As Luo Shu marvelled at his newfound wealth, Lacus sighed softly and explained:
"I once had Meer investigate the Super Abyss Artefacts held by the Union."
"According to that intelligence, no Abyss Artefact has ever exhibited this kind of exchange capability."
"Though it's not to say some Abyss Artefacts don't possess material production abilities, those are typically powers only found in Level 3 or higher artefacts, and even then... they're exceptionally rare."
Hearing this, Luo Shu's expression showed understanding.
By now, within the SDS, the classification system for Abyss Artefacts had been largely standardised.
Level 1 Abyss Artefacts corresponded to Common and Excellent Class holders.
At this level, the artefacts merely granted abilities that didn't exceed normal human skill limits, with relatively minor side effects.
A well-matched Level 1 artefact could easily overpower so-called elite special forces soldiers - provided they weren't armed with firearms.
Level 2 Abyss Artefacts, corresponding to Elite Rank, represented the pinnacle of human talent - the absolute limits of mortal techniques. Their combat skills already possessed lethal potential, offering firearm-like convenience with artillery-level destructive power, though their side effects became significantly more severe, potentially fatal.
Then came the particularly troublesome Level 3 Abyss Artefacts corresponding to Hero Rank.
Not only did they universally have exaggerated side effects, but some even possessed certain 'instincts'. Their destructive radius began measuring in kilometres, capable of causing city-scale devastation if not promptly contained, and they generally possessed bizarre abilities.
In both the SDS and the Five Great Powers, artefacts of this calibre were dangerous contraband kept under strict lockdown. Except for a few with milder side effects, virtually no one would use them.
This explained why the SDS chose to develop technological equipment rather than utilise these Abyss Artefacts.
The truth was that Level 3 artefacts had such peculiar and troublesome side effects that most couldn't be practically deployed in combat, making widespread adoption completely pointless.
At Level 4, Abyss Artefacts are generally considered Demigod Rank Abyss Artefacts.
Both Demigod Rank and Apostle Rank Abyss Artefacts are collectively referred to as Demigod Rank, making them extremely dangerous and nearly impossible to harness.
Some unique Abyss Artefacts, such as the Kusanagi Sword wielded by Lacus, even possess autonomous consciousness and actively choose their users.
Artefacts of this calibre aren't something you can simply use at will.
They often require specific users, and even then, the designated individual might easily die while attempting to wield them.
As for Level 5 Abyss Artefacts, also known as Super Abyss Artefacts, they are typically of Angel Rank or higher.
At this level, they are essentially the foundational assets of the Five Great Powers—superweapons so costly to deploy that even the great nations of the Union would wince at the expense.
Yet it is precisely these Super Abyss Artefacts that have allowed the Union to maintain its dominant position on Earth to this day.
Those nations—unruly, inhuman—have almost all been driven into the Australian Demon Realm, struggling to survive behind the Wailing Wall.
"Among the Union's Angel Rank Abyss Artefacts, are there none capable of producing materials?"
Hearing this, Lacus shook her head:
"According to investigations, no. Even if there were, they likely couldn't match the comprehensiveness of the Divine Pantheon."
"However, if they were willing, they could repurpose some suitable Abyss Artefacts as materials for advancement."
"Use those things for advancement?" Luo Shu's face turned slightly green at the suggestion. "Those things are a chaotic mix of violent energies, tainted by the Abyss, no different from evil spirits. You'd have to have a death wish to try advancing with them."
"Which is exactly why I said there's no need to worry." Lacus smiled faintly. "After all, as far as we know, you're the only one who can neutralise the side effects of Abyss Artefacts and refine them into usable materials."
Luo Shu sighed at this:
"That function of shattering Abyss Artefacts hasn't been tested yet, though there shouldn't be much danger."
Using the power of a Divine Kingdom to dismantle an Abyss Artefact and refine it into pure materials for advancement—this was something only Luo Shu, as the holder of a Divine Kingdom, could achieve.
For the Union to accomplish the same, they would need a Demigod who also possessed a Divine Kingdom.
But did the Union even have a Demigod right now?
The thought made even Luo Shu feel a pang of pity:
"Come to think of it, the Union's situation seems... rather rough, doesn't it?"
Lacus smiled faintly in response:
"That's precisely why I suggested staying out of the competition."
Her eyes glinted with cunning as she added,
"Besides, staying out doesn't mean we can't get what we want."
"If we offer to withdraw from the competition in exchange for the Union sharing information on the True Dragon Sorcerer Class, I doubt their leaders would refuse such a request."
Luo Shu couldn't help but chuckle:
"Wouldn't that be aiding the enemy?"
"If they actually manage to cultivate a Top Tier Class Apostle before we do, our advantage would be severely diminished."
Hearing this, Lacus smiled.
"But even prodigies need time to grow."
Luo Shu glanced at her but said nothing in reply.
"Yes, even geniuses need time to grow. As long as we have information on the True Dragon Sorcerer Class, the SDS has plenty of means to interfere."
"Tampering with materials, disrupting advancement rituals, or even assassination—none of these are too troublesome."
"After all, there can't be too many inheritors of a Top Tier Class. Keeping tabs on a few key individuals is enough to control the progress."
At this point, Lacus abruptly changed the subject:
"Of course, compared to brutal methods like assassination, I'd prefer to recruit such talents instead."
"After all, compared to the Union, we can offer geniuses far better support."
"Using others to hatch your eggs?" Luo Shu's expression turned odd. "Let the Union nurture talents, then poach them with Familia contracts?"
"But would the Union really be that unlucky? What if the Class inheritance just happens to select candidates with Familia potential?"
Hearing Luo Shu's doubts, Lacus flashed a mischievous grin:
"That's exactly why we need to understand the requirements of the True Dragon Sorcerer Class and help them with the selection process!"
At this point, Luo Shu was utterly speechless.
Was Lacus planning to exploit the Five Great Powers, making them foot the bill to cultivate talents for the Familia?
After a moment of silence, Luo Shu sighed and said:
"In that case, let's gather more intel on this so-called True Dragon Legacy."
Only with sufficient information could they identify suitable candidates for this Class and interfere with the Union's mystical development.
To put it bluntly, suppressing the number of mystic-side powerhouses in the Union was practically a consensus among many factions in the mystical world.
This wasn't just the SDS—the Truth Astronomy faction, the Hell Sect, and various other organisations were all doing the same.
Lacus nodded in agreement: "I'll bring this up during the upcoming symposium with representatives from the Five Great Powers."
"So I'll leave the investigation to you."
Luo Shu could only smile wryly:
"Well, what can I say? We're the ones who chose the name 'Hidden Management Department.'"
Managing and concealing forbidden knowledge—in a way, Luo Shu's upcoming tasks truly lived up to the department's name.
Perhaps this was the influence of fate...