NABC Chapter 50 Continues to Strengthen
Chapter 50 Continues to Strengthen
Pure white, warm, with an almost luxurious comfort.
The pillar of healing light from the Supreme God, like the most skillful hand of a deity, gently and irresistibly "salvaged" the members of the Middle Continent team from the filth, bloodshed, madness, and collapse of Cinderella's world back to this eternal sanctuary. Wherever the light touched, filth peeled away, wounds healed at a visible speed, broken bones were reconnected, internal tremors were soothed, and depleted life force was replenished like a dried-up riverbed being soaked by a clear spring. Even the cold imprints and chaotic aftershocks left by the "contamination," the crushing will of the Fairy Godmother, and Cinderella's final, resolute self-destruction on the soul level were slowly smoothed, purified, and restored to order under that omnipotent power of rules.
However, while repair can heal the wounds of the body and soul, it cannot instantly erase the deep-seated exhaustion, the heavy burden of surviving a catastrophe mixed with the relief of a Pyrrhic victory, the grief of the sacrifice of a companion (Cinderella), and the near-exhaustion of being repeatedly pushed to one's limits.
As the light gradually faded, the eleven figures (nine from the Central Continent Team, plus O'Connor, Evelyn, and Jonathan) stood once more beneath the sphere of the main god's light. The air was no longer filled with just the stench of blood and smoke, but also with a profound, exhausting silence after a great battle. Each of them wore newly healed, pinkish skin, and their tattered clothes were automatically restored to their original condition. However, the weariness and desolation in their eyes, as well as the lingering sharpness and emptiness from the life-or-death struggle, could not be easily erased.
Zhan Lan leaned softly on Wang Lin's shoulder. Although her injuries had healed, the emptiness after her mental energy was completely depleted still made her feel dizzy. Wang Lin himself was also pale, but his eyes were calmer and deeper than before. The mental struggle and guidance within the cracks of the rules, and witnessing Cinderella's final choice, seemed to have solidified the nascent light of his soul, albeit faintly. Zheng Zha's chest heaved as he felt the renewed, more powerful yet more tamed power within him. However, the lingering pain between his brows from the forced and continuous "explosion" of energy, and the heaviness from witnessing Cinderella's sacrifice, remained clear. Ba Wang, Li Shuaixi, and the others silently examined their bodies, which were now intact but still remembered the pain. Ling Dian wiped the sniper rifle that had returned with him and was now brand new. Ming Yanwei gently rubbed her once-twisted ankle. Zhao Yingkong stood still as a pine tree, but her aura was even more restrained. Chu Xuan immediately turned his gaze to the main god's light sphere, where the data stream behind the lens flickered silently, awaiting the settlement.
The three of them, including O'Connor, looked as if they had just returned from another world. They were filled with awe and lingering fear at the miraculous sight of the Main God Space and huddled together tightly.
The silence lasted for about ten seconds.
[Cinderella (Dark Fairy Tale Twisted Version) World Quest Complete.]
The cold, impersonal notification sounded precisely on time, like the most impartial judge announcing the "reward" after the life-or-death struggle.
A barrage of numbers and information, so vast it was breathtaking, swept through the consciousness of every reincarnator like a storm. The rewards for completing the main quest, the generous rewards of the hidden quest (severely damaging the core), the extra surprises from an S-rank overall rating, and the scattered yet substantial reward points and random item/skill draws from killing various monsters, Rulers, and even indirectly causing the Prince's "damage" and the Fairy Godmother's "severe injury"...
As the final notification tone faded, a strange silence descended upon the entire sphere of divine light. It wasn't the previous heavy, deathly silence, but rather a profound, almost bewildering shock, as if the immense impact had temporarily robbed them of their ability to breathe and think.
"Three... thirty-nine thousand points? Two A's, one B', and one C'?" Ba Wang was the first to break the silence, his voice hoarse and trembling with disbelief. He counted on his fingers, as if wanting to count again.
"Kill reward... I randomly got a C-level skill [Berserk Resistance]? And a blue-quality leather armor..." Li Shuaixi stared blankly at the information that appeared on his wristwatch.
"Here I have [Precision Modified] and an enchanted dagger." Zero's voice was still cold, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a very subtle fluctuation.
Zhan Lan, Ming Yanwei, and Zhao Yingkong also reported their heart-pounding gains. Even O'Connor and the other two received a considerable "service fee" (basic reward points), enough for them to initially establish themselves in the Main God Space, or to exchange for some basic survival skills.
Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses, the lenses reflecting rapidly spinning data. He quickly summarized, "Each person gained an average of around 40,000 reward points, and approximately two A-rank, one B-rank, and one C-rank side quest. There were also varying amounts of kill rewards and random items. The total resources far exceed what we would have gained in the Legend of Gods and Demons world. Although this mission was extremely dangerous and involved uncontrollable sacrifices (Cinderella), judging from the God's evaluation and rewards, we not only met the minimum survival requirements but also significