Master Rand's gloved fingertips lightly brushed over the chain of the Tears of the Stars necklace and its azure gemstone.
His gaze was focused and sharp, as though he could see through the surface of matter and discern its most essential structure.
A faint glow flowed across the small magnifying lens. It was clearly an enchanted tool, capable of providing a view far beyond that of an ordinary lens.
For a time, the laboratory contained only the low hum of operating instruments and the faint sound of sea wind passing through the tower's cracks. Merrick held his breath, while Duke patiently awaited the master's appraisal.
After a long while, Master Rand lowered the magnifying glass, a flash of amazement and intense scholarly interest appearing in his eyes.
"Very fine materials. They should not originate from the Wizard Plane," he murmured. Then he looked up at Duke. "The chain is woven and fused from Star-Pattern Gold and an unknown Magic Metal using a special forging process. The properties of these two Magic Metals have been perfectly combined—it is indestructible yet exceptionally flexible, and possesses extraordinary affinity for and capacity to bear magic power. As for this main stone—"
His gaze returned to the azure gemstone. "Tears of the Stars is indeed a fitting name. The power contained within it is extremely unusual: tranquil, profound, accommodating, yet carrying a faint and nearly imperceptible resilience."
"This is an exceptionally rare composite gemstone. Not only can it store magic power efficiently, but it also seems to naturally possess superior buffering and dispersing properties against all forms of energy impact. The material itself is extremely hard as well. No such gemstone is produced on the Wizard Plane."
He looked at Duke and asked directly, "This is indeed an excellent Wizard Artifact foundation. What type of