Colin noticed Ron’s interest and immediately explained:
"Ordinary bet stones come from the edge area, with a finished product rate of seventy percent, but mostly low-grade materials;
Premium bet stones are from the first and second layers, with a fifty percent finished product rate, occasionally containing rare substances;
Rare bet stones are from below the fourth layer, though the finished product rate is less than thirty percent, any gains are incredibly valuable."
Ron nodded slightly, expressionless, but inside he had already activated his "Extraordinary Recognition" ability.
In his perception, these ordinary stones began to show different energy fluctuations.
Some were as weak as a candle, some as strong as a torch, while others displayed peculiar colors and patterns.
[Extraordinary Recognition (Proficient) Experience Points +1]
However, he quickly discovered the limitations of his current proficiency in "Extraordinary Recognition":
Even though he could perceive the energy intensity and general attributes inside the stones, he couldn’t determine the specific type of substance.
It’s like seeing a blurred silhouette but unable to recognize its true form.
This limitation, combined with the high costs associated with betting stones, is probably why shops like Colin’s could exist long-term.
In the extraordinary world, various insight and perception abilities abound.
If the secrets inside the original stone could be easily cracked, this kind of gambling would have lost its value long ago.
His gaze fell on his three most interesting stones.
They consisted of one rare and two premium bet stones.
In his perception, the energy fluctuations of these three stones were the most intense and complex.
Among them, the rare bet stone even showed an abnormal spatial distortion, as if the internal space was not entirely within the same dimension as the outside.
"Two premium bet stones, one rare bet stone, how many Magic Stone Fragments?"
He directly spoke up, with a tone that revealed no particular interest.
Colin’s purple crystalline eyes flickered:
"Three bet stones, a total of three hundred sixty Magic Stone Fragments."
Ron expressionlessly took out a few complete Magic Stones and played with them in his fingers:
"Three stones, three complete Magic Stones."
Colin was taken aback, a trace of hesitation flashed in his crystalline eyes.
Considering the value of complete Magic Stones with regard to their purity and portability, although slightly higher than one hundred Magic Stone Fragments, the difference shouldn’t be this large.
If he really agreed to the price of three Magic Stones, the profit from this transaction for Colin would be quite low.
After all, using his special method to "cultivate" such a bet stone costs a lot as well.
However, he dared not offend the other party given his status as an Official Wizard.
He could clearly feel that faint sense of pressure emanating from Ron—it wasn’t an intentionally displayed intimidation, but a natural aura.
"Of course... it’s a deal." Colin felt the faint oppression from Ron’s gaze and could only grit his teeth in agreement.
Ron suddenly turned and asked Ethan next to him: "You should have bet on stones before, right?"
"Your insight is like a torch, I’ve certainly tried it a few times," Ethan was momentarily stunned, then scratched his head with a bitter smile and confessed honestly:
"Lost quite a few Magic Stone Fragments, later I gave it up."
Ron nodded and said nothing more, taking the Stone-Opening Knife handed over by Colin, feeling the special energy attached to it.
This knife had been meticulously refined, able to precisely cut along the energy patterns of the stone, maximizing the protection of the internal substance from damage.
A considerable number of onlookers had already gathered around, holding their breath, eager to see the young Wizard’s bet stone results.
At the Abyss Edge, a Wizard’s every move always attracts the curiosity and attention of ordinary people.
Ron placed the first stone on the cutting table, closed his eyes, and gradually let his Spiritual Power seep into the stone, perceiving the direction of the energy flow.
This ability stems from his profession as an Alchemist, giving him a sensitivity to matter far beyond ordinary people.
After finding the best cut-in point, he swiftly struck with the knife, his movements clean and precise, without any extra actions.
The stone split with an echoing sound, a crack extending from the center outward.
A wisp of pale green light overflowed from the crack, as the stone completely opened, revealing a thumb-sized emerald crystal inside.
The surface of the crystal was covered with countless tiny barbs, and the center constantly rotated a cluster of dark green mist, emanating an unsettling aura.
"Heart-devouring Stone!"
Colin exclaimed in shock, his purple crystalline eyes flashing intensely.
This is a fairly rare gemstone, which can act as an energy storage medium, devouring emotional energy and Magic Power, worth at least five complete Magic Stones.
With just this Heart-devouring Stone, Ron had already made a substantial profit.
After giving it a glance to determine its specific information, he expressionlessly took out the Heart-devouring Stone, carefully observing the pattern of its energy flow.
His mind was already beginning to devise a specific use:
Using it as a casting medium, coupled with the "Sound Wave Vibration" Magic, perhaps a brand new form of attack could be created:
First absorb the target’s negative emotions, then amplify them tenfold or a hundredfold through resonance before feedback.
The first stone already yielded results, but he knew the true treasure lay ahead.
The texture of the second stone was far harder than the first.
Ron could feel a frenzy of energy constantly clashing inside, seemingly ready to erupt at any moment.
He adjusted his breathing, focused his Spiritual Power on the blade, and gently slid along an almost invisible seam.
"Crack" rang the crisp sound, splitting the stone.
A thick purple-black mist gushed out, instantly saturating the air with a pungent sulfur smell.
The surrounding onlookers retreated immediately, with some even covering their mouths and noses, showing fearful expressions.