Chapter 216: Demon Hunterknights (Two-Star and a Half)

Chapter 216: Demon Hunterknights (Two-Star and a Half)

The Puppet shuddered faintly on the lab table, its half-mechanical, half-organic writhing looking grotesquely unnatural under the dim laboratory lighting.

Luo En took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he observed the Puppet Substitute—now saturated with vast quantities of Abyss Mana and infused with Sovereign Bloodline essence.

The Charging Progress had reached the critical 50% threshold. This meant the long-awaited Demon Hunter class advancement could finally begin.

"The key lies in precise will projection", he murmured, fingertips tracing the intricate patterns across the Puppet's surface, sensing the surging mana within.

Originally, he had planned to use traditional methods—performing Organic Suturing by implanting monster organs into the Puppet Substitute.

For that, he'd already prepared surgical tools of exquisite precision and rare monster organ samples.

Yet as he began probing the Puppet Substitute's mana composition through Perception, a startling discovery halted his preparations.

"Fascinating… the Abyss Substance has already formed organ-like structures within the Puppet."

A flash of excitement lit Luo En's eyes:

"The Bone Fragment Extract created a skeletal reinforcement framework. The Molting Essence formed a protective membrane. Even the Swamp Mosaic tissue constructed a primitive circulatory system. And those previously absorbed Lion Scorpion, Serpent Demon, and clone fragments are all contributing."

He immediately adjusted his approach, setting down the scalpel.

Instead, he activated spirit Perception, diving deep into the Puppet's mana network.

"This is an unexpected gift", he mused.

"This Vitality Abyss Substance has not only replaced the Organic Suturing Organ function but also eliminated biological rejection risks entirely. They've formed a perfect Symbiotic System together."

This revelation drastically simplified the class advancement process while reducing its inherent dangers.

Luo En swiftly revised his plan. He would directly attempt will projection, using the Puppet as the medium for his Demon Hunter transformation.

"Timing starts now." He glanced at the crystal clock, determination burning in his eyes.

Drawing a deep breath, he closed his eyes and let his consciousness sink into the tranquil lake of his inner self.

He understood the risks of Demon Hunter advancement all too well—the Academy records stated plainly that conventional methods succeeded in only 30% of cases.

Even successful transformations often led to mutations or Spiritual Disarray.

This was why Demon Hunters were so rare, and those who succeeded often suffered fractured minds.

But his path was different.

The Puppet Substitute would bear the full transformation risks as a Mediator, while he only needed to provide Spiritual Energy Guidance and bloodline-infused mana.

Theoretically, this should circumvent most dangers while capturing the purest Demon Hunter abilities.

"All preparations complete."

He retrieved a small vial of pale turquoise liquid—Exquisite Quality Ambra Mind Elixir, a spiritual energy amplifier specially prepared for this ritual.

Uncorking it slowly, the potion released a crisp mint aroma laced with subtle Mana Fluctuations.

He downed it in one gulp, feeling a cool current of mana spread from his throat to every nerve in his body, like a refreshing stream washing away all distractions.

His thoughts sharpened instantly. His spiritual energy flowed smoother, as if polished into crystalline clarity and strength.

"Begin."

Luo En inhaled deeply, closed his eyes, and channeled his spiritual energy inward.

This time, it wasn't mere Puppet control—it was the projection of part of his Consciousness.

This delicate process felt like tearing off a fragment of one's soul and implanting it carefully into another vessel.

Here, Bidirectional Transmission revealed its true value. The Puppet ceased being an external tool, becoming instead an extension of his will.

"Establish connection… maintain stability." His voice remained calm and low, though sweat already beaded his brow.

As the spiritual energy surged, the Puppet Substitute began its transformation.

Its previously rigid wooden structure softened, gaining elasticity. Surface textures gradually resembled human skin.

[Warning: Will Separation Attempt Detected. Confirm Continuation?]

The Interface's prompt suddenly appeared in Luo En's consciousness. He confirmed without hesitation.

[Validation Complete. Puppet Substitute Recognized as "Primary Extension" by Profession Interface. Demon Hunter Class Advancement Conditions Met.]

[Abyss Substance Vitality Structures Identified as Valid "Organic Suturing Organs".]

