"Sell me the entire dimensional warehouse? Are you sure you want to do this? A continuously operating dimensional warehouse can reliably generate a large amount of revenue. Selling it all at once will result in a significant loss of resources in the long run," Vera cautioned.
Gustavo first thanked Vera for her thoughtful reminder, then said with an extremely serious Earth Dao, "I know what I'm doing, Your Majesty. Compared to long-term, stable returns, I probably need a large sum of start-up capital more right now."
Seeing this, Vera nodded knowingly. "Alright, since you've already thought it through, then this transaction isn't manifestly unfair. I agree to the deal. The exact value of this dimensional warehouse needs to be assessed in person. Open the dimensional warehouse."
"OK."
Gustavo readily agreed, and after communicating with the intelligent hub of the dimensional warehouse, the teleportation portal slowly appeared.
Prior to this, Vera had temporarily lifted the spatial seal on the room; otherwise, the teleportation portal would never have been able to form here.
"Your Majesty, please." Gustavo bowed slightly and stood respectfully before the teleportation portal.
Vera's body slowly floated up, her bare, white feet leaving the ground and hovering as she entered the teleportation portal, with Gustavo following closely behind.
"So many resource stars."
When the starlight filling the field of vision came into view, even Queen Vera, with her extensive knowledge, was slightly taken aback.
She wasn't surprised by the dimensional warehouse's resource reserves, but rather by its ability to operate stably for so many years within the Destruction Realm Abyss without being blown out of the deep dimension by the Berserk Space-Time storms.
"It seems that the dimensional warehouse technology of the Aslant Civilization is not to be underestimated. Perhaps this is one of their hidden technologies?" Vera murmured thoughtfully.
Gustavo, who was listening to Vera's mutterings, silently echoed her words. In reality, he understood that the key to the stable operation and survival of this surface warehouse in the chaotic environment of the Destruction Realm Abyss was not the technology of the Aslant Civilization, but the ability of the Miracle Creation, the Illusory and Real Prism.
Just from the name, one can roughly guess the characteristics of the Illusory and Real Prism. It most likely involves illusion and reality, and both of these forces are very good at deception and concealment.
'It might be a component of the Illusory and Real Prism, which, on a physical level, renders the real existence of the dimensional warehouse as illusory, thus allowing one to roam in imaginary space or Fantasy Dimension, avoiding the onslaught of Space-Time storms and the prying eyes of other powerful beings.'
Even the Zerg Queen, skilled in reconnaissance, failed to detect the existence of the dimensional warehouse immediately. Although the Ancestral Tree of Destruction is the ruler of the Destruction Realm Abyss, it is usually in slumber, and its existence is almost impossible to detect without focused searching.
Just as Gustavo was lost in thought, Queen Vera glanced briefly at the resource stars in the dimensional warehouse, turned around and said, "There are too many resource stars here, and they are of various types. Considering the value of the dimensional warehouse itself, it will take time to arrive at an accurate price. However, I can give you a rough price range. It will definitely be worth hundreds of billions of Star Wheel, which is equivalent to a small portion of Main God Artifact."
"That valuable?!"
Gustavo gasped. In his estimation, the dimensional warehouse shouldn't have sold for that much money. You see, the most valuable batch of resource stars was lying inside him. Although the quantity was only a drop in the ocean, its total value was not to be underestimated.
Seemingly noticing Gustavo's confusion, Vera smiled and explained, "Don't be surprised. These resource stars are just for quantity. The key is this dimensional warehouse itself. I have high hopes for its stability. Only with sufficient stability can it be used for resource production tasks in dangerous areas. This alone makes this dimensional warehouse much more valuable than ordinary dimensional warehouses."
You should know that in the Astral Realm, the more dangerous the place, the more valuable the resources it produces. Often, due to the instability of the internal systems, ordinary dimensional warehouses simply cannot operate in these areas. Your dimensional warehouse does not have this problem. Scarcity increases value, so naturally it is more valuable.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Gustavo gave an awkward smile, but his heart was pounding, especially when he saw Vera looking at the dimensional warehouse with a smile on her face, he felt even more uneasy.
Should we tell the Zerg Queen that this surface warehouse isn't as structurally stable as she thinks?
But if its structure itself is unstable, how can it be explained that it has been able to exist in the Destruction Realm Abyss for so many years?
