Inside the storage pouch, there were a hundred thousand mana stones shining brilliantly!
To put this into perspective, a hundred thousand mana stones were an incredibly precious resource, even to these top-tier prodigies accustomed to wealth. Its purchasing power was astonishing!
Even though they were somewhat prepared, knowing that Velen was likely quite wealthy, they never expected him to present such an extravagant gift!
Giving away a hundred thousand mana stones as a greeting gift—how rich was Velen, really?
They had encountered many wealthy individuals, but none could compare to Velen's apparent level of wealth!
This was undoubtedly a tycoon!
As the five of them stared at Velen in utter shock, the system notification suddenly rang out.
"Congratulations, Host, for successfully showing off your wealth. You have received 100 SSS Tomes of Skill Experience!"
Hearing the notification, Velen's lips curled into a slight smile. This time, flaunting his wealth had earned him a special item!
Looking at the effects of the SSS Tome of Skill Experience, Velen was thrilled. This item could significantly enhance skill proficiency in a short period of time!
Moreover, it placed no restrictions on the level of skills; any skill could have its proficiency improved using the SSS Tome of Skill Experience!
[System reward items have no usage limitations but do not generate luxury points!]
The only regret was the inability to earn luxury points, but at least there were no restrictions on usage!
All in all, it was still an incredibly valuable item!
Velen glanced at the five exceptionally gifted individuals in front of him and generously took out five SSS Tomes of Skill Experience.
The others, seeing the five glowing, rainbow-colored books in Velen's hands, were curious.
"Velen, what's this? It looks extraordinary!" Hael was the first to ask.
Velen waved the five books in his hand. "These are SSS Tomes of Skill Experience. By absorbing them with mana, you can significantly enhance your skill proficiency."
Hearing this, Hael and the others stared in shock at the glowing books.
They had heard of treasures capable of increasing skill experience, but those were legendary and extremely rare.
Could these books really have such an effect?
After a brief hesitation, trusting Velen, they each took a book from him and channeled their mana to absorb it.
As they absorbed the SSS Tomes of Skill Experience, Hael and the others felt their minds clear, their understanding of skills deepened, and their skill experience skyrocketed!
At this moment, Anthony arrived and noticed the top five prodigies surrounded by a peculiar glow. Confused, he was about to ask when Velen stopped him.
"Shh, my lord. They're absorbing SSS Tomes of Skill Experience. Once absorbed, their skill proficiency will greatly improve. Don't disturb them."
"SSS Tomes of Skill Experience? Greatly enhance skill proficiency?" Anthony raised an eyebrow.
For awakeners, aside from their level, skill proficiency was a key factor determining their combat strength.
To his knowledge, items with such effects were exceedingly rare and precious. Yet Velen had them!
Anthony was deeply shocked and quickly asked, "Can any skill's proficiency be enhanced? Velen, do you have any more? Could you give me a few?"
Velen nodded. "Any skill can be enhanced, though the degree of improvement varies."
With that, he handed Anthony ten SSS Tomes of Skill Experience and sincerely added, "Duke, I don't have many SSS Tomes of Skill Experience left. I still need to save some for my little bunny!"
Anthony's lips twitched upon receiving the SSS Tomes of Skill Experience.
What skills could a little bunny possibly have? Even if it had some innate bloodline skills, those were low-grade at best. Using such a precious item to enhance them?
This… this was sheer extravagance!
Anthony's eyes turned red with envy.
Velen, however, remained composed.
He knew the SSS Tomes of Skill Experience were incredibly valuable, but since the system granted him full-level skills upon learning, he didn't need the SSS Tomes himself.
More importantly, a tycoon must live up to their status!
What was the point of being stingy? Might as well not bother being a tycoon at all!
Spending lavishly for a moment of joy was worth it!
After all, with infinite money, what couldn't he obtain?
Keeping things unused was simply not his style!
Anthony stared at Velen's calm demeanor, rubbed his hands, and whispered, "Velen, SSS Tomes of Skill Experience are incredibly rare and valuable. If you have more, our Ducal Manor would like to purchase them all! Rest assured, you won't lose out on the price!"
Anthony couldn't bear to see Velen casually squander such precious items!
Velen calmly shook his head. "There's no need. I'm not interested in money."
Not interested in money?!
Anthony's eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
Countless awakeners fought tooth and nail for resources and gold coins. Many shed sweat and tears for the sake of wealth and resources.
Yet you say you're not interested in money?!
The worst part was, when Velen said it, it sounded completely logical!
Feeling a little disappointed, Anthony shook his head.
Suddenly, his expression grew serious as he said, "By the way, Velen, the five senators of the Ducal Manor are waiting for you in the grand hall. They want to take you as their student, but the decision is entirely up to you."
With that, Anthony led Velen away.
Not long after, in an ancient hall in the rear courtyard, five elderly men with white hair and beards appeared before Velen.
Seeing Velen, the five senators couldn't hide their excitement.
They had already heard of Velen defeating over 200 peer-level prodigies.
What particularly impressed them was Velen's ability to control four distinct mana elements and his mastery of a D-level advanced attack skill.
These traits demonstrated his unparalleled talent, surpassing all the prodigies they had ever encountered. Naturally, they were extremely interested in him.
"Greetings, senators!" Anthony respectfully greeted them after escorting Velen inside.
The five senators ignored Anthony and approached Velen directly. Their dense spiritual senses swept over him like a tide.
Apprentice Rank Lv9!
Although this rank seemed average, the mana fluctuations emanating from Velen were vast, like a mighty river!
In contrast, most other awakeners at this rank emitted mana fluctuations akin to a small stream.
The difference was staggering—like heaven and earth!
Even more astonishing was that Velen's body lacked any mana core!
No mana core?!
Despite being experienced high-level powerhouses, this was the first time they had encountered such a phenomenon!
"A mana core-less individual controlling four distinct mana elements… How is this possible?"
The senators exchanged glances, shock evident in their eyes.
The chief senator, William, blinked his clouded eyes in confusion and asked, "Velen, without a mana core, how did you awaken? And why is your mana so abundant?"
Scratching his head, Velen replied, "I'm not sure. When I awakened, mana surged uncontrollably into my body, and then I just… awakened!"
As he spoke, Velen raised his right hand. In his palm, four distinct mana elements swirled.
Heavy earth mana formed stars, exuding the might of the earth.
Lightning crackled like silver serpents, echoing the wrath of the skies.
A sacred angel folded its hands, radiating pure white light.
And an icy dragon roared, sending chills through the air as frost-filled winds howled.
These four mana elements were not isolated but rotated continuously in harmony.
William and the other senators were utterly stunned. Even as Ascended Rank powerhouses, they couldn't comprehend the bizarre sight before them.
While they were dumbfounded, Velen once again confirmed with the system:
"These esteemed senators are highly respected. Since I'm now part of the Ducal Manor, giving them a million mana stones as a greeting gift should be normal, right?"
To Velen, this was a prime opportunity to earn luxury points—he couldn't let it slip by!
"The quantity is too small; it does not match the tycoon identity!"
The system's prompt left Velen momentarily stunned. Was that even a thing?
But he quickly understood. To Hael and the others, 100,000 mana stones were an incredible treasure.
However, to the five senators, a million mana stones wouldn't cause much of a ripple in their hearts.