Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1931: Spending is also an art (3)

Ye Zhongming tossed aside the fancy beads and grasped the metal piece in his palm, channeling a bit of energy into it to strip away the coloring.

In just a few moments, a metallic substance matching the Bronze Order Leader mask came into view before him.

He'd extracted this metal from the two items, yet now what? Was this all there was to it?

Combine them? Or apply an enchantment?

Truth be told, Ye Zhongming hesitated to experiment. A failure wouldn't merely erase leads; it would cause destruction, and the mystery of the mask's dual layers would vanish permanently.

But then... wait?

For over ten full minutes, Ye Zhongming pondered deeply. Right when surrender loomed, his eyes locked onto the tiny gap in the white material, sparking a daring notion in his thoughts.

He resolved to attempt it.

Suddenly, he unleashed all the energy from his grip. The base metal of the 'Four-Bead Bracelet' began to soften and dissolve gradually, and after about half an hour, it turned fully into a liquid.

From the liquid bulk, an incredibly slender metal filament detached and crept slowly toward the initial slit in the white material on the mask's interior.

That slit was incredibly narrow, so narrow that Ye Zhongming poured every ounce of focus into guiding it; any slip could lead to disastrous results.

Once the fine metal strand slipped into the slit successfully, Ye Zhongming let out a relieved breath, only to sharpen his attention immediately. He realized this was merely the start, as the white material linked all those circuits and nearly enveloped the whole mask. Precision was key to weave it through properly, without a single error.

Moments ticked by, and perspiration already dotted Ye Zhongming's brow.

This endeavor demanded utmost delicacy, challenging not just mental power and endurance but also focus and precision.

Without his extensive experience in crafting, Ye Zhongming couldn't have managed this effectively. Still, his mental reserves drained away swiftly.

To onlookers, Ye Zhongming sat on the floor, arms lifted halfway before him, appearing utterly still. Only the metal in his hold diminished steadily, while the filament linked to it wove bit by bit into the white material, causing the channels to swell and fill.

No one could tell how much time elapsed. When the entire metal base of the Four-Bead Bracelet had fused into the mask's white material pathways, the final drop settled precisely at the entry point.

This near-perfect fit validated Ye Zhongming's approach. What else could explain such an exact match after the metal liquefied?

With everything finished, the circuits flared to life suddenly, and the inner mask pulsed as if awakened.

Ye Zhongming swiped the sweat from his brow, clutched the mask, and inspected both sides closely. Then, cautiously, he fitted it over his face.

Initially, nothing occurred. But as Ye Zhongming sensed no unease and blinked open his eyes, the scene ahead shifted hues.

More accurately, a pair of tiny glowing panels materialized at the mask's eye areas.

"I am Nuo, the one hundred and first user of this mask."

A sudden thought invaded Ye Zhongming's consciousness without preamble.

The Cloud Peak ruler felt no panic; he recognized this as likely some form of ability. He sensed he'd unearthed a hidden truth.

The one hundred and first user? That sounded like the betrayer.

Did he craft this mask's inner layer himself? That dated back ages.

"I don't know if you're a skilled artisan who stumbled upon this mystery or a Star-Eye Clan member researching the mask. But no matter who, please absorb the knowledge I've recorded. I left no heirs in life, so carry on my existence through this."

Was this the inheritance from that betrayer who nearly seized the Star-Eye Clan?

Ye Zhongming tested and discovered he couldn't manipulate the glowing panels or command the mask.

"Prior to the lessons, I must warn: treasure this chance, for it's unique. Only recreating 'Askid Metal,' lost for eons, would grant another."

The material forming the mask's inner layer was Askid Metal; it had to be immensely valuable.

"Very well, let us commence."

The shop remained utterly silent. No one besides Ye Zhongming caught these words.

……………………………………

Zizi Kaba grew increasingly impatient.

It stemmed from this top Novice of the Star-Eye Clan lingering inside far too long—over a whole day. What on earth was he choosing?

The waiting groups from other species fidgeted more with each passing moment. Several key factions had already voiced their frustrations, urging Zizi Kaba to enter and prompt the occupant.

Glancing at the clock, Zizi Kaba resolved that if the one inside didn't emerge in the next half hour, he'd step in to fetch him.

Yet just then, the shop's entrance swung open, and Ye Zhongming emerged unhurriedly.

"Here's the list of purchases I require." Ye Zhongming approached Zizi Kaba and passed over the sheet of paper.

"While examining inside, I unintentionally ruined a couple of prizes. Their details are at the bottom, and I've removed them."

As he mentioned it, Ye Zhongming displayed several objects in his palm to Zizi Kaba, all minor pieces like bracelets and rings. Zizi Kaba glanced over them before dismissing further interest. After all, they belonged to Ye Zhongming now; any harm was his concern.

Ye Zhongming worried that solely wrecking the Four-Bead Bracelet might spark doubts, so he'd deliberately marred a handful of other trivial items.

Zizi Kaba accepted the list and eyed the Novice number one with mild astonishment.

How come this fellow appeared as if he'd endured a fierce clash? Moreover, his energy waves fluctuated erratically, dipping to around one thousand Furelai at lows, but surging... it seemed to surpass three thousand? Perhaps even more?

As Ye Zhongming exited, the crowd stirred with excitement. At last, they could claim their prizes.

After brief salutes to acquaintances, the Star-Eye Clan members departed right away once he appeared. Rewards would reach them via dedicated couriers.

The reason for such haste? Cheng Liujin dreaded prolonged delays breeding complications, and also feared repeated overtures hard to decline.

The Star-Eye Clan's vessel lifted off from the Novice world and departed first among all.

Once in the void, Ye Zhongming located a chamber and collapsed into slumber, stirred awake by He's rapping.

Setting aside the provisions and hydration he'd carried, He inquired worriedly, "What's the matter with you? Haven't your wounds mended? You seem utterly exhausted."

Ye Zhongming sipped water, munched on food while observing He, then posed, "Do you know Bing Shengning?"

He's expression flashed with astonishment, tinged with a trace of dread.