Emperor of the Source

Chapter 284: Premium Materials of the Universe

Adrian followed the attendant, weaving through the center's main floor toward the back, where the shelves transitioned from standard materials to something visibly different.

The first ring Adrian examined was forged from a dark metallic substance with a matte surface that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.

"This ring base is made from Void Alloy," the attendant said, gesturing with one of his upper arms whilst the lower ones remained clasped behind his back. "Void alloy is a compressed structural metal refined from voidstone deposits found within unstable spatial zones. Its greatest advantage is stability when exposed to fluctuating spatial pressure or sudden energy surges."

The attendant paused, allowing Adrian to examine the material more closely.

"Most spatial artifacts, like starships, use this material as their base," the attendant continued. "Inscribers frequently choose this ring-type base when creating spatial storage artifacts."

The holographic label displayed the price: 52,000 UNI-Coins.

Adrian studied the ring quietly, reaching out but stopping short of touching the containment field. The material was familiar to him. His own spatial ring had been crafted from void alloy. He had also seen a vastly denser variant of the same substance when visiting the headquarters of the Thousand Veils Sect, whose entire structure had been built from an enormous quantity of void alloy refined with other materials.

The attendant watched Adrian's focused examination without interruption, clearly accustomed to customers who preferred observation over conversation.

They moved to the next shelf. Another ring rested there, its surface slightly brighter, catching the ambient light in thin streaks that ran across its circumference like veins.

"This is a hybrid base," the attendant continued, "A composite of Void Alloy and Thermal Crystal Filament."

The holographic display expanded automatically, text flowing across the air in neat columns.

› Structural Core: Void Alloy

› Secondary Layer: Thermal Crystal Filament

› Inscription Compatibility: High-Level Divine Spells, which are mainly focused on Heat-type.

› Degradation Period: At least a Hundred Thousand Years (Varies based on inscription)

› Price: 64,000 UNI-Coins

"Pure void alloy handles spatial pressure extremely well," the attendant explained, "But it conducts heat very poorly. If an inscriber attempts to embed heat-based runes directly onto void alloy, the thermal surge will destabilize the inscription lattice. By integrating thermal crystal filaments into the alloy, the ring becomes capable of dispersing heat-based rule fluctuations."

Adrian nodded thoughtfully. He could see that these premium materials were better, able to hold high-level divine spells and even the degradation period was extremely long.

They continued along the shelves. The next ring shimmered with a faint silver glow.

"This base is made from Graviton Steel," the attendant said. "Its price is 58,000 UNI-Coins."

Adrian leaned closer.

"Graviton steel is produced by compressing high-density metallic matter inside artificial gravity wells," the attendant explained. "Its internal structure stabilizes under extreme pressure. Inscribers often use this material to create gravity-manipulation artifacts used for cultivation training."

As Adrian observed the displays, he began noticing a clear pattern emerging across the different materials. Most of these ring-type bases were primarily designed for utility purposes rather than combat. The void alloy rings enabled spatial storage, the thermal composite rings allowed heat spells for environmental survival in extreme climates, graviton steel rings supported gravity fields for cultivation training or physical conditioning.

The logic made sense. A ring-type base was extremely small, and it couldn't hold a powerful inscription in the first place. Every spell was different, and combat artifacts required larger surfaces to distribute the energy of high-level divine spells without structural failure.

They continued walking through the entire center for several minutes. Adrian not only examined more than a dozen ring bases, but he also examined other base types like weapons, amulets, and bracers.

Prices ranged widely according to size and composition. But even the smallest bases carried significant cost.

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"You mentioned weapons earlier," Adrian said, pausing before a display of blade-type bases. "Show me those."

The attendant's expression brightened. "Of course."

He led Adrian to an adjacent section where weapons rested on vertical stands. Swords, spears, and daggers all gleamed under focused light.

Adrian could see that these weapons were made with the same composite of Void Alloy and Thermal Crystal Filament, but the price was nearly 600,000 UNI-Coins due to their larger size than a ring.

"These weapons are to handle any situation requiring heat-based weapons. The surface area is significantly greater than the ring-type," the attendant explained, running one hand along the blade's length. "So this allows for far more complex inscription. An inscriber could embed multiple spell structures, layered formations, even conditional triggers that activate under specific circumstances."

Even though it was pricier, an inscriber could inscribe a heat-type high-level divine spell within it, which could make the weapon extremely stronger in specific situations.

