A subtle flicker of surprise surged within Pierce’s heart.

  He had not expected that among Arcanists—a group defined by a cold, almost surgical rationality—there existed such a rigorous and unwritten code of ethics. Yet, upon deeper reflection, the underlying logic was perfectly self-consistent and icy: without such constraints, any newly discovered knowledge would depreciate instantly following its first transaction. The pioneers who spent countless years trekking through the wilderness of truth would inevitably suffer immense losses.

  In the Arcane world, knowledge was authority, as well as an asset protected by both law and the threat of violence.

  The price of trampling on copyright in Pierce’s previous life might have been mere legal reprimands and fines. But in this era, where supernatural might resided within the individual, it meant inviting the most sinister retaliation from an incensed Arcanist. No one was willing to offend a powerhouse capable of independently deriving new models just for the sake of reselling a few scraps of Rank 0 spells.

  "In that case, Junior, for these two optimized models, I will offer a total of 4 Mana Stones. What do you think?" Yuna suggested softly, her tone carrying a quality of undeniable generosity.

  "4 Mana Stones?"

  Pierce could not help but be slightly moved. In the Spire Academy's official exchange index, the ratio of Mana Stones to Credits was anchored at 1:500. This meant Yuna’s offer was equivalent to 2000 Credits. In comparison, when Master Mowen purchased his Verdant Radiance model, he had paid only the equivalent of 600 Credits in Spirit Spring Potions. The premium Yuna offered had far exceeded common sense.

  "Regarding the optimization plan for Mage Hand, I intend to present it to my mentor for review after my own study. This is equivalent to both myself and my mentor making a purchase from you simultaneously. Paying a double price is entirely reasonable within the rules," Yuna explained with a smile, her silver eyes shimmering with a gentle light.

  Pierce felt a genuine sense of warmth. He knew Yuna was using this implicit method to subsidize his education. He abandoned his pale, hollow refusals and nodded in agreement, accepting the four cool, obsidian-hued coins.

  Immediately after, Yuna casually produced a crystalline Memory Sphere. Witnessing her habitual ease, Pierce once again felt the profound "malice of capital" brought by social disparity—that recording medium, which was exceedingly expensive to him, was nothing more than a disposable consumable for a true Arcane house.

  After finishing the day's routine tasks, Pierce headed straight to the Logistics Building.

  This time, seated behind the heavy teak desk was the scrawny apprentice he had encountered several times before. The moment the youth recognized Pierce, his previously indifferent face instantly broke into a warm, enthusiastic smile.

  Stolen story; please report.

  "How can I be of service today, Junior Pierce?"

  "20 portions of Rank 1 high-energy familiar rations, and 10 sets of base materials for the Brute Strength Potion," Pierce stated steadily.

  Hearing the familiar rations, the scrawny apprentice thought it normal—after all, Pierce had already crossed the threshold of a Rank 2 Initiate. But at the subsequent request for alchemical ingredients, the smile on his face froze for a moment.

  "You are planning to delve into the alchemical field?" The scrawny apprentice couldn't help but take another look at Pierce. He had seen too many initiates attempt to break into the ranks of Alchemists, only to return to the mundane world in dejection after burning through their life savings. In his view, no matter how talented Pierce was, this cross-disciplinary attempt was most likely going to be an expensive failure.

  However, he masked his inner skepticism expertly and swiftly retrieved the supplies from the vault.

  "Rank 1 familiar rations are 10 Credits each, totaling 200. Brute Strength Potion base materials are 20 Credits each, totaling 200. The grand total is 400 Credits."

  The cost caused Pierce’s eyelids to twitch slightly. Had it not been for the windfall he just acquired from that trade, his meager wages from the garden would have required months of accumulation before he could launch a single experiment.

  He handed over a Mana Stone. The scrawny apprentice settled the transaction with agile hands and returned 100 Credits in change.

  Carrying the heavy pack of supplies, Pierce turned and dove into the Research District.

  He rented a standard alchemy lab in the research complex for 5 Credits per hour. Although expensive, these rooms were equipped with full sets of Arcane precision apparatus. It was worth noting that even a basic set of extraction tools cost as much as 250 Credits at the logistics office.

  Upon entering the lab, Pierce first fed a portion of high-energy rations to Mistfeather on his right wrist to calm its restlessness. Although feeding it with Mana Stones was more effective, he had to ensure every bit of resource was spent where it mattered most.

  Taking a deep breath, he arranged the ten sets of materials, sealed in black wooden boxes, neatly on the experimental table.

  Within the vision of the Omniscient Eye, these materials revealed their clear attributes: the black U-Ge roots, the crystalline vials of Primal Ape blood, and the grayish-white Iron Rhino bone powder. The latter two both originated from ferocious creatures possessing Senior Knight-level strength, harboring a violent vital tension.

  "Omniscience, begin analyzing the logical framework of the Brute Strength Potion."

  "Analysis task created. Estimated time: 3 days, 18 hours."

  "Consume spiritual capacity for a forced acceleration."

  In an instant, the previously dormant knowledge exploded within Pierce’s mind like a torrent. Every molecular transition of the potion, every intervention point for spiritual fluctuations, and the rejection reactions between medicinal components were mastered in a heartbeat. This level of understanding surpassed even a decade of experimental accumulation.

  Calming the dizziness brought by this influx of information, Pierce ignited the graystone lamp on the table.

  The blue ghost-fire danced, emitting a heat that far surpassed common flames.

  Pierce dropped the U-Ge roots into the beaker, added water, and covered it. As the liquid boiled within the blue fire, the room became filled with a pungent smoke smelling of rust. With a flick of his finger, a spark of fire particle light sank into the beaker.

  Simultaneously, a low and rhythmic chant escaped his lips. This was not a prayer to some deity, but a method to maintain precise resonance in spiritual fluctuation frequencies.

  Under the intervention of Arcane frequencies, the crimson liquid began to change shape frantically within the beaker. As the water rapidly evaporated, the volume of the liquid condensed, finally transforming into a viscous substance resembling red jelly.