Ron stood alone in the private laboratory, with various rare materials laid out on the workbench in front of him, ready for the creation of the Magic Power Amplification Crystal.
The light of the Magic Crystal Lamp cast complex shadows on those materials that exuded an unusual luster.
"Ailan, adjust the indoor temperature to a constant 18.7 degrees, and control the humidity at 42%."
Ron’s voice was as steady as the carving knife in his hand, without a trace of emotional fluctuation:
"The upcoming creation process has extremely strict environmental requirements; even a 0.1-degree deviation could trigger a chain collapse."
The Tree Spirit floated in from the depths of the workshop, her limbs trembling slightly as she adjusted the environmental control equipment.
As a plant-based lifeform, she could keenly sense the dangerous aura contained within those materials.
It was a primitive power capable of twisting the Essence of Life.
"It has been set, Master." Ailan’s voice carried a barely noticeable hint of worry:
"You have prepared for a long time for this creation... these materials, they look..."
She did not finish her sentence, but Ron understood what she meant.
The energy fluctuations emitted by those Abyss Crystals were oppressive even to an experienced researcher like him.
For a plant creature sensitive to Life Energy, it was simply the aura of Death.
Ron did not reply, only silently chanting the command to view the Professional Panel in his mind.
A familiar semi-transparent interface emerged in his consciousness, with numerical values representing skill levels arranged like stars:
[Alchemy (Proficient 99/100)]
The creation tonight was not only for further transforming the Stand-In Puppet, but it could also advance his leap in the field of Alchemy.
The Master Level of Alchemy signifies a deeper intuitive understanding of matter, as well as more powerful creative and conceptual abilities.
This ability is exactly the core technology required to further perfect his "Virtual World" creation.
......
Before starting the creation, Ron first took out the Abyss Crystal Core from the special reserve he had applied for at the observatory.
It was a transparent crystal the size of a fist.
But when the spotlight’s beam shone upon it, its interior revealed a disturbing scene.
Countless energy tendrils squirmed within, resembling prehistoric insect swarms trapped in amber.
Even through the specially made protective container, the powerful force contained within could still be felt.
That power carried the unique Aura of Chaos from the Abyss, as if silently recounting the destruction of countless civilizations.
"The Abyss Crystal Core..." Ron carefully observed the internal structure of the crystal.
"Formed amidst an energy storm on the Abyss Sixth Layer. Each one is a crystal of countless chaotic auras, its value... sufficient to drive those arrogant researchers mad; this is the beauty of privilege."
He activated the "Extraordinary Recognition" skill, revealing the true structure of the Abyss Crystal Core in a special field of vision.
It was a complex life network, with each node conducting subtle exchanges of information, akin to the nervous system of some ancient organism.
Next, he retrieved the catalyst "Tears of the Star" he had crafted through his Magic Potion Making knowledge.
It was a small vial containing a silvery liquid that flowed like mercury, with each drop undergoing microscopic transformations.
At times, it condensed into tiny star shapes, at others it dispersed into spiral structures like a nebula.
The crafting process required a particular star alignment.
On those nights, he used specialized instruments to "extract" the Star Essence from the night sky, as greedily as a vampire consuming the blood of life.
"The role of Tears of the Star is to act as a medium for energy fusion."
He gently shook the potion bottle, observing the changes in light spots within the liquid: "It can allow energies that are completely opposite to form a temporary harmony..."
The final material was the Energy Stabilizer, which he modified using otherworldly technical data provided by Cassandra.
"Three materials and techniques from completely different origins." Ron contemplated his thought process for creation:
"The Chaotic Power of the Abyss, Star Essence from the Starry Sky, the stabilization technology from the Otherworld..."
This cross-disciplinary, cross-world technological fusion was the research direction he had always pursued.
Although the knowledge within a single system is profound, it often has inherent limitations.
Only by extracting the advantages of different systems to the fullest can traditional shackles be broken.
The first step in the creation process is to engrave precise runes onto the Abyss Crystal Core.
"The precision of the runes must reach the microscopic level."
He activated the "Creator’s Blessing" trait, feeling the inspiration guiding his fingertips.
That sensation was like countless invisible hands guiding his movements.
Telling him where each cut should be made, how each rune should perfectly integrate with the crystal’s internal structure.
The first rune was "Energy Convergence," used to concentrate and compress the magic flow.
Ron’s hand was steadier than a surgeon’s, with each cut accompanied by faint energy sparks, as if dissecting some living creature.
As the engravings progressed, the energy within the crystal began undergoing subtle changes.
The originally chaotic and disordered Abyssal Energy began to rearrange itself under the guidance of the runes, forming a more stable cycle structure.
But during this process, strands of energy occasionally leaked out, creating brief illusions in the air.
Those were the faces of creatures once devoured by the Abyss in their last moments of life.
"They’re still inside..." Ailan’s voice quivered slightly: "Those dead lives, they’re still struggling within the crystal."
"Of course." Ron did not lift his head, continuing with the precise carving work: