan exchanged 98 magic stones for the lot.
The gathering had just begun, and the first transaction was already surprisingly valuable.
Night Owl, Red Heart, and Wraith, having witnessed Sunan's dealings before, remained calm.
Scepter, who hadn't attended previous gatherings, couldn't hide his astonishment.
When did the scale of these transactions become so grand?
Hundreds of gems and magic stones in a single deal!
Especially the magic stones—how did Player acquire so many?
Scepter began to understand why this gathering had attracted so many attendees.
Missing the last gathering, he realized he had overlooked much.
Night Owl and Red Heart also offered gems, wizard tomes, and rare metals, though in lesser quantities than Rose.
Sunan accepted them all, adding five more rare metals to his collection.
When it was Wraith's turn, he unexpectedly offered a miniature soul crystal to Sunan.
"I was impulsive last time. I apologize for any offense. Consider this a token of my sincerity."
Red Heart and Rose exchanged surprised glances.
It was rare to see Wraith in such a conciliatory stance.
The allure of magic stones was evidently too strong, even for Wraith.
Night Owl remained unperturbed, seemingly unsurprised by Wraith's gesture.
Sunan regarded Wraith momentarily before accepting the soul crystal.
He was unclear of Wraith's true motives but didn't mind.
His goal in joining Forest Cabin was to leverage the platform for more resources.
As long as Wraith didn't cause trouble and offered benefits, Sunan was open to trading with him.
Minor conflicts were insignificant in the face of substantial profits.
Both he and Wraith shared this pragmatism.
Seeing Sunan accept the soul crystal, Wraith relaxed, then proposed:
"I have five more miniature soul crystals. Will you trade them for fifteen magic stones?"
"Ten stones," Sunan replied without hesitation.
A firm bargain was necessary!
"Thirteen stones!"
"Eleven stones," Sunan countered, adding, "Just eleven."
Wraith paused, then reluctantly agreed. "Deal."
Sunan calmly accepted the five soul crystals, inwardly delighted.
He had long coveted soul crystals but maintained an indifferent façade to avoid alerting Wraith to their value.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have secured so many soul crystals for just eleven stones.
Soul crystals have a wide price range.
Wizard apprentices not focused on high-level puppet crafting rarely need them.
But for those specializing in puppet crafting, soul crystals are invaluable.
Scepter watched, his mouth twitching slightly.
What used to be mutual exchanges had turned into Sunan's one-sided acquisition.
Still, he understood.
With Sunan's wealth in magic stones, he could make everyone his supplier.
Scepter, considering himself affluent, had always been the largest provider at gatherings.
Compared to Sunan, however, he felt overshadowed.
Where had Night Owl found such a wealthy wizard apprentice?
"Scepter, it's your turn," Night Owl said, interrupting Scepter's musings.
Clearing his throat, Scepter swept his hand across the table, producing three potions, a ring, and a staff.
"Three Calming Potions, an alchemical-grade protection ring, and a staff that can cast Spell Missile three times. Is anyone interested?"
Scepter's gaze lingered on Sunan, hoping to trade for magic stones.
To his disappointment, Sunan showed no interest, as if the offerings were beneath his notice.
Indeed, these items didn't appeal to Sunan.
Calming Potions, a first-circle potion, aid meditation and sleep but are inferior to Active Potions in boosting meditation efficiency.
Not to mention their inferiority to Super Potions and Transcendence Potions.
As for alchemical-grade magic items, Sunan already wore eleven micro-glow grade items and had over a hundred alchemical-grade items in his base's warehouse.
Two alchemical-grade items couldn't pique his interest.
Trading magic stones for them would be profitable, but he chose not to.
Taking everything for himself would seem greedy; he should leave some for others.
Ultimately, the three Calming Potions were traded to Night Owl, Rose, and Wraith.
The staff and protection ring went to Rose and Red Heart, respectively.
"Does anyone have anything else to trade?" Night Owl inquired at the gathering's end.
All eyes turned to Sunan.
He was the only one yet to offer anything for sale.
"I don't have anything to sell," Sunan said, then added, "But I am looking to purchase something."
"What is it?" Rose asked curiously.
"Divine Blood Amber."
Sunan noticed Night Owl and Red Heart's hands twitch slightly at the mention, indicating their knowledge of it.
"Do you know of the Spark Church?" Sunan asked.
"Spark Church?" Rose tapped the chair arm thoughtfully. "The state religion of Starry Principality?"
Scepter mused, "I've heard of it. A peculiar cult with radical practices and some connection to divinity."
Night Owl cleared his throat. "I'm familiar with Divine Blood Amber. It's a sacred relic of the Spark Church. Going after it is a serious matter—those zealots would stop at nothing."
"Player, what do you want it for?"
Sunan replied coolly, "That's a secret."
Night Owl shrugged, wisely dropping the topic.
Red Heart remarked, "The Spark Church has a significant presence in Starry Principality. Opposing them is risky."
In other words, the price would be high!
Sunan raised a finger. "One Divine Blood Amber for twenty magic stones."
The offer stirred excitement among the apprentices.
They had traded extensive resources for just a dozen or twenty magic stones.
Twenty stones for a single Divine Blood Amber was tempting.
"Agreed!" Red Heart was the first to respond.
The others exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
Facing a cult linked to divinity posed no moral dilemma for them.
Sunan smiled beneath his mask.
Though there were only five level 3 wizard apprentices present, their combined power could likely overthrow a nation!
With these five targeting the Spark Church, the cult would undoubtedly face turmoil.
Using a few magic stones to significantly hinder the Spark Church's spread and weaken them while acquiring Divine Blood Amber was an excellent deal for Sunan.
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