บท 22: Spirit Grade Mark Of Fenrir

"The other companies you ordered to be established have started their operations. Most of the work is complete, and after six months of training, we can employ them for our purposes," Yun Che concluded his report as the evening approached.

"Well done. Once everything is settled, we'll move on to the second phase of our plan," Damon said lightly, listening to the entirety of Yun Che's report.

"By the way, boss, there's something that's been bugging me. You're replacing everything with your own companies, so why haven't you considered handling cargo processes yourself? Why still rely on third parties?" Yun Che asked curiously as their meeting ended.

Yun Che had known Damon for the past six months and understood the grand scale of Damon's ambitions. Damon had a relentless drive to expand his business without a moment's pause. For most companies, the pace at which the Crown Group operated would be disastrous. Many companies fail because they grow too quickly, but somehow Damon and his team managed to handle everything.

For someone like Damon, who plays on such a grand scale and dislikes relying on others, it was puzzling why he hadn't taken control of the only service he didn't own to secure everything completely.

"Hmm, I've thought about this before. See, the cargo business—the ships, the crews, the overall maintenance—is very expensive. Our group can't afford this right now," Damon replied casually, taking a sip of coffee.

Expensive? Very expensive?

If Yun Che didn't know about Damon's financial status, he might have believed Damon's white lie.

But knowing Damon didn't want to reveal the truth, Yun Che didn't press the matter further. Damon was still his boss, after all.

With a stiff smile, Yun Che offered a flattering response before bidding farewell as the bodyguards he brought placed the boxes in Damon's apartment before leaving.

As Damon watched the cars drive away, he sighed, recalling Yun Che's earlier question.

"Cargo business? No, staying away from the seas is best for me," Damon thought. He had plans to establish an independent system for all aspects of his businesses, but when it came to ships, he remained cautious.

Damon was aware of the threat the ocean posed to the world and knew how dangerous it was. In a few years, when naval properties would be terrorized by sea monsters and the oceans would start to freeze, the industries related to ships would be forced to shut down, facing significant backlash. That's why Damon refrained from investing in these industries, planning instead to rely on third-party companies for all sea-related transportation until the threat emerged.

As Damon pondered the future, he turned his attention to the boxes Yun Che had brought.

A great number of Stones of Will, some fire element and shadow element resources, a shield he had ordered, and a few spirit essences.

"This much… well, it's great. I can reach higher levels if I use this right," Damon muttered, looking at the six Stones of Will.

The stones were smuggled into China with only his closest aides aware of their existence. That's why Damon ordered so many to be delivered at once.

The fire and shadow element resources were enough to reach the intermediate level by the end of the year while focusing primarily on space elements throughout this school year.

After arranging everything properly, Damon sat on his couch and began assessing a black, flat object that covered his entire palm.

"Is this the famous Goldveil Shield? It doesn't seem too great," Damon muttered to himself as he examined the circular black shield with golden patterns and outlines.

"I hope it does a great job," Damon thought as he focused his energy on the object. His consciousness, or intent, entered the shield, imprinting on it.

As Damon did so, the shield glowed with a dim golden light before dissolving into light particles and merging with his body.

The Goldveil Shield, a popular defensive equipment among mages, could block any attack below the advanced level, though it was somewhat expensive. It was a valuable life-saving artifact that Damon chose for himself as a precaution.

"Magic equipment sure has a great market," Damon thought, squinting his eyes. The entire market for magic equipment was popular among both mages and non-mages, rivaling the electronics and weaponry industries in this world.

Given its significant role in today's economy, Damon had also targeted this market. He recruited talents in this field—both researchers and experts—and invested heavily in it. The products were still in development, but Damon planned to launch his own brand within a year, selling various magical equipment ranging from combat tools to automobiles and daily-use items.

"Sigh, there's still a lot of time for that," Damon said to himself, picking up the small containers—the last items he received.

"Spirit essences," one of the most important resources in the world. When a Magical Beast dies, its soul leaves its physical body, becoming a Spirit. If the soul remains in the body after death, it emits a special radiance, becoming a Spirit Essence—a material ten times purer than a common soul. Spirit Essences are crucial for refining Stardust Magic Tools and other valuable items.

There were many ways to use Spirit Essences, such as enhancing one's stars and upgrading spells.

These Spirit Essences were truly valuable treasures, with even low-grade Spirit Essences costing millions of yuan.

Lifting the sleeve of his left arm, Damon revealed his tattoo. Slowly lifting the lid of the container, Damon placed his left hand in front. The small orb of light inside the container felt a sudden force pulling it out.

The Spirit Essence slowly made its way out of the jar, reaching Damon's arm, where it seemed its entire light was being absorbed before disappearing from the world.

"Do you seriously need more?" Damon muttered to himself before opening more jars containing Spirit Essences.

After eight more essences were devoured by the Mark of Fenrir, a bright glow erupted from the tattoo before subsiding.

"Ten Spirit Essences to reach Spirit Grade? What a glutton."

[Mark Of Fenrir:

A forgotten tattoo...

Effects:

- Increases Magic Cultivation (Spirit Grade) (50% {Evolvable})...]