Chapter 160: Metal and Machinery Enhancement Path

Chapter 160: Metal and Machinery Enhancement Path

With [Metal Ion Restoration] and [Mechanical Heart], there were three skill slots available.

This initial template resembled someone else's; both had dual talents and three skill slots, and their initial talents were equally powerful.

Combining these two talents essentially determined the development path—the metal and machinery enhancement route.

Lu Heng scanned through the list of core crystals and tapped on one, saying, "This one."

The others turned to look, and upon seeing the name of the core crystal Lu Heng had chosen, they read it aloud, "Fluid Metal."

Lin Zeyu's eyes widened in surprise, "Wait a minute, I just acquired this a few days ago. That number!"

He held up four fingers towards Lu Heng.

This [Fluid Metal] core crystal had appeared at the Ultimate Auction three months ago, fetching a price of 45 million.

The auction price might be slightly higher, but even when purchased privately, the price would be lower, though not by much.

"So what?" Lu Heng blinked, asking with a hint of playfulness.

"No, I was planning to use it myself. I wanted to discuss it with you. Can I use this one? It's a skill that's both offensive and defensive," Lin Zeyu explained, as he still had an empty skill slot. He had collected several skill core crystals, intending to consult Lu Heng about them.

Yuan Hecheng, seeing Lin Zeyu's four fingers, assumed it was four million.

He had signed a contract with an advance payment of ten million, and as he highly trusted Lu Heng and found the skill appealing, he asked, "Can I purchase this? The contract states an advance payment of ten million."

Lin Zeyu waved his hand dismissively, "You can't afford it."

Yuan Hecheng was momentarily stunned, at a loss for words.

Su Muyu stepped in to clarify, "This guy speaks without a filter. But this core crystal is B-Class, and the acquisition price is forty million."

Upon hearing the price, Yuan Hecheng's eyes widened in surprise, realizing that Lin Zeyu was right; he genuinely couldn't afford it.

Recently, Yuan Hecheng had been pleading with various corporations, willing to sign a twenty-year bondage contract just to secure an advance payment of one million. However, none of the corporations agreed.

In reality, one million could purchase several decent D-Class and C-Class core crystals.

His original plan was to buy three D-Class and C-Class life-saving skills for his daughter, and one million was sufficient for that.

Unexpectedly, Lu Heng recommended a B-Class crystal right off the bat, and it was one of the more expensive ones in its class.

Yuan Hecheng took the core crystal and examined it carefully. After reading through the skill description, he understood why it was so expensive.

[Fluid Metal: Consumes a significant amount of Source Energy to greatly enhance the malleability of metal, transforming it into a fluid state, allowing shape manipulation. Upon retracting the Source Energy, the metal regains its original hardness. Skill Cost: 10 Source Energy per minute; Skill Grade: B-Class.]



This skill was undoubtedly one of the most powerful for metal-based mutants.

With this skill, metal-based mutants could create infinite possibilities.

Moreover, this skill could synergize with Yuan Yaoyao's [Metal Ion Restoration] talent.

There was no need for further analysis; after reading the skill information, Yuan Hecheng immediately understood that this skill was indeed suitable for his daughter and was worth spending every penny on.

However, even if he sold everything he had, he couldn't afford it.

Even if he doubled the duration of the bondage contract, he could only afford half the price.

Without the necessary funds, he didn't have the face to ask.

Lu Heng, however, spoke with certainty, "This one. Have someone bring over the core crystal."

Lin Zeyu, who had just acquired a B-Class skill, wanted to use it himself, "I want it for myself."

"You'd be wasting it," Lu Heng replied, "Let the young lady use it first. I'll find a suitable one for you later."

"Alright," Lin Zeyu had no choice but to agree and asked someone to retrieve the [Fluid Metal] core crystal.

Yuan Hecheng's face turned slightly red, "Mr. Lu, I can't afford this core crystal."

Lu Heng remained calm, "It's fine. Take it and use it. Nothing is more important than life."

Yuan Hecheng's eyes misted over, "Mr. Lu, I'll be your loyal servant. I'll do whatever you ask."

"I treat others with sincerity, and I expect the same in return."

Lu Heng continued browsing the list of core crystals, selecting two more for Yuan Hecheng's daughter. Then, he took out a copy of the Abyss Battlefield Survival Guide and pushed it towards them, saying, "There's still over a day left. Reading through this guide should be helpful to you."

The Abyss Battlefield Survival Guide contained records of experiences and methods for surviving in the Abyssal world, along with specific information about the Abyssal world.

This guide would be immensely beneficial for first-time summoned mutants.

"Thank you, thank you..." Yuan Hecheng expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

Over the past week, Yuan Yaoyao noticed that her father had been running around, and he looked exhausted.

She understood what he was doing and the difficulty of his task.

Therefore, she realized the great favor they had received today, and when she looked at Lu Heng, her eyes shone with gratitude.

Once the skill core crystal was brought over and Yuan Yaoyao absorbed it, she learned the three skills. The remaining time was spent reading the Abyss Battlefield Survival Guide and awaiting the summons.

Lu Heng knew that Yuan Hecheng would want to stay by his daughter's side at this time, and wouldn't be in the mood to enter the Tempering Castle, so he let them go home.

After the father and daughter left, Lin Zeyu complained, "That was the skill I prepared for myself."

"Are you that stingy?" Lu Heng teased back.

"You don't know how hard it is to collect Core Crystals unless you're in charge. This is a B-Class Core Crystal, and I've only managed to get one in half a year," Lin Zeyu sighed.

While Lu Heng was looking at the Core Crystal list earlier, he had noticed another skill and said, "Didn't you collect the Concealing Eye? That's a pretty good skill."

Lin Zeyu rolled his eyes and said, "This skill is only C-Class, just C-Class. And it can't move, it's so useless."

Lu Heng shook his head and laughed, "This skill is a C-Class divine skill. If it were me, I'd choose this over Fluid Metal."

Lin Zeyu furrowed his brows, doubtful, "Are you sure? Can a C-Class skill compare to a B-Class one?"

According to a regular Mutant's logic, there's no need for comparison. Of course, you'd choose the B-Class skill with your eyes closed.

Lu Heng reminded him, "As long as you max out the proficiency of this skill, I can upgrade it to the B-Class Void Eye."

Hearing this, Lin Zeyu's eyes lit up, "Oh, right! Skill levels are just numbers. Of course, the skill effect is more important. Then I'll learn the Concealing Eye."

Lu Heng and Su Muyu were both speechless at his sudden change in attitude.

After learning the new skill, Lin Zeyu began to test out the Concealing Eye, summoning an energy eyeball in his palm.

"How do I use this?"

"Try closing your eyes," Lu Heng suggested.

Lin Zeyu closed his eyes, and to his surprise, he found that instead of darkness, he saw through the vision of the Concealing Eye.

"This is amazing!"

He began placing the Concealing Eye in various locations around the room.

"This is like an infinite surveillance network. I can place as many eyes as I want," he exclaimed.

"Until your Source Energy runs out, or... until you have a mental breakdown," Lu Heng replied.

"Mental breakdown?" Lin Zeyu asked, puzzled. He closed his eyes, and his body stiffened, and he fell onto the sofa with an "Ouch!" He quickly opened his eyes and started breathing heavily.

He had summoned two or three dozen energy eyeballs at once, and when he closed his eyes, the vision from all those eyeballs hit him at the same time, almost overwhelming his mind.

After trying out the skill, Lin Zeyu held the Core Crystal list and asked, "Which Core Crystal does Miss Su want? Let's discuss it together."

Su Muyu had also been considering which skill to choose while looking at the list earlier.

There were a few usable skills, but none were particularly suitable.

Lu Heng, who had already finished looking through the list, said, "There's nothing particularly suitable. Let's wait and see."

Lin Zeyu pointed at a Core Crystal on the list and said, "I think the Source Energy Shield is pretty good, and it has a long duration too."

Lu Heng evaluated, "The Source Energy Shield's defense can't block sniper rifle bullets. With that skill, you'd still get a headshot if you were shot."

"Cough, cough, cough..." Lin Zeyu changed the topic, "This skill isn't that great. Let's look for another one."

The Source Energy Shield was a relatively standard defensive skill that could block pistol shots but not rifle bullets, and its defense was inferior to the Prism Tower Shield.

Of course, the Source Energy Shield also had its advantages, such as its long duration, allowing users to equip it in advance before launching a charge.

Following up on the topic, Su Muyu said, "By the way, I've maxed out the proficiency of my Prism Tower Shield. Should I upgrade it now?"

"Sure. You're so fat," Lu Heng replied casually.

"What do you mean I'm fat!" Su Muyu exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"I mean your Divine Energy is fat," Lu Heng quickly corrected himself.

The last time Su Muyu returned from the Cyber Wasteland, she had gained 2400 points of Divine Energy, which she hadn't spent yet, and she had also saved up 600 points previously.

So, she currently had a total of 3000 points of Divine Energy, which was indeed a lot.

Su Muyu suppressed a smile and quickly changed the subject, "Then I'll start upgrading my Prism Tower Shield."

"Okay, I'll help you unlock the skill lock," Lu Heng said, using his innate ability to unlock the skill lock for her.

Su Muyu infused 300 points of Divine Energy into the skill slot, merging it with the energy of the Prism Tower Shield. After a moment, a larger energy sphere formed.

"Done."

"Is that it?" Lin Zeyu blinked, remembering that he had failed an upgrade once before, which had cost him twice the Divine Energy.

Su Muyu's skill upgrade was much faster than his; she finished in less than a minute.

Lu Heng locked the skill for her and said, "People have different physiques, so you can't generalize. This might be your hidden talent."

Lin Zeyu stared at him with wide eyes, unconvinced, "Lu Heng, be honest, did you not pay attention when you helped me upgrade my skill?"

"So what if I did?" Lu Heng continued the joke.

"If that's the case, then we can't be friends anymore. From now on... I can only call you my foster father!" Lin Zeyu suddenly changed the topic, revealing his playful side.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end