Breakthrough nine levels in one go!
This breakthrough speed was completely beyond reason, even beyond Alan's imagination.
For an Awakener, breaking through two minor levels at once was already an exceptionally rare feat.
Even now, feeling Velen's changes in aura firsthand, Alan couldn't believe his own senses.
"This big brother is way too ridiculous!"
Alan rubbed his eyes.
He considered himself exceptionally gifted, excelling in both leveling and alchemy. In the entire galaxy, there were very few who could compare to him.
But before he could take pride in his talents, Velen completely outshone him.
Compared to Velen, he felt like a novice among novices!
"This might not be a bad thing. At least there's a rival to keep things interesting in the fortress. I'm even looking forward to the days ahead!"
Alan grinned, full of anticipation, as he returned to his room.
Meanwhile, Velen, surrounded by the fragrance of starmetal stone, was having a sweet dream, transforming into a noble prince dancing gracefully with princesses from all nations!
The next morning.
At the crack of dawn, Velen got up early, stretching lazily with his entire body feeling refreshed.
His bones cracked and popped audibly, as if in harmonious resonance, producing an ear-shattering sound.
After a night of absorbing the medicinal power of the starmetal stone, his physical body had become even stronger.
Velen smiled and then opened the system interface before him.
Name: Velen
Talent: None
Bloodline: None
Level: Apprentice Rank lv9
Luxury Points: 1210
Special Item: Tier-3 Fortifying Potion (Master Version) — 9999 bottles!
Velen was quite satisfied; his stockpile of items for showing off had been refreshed!
But what was this Tier-3 Fortifying Potion? And what did the golden-glowing Master Version mean?
Since Velen wasn't an alchemist, he didn't know much about these things.
So, he immediately walked toward Alan's courtyard.
Alan, as not only the chosen one but also a Tier-3 alchemist from the House of Violet, would surely know the answer.
Velen had already planned in his mind: he would rely on these potions to show off again and earn some rewards!
However, upon reaching the courtyard, Velen found that Alan wasn't there.
"Velen, are you looking for Alan?" an old man's voice suddenly sounded.
Velen followed the sound and saw the old man stepping out from the courtyard.
"The young lady intends for Alan, this Tier-3 alchemist, to refine some potions and resources to quickly increase your levels," the old man explained.
"He has gone nearby to procure the necessary materials."
Velen nodded to show his understanding and then asked, "Could you take me along to have a look?"
The old man, who held a good impression of Velen, did not refuse.
"In that case, come with me. They shouldn't be gone for too long."
While speaking, the old man unfurled a magic carpet, gesturing for Velen to step on.
Then, he carried him forward at a speed akin to a swift gale.
On the magic carpet, feeling bored, Velen suddenly asked:
"Elder, do you know about starmetal stone?"
The old man nodded. "Of course I do. It's very beneficial for level enhancement, though it's quite troublesome to refine and extremely expensive, always in high demand but rarely available!"
Hearing this, Velen nodded thoughtfully.
"No wonder Alan reacted so strongly when I used starmetal stone as incense. It seems like it truly is a rare and valuable item."
The old man froze as if he'd just heard something unbelievable. The magic carpet came to an abrupt halt midair as he hurriedly asked:
"You really burned starmetal stone as incense?"
Velen nodded. "Why do you and Alan make the same face? What's wrong with using it as incense? It smells amazing and is quite addictive, though you can't burn too much at once, or it may cause some side effects."
The old man: "…"
Was this even human talk?
Starmetal stone was extraordinarily expensive.
Getting just one piece was considered fortunate; owning several was a sign of exceptional luck!
Once acquired, every Awakener would carefully store it or consume it meticulously.
Burning it as incense?
That was sheer wastefulness!
After a brief moment of shock, the old man quickly regained his composure.
With a warm smile, he said:
"Velen, if you ever come across more starmetal stone, do save one for me. I'll pay a high price for it!"
After an hour of travel,
The old man brought Velen to a tall and majestic city.
The city was extremely grand. Although not as bustling and towering as the city where the Stellar Auction took place, it was still lively and extraordinary.
"Velen, you may wander around here for a bit. I have some matters to attend to."
The old man suddenly turned and left, as if sensing something.
Seeing this, Velen had no choice but to roam the streets alone.
The city streets were bustling, with shops lining both sides and many pedestrians coming and going.
There were plenty of places selling weapons and resources for leveling up.
Naturally, there were also luxurious bars, where women with fair skin, long legs, and scanty clothing stood outside, beckoning to passersby. Their legitimacy remained questionable.
However, Velen's attention was quickly captured by a luxurious auction venue.
Mercenary Auction House!
Upon seeing the sign, Velen felt a wave of menacing energy rushing toward him.
If the Stellar Auction was the foremost on the surface, then the Mercenary Auction House was undoubtedly the foremost underground.
In many cities, mercenaries were ruthless and formidable forces.
If one were to show off wealth in such a place, they'd surely draw the attention of many.
As this thought flashed through Velen's mind, the system seemed to understand and immediately sounded its mechanical voice:
"If the host encounters a life-threatening crisis while showing off, the system will provide guards to eliminate enemies threatening the host."
With the system's guarantee, Velen's heart settled.
Since his safety was assured, the auction house naturally became the ideal place to earn Luxury Points!
Unable to locate Alan for now, he decided to visit the auction house.
Upon entering, a well-dressed woman quickly approached, speaking in a gentle voice:
"Dear guest, do you require a guide?"
Velen glanced at her. "I have some potions here that I'd like to auction. How about it?"
"If the potions are of high enough quality, we do offer consignment services with discounted fees," the woman explained, giving Velen a brief overview of the auction house's services before leading him into a room for potion appraisal.
Inside, Velen met a bald middle-aged man. His ten fingers were long and slender, his sharp gaze resembling a hawk's, and his demeanor was arrogant.
"What grade is the potion you want appraised and auctioned?"
The appraiser asked bluntly.
Velen directly took out a bottle of potion and handed it to the man.
"This is the Fortifying Potion I intend to auction. It's a Tier-3 potion, I suppose."
Hearing this, the appraiser was somewhat surprised. Tier-3 potions were considered relatively rare resources.
Moreover, Fortifying Potion, which could enhance talent and aptitude, was a standout among Tier-3 potions, making it exceedingly rare!
He promptly put on white gloves and placed a monocle over his eye, carefully examining the potion.
"It really is a Tier-3 Fortifying Potion!" After a brief inspection, the appraiser couldn't help but exclaim!
"And this craftsmanship and efficacy… It's undoubtedly a Master Rank creation!"
Seeing the appraiser's excitement, Velen immediately asked:
"Is this potion very valuable?"
The appraiser's face flushed with excitement. "Though Fortifying Potions are Tier-3, those capable of altering bloodlines and improving physical constitution are exceedingly rare, already considered treasures! And the potion you brought, sir, was crafted by a master alchemist…"
Worried that Velen might not fully grasp the value, he elaborated:
"Potions are highly beneficial to Awakeners, but the same potion, if crafted by a Master Rank alchemist, achieves far superior results and greatly enhances the chances of altering bloodlines!"
"If auctioned, this potion could fetch at least 100,000 gold coins!"
Hearing this, Velen was equally astonished.
"A single bottle of Tier-3 potion could fetch 100,000 gold coins?"
What do you mean by 'just a single bottle of Tier-3 potion'?
The appraiser couldn't help but roll his eyes internally. However, considering the potion, he quickly replied:
"There will be an auction soon! This Tier-3 potion is absolutely fit for the spotlight!"