Chapter 345: Chaos Adaptation

Chapter 345: Chaos Adaptation

In the dead of night, Luo En spread all his precious research materials across the laboratory workbench.

To the left were the interdimensional technology documents provided by Cassandra.

Crystals containing recorded experimental data glowed with a sinister shimmer under the Mana Crystal Lamp’s illumination.

At the center lay Phantom King’s virtual environment construction theory, painstakingly extracted through the consciousness tomography device. Dense technical parameters sprawled across pages like an incomprehensible code.

On the right sat his accumulated research findings – experimental records spanning bloodline formulation, rune studies, alchemy, and more.

“Ai Lan, adjust indoor lighting to optimal reading intensity.”

The tree spirit obeyed silently, her verdant branches precisely regulating the Mana Crystal Lamp’s brightness.

She could sense her master’s focused exhilaration – that electrifying intensity he exhibited whenever on the verge of a major breakthrough.

The synergistic influence of the Hermit Star and Academic Star linkages sharpened Luo En’s mind to razor clarity. Disconnected knowledge fragments in his consciousness began forming spontaneous connections.

“The fundamental flaw of traditional simulation devices lies in their ‘pre-set nature’,” he began recording his thoughts.

“We always attempt to recreate known threats within controlled environments, but the Abyss’s very essence is ‘the unknown’ and ‘chaos.’ This inherent contradiction ensures any pre-set simulation fails to truly prepare explorers for authentic Abyss encounters.”

That suffocating fear. That desperate struggle at rationality’s edge. That paralyzing helplessness against the unknown. None could be replicated through conventional training, for their core lay in “unpredictability.”

“But what if…”

Luo En’s mind ignited with inspiration as he rapidly sketched conceptual diagrams.

“What if instead of pre-set environments, the device itself possessed ‘learning’ and ‘evolutionary’ capabilities?”

He recalled the Puppet Substitute’s traits – its extraordinary ability to adapt and fuse with various Abyss traits.

If such adaptability could be integrated into simulation technology…

“Adaptability-Chaos Simulation…”

The concept blossomed in his mind, brimming with staggering potential.

“No longer fixed scenarios, but instead creating a self-evolving Chaos Environment.”

Fresh designs flowed onto paper. The core concept featured a complex bio-mechanical chimera formation:

The base layer – traditional construction providing a stable mana framework.

The middle layer – cultivated neural networks processing biological memory inputs.

The top layer – rune control systems ensuring absolute safety and controllability.

“Safety protocols are critical…”

Phantom King’s warning about the “Dreamweaving Civilization” echoed in his mind. Virtual environments posed dangers beyond technical failures – users might lose themselves entirely within the simulation.

“Multiple safety locks must be designed – ensuring enforced return to reality under any circumstances.”

“Gradual adaptation runes are also essential…”

Considering user safety, he mused:

“Novices shouldn’t face intense contamination directly. A Gradual Progress system is mandatory.”

As the design deepened, he realized this project’s complexity dwarfed his initial estimates. It required fusing alchemy, enchantment, bloodline formulation, and more.

“Plus Preservation Clan bloodlines’ Abyss adaptation traits…”

Studying his previous analysis data, he continued:

“This artificial ‘switch mechanism’ – if we safely activate its adaptive functions while suppressing corrosive effects…”

The thought thrilled him. Preservation Clan bloodlines functioned like universal keys, harmonizing with diverse Abyss mana. Integrating this trait into simulation devices…

Moreover, his bidirectional link with the Puppet Substitute provided real-time Fifth Layer Abyss data.

“Thanks to this opportunity, I can use the Puppet as a ‘real-time calibrator.’”

“Obtaining authentic Abyss environment parameters through the link, then cross-referencing with simulated environments for continuous adjustments and optimizations…”

The night deepened, yet Luo En’s research fervor burned brighter.

This creative focus brought him pure, unadulterated joy – not the fleeting thrill of conquest, nor the hollow satisfaction of power, but the primal ecstasy of exploring the unknown and creating miracles.

This concept had germinated years ago upon arriving at the Central Lands. From his initial “Mobile Simulation Combat Device,” he’d pondered how to make training more combat-realistic.

Yet back then, he’d merely tinkered within existing frameworks.

True breakthroughs required knowledge accumulation and interdisciplinary fusion.

Cassandra’s interdimensional technology provided mana integration methodologies.

Phantom King’s virtual theories established consciousness weaving foundations.

His own multidisciplinary expertise enabled these technologies’ synthesis.

“Timing proves remarkably crucial,” he mused on knowledge accumulation’s magic.

“Missing any single element would’ve rendered this project impossible.”

As dawn approached, the preliminary design finally neared completion.

Gazing at the ink-drenched blueprints, he felt immense satisfaction.

This wasn’t merely a simulation device – it represented the fusion of multiple cutting-edge disciplines.

“If successful, it might significantly reshape Abyss exploration paradigms.”

He contemplated deeper implications:

“Reducing novice fatality rates. Boosting overall exploration efficiency. Potentially opening entirely new directions for Abyss research…”

“But design remains only the first step.”

He objectively assessed upcoming challenges:

“Material acquisition. Actual construction. Rigorous testing – each step brims with obstacles.”

Tidying the blueprints, he planned next moves.

“Next I’ll meet Professor Eutel and tour the Master Sword collection…”

Mapping out the next phase, he considered:

“I’ll show this research to the professor for feedback. If we can pilot a trial within the Observatory first…”

The Abyss Observatory remained the ideal testing environment.

Here existed a wealth of Abyss research resources and an abundance of explorers requiring training.

