Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2040: 3 Raini Grade

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Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
Kanagu presents the Star Dou Cloak, detailing its impressive defensive, agility, and elemental resistance abilities. He explains its unique synergy with other armor and a powerful starlight-powered killing move. The cloak's exorbitant price of one million Moonspan Gold is met with skepticism, but Kanagu justifies it by highlighting the rare materials, outstanding attributes, and the impending higher value of a God Smith's creations. Two Su Race attendees are tempted despite the high cost, while Ye Zhongming remains noncommittal.

Kanagu remained uncertain if Ye Zhongming genuinely lacked interest or was merely unwilling to engage in inflating the prices. Lacking the ability to directly inquire, he could only wait with a touch of apprehension.

At this juncture, Kanagu himself began to harbor doubts. Was the initial asking price of one million Moonspan Gold perhaps a little too steep?

"It's excessively expensive, Kanagu. If you could reduce it by two hundred thousand Moonspan Gold, then I would definitely purchase it."

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhongming chuckled inwardly, realizing this wasn't an auction scenario where prices were solely driven upwards. Haggling was indeed an option. If one asked for an exorbitant sum, it was natural for potential buyers to seek a lower price. People weren't foolish; while this equipment was of high quality, it wasn't so exceptional as to incite a bidding war. The lack of participation from others was perfectly understandable.

Ye Zhongming felt no urgency, his mind occupied with calculating his current financial standing.

Today's expenditures had been substantial: nearly a million Moonspan Gold for the Gold Camp warriors' equipment, over a million for combat beasts, a staggering two hundred thirty million for materials, and approximately five hundred thousand for various research-related equipment.

Of the second ten million Moonspan Gold acquired from the Library Palace, more than half had already been disbursed. After setting aside funds for anticipated future necessities, the remaining usable capital was considerably limited.

However, Ye Zhongming didn't feel the need to curtail his interest; he intended to observe the unfolding situation firsthand.

Kanagu repeatedly shook his head.

"The ownership of this particular piece of equipment does not rest with me. While I possess a limited degree of authority regarding its pricing, all decisions are strictly based on its cost. I would not dare to arbitrarily inflate the price. The revenue generated belongs to the clan, and I cannot act in a manner that compromises the clan's interests."

Though Kanagu's explanation might have seemed somewhat indirect, everyone present was aware that the shop was operated by the Su Race. In addition to a fixed salary, Kanagu was entitled to performance-based bonuses. Even with the incentive to earn more bonuses, he would not dare to set prices unrealistically high, as doing so would ultimately be self-destructive, and the Su Race would not tolerate such actions.

However, beyond this understanding, the price variance for this piece of equipment, ranging from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand Moonspan Gold, was significant enough that no one could easily dismiss it.

A protracted verbal exchange ensued between both parties. Kanagu remained steadfast in his position, leaving that particular Su Race individual in a state of considerable helplessness.

Through their conversation, Ye Zhongming discerned that this Su Race individual hailed from one of the three primary lineage branches, and potentially even held succession rights, though his position was significantly lower than even the already low-ranking Jie Su.

In the end, Kanagu conceded to a reduction of only fifty thousand Moonspan Gold. The Su Race individual, seeing no further room for negotiation, reluctantly withdrew.

Kanagu expressed a degree of surprise himself, yet professionally proceeded to carefully store the equipment and initiated the presentation of the second item.

"Dadu Cloud Blade!"

The second item presented was a weapon of the Raini Grade, a war blade possessing a remarkably elegant design.

"Could this one also be the creation of that God Smith?"

Still disgruntled from his unsuccessful attempt to acquire the previous item, the Su Race individual couldn't resist a sarcastic remark upon seeing the war blade.

Kanagu, in good spirits and unperturbed, responded with hearty laughter. "No, no, where would so many artifacts from a God Smith possibly originate? Acquiring that single piece was a matter of sheer fortune."

