Chapter Twelve: The Volcanic Elixir

On the continent of Mata, the classification of potions is quite intricate, much like the ranking system for battle energy and magic: from level one to nine, with the rank above nine being the Saint level, also known as the Master level. Beyond Saint, only Xuan Xuan has ever reached the next stage, the Divine level.

The grading of potions is distinguished by their effects on magicians and warriors. The potion Xuan Xuan intended to craft was a level-three potion—a rank that could be considered neither particularly high nor low. In this world, people rely more on external powers such as mechas rather than their own strength, so a level-three potion is already regarded as quite advanced. From what she had learned through the intelligent network, the Federation divides both mental power and physical technique into seven grades: F, E, D, C, B, A, and S. She could roughly sense that F corresponded to the first level on Mata, while S equated to level seven. As for the physical technique, she had yet to witness it firsthand and could not determine how it compared to their own battle energy.

A level-three potion could affect those at grade D. The Volcanic Potion, in particular, targeted mental strength, erupting with energy like a volcano and doubling one’s mental power. Even for those of grades C and B, it had a noticeable effect, though not as pronounced. Strength would surge for ten minutes before a period of weakness set in for an hour, after which one would need a full day to recover. For combatants, such a boost could alter the outcome of a battle—a single increment in strength could be decisive, let alone doubling it.

Xuan Xuan took her potion and returned to her modest little house. She glanced at the empty room, which lacked even a bed or desk, its poverty undeniable. She curled her lip in resignation and took out her belongings.

Every newcomer to the Star Network received a package—one could also call it a personal space. However, this space was unlike Xuan Xuan’s own. It consisted of twenty slots, each able to hold one type of item, and each slot could store up to twenty units, regardless of size or height; only quantity mattered. Xuan Xuan couldn’t fathom the logic behind it. The size and bearing capacity of a space was usually determined by its energy and stability, typically measured by size or quantity.

Measured by quantity? Perhaps she could study it further. She was quite interested in spatial matters. Still, she could hardly imagine that this was merely a term inherited from Earth era’s online games and had endured to the present day.

Xuan Xuan picked up the crystal “beaker,” placed the Fire Dragon Flower inside, and snapped her fingers. A faint flame flickered at the bottom of the beaker. She curled her lip again; the fire was much too feeble. In the past, even as just a Saint-level mage, conjuring a vast blaze came as second nature.

Such a small flame could not reach the melting point of a Fire Dragon Flower. She carefully increased the flame, its light red hue gradually darkening, and used her mental power to control the flower’s slow melting, adjusting the heat as needed. Simultaneously, she directed another flame to melt the Starflower. As the two began to react violently, she started melting two pieces of Thick Ganoderma, adding them into the mixture.

The Fire Dragon Flower brimmed with fire energy. By igniting it with the Starflower, its energy would erupt. Once the energy reached the desired level, she added the Thick Ganoderma to neutralize the explosion’s force, stabilizing and tempering its intensity so that users could safely withstand the power surge.

She gently swirled the beaker, ensuring the potion’s energies merged perfectly. With a sudden withdrawal of her mental power, she smiled faintly—it was complete.

She poured the contents of the beaker into five crystal vials. With a slight shake, the potion shimmered, clear and red as carnelian. It was a pity the purity was just under 95%. She curled her lip once more; it had been a long time since she’d produced something so mediocre.

If one of those from the continent of Mata were here, they would likely weep; if 95% purity was considered low, what, then, would be regarded as high? They’d be begging her to let them be the ones to “collect the trash.”

Naturally, Xuan Xuan herself was unimpressed. Yet, it had been a while since she’d practiced her craft, and she was still adapting to the Star Network. Achieving 95% purity was within her acceptable range. She would sell the potion to buy more equipment and ingredients, craft even better potions, and earn more money—a beautiful, virtuous cycle awaited her.

“Kitty, where’s the best place to sell things?” Xuan Xuan contacted the entity she deemed nearly omniscient—at least in the Star Network.

“Master Xuan Xuan, the best place to sell items is at an auction house.”

So, it was just like on the continent of Mata. “Where’s the nearest auction house?”

“There are three auction houses near Green World, which are also the largest in the Imperial Capital: the Rarities Auction House, Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, and the Gem Tower.”

Green World was close to Imperial Plaza—a bustling area—so it was unsurprising that the city’s largest auction houses were located there. “Gem Tower?”

“Yes, Master Xuan Xuan. The Gem Tower is a property of the Marquis family. It has been in operation since the beginning of the Star Network, has a sterling reputation, and is less than ten minutes away from here.”

Not letting resources benefit outsiders? Xuan Xuan nodded. “Point-to-point teleportation, please.”