Energy crystals were undoubtedly an extremely important, nonrenewable strategic resource for the Gemini Civilization.
As an ultrahigh-density energy storage medium, their energy density far exceeded that of every known substance, including nuclear fuel.
Existing physics could not explain this at all, so some speculated that energy crystals concealed the legendary spatial technology, giving them immense scientific value.
Furthermore, their extraordinarily high instantaneous energy output not only greatly increased weapon power, but also played a vital role in miniaturizing weapons and extending their endurance.
Their discovery and extraction were to the Twin Stars what the use of fossil fuels had been to Earth, dramatically accelerating their civilization's technological development.
By amplifying weapon power, extending interstellar fleets' exploration range, and shortening travel times, energy crystals had served as an irreplaceable catalyst throughout the Gemini Civilization's interstellar development!
Precisely because energy crystals had such strategic importance, civilizations generally would never trade away large quantities of something so valuable.
Even though energy crystals were being used as the basic unit of pricing for this trade, both parties merely treated them as a measure of value. Settlement in large quantities of actual energy crystals was essentially out of the question.
"Could you explain what you mean by classifying energy crystals as a 'special commodity'?" Alsace asked, looking at Black Steward.
"Of course. Under the trading rules specified by our ally, energy crystals, as a special commodity, must be sold under separate terms. If you wish to purchase energy crystals, the sole designated commodity accepted in exchange is... 'blank crystals'!"
"Blank crystals?!" The experts behind Alsace could not help exclaiming in unison.
Blank crystals were not some rare cosmic mineral. On the contrary, within the Gemini Civilization, they were unusable "waste."
Because... they were precisely what remained after energy crystals had been completely depleted!
Ordinary