The next morning, when Ron stepped out of the mansion’s door, he felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment.
It wasn’t just the shock from last night’s conversation with Vinard.
The research funding he had applied for through the "Abyss Simulation Device" also gave him the confidence to make a large-scale investment.
The support of five hundred complete Magic Stones, plus the funds previously accumulated.
Enabled him to carry out a comprehensive upgrade of his mobile workshop.
The "Starshine Marketplace" in the commercial district of the Central Lands is the largest trading hub for Extraordinary Items in the entire Ring Abyss Continent Group.
As Ron entered the marketplace’s main street, he was immediately struck by the bustling spectacle before him.
Every building here exuded a glow of Magic Power.
The shop signs, made from living Crystal, automatically adjusted their displays based on the needs of visitors.
Merchants from various races were hawking their wares on both sides of the street.
There were short Goblins showcasing precise mechanical parts;
Elegant Half-Elves demonstrating the peculiar traits of Extraordinary Plants;
And even a few cyborgs, entirely metallic, selling their "upgrade services."
The air was filled with an array of strange aromas, a complex mix of scents emitted by different materials.
Some invigorated the Spirit, while others brought a subtle sense of disorientation.
Ron’s first stop was the "Heart of All Things" alchemy supplies store.
This was the most authoritative supplier of Alchemy Materials in the Central Lands, reputed to have a procurement network covering all known Otherworlds.
The shop’s exterior was composed of Obsidian and Abyss Crystals, with dark red patterns flowing across the surface like blood.
Upon pushing open the dragon-bone door, a rich surge of Magic Power wafted toward him.
"Welcome, esteemed Master Wizard."
He was greeted by a tall Minotaur, although this Minotaur had clearly undergone extensive alchemical modifications.
His left horn had been replaced with a spiral metal structure, and his eyes had been swapped for prosthetics capable of analyzing material composition.
"I am Saruk, senior advisor here. What level of materials do you require today?"
Saruk’s voice was deep and powerful, each syllable pronounced with precision:
"We have basic, professional, and master-level goods sections."
Ron glanced around, and the shop’s displays opened his eyes to new wonders.
Materials of various bizarre shapes were properly stored in specially-made containers:
Some were continuously writhing slowly, some emitted strange glows, and others even sang inaudibly in melodies beyond human comprehension.
"I need rare materials with spatial attributes and auxiliary equipment that can enhance alchemical precision."
He presented his identity insignia:
"The budget is around one hundred complete Magic Stones."
Upon seeing the New Star Plan’s second-in-command insignia, Saruk’s attitude became even more respectful:
"Understood, Lecturer Ralph. Please follow me, and I’ll show you some of the finest options."
The Minotaur advisor led him into the professional-level section deeper in the store.
The Magic Concentration there was notably higher, and even the air seemed slightly thicker.
"This is ’Void Silk,’ from the fringes of the rift space."
Saruk carefully displayed a nearly transparent thread-like substance:
"It can add spatial expansion attributes to alchemy products without compromising their original structure.
The price for one ounce is twelve complete Magic Stones."
He then went on to introduce "Anchor Stone," "Dimensional Membrane," "Stability Core," and over a dozen other precious materials.
Each had its unique function and application direction, and their prices were quite steep.
Ron listened intently to the introductions, while using the "Extraordinary Recognition" skill to analyze the true quality of these materials.
To his surprise, Saruk’s explanations were quite honest, with no exaggerations or deceit.
"Your eye is very professional, Lecturer Ralph."
Noticing Ron’s detailed examination of each material, Saruk expressed approval:
"Many young Alchemists focus solely on price and reputation, overlooking the practical applicability of materials."
"It’s a result of experience," Ron replied modestly:
"I need these: three ounces of Void Silk, two pieces of Anchor Stone, and this Stability Core."
"The total is sixty-eight complete Magic Stones," Saruk calculated the price swiftly:
"Considering your status, I can offer you a five percent discount."
After completing the payment, Saruk proactively recommended some high-end Alchemy Equipment:
"If you’re interested in upgrading experimental devices, I suggest you visit the ’Click Moment’ Workshop.
Their equipment parts, though pricey, have quality that’s absolutely the top in the Central Lands."
After leaving the "Heart of All Things," Ron followed the recommendation to the "Click Moment" Workshop.
This shop had a more understated exterior, but the internal equipment left him wide-eyed.
"Adaptive Alchemy Platform," "Spiritual Power Amplifier," "Environmental Simulation Room"...
"This ’Microscopic Manipulation Arm’ can perform precision operations at the atomic level."
The shop’s owner, a Half-Elf, had fully mechanized hands, with ten fingers replaced by precision tools:
"When used with an ’Energy Focus Lens,’ it enables the most delicate processing without damaging the essential nature of the material."
Ron spent over eighty Magic Stones, purchasing several devices that most benefited the precision of his workshop.
Although it hurt a bit, thinking about the long-term returns these investments could bring, he felt it was worth it.