"However, it’s no wonder that you have the qualifications to try this direction given your performance on the ’Rainbow Ring.’
I’ll keep an eye out for materials for you—’Void Mucus’ has been selling quite well recently, so many exploration teams have specifically brought back large samples."
"Specific figures?" Ron cut straight to the point.
"Through regular channels, it might cost two to three hundred Magic Stone Fragments per standard unit, but with my inside connections, I can bring it down to about one hundred fifty or sixty."
Reynolds calculated:
"Other materials can be discounted by thirty to forty percent. However, those high-energy materials with higher purity like Abyss Crystals are hard to come by; they are always in high demand."
This price is indeed much cheaper than purchasing through the teachers’ channel at the Crystal Tower, highlighting the tremendous effect networks can have.
Ron quickly calculated in his heart.
If calculated at this price, cultivating a specialized Autophagic Slime Monster would require about three to four complete Magic Stones.
Adding other miscellaneous materials and experimentation costs, a total of about five would be needed, which is much cheaper than the school where just the various materials alone cost six hundred Magic Stone Fragments.
"The price is acceptable." He pondered his financial status:
"My recent Magic Potion orders have increased, along with the ’Rainbow Ring’ prize money, so I should have enough funds to support this project."
"That’s great!" Reynolds’ voice was full of anticipation:
"When the time comes, just come to the observation station at Dawn Harbor, and I’ll arrange everything for you."
There was a call from the opposite side of the crystal, and he hurriedly said goodbye:
"Sorry, I have work to address. See you in three days; I’ll send the detailed list to you."
After the communication ended, Ron put the crystal back into the Spatial Bag and began calculating his financial status.
His Magic Potion client base has expanded significantly in the past few weeks.
Initially consisting of just a few apprentices, it has gradually extended to over a dozen regular orders, including several members from the Wizard Clan.
This is largely thanks to Eliot’s introduction.
Although it’s been a short time, the income has already reached about two complete Magic Stones per week.
Additionally, the twenty Magic Stone prize won from the "Rainbow Ring" competition and the two Magic Stones monthly salary from the teaching assistantship at the school.
After setting aside some emergency funds, he currently holds about thirty Magic Stones in active funds.
"That’s enough." Ron calculated in his heart:
"Cultivating the Autophagic Slime Monster requires approximately five Magic Stones, plus buying some high-energy Abyssal materials. The remaining several Magic Stones can be used for daily expenses and other experiments."
Back in the workshop, he took out a small leather-covered booklet and began meticulously recording his financial plans and materials list.
The list detailed the various required materials:
Basic "Void Mucus," "Mutagenic Catalyst," and some auxiliary materials like "Stabilizer," "Energy Conduit," etc.
Halfway through writing, his pen suddenly paused.
He had just asked Reynolds to keep an eye on Abyss Crystals because it involved the advancement of the "Stand-In Puppet."
Once the puppet is charged to one hundred percent, it unlocks the so-called "Incarnation Form" function, allowing it to independently fight and explore far from itself.
If this hypothesis is right, then he could realize a bold plan:
In the Abyss exploration, he could stay in relatively safe areas while having the Stand-In Puppet venture into the more dangerous deep regions instead.
"In this way, the body could avoid deep risks while gaining more valuable Abyssal materials and experience."
Ron quickly recorded this idea:
"By combining the Abyss Crystals obtained from 69 town with the high-energy materials to be purchased, enough energy should be provided to charge the Stand-In Puppet to one hundred percent state."
He recorded several possible material combination methods, marking their respective advantages, disadvantages, and risk factors.
"The plan is feasible but needs caution."
Ron self-muttered:
"The energy fluctuation during charging might lead to unpredictable results, so it must be done in an isolated environment."
After finishing the last sip of tea, he immediately delved into other works.
On one hand, he continued perfecting the Simulation Battle Device; although funding support is not as expected, the basic functions can still progress as planned.
On the other hand, he prepared matters related to the procurement of Abyssal Materials and some Potion formulation work.
In the following days, Ron busied himself among teaching, Magic Potion modulation, and research work.
He spared several hours daily to fulfill clients’ Magic Potion orders, most of which came from his apprentices or their acquaintances.
......
In the laboratory, Ron was manipulating a silver liquid, shaping it into various delicate forms.
"Master, your technique is truly astonishing."
Liss stood beside him, eyes full of admiration:
"An ordinary Alchemist might need three to four days to complete this process, but you finished it in just a few hours."
Ron gently shook his head:
"This is simply the result of practice makes perfect. Techniques are not gained out of thin air, but achieved through countless practices and attempts."
His fingertip slightly twirled, and the Potion eventually solidified into a crystal clear silver sphere, emitting gentle light.
"This is the last batch of orders; please notify them to come pick it up tomorrow."
Ron carefully placed the Potion into a specially designed Crystal Bottle, handing it to Liss:
"Then, these days I might be away for a while; if there are any urgent matters, you can contact me via the Communication Crystal."
Liss nodded seriously, cautiously receiving the Potion:
"Going to purchase materials? I’ve noticed that your recent material stock seems a bit depleted."
Ron was slightly surprised at her observation, simply responding:
"Indeed, some materials need to be purchased. It’s a necessary part of research."
"I really hope that one day I can be like you, freely accessing those research institutions and encountering various rare materials."
Liss’ eyes were full of yearning:
"But at my current level, I’m afraid I can’t even touch the threshold."
"Everyone has their own pace."
Ron suddenly recalled the girl equally eager for knowledge from the Black Mist Jungle:
"What’s important is maintaining the direction of advancement, not comparing speed."
After completing the last preparation work, he began checking his materials list and financial status.
Everything is ready, just waiting for the meeting with Reynolds.