Adrian examined the blade carefully. There were so many sects with many divine concepts, and not every divine concept was related to heat. If a cultivator was stuck in a situation where he needed to use high-heat on his weapon, and he didn't possess a related divine concept and was in a position where he couldn't use formations, as they cannot be constantly moved around, they could use this type of weapon to handle it.

"How do these artifacts function in combat?" Adrian asked.

"They draw power from embedded divine essence crystals," the attendant replied. "The user channels mana to activate the inscription, but the crystal provides the bulk of the energy required for the spell itself."

Adrian understood. These weapons and materials used on it were targeting specific scenarios and use cases; it wouldn't be usable at all times. And actually, one could use their authority to create heat, but these artifacts came with divine crystals embedded within them, so the user didn't even need to waste their mana or willforce using authority techniques and could instead rely on the artifact.

Eventually, the attendant stopped before a central display positioned on an elevated platform. "This section contains our most durable bases," he said, his voice carrying genuine reverence.

Adrian looked at the section, and it contained various types of bases: rings, weapons, bracers, amulets, even small defensive plates, but all were the same material, which was dark with faint silver veins running through the surface like frozen lightning.

"This is a hybrid base constructed from Void Alloy and Graviton Reinforced Composite."

The holographic panel near the ring-type base expanded, displaying more detailed specifications.

› Structural Core: Void Alloy

› Reinforcement Layer: Graviton Steel

› Inscription Compatibility: High-level divine spells

› Degradation Period: Five Hundred Thousand Years (Minimum)

› Price: 84,000 UNI-Coins

"Even though pure void alloy could handle the spatial pressure extremely well," the attendant explained, his four arms moving in coordinated gestures, "spatial storage inscriptions can only achieve limited capacity. However, by reinforcing the structure with graviton steel, inscribers have successfully embedded much more powerful inscriptions. Spatial storage capacity can increase by more than double, and high-speed starships can also be built with this material."

Adrian understood spatial storage well. The ring he currently wore contained an enormous internal space capable of storing countless items. He had even stored the millions of low-tier mana crystals he brought from his galaxy back then. Yet that space was still limited by the material's natural threshold.

The spatial ring Hestia had given him possessed roughly the same storage capacity, meaning it was likely constructed from the same base material, pure void alloy without reinforcement.

This composite ring, however, represented a higher-grade material. It was the strongest artifact base Adrian had seen in the center so far. If this material could not hold his spell, then nothing else here likely could.

Adrian straightened, "How many of these composite bases do you have in stock?"

"We maintain a rotating inventory," the attendant replied, "Currently, we have seventeen ring-type bases of this grade available. Larger bases, such as bracers or weapon-types, require custom orders."

Adrian considered his options. He needed to test different materials to understand how his willforce recovery spell interacted with physical structures. Until now, he had seen materials to handle spatial essence, heat, life force, etc, but there was no mention of anything related to willforce in it.

He can understand it, till now, no willforce artifacts existed, so Adrian had to do his own research. Starting with three different base types would give him sufficient data.

Adrian made his decision. "I will take this hybrid base," he said, gesturing toward the composite ring. "The Void Alloy and Graviton Reinforced Composite. Then a pure void alloy base, and a pure Graviton Steel base."

Adrian purely selected only premium materials. Even if the material bases of Ironveil could work, they would degrade soon, not lasting long enough to justify the effort of inscription.

The attendant bowed, "Understood. Please transfer the UNI-Coins to this account."

A holographic account string appeared in the air, glowing softly.

Adrian accessed his UNI-OS token, confirmed the transaction details, and authorized the transfer of 194,000 UNI-Coins. The number made his remaining balance drop to just over 600,000, but the investment was necessary.

The payment processed instantly.

"One moment, please." The attendant disappeared deeper into the center, moving through a doorway Adrian hadn't noticed before.

Adrian waited, observing the other customers browsing nearby displays. Most were Stellar cultivators examining basic materials. A few appeared to be Rule Stage, though none approached the premium section where he stood.

The attendant returned shortly afterward, carrying three carefully packaged rings, each sealed within individual containment cases that prevented environmental damage during transport.

Adrian accepted them. He placed all three inside his spatial ring.

"Will there be anything else?" the attendant asked.

"No," Adrian replied. "That will be all."

The four-armed attendant bowed respectfully, all four hands coming together in a formal gesture. "Thank you for your patronage. May your inscription succeed."

Adrian inclined his head slightly before turning and walking toward the exit. The golden barrier parted as he approached, and he stepped back into the crowded plaza outside.