"Let us first discuss this blade," Kanagu stated, carefully withdrawing the war blade from its casing. Instantly, a palpable surge of energy permeated the confined space, a sensation clearly perceived by all the assembled experts.

The mere act of removing the blade from its container, without any active manipulation, resulted in such a significant energy emission, thereby attesting to its inherent value.

While the degree of energy containment or leakage was not the sole determinant of a weapon's power, possessing either quality was indicative of its exceptional nature.

Kanagu continued, "Presently, despite the challenging circumstances our races face, being compelled to relocate due to the actions of the Slave Race, our technological advancements have progressed beyond comprehension after numerous years of development and integration. This is a positive development, yet it has also introduced complexity into what were once simple objects, such as weapons."

Holding the blade, Kanagu gripped the hilt, orienting the edge away from himself—a gesture of respect towards his audience and a prudent practice.

"In the past, weapons, particularly those of the blade and sword varieties, primarily required exceptional sharpness and unwavering durability."

Given that the preceding item had not been sold, Kanagu was particularly motivated to promote this current offering.

"The most distinguishing features of the Dadu Cloud Blade are precisely these two qualities. The material comprising the blade is known as 'Deep Cloud Iron,' recognized as one of the hardest naturally occurring metals in the known universe. The precise methods employed by the Taros Red Dwarves remain unknown; they not only managed to smelt this inherently inflexible material but also incorporated numerous additional elements, thereby significantly augmenting its inherent strength. I have some data available here; everyone can observe its remarkable sharpness."

A nearby attendant promptly produced a holographic display showcasing extensive testing conducted with the weapon. Various other armaments were employed in comparison, and the Dadu Cloud Blade proved capable of slicing through almost all of them with ease.

"Both sharp and remarkably sturdy. Following these rigorous tests, the blade itself exhibited no signs of degradation. You can all witness this firsthand."

Kanagu proceeded to explain to the assembled audience, "These two attributes are tied to the material, yet they aren't the sole reason. When the user channels their own spiritual energy into it, the inherent properties of Deep Cloud Iron amplify these two aspects even further. And!"

"This results in the creation of what can be considered this blade's inaugural active ability—Nightmare Shadow."

"Around the user, in the four cardinal directions, illusory blade shadows will manifest. While they do not launch proactive assaults, they relentlessly orbit, striking any unfortunate soul who ventures within their designated perimeter."

"Crucially, these spectral blade shadows do not deplete the user's personal spiritual energy; instead, they draw from the blade's own internal reserves. This energy is continuously replenished by the weapon itself during periods of inactivity, through a combination of natural ambient absorption and the user's deliberate infusions when not engaged in combat."

Truly remarkable—this was Ye Zhongming's immediate assessment of this particular capability.

At this juncture, he remained uncertain about the blade's capacity for energy storage. Should its reserves prove substantial, this single ability might well be sufficient to elevate this blade to the esteemed Raini Grade equipment classification.

While the phantom blade shadows were stationary, sentient beings were not.

"Blood Drink," Kanagu announced.

He continued, "Blood Drink empowers this blade, augmenting its inherent might. This enhancement is not a permanent upgrade but a transient boost, effective solely during the throes of battle. Nevertheless, is that not still an astonishing advantage? It will undoubtedly sow increasing alarm within your adversaries as the conflict escalates."

"Naturally, there exists a threshold. Observe the hilt, if you will? When the Blood Drink ability is active, the hilt's coloration serves as an indicator of the energy it can currently harness. Upon reaching a complete crimson saturation, the limit has been attained."

Kanagu carefully returned the blade to its display case, offered a confident thumbs-up, and declared, "There remains one final ability. Once Blood Drink achieves its maximum capacity, plunging the blade into the ground will unleash a potent energy assault. This blast can be directed toward any controllable quadrant, with the sole exception of the user's rear. Its potency is immense, and its velocity is formidable. For the precise nuances, you will once again need to experience it firsthand."

Having concluded his presentation, Kanagu resumed his seat. "An exceptional artifact, offered at a modest price: seven hundred thousand Moonspan Gold."