If things go wrong, it could expose the existence of some kind of treasure in the dimensional warehouse. Although Vera wouldn't directly associate it with Miracle Creation, it would undoubtedly increase her own risks.
If he doesn't explain, what if Vera discovers in the future that this facade warehouse is just a pretty but useless silver spear and candlestick? Won't she cause him trouble?
Gustavo was caught in a dilemma.
However, in the end, he still made a decision to keep it a secret for the time being. Anyway, this bomb wouldn't explode anytime soon, which would buy him a lot of time to develop further.
At worst, we can make up for the Zerg Queen's shortcomings in other ways after this bomb explodes.
In any case, the existence of the Illusory and Real Prism must never be exposed; it is Miracle Creation, not something that money can buy.
After observing the location and number of resource stars for a while, Vera left with Gustavo and returned to the room they had just been in.
When it came to business negotiations, Vera, who had been so languid just moments before, immediately became dashing and confident. After inviting Gustavo to sit down at her desk, she sat down opposite him, took out a pale yellow crystal jar from a drawer, took out a small spoon, scooped out some black powder, poured it into a crystal pot next to her, mixed it with a viscous yet clear liquid, and then pushed it in front of Gustavo.
"This is..."
"How about trying our unique Zerg Starry Tea?"
"You're too kind."
Gustavo was flattered.
No wonder he reacted this way; the Starry Night Tea in front of him was simply too extraordinary.
As a peak Astral Realm civilization, the Void Insect Clan also possess a Miracle Creation, an extremely rare resource-producing Miracle Creation, named Star Ripple Vine.
The Star Ripple Vine manifests as a special vine-like plant. Unconsciously, its trunk, leaves, roots, sap, fruit, and even parasites are all top-tier materials in the Astral Realm. Currently, it is controlled by the Void Insect Clan, and thanks to the Star Ripple Vine, the probability of the Zerg's Lord-level individuals being born has increased several times over.
Starry Tea is a precious beverage made by blending the juice of Star Ripple Vine with the blood of a high-grade flesh worm specially cultivated by Vera, along with tens of thousands of other rare ingredients. It is considered a symbol of status and is highly sought after in the upper echelons of the Astral Realm.
Normally, someone of Gustavo's level wouldn't be able to drink Starry Tea, which is why he had that reaction.
Vera waved her hand dismissively, "Don't be shy, drink as much as you want, it's nothing."
"Well..."
Looking at the Starry Night Tea in his hand and listening to the voice beside him, Gustavo felt a pang of unease, but upon reflection, it seemed the other person wasn't exaggerating.
Starry Tea was originally a beverage developed by Vera, and Star Ripple Vine was Miracle Creation of the Void Insect Clan. It was considered precious and rare by outsiders, but in Vala's eyes, it was really no different from ordinary tea. After all, she was one of the richest women in the Astral Realm.
Gustavo picked up his teacup and sipped his Starry Night Tea.
The moment the tea slid down his throat, a cool sensation rushed straight to the depths of his soul, like a clear spring washing over his spirit. Even his body groaned in pleasure, every cell sending out signals of pure bliss.
Looking at Gustavo's satisfied expression, Vera's eyes flashed with a smile. Besides being a businesswoman, she was also a Gourmet; otherwise, she wouldn't have taken this crooked path of producing meat worms.
As Gourmet, seeing others enjoy the food I make is certainly a joyful thing.
After Gustavo finished his cup of Starry Tea, Vera refilled it for him and began to discuss business.
"This dimensional warehouse is worth at least a hundred billion Star Wheel. I need more time to assess the exact amount, but if you need the money, I can pay you up to a hundred billion first. However, once you accept my deposit, the ownership of this dimensional warehouse will completely belong to me. Do you have any objections to this?"
"No, it's a very fair proposal. You are one of the few true businessmen I've ever met who doesn't use their status or power to intimidate others," Gustavo remarked. His words weren't just empty flattery; they came from genuine emotion.
In the dark forest of the Astral Realm, where the law of the jungle prevails, strong individuals like Vera, who are willing to reason with those weaker than herself, are extremely rare—truly a case of being as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.
At least Gustavo himself, if he were to ask himself honestly, would most likely not be able to do that.
"Merchant? Hmm, that's a nice title. It's been a long time since anyone called me that." A soft look flashed in Vera's beautiful eyes. Compared to the title of Zerg Queen, she actually preferred titles like Gourmet, merchant, or even cook.
