Chapter 79: Different Ores, Thoughts
Looking at the documents, Su Ning began to carefully study the ores that could be mined on this planet.
Ores were divided into five grades, from one to five. The higher the number, the greater the value and usefulness.
For example, the Blue Rock Ore she had previously mined — although it was extremely valuable in her eyes — turned out to be the lowest grade of ore here.
Su Ning also saw many ores with similar value to Blue Rock Ore.
Each of them would have a huge impact in the real world.
Black Steel Rock: One-star grade ore with extremely high hardness and strength. Often used as raw material for weapons and tools. Its tough texture allows it to forge powerful weapons, giving users a greater edge. It’s also commonly used in crafting equipment and mechanical parts that require high-strength materials.
Nightlight Crystal: One-star grade rock ore. This peculiar ore can absorb light from its surroundings and store it, later emitting a faint glow in the dark to illuminate its surroundings.
Su Ning continued reading and found an ore called Fire Garnet, a three-star grade.
According to the documents, Fire Garnet contains powerful flame energy. When struck hard, it can produce violent explosions. This made Su Ning think — if used in weapons, it would be extremely dangerous.
Then she noticed another ore called Water Chalcedony, also a three-star grade, with mysterious properties. Water Chalcedony has healing powers — when ground into powder, it can be used to make medicine for wounds, with very effective results.
“The effects of the ores in this instance are truly astounding.”
The further she read, the more incredible the ores became: Thunder Silver (3-star): Can channel the power of lightning. Wind Spirit Jade (4-star): Can summon storms. Void Crystal (5-star): Contains spatial energy and can be used to craft space-related equipment — a rare and precious treasure.
“Are these even ores anymore?”
Of course, the rarer the ore, the harder it is to find.
Eventually, Su Ning found information on her quest objective — Energy Crystals.
Energy Crystal: A five-star grade ore — even said to be beyond five stars. It contains terrifyingly powerful energy. A crystal the size of a thumb could flatten everything within a 10-mile radius. Even its fragments have been studied and classified as a form of annihilation energy.
This is the origin of the Annihilation Gun.
Su Ning studied the image of the Energy Crystal in the document — it looked similar to a diamond, beautiful and elegant, but emanating a mysterious and dangerous aura.
These crystals not only held vast energy reserves but were also used to manufacture high-tech equipment and weapons.
Su Ning read further into the data.
With the discovery of Energy Crystals, all the major forces in the universe regarded them as vital strategic resources and began fierce competition to obtain them. This rush led to mining operations springing up all across the universe — hence the rise of cosmic mining zones.
“So that’s how the universe’s mining industry came to be.”
Su Ning continued flipping through the documents and learned more about the various uses of Energy Crystals.
From powerful Annihilation Guns to advanced spacefaring vessels, and even other high-tech devices — they all relied on Energy Crystals as their core energy source.
Additionally, Su Ning discovered something else — whispers about New Humans.
According to rumors, some people were conducting human experiments. It was said that Energy Crystals might hold the potential to help humans awaken and become New Humans.
“Something that all the major powers are fighting over — could I really get my hands on it?”
Su Ning understood that obtaining an Energy Crystal would not be easy.
Due to their rarity and value — and the intense competition between factions — they were nearly impossible to find.
Even in Su Ning’s mining site, the chance of finding one was one in ten thousand.
And her mining site was just one among countless others on the planet — and the universe had even more.
Energy Crystals were pitifully rare.
Worse still, they attracted a terrifying race:
The Insectoid Swarm!
The most fearsome cosmic plague known!
These creatures could travel freely through the universe and were extremely dangerous.
But the swarm was highly attracted to the energy inside Energy Crystals. The crystals could even provide reproductive energy to Queen Insects. If a Queen were to obtain just one crystal, she could spawn a swarm capable of wiping out an entire planet.
The more Su Ning read, the more terrified she became.
“Damn… not only do I have to compete with the major powers for crystals, now I have to fight bugs too?”
When she thought of it like that, the four-year mission — though long — at least seemed safer.
“Forget it. I haven’t even found any sign of Energy Crystals yet, and I’m already overthinking things.”
Su Ning tidied up the documents and decided to rest. She needed to be in top shape to do anything big.
Though her living quarters weren’t large, they had a steady water supply.
That alone made her quite happy about this instance.
She could finally enjoy a comfortable bath.
After bathing, Su Ning felt completely relaxed and was about to go to bed when she suddenly remembered the hibernation pods on the space cruiser.
“There are so many things worth collecting in this instance.”
In just one day of being here, she had already started making a list of items to bring back:
Different types of ores with unique abilities, energy bars, annihilation guns, hibernation pods, and even some sci-fi style equipment.
Su Ning really wished she could take them all, stuff them into her scavenger space and backpack.
However, she was always cautious about opening her scavenger backpack or planting space in public — only inside her small room did she dare to use them.
Right now, Honghong and Huahua were living carefree lives in the planting space. Seeing them so happy, Su Ning couldn’t help but smile.
“You two are living freely in a fantasy-like space, while your master is out here risking her life completing missions.”
Honghong: Don’t worry, Master. I’ll give birth to little brothers. When you’re in danger, I’ll help you.
Huahua: When I’m full, I’ll gift Master some new skills.
Zombie-Zombie: I can… I can transform?
Zombies #1–4: We’re the cheerleading squad! We’ll cheer you on!
Su Ning chuckled softly, “It’s really nice having you all. I’m not alone.”
Suddenly, a thought struck her as she remembered No. 2’s ability, “No. 2’s digging skill might be perfect for mining. With his help, I should be able to collect even more ores.”
But the real question was how to let No. 2 appear openly in front of people.
Su Ning closed her eyes, thinking about it — and soon fell asleep.
Meanwhile, Andy had gathered a number of players at a secret location, discussing something.
Andy: “Now we can start discussing the plan properly.”
Wang Chao and the others exchanged glances: “As long as we get what we want, we’re open to cooperation.”
(End of Chapter)
