Chapter26-Enhanced Starlight Array

Once a gift is given, there's no reason to take it back.

Hearing these words, William felt at a loss. The purpose of his visit was to return the mana stones to Velen.

They had already received far too many benefits from him. Accepting these mana stones would be out of the question. Otherwise, word might spread that the five of them were greedy, insatiable old men.

Seeing that William remained silent, Velen sensed an opportunity and continued:

"Senator William, the Ducal Manor holds great prestige across the galaxy. This little bit of mana stones I've given you is but a drop in the bucket. There's no need to take it so seriously."

"If the Ducal Manor needs more mana stones, just say the word!"

As a tycoon, Velen wanted William to understand that he didn't lack mana stones. If they were truly returned, how would he earn luxury points? Moreover, letting William know he had an abundance of mana stones would ensure the Ducal Manor sought him out if they ever needed more—planning ahead, as it were.

William, after a brief moment of contemplation, said, "Velen, do you happen to have advanced mana stones?"

"The planetary defense array is currently lacking some advanced mana stones for maintenance."

This was indeed a pressing issue for the Ducal Manor, but it was also a test of sorts for Velen. William wanted to gauge just how many resources Velen truly possessed. If Velen did have advanced mana stones, it would allow the Ducal Manor's array to continue operating for some time.

Though the Ducal Manor was a dominant power within the Titan Galaxy, the galaxy itself was vast, containing billions of planets. There were plenty of forces comparable to the Ducal Manor, some even mortal enemies.

Advanced mana stones, sourced from the Singularity Battlefield, contained an exceptionally pure and abundant mana, akin to a wellspring of power. Their versatility and scarcity made them a widely recognized form of high-value currency, sought after by major factions and star-faring races alike.

Recently, the Ducal Manor had obtained far fewer advanced mana stones from the Singularity Battlefield, causing issues with the planetary defense array's operation. It was imperative to resolve this problem quickly.

"Advanced mana stones?" Velen murmured, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

He knew well that any currency fulfilling the criteria for flaunting wealth could be summoned in infinite quantities by the system!

Thus, Velen tentatively asked the system:

"System, the Ducal Manor has treated me kindly. Would giving them 10 billion advanced mana stones be reasonable?"

System: "…"

"Advanced mana stones can sustain an array's operation for a long time. 10 million advanced mana stones is already a staggering amount, capable of powering the array for decades!"

Hearing this, Velen smiled.

His suggestion of 10 billion advanced mana stones was merely to probe the system's limits. He understood the immense value of advanced mana stones and the vast mana they contained. 10 million advanced mana stones would indeed suffice.

However, judging by the system's response, even 10 billion advanced mana stones would be no issue, provided it was a reasonable display of wealth!

While Velen communicated with the system, William observed his silence and thought it was within expectations. Advanced mana stones were exceedingly rare, primarily sourced from the Singularity Battlefield. It would be normal for Velen to have none.

After all, this was just a test. William hadn't truly expected to acquire advanced mana stones from Velen.

"Senator William, here are 10 million advanced mana stones. That should keep the array running for some time."

Velen retrieved a storage pouch from his person and handed it to William.

Hearing these words, William froze. He had already resolved to return the mana stones and leave.

10 million advanced mana stones?!

What an astronomical amount of wealth! Even if the Ducal Manor pooled all its resources and sold them at high prices, it wouldn't come close to amassing so many advanced mana stones!

William felt his throat go dry as he struggled to believe it was real. But with the storage pouch right before him, he extended his spiritual senses to examine its contents.

What he saw left him completely stunned.

The advanced mana stones were stacked like meticulously arranged bricks, forming towering walls. Just a glance was utterly overwhelming!

After a brief inspection, William was entirely certain—these were advanced mana stones, and the quantity truly reached 10 million!

10 million advanced mana stones!

William's mind swam as dizziness overtook him. It wasn't until Velen placed the storage pouch in his hands that he came back to his senses, his trembling hands clutching the pouch tightly.

The advanced mana stones in this pouch alone exceeded the entire value of the Ducal Manor!

"Congratulations, Host, for successfully flaunting wealth. You have gained 300 luxury points!"

"Congratulations, Host, for successfully flaunting wealth. You have gained 200 luxury points and acquired the Starlight Array [Enhanced]!"

As the system notifications echoed in Velen's mind, his smile deepened.

It seemed that both the gift of the mana stones to William and the earlier gesture of meeting gifts had been acknowledged by the system and rewarded.

However, the Starlight Array [Enhanced] intrigued him. It didn't seem like an ordinary reward.

"Velen… are you sure you want to give so many advanced mana stones to the Ducal Manor?" William asked again, struggling to process the staggering number of advanced mana stones. Even with his years of experience weathering storms, he couldn't help but tread cautiously.

"Senator William, of course! I told you before—if the Ducal Manor needs anything, I will give my all to support you!"

Velen nodded and added, "Besides, these advanced mana stones are nothing. We're family now. If you ever need more, just come to me."

Having now forged deep ties with the Ducal Manor, Velen naturally wanted to see the manor grow stronger. With these advanced mana stones, the Ducal Manor could rest easy for a long time. This was undeniably a good thing!

For Velen, luxury points were the ultimate goal. Whether they were ordinary or advanced mana stones, he cared little for them.

William was left speechless by Velen's generosity. After a moment, he said:

"Velen, advanced mana stones are extremely rare. Even if you have many, they are difficult to replenish. Be cautious—"

Before he could finish, Velen interrupted with a smile:

"Senator William, don't worry. These advanced mana stones are insignificant compared to the contributions you've made to the Ducal Manor. This is hardly worth mentioning!"

Hearing this, William's face flushed slightly.

10 million advanced mana stones would be considered an astronomical treasure by any top-tier faction. How could that be considered "nothing"?

Though he was a former senator of the Ducal Manor, the resources Velen had contributed were beyond imagination.

William's feelings were complex as he wrestled with Velen's tycoon-like generosity.

Velen, after further persuasion, added: "Rest assured, I have plenty more. If the Ducal Manor ever needs anything, just let me know."

Hearing this, a long-lost sense of passion seemed to ignite in William.

"With this many advanced mana stones, the Starlight Array on this planet will now operate indefinitely!"

Velen was momentarily stunned, as the system had just gifted him the Starlight Array [Enhanced].

He hadn't yet had a chance to study it. Arrays didn't particularly interest him, and the enhanced version's intricate designs made his scalp tingle.

With a thought, Velen produced a glowing orb containing a unique energy.

"Senator William, I have an enhanced version of the Starlight Array here. Perhaps it might offer some insights?"

As soon as Velen spoke, William's pupils shrank.

The Starlight Array was a legacy array of the Ducal Manor, renowned for its immense power and widespread reputation. It had deterred countless threats to the manor over the years.

But he had never heard of an enhanced version!

However, since it came from Velen, it had to be genuine. This wasn't just a hunch—it was a certainty the moment William laid eyes on the glowing orb.