Of course, she herself knew deep down that the foundation for these titles still had to be the identity of the Zerg Queen; strength and status were prerequisites for freedom.
"So, tell me, do you want cash directly, or would you like to choose another payment method?"
Upon hearing this, Gustavo pondered for a moment and tentatively asked, "Can I directly use the corresponding resources to offset the Star Wheel?"
Hearing this, Vera smiled and teased, "You're as cunning as ever. You're eyeing my connections, aren't you?"
"Hehe." Gustavo scratched his head, looking honest and simple. "What are you saying? I just don't want the middleman to make a profit. I heard that Your Majesty is a major shareholder of the Commercial Alliance and Golden Entertainment City, controlling several large companies across the universe. You have abundant resources and strong power. Rather than letting others make the money, it's better to let you make it. From now on, we're partners. Let's keep the profits in the family."
In terms of flattery alone, Gustavo is indeed far superior to Logo and Lancelot. Coupled with his chubby, harmless, and gentle face, he is even more deceptive.
Vera already had a favorable impression of Gustavo, and after his flattery, she felt even better and laughed, "Alright, considering you've provided me with such a structurally stable dimensional warehouse, I agree to your proposal. Within the limit of a hundred billion Star Wheel, you can request corresponding resources at market price."
"Very good!!"
As soon as Vera finished speaking, Gustavo's eyes lit up, and an undisguised look of ecstasy appeared on his face.
Often, money alone is not enough; some Rare resources can only be obtained by having a strong enough network of connections.
In a sense, connections are more important than wealth.
So don't underestimate the significance of Vera's seemingly simple promise. It's like giving Gustavo temporary access to Vera's network of connections within the limit of a trillion Star Wheel.
Some extremely rare Rare resources are virtually impossible for Gustavo to obtain, but Vera only needs to say a word, and someone will eagerly deliver them to his door.
Through the temporary access to connections granted to Gustavo by Vera, the value of the trillion-dollar Star Wheel was indirectly amplified.
After receiving the promise, Gustavo began to race.
What resources do we, including Logo and Lancelot, need most right now?
Without a doubt, it is an extremely Rare resource that can be used to upgrade the quality of Seven-Star Miracle.
Nirvana Tower, Scale of Exchange, Genesis Ovary.
They all need to be upgraded to Miracle quality. Under normal circumstances, it would take the three of them a long time to obtain the ultra- Rare resources with the corresponding characteristics.
But now, with Vera's connections, these resources can definitely be gathered all at once.
Now was not the time for politeness. Angel investors were a rare find, and Gustavo seized the opportunity, quickly compiling a list of resources and handing it over to Vera.
The latter took the list, scanned it with her Divine Power, and a hint of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes. "Abyss Crystal, Spirit of Sacrifice, Life Soul Light —these three are all extremely Rare resources of Seven-Star Miracle quality. The other resources are also extremely rare, but their applications are quite narrow. Are you sure you want them? These things have little resale value."
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, these resources I request are for my own use only. I will never resell them for profit; I would never do something so foolish."
"Okay, I understand. These resources are Rare, but I happen to have them in my private warehouse. Let me get them for you."
This statement left Gustavo stunned. So, you, sir, don't need to use any connections at all? You can raise the funds solely through your own private coffers?
Wow~ What terrifying power of wealth this is!
Vera was right. A few minutes later, a small door appeared on the desk. She reached in, fumbled around for a moment, took out a black crystal, and tossed it to Gustavo.
"Here are the resources you need. Check them, and if everything is okay, you can leave."
After inspecting it, Gustavo repeatedly expressed his gratitude. Just as he was about to leave, Vera suddenly called out to him, "Wait a minute, I almost forgot. The Destruction Realm Abyss is probably very dangerous right now. Take this first. Holding onto it will prevent the other Zerg forces under the Queen from attacking you."
As she finished speaking, a feather carrying a faint fragrance landed in Gustavo's hand, containing within it a restrained, powerful will of the empress.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After Gustavo left, he clutched his feathers and departed the Zerg hive.
Behind her desk, Vera gazed at the spot where Gustavo had left, her eyes deepening. "Sigh, the Astral Realm is in chaos again. It's always good to make friends with some promising talents; they might come in handy in the future. Little one, grow up quickly; I might need your protection someday, hehe..."