If the technology's effectiveness could be successfully validated here, it would provide strong data support for the academic paper.

"Gathering more data through trials, improving the paper's content, and then submitting it to the academic review committee..."

Luo En carefully calculated the time schedule, his excitement growing stronger:

"With this research's innovation and practical value, it's entirely possible to publish it in Deconstruction, and even..."

His thoughts drifted toward higher objectives.

...

At three in the afternoon, deep within the Abyss Observatory.

The corridors here felt even older than other areas, with walls constructed from a peculiar living stone that emitted its own soft glow.

Vein-like patterns flowed across the stone surfaces, pulsing gently as Luo En passed by, as if perceiving the visitor's emotions.

The air carried a strange, ancient atmosphere - not the stench of decay, but the weight of timeless sediment, like opening a thousand-year-old manuscript.

"It feels like walking through history."

Luo En observed his surroundings as he walked.

Ancient portraits lined both corridor walls, their painted eyes tracking observers' movements. Some depicted former Observatory heads, others famous Abyss explorers, and a few were completely unfamiliar mysterious figures.

The most striking was an abstract painting of some enormous creature.

The being's form remained indistinct, yet exuded an oppressive aura that quickened heartbeats merely from looking at it.

"That's the 'Labyrinth Lord' of the Abyss."

Uther's voice suddenly echoed from behind as his silver Phantom Husk materialized silently:

"I once confronted It for certain reasons, so I painted this based on my impressions."

Luo En turned to bow respectfully to the professor:

"Good afternoon, Professor."

Waving off the formality, Uther's Phantom Husk began floating forward:

"Follow me. The collection room is ahead. Its protective measures are special - I must open it personally."

They arrived at a heavy stone door at the corridor's end.

No handles or keyholes existed, only complex runes etched across the surface - active protective systems constantly shifting patterns and colors.

"This door's opening method is quite unique."

Uther explained while pressing his Phantom Husk hand against the center:

"It requires recognition of my Phantom Husk essence. No other method will work."

As the projection touched, the runes flared violently.

Silvery arcs of light surged across the stone like electricity, humming deeply.

After a moment, the massive door slid soundlessly open, revealing the mysterious interior.

The enormous circular space contained several distinct areas, each holding a sword suspended above a specialized display platform.

Crafted from pure moonstone, the platforms radiated gentle silver light, each blade surrounded by delicate mana fields.

"My collection isn't extensive, but every piece is exceptional."

Uther's Phantom Husk drifted toward the first display:

"Allow me to introduce these old friends."

He stopped before a longsword entirely covered in eternal frost:

"This is Frostbite, once belonging to Edric from the tundra."

The blade radiated bone-piercing coldness, its chill palpable even through protective barriers.

"Edric lived two thousand three hundred years ago."

Uther's voice carried nostalgic undertones:

"During the famous Battle of Dusk Black, he froze an entire Corrosion Army with this blade."

Luo En carefully activated Transcendent Perception to observe the sword's mana flow.

Through his special vision, the weapon resembled a miniature blizzard's epicenter - countless tiny ice crystals swirling around the blade, each containing deadly cold.

"May I attempt contact?" Luo En asked.

"You may, but with extreme caution."

Uther warned:

"Frostbite judges combat will with exceptional keenness.

Should it deem you unworthy, it will unleash freezing attacks;

Should it sense weak fighting spirit, it'll forcibly implant Edric's memories."

Luo En inhaled deeply, extending his right hand.

As his fingers neared the hilt, sudden intense cold erupted.

A spiritual freezing sensation threatened to freeze even his thoughts.

Unexpectedly, upon sensing Luo En's spiritual strength, the cold gradually receded.

The blade emitted a faint hum, seemingly expressing recognition.

"Fascinating."

Uther observed the scene:

"Frostbite rarely shows such friendliness. It appears to acknowledge your strength."

Carefully gripping the hilt, Luo En immediately sensed a powerful information flow - Edric's combat memories imprinted within:

Endless Abyss battles, fierce confrontations with the Corrosion Army, and the anguish of final moments.

More importantly, he perceived the blade's craftsmanship.

"Vitalization level extremely high."

Luo En analyzed the sword's structure:

"This isn't just enchantment - this weapon possesses life-like characteristics."

"Correct."

Uther nodded approvingly:

"True Master Swords gradually 'Awaken' through prolonged use.

They transcend mere weapons, becoming partners with independent wills."

Releasing the hilt, Luo En turned to the next collection.

This seemingly ordinary longsword bore the hilt engraved with countless names.

"This is Blood Oath."

Uther's tone turned solemn:

"Its former master, Mo Gan, was a legendary Avenger.

He carved each enemy's name onto the hilt, swearing to kill them personally."

As Uther spoke, Luo En noticed some names appeared dark red while others remained standard silver.

"The red names indicate already slain enemies."

The professor explained:

"Whenever Mo Gan completed a revenge, the corresponding name turned red with blood. This blade recorded his entire revenge career."

Luo En counted the names - at least thirty, most red, a few still silver.

"Mo Gan spent forty years completing his revenge."

Uther continued the tragic tale:

"But completing revenge brought no liberation - it left him completely lost.

Without objectives, Mo Gan ultimately chose Self-Destruction, yet Blood Oath retained his obsession."

As Luo En attempted contact, he immediately sensed intense hatred - pure, burning animosity flowing like magma through his veins.

The blade's will questioned him: Do you have enemies worth living for revenge?

"This sword only chooses those with deep hatred."

Uther watched Luo En's reaction:

"If the wielder lacks sufficient hatred, it refuses cooperation.

Yet if hatred grows too intense, one risks being consumed by the sword's obsession."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end