The months passed swiftly as Lennon Uranus immersed himself deeper into his alchemical experiments. His laboratory had become a sanctum of ceaseless innovation, with the hum of arcane devices and the occasional burst of energy filling the air. Under his relentless pursuit, the potion that had eluded him for so long was finally nearing completion.
**"AI, status report on the latest batch,"** Lennon said, his voice steady, his golden eyes focused on a bubbling cauldron before him.
**"Master, the stabilization process is now at 92%. However, the primary catalyst remains incomplete due to the missing material: 'Frostheart Crystal.' Without it, the potion's efficacy will be compromised,"** the AI reported.
Lennon's expression darkened. The Frostheart Crystal was a rare and essential ingredient for stabilizing high-level potions with ice and gravity attributes. He had scoured Aetherhold for months, yet not a single shop, auction house, or private collector possessed it.
**"Damn it,"** he muttered under his breath. **"AI, cross-reference known suppliers and possible leads on the Frostheart Crystal. Prioritize any connections within my current network."**
The AI processed for a few moments. **"Valeria Valkir of the Valkir Clan is the most likely individual with access to Frostheart Crystals. Given her clan's specialization in ice magic, it is plausible that she or her family could assist."**
Lennon nodded. **"Prepare a formal request. I'll pay her a visit personally."**
---
### **Seeking Out Valeria**
Lennon wasted no time. Within the hour, he was on his way to the Valkir estate, an imposing fortress of ice and stone on the outskirts of Aetherhold. The estate radiated a chilling aura, its towering spires glimmering under the moonlight.
Upon his arrival, a servant escorted him to a grand hall, where Valeria awaited him. She sat elegantly on a crystalline throne, her cold blue eyes meeting his with an expression of calm curiosity.
**"Magus Uranus,"** she greeted, her voice as smooth and cold as ice. **"To what do I owe this visit?"**
Lennon stepped forward, his tone direct. **"Valeria, I need a Frostheart Crystal for my experiments. I've scoured the city, and you're my best lead."**
Valeria tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a faint smile. **"You come straight to the point, as always. Unfortunately, you've come at an inconvenient time."**
Lennon's eyes narrowed. **"Explain."**
Valeria stood and began pacing slowly. **"While my clan does indeed have access to Frostheart Crystals, our current stock is depleted. The last of our supply was sent to another city some months ago."**
**"Which city?"** Lennon asked, his tone calm but insistent.
Valeria turned to face him. **"You'll need to travel to **Solara Magna**, a city located eight regions from here. It's a hub for rare and exotic materials. If the Frostheart Crystal exists anywhere within reach, it will be there."**
Lennon crossed his arms, his mind already calculating the journey ahead. **"Eight regions,"** he mused. **"That's no simple trip."**
Valeria nodded. **"It's not. The journey will be perilous, but for someone of your capability, I assume it's manageable. Solara Magna is well worth the effort, though. Its markets hold treasures even Aetherhold cannot match."**
**"I'll make the journey,"** Lennon said decisively. **"But before I go, do you have any additional advice or contacts that could expedite my search once I arrive?"**
Valeria's eyes gleamed. **"I'll provide you with a letter of introduction. It should grant you an audience with a prominent merchant in Solara Magna who deals in rare crystals. Beyond that, tread carefully. The city may be a bastion of commerce, but it is no less dangerous than any other in the Magus World."**
Lennon gave a small nod of appreciation. **"Your assistance is noted, Valeria. I'll see to it that the Frostheart Crystal is acquired without delay."**
Valeria smiled faintly. **"Safe travels, Magus Uranus. Perhaps when you return, we can discuss more...collaborative ventures."**
Lennon offered a curt nod, then turned and left the Valkir estate. As he walked back through the cold night streets of Aetherhold, his mind was already focused on the path ahead.
**"AI,"** he said softly, **"prepare the tower for my extended absence. I'll leave as soon as all necessary preparations are complete."**
**"Understood, Master,"** the AI replied. **"Shall I also calculate the optimal route to Solara Magna?"**
**"Do it. I want everything ready by dawn."**