[Class Advancement Procedure Initialized.]

A sudden sharp pain lanced through his spirit core. Luo En clenched his teeth, enduring the agony.

This wasn't physical pain—it was the tearing of his very soul, as if forcibly abandoning part of his self-identity.

Despite mental preparation, the discomfort of this will division remained intense.

He felt part of his consciousness flowing into the Puppet Substitute, merging with Abyss Mana Structures to form new neural pathways.

The process lasted about ten minutes—far shorter than anticipated.

When the pain finally ebbed, Luo En experienced an unprecedented clarity.

It felt as though his Perception had expanded, simultaneously sensing the presence of two bodies.

[Demon Hunter Class Advancement Ritual Complete.]

[Profession Acquired: Demon Hunter (Two-Star).]

[Base Attribute Enhancements:

Physique 2.8→2.99 (+0.2)

Spirit 4.55→4.65 (+0.1)

Mana 2.9→2.99 (+0.1)]

[Special Bonuses:

1. Abnormal State Resistance—Dramatically enhanced resistance against toxins, diseases, and curses.

2. Perception Ability Enhancement—Five Senses Enhancement, particularly improved Night Vision and Auditory Sensitivity.]

[Professional Skill Unlocked: Hunting Evil.]

Luo En carefully reviewed the Interface notifications, focusing on the detailed descriptions of special abilities.

"Abnormal State Resistance grants immunity to physical toxins and diseases.

The 'Perception Ability Enhancement' bonus surprised him most.

Rather than merely sharpening physical senses, it extended to spiritual perception—making spell construction more precise and mana control more refined.

"This will directly boost my Spell Efficiency", Luo En assessed.

"Whether controlling 'Sound Wave Oscillation' frequencies or 'Radiant Halo' Mana Distribution, I can now achieve unprecedented accuracy."

As for "Hunting Evil", its current applications were limited.

But considering future Abyss Explorations and potential encounters with Abyssal Creatures, its value couldn't be overstated.

Not to mention the base attribute increases—though Physique and Mana attributes had both hit 3.0, a threshold that seemed to mark another barrier…

Yet as he cataloged these gains, new Interface data surfaced:

[Career Synergy Detection Activated.]

[Trigger Condition: Simultaneously possessing "Bloodline Knight (Two-Star)" and "Demon Hunter (Two-Star)"]

【Analyzing Possible Fusion Paths】

【Fusion Path Confirmed: Bloodline Knight + Demon Hunter → Demon Hunterknights (Two-Star and a Half)】

【Confirm Fusion?】

A flicker of surprise flashed across Luo En’s eyes—this transformation had been unexpected.

Career synergy wasn’t foreign to him, but direct Profession Fusion like this was a first. Without hesitation, he confirmed the fusion.

【Profession Fusion Initiated.】

【Warning:
Fusion will cause brief but intense dual pain to both spirit and body. Prepare accordingly.】

No sooner had the words faded than an agonizing, tearing pain erupted across Luo En’s entire body.

The sensation defied description—like someone twisting his very bones while shredding his soul apart. Luo En gritted his teeth, fingers clawing at the lab table’s edge until his knuckles turned pale.

The torment lasted roughly ten seconds. When it finally ebbed, Luo En sensed an indescribable shift within himself.

【Profession Fusion Complete】
【New Profession Acquired: Demon Hunterknights (Two-Star and a Half)】

【Base Attribute Enhancements:
Physique 2.99 → 3.2 (+0.2)
Spirit 4.65 → 4.75 (+0.1)
Mana 2.99 → 3.1 (+0.1)】

【Skill Fusion: "Bloodline Awakening" + "Organic Suturing Adaptation" → "Physical Awakening"】

【"Physical Awakening":
Beyond foundational bloodline activation and physical conditioning effects,
this ability temporarily awakens the body by stimulating its dormant beastline and hunter’s modifications.
Combat power surges dramatically, granting abilities akin to a black mage’s awakening.
Each use increases Mutation Tendency—the longer and more frequently used, the deeper the irreversible mutation.】

【Career Synergy Boost Details:
1. Enhanced resistance to anomalies; improved Spiritual Contamination Capacity.
2. Perception gains bloodline perception traits, sharpening detection and analysis of bloodline characteristics.
3. Amplified "Hunting Evil" skill—enhanced evil detection and greater damage against mutated creatures.】

Excellent. The attribute boost from Profession Fusion shattered the critical 3.0 threshold entirely.

Luo En inhaled deeply, savoring the surge of raw, wild energy coursing through him. This power felt different from past enhancements—it was primal, untamed, brimming with boundless possibilities.

The synergy bonuses delighted him further. Increased Spiritual Contamination Capacity meant higher Meditation Efficiency—a critical breakthrough he desperately needed to approach the Full Mage threshold faster.

Enhanced bloodline perception would revolutionize his future bloodline research and Alchemy Exploration. But most intriguing was "Physical Awakening."

This new skill revealed an unprecedented path—gaining transcendent power like a black mage without succumbing to madness.

Still, the warning of irreversible mutation warranted caution.

"Time to test this new ability."

Luo En turned to his Puppet Substitute, deciding to experiment with this dangerous power first on the puppet.

Through their spirit link, he issued a command: Activate "Physical Awakening."

The Puppet obeyed instantly. Its humanoid form contorted violently. Scale-like patterns on its skin sharpened, glowing with metallic luster. Unnatural protrusions erupted from its joints as its skeletal structure reconfigured.

Its most horrifying change? The face. Hollow eye sockets now sported glowing green compound eyes with slit pupils like predatory blades. The mouth stretched grotesquely, lined with serrated, saw-like teeth. Twin horn-like growths sprouted from its temples—early features of a demon’s visage.

Its spine fused into a row of razor-sharp spines from neck to tailbone, ending in a stinger resembling a Lion Scorpion’s.

The Puppet’s transformation rendered it barely human—a terrifying chimera exuding suffocating Rampage Aura.

"Remarkable transformation." Luo En observed calmly, carefully recording the Puppet’s metrics with testing equipment.

Data showed nearly 50% increases in physical strength, with energy fluctuations surging into aggressive volatility. The results stunned him so much he recalibrated instruments twice to rule out errors.

"Pure physical combat power alone has reached High Apprentice levels—possibly nearing Dawn Star Rank Mage standards." Luo En calculated mentally. "If mutation issues can be controlled or restricted…"

He subconsciously checked his own body, confirming no adverse effects. Using the Puppet as a test subject had indeed minimized direct mutation risks.

As he prepared to end the Puppet’s Awakening, an unexpected crisis erupted.

The Puppet suddenly roared, its voice emanating not from its mouth but from every pore—a primal scream of another consciousness struggling to dominate.

"Consciousness rebellion." Luo En instantly recognized the issue, reinforcing his spirit control.

"Physical Awakening" hadn’t just reshaped flesh—it awakened fragmented abyssal consciousnesses lurking within. These wild remnants sought to fuse into a new personality, breaking free of his control.

Fortunately, the Puppet’s design prevented full rebellion. Luo En swiftly suppressed the chaotic fragments, but the encounter left him uneasy.

"Real combat risks could be catastrophic." He frowned. "But at least the Puppet’s Awakening can be reversed."

Most mutations faded upon deactivation, though not entirely. The Puppet’s scales darkened, pupils remained slit-like, and spine spines shrunk but lingered. Worse still, Luo En sensed the suppressed consciousness fragments hadn’t vanished—they slumbered, ready to resurface stronger during next Awakening.

"The interface warning was justified. Mutation accumulates with each use." He concluded. "This power must be treated as an Ace in the Hole—used sparingly."

Yet despite the risks, the allure remained irresistible. A power capable of transcending one’s cultivation stage was too tempting to abandon entirely.

Suddenly, the interface updated:

【Puppet Substitute Charging Progress: 50%/100%】
【Next Stage Unlock Requirement: 100% Charging】
【Next Stage Form: Glorious Legacy - Calamity Incarnation】
【Unlockable Abilities:
1. Incarnation Stance: Temporarily fuse Puppet Substitute with the user, stacking all abilities with additional bonuses.
2. Mana Isolation: During fusion, mutations and contamination remain isolated within the incarnation form, leaving the user’s body untouched.】

This revelation sent Luo En into deep contemplation…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end