He hadn’t realized this was known here as a magic array crystal. He’d always called it a mana crystal.
Daniel glanced at the items in his inventory space.
How many of these did he have again?
How many zeroes?
Counting them was getting a bit tricky!
“Why does Dragonscale Bank want to convert mana stones into these… magic array crystals? What’s their purpose?” Daniel continued to press.
Claire sighed. “That’s what I’m about to explain. Honestly, I’m in a real mess because of this.”
As Claire explained, she’d been curious about the magic array crystal and managed to borrow one, thinking Daniel might be interested and that it could lead to a profitable transaction—a big deal, even.
But once she had it, she realized this wasn’t just any business opportunity; it was a massive risk.
Why?
Because this small stone, called a magic array crystal, was clearly related to a magic array. But where was the array itself?
Claire extended her hand and placed the magic array crystal into a central slot.
Almost immediately, a small, white forge appeared in front of them.
“This is it,” Claire said with a resigned expression. “The Mana Forge—it can fuse mana stones into magic array crystals, and once enough magic array crystals are gathered, it can transform into another form.”
“Apparently, using magic array crystals enables all sorts of wondrous effects. But I don’t know the specifics,” Claire continued. “Daniel, I was practically signing my own death warrant at Dragonscale Bank to bring this to you.”
Claire could only hope Daniel would protect her. Otherwise, the consequences with Dragonscale Bank could be dire.
“So, you want my protection?” Daniel asked.
“That’s right, Daniel, I was hoping you would—”
“I understand.” Daniel interrupted, letting his mind power scan the red, miniature forge.
In an instant, he grasped its structure.
He used mana stones to quickly set up a magic array, and soon, a half-height forge materialized in front of him.
The white forge was designed to fuse mana stones into magic array crystals.
Daniel simply pulled out a large number of magic array crystals and placed them in the forge.
According to Claire, only with enough magic array crystals could the forge activate its next form.
Daniel continued adding crystals, and within seconds, he saw the forge shift from white to red.
Inside, the forge’s magic array began to transform.
The crystals he’d placed inside altered the array to achieve a new effect.
As Daniel watched the changes, he kept adding more magic array crystals.
When the forge turned red, it produced a mana-rich liquid, which Daniel called mana liquid.
This liquid was far superior to mana stones, with broader applications and even the potential to improve the environment of an area.
Next came orange.
The orange liquid seemed to have permanent physical enhancement properties.
The yellow liquid could enhance mind power, and the green liquid had its own unique effects.
Each color had different properties, and the number of magic array crystals required increased geometrically.
Daniel imagined the immense potential if Crossbridge Academy students were regularly exposed to these liquids.
Perhaps elite talents from powerful factions were cultivated this way.
Deep in thought, Daniel didn’t notice Claire staring in stunned silence.
She had just witnessed a life-changing scene.
What had she seen?
It was almost hard to believe herself.
She’d seen Daniel throw an astounding quantity of magic array crystals into the forge as if they were worthless, watching as the forge changed colors like a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green… all the way to transparent.
Initially, she thought Daniel having just one magic array crystal was impressive, as one required billions of superior mana stones to create.
But then… he began tossing them in like they were nothing.
Even Claire, who’d worked at Dragonscale Bank for years, couldn’t handle this level of wealth display.
“Daniel, um… I think I’m just going to stay with Crossbridge Academy from now on,” Claire stammered.
Her original intention had been to seek Daniel’s protection, but she hadn’t thought about what that would mean.
“I promised you’d be fine, so you will be. But tell me, how did you get your hands on this box?” Daniel asked, curious.
Such items should be rare, likely only stored at the headquarters.
How had Claire acquired one in just a few days?
“There’s a teleportation array near Riverside City, built specifically for—” Claire trailed off, a bit embarrassed.
The teleportation array connected to a nearby large city.
Given the immense volume of mana stones Daniel traded, Dragonscale Bank found it easier to create a safe spot nearby to convert the mana stones into magic array crystals.
This arrangement had inadvertently allowed Claire to borrow the box.
Daniel was momentarily speechless; it all came back to him. “So, Claire, what will you do at the academy?”
Claire was nervous, unsure of her role.
All she knew was how to conduct transactions, and she didn’t know if Crossbridge Academy would even have a place for her.
“How about this—you’ll manage the academy’s transactions with Dragonscale Bank.”
“Ah?” Claire blinked in confusion.
“I know you’re used to Dragonscale Bank, so you’ll continue to work there, handling Crossbridge Academy’s transactions,” Daniel clarified.
“But Daniel, I… I don’t think I can go back to Dragonscale Bank after this,” Claire said, embarrassed. Had Daniel not heard her? She’d betrayed them; going back seemed impossible.
“If I say it’s possible, it is. Take these items with you; someone’s been waiting nearby for quite a while. He’s probably here for this,” Daniel said, handing her the box and some additional magic array crystals. “Tell him I’m handling this situation and he doesn’t need to pursue it further. Otherwise… well, I’m always ready for a fight.”
Seeing Daniel’s confident expression, Claire was only half-convinced.
“Now, hurry back. Crossbridge Academy will still need you for future transactions with Dragonscale Bank,” Daniel said.
“Alright…” Claire took the box and crystals, leaving the academy. But as she stepped outside, she suddenly felt disoriented.
When she came to, both the box and crystals were gone.
In her palm, a few large words appeared:
“Settled. Don’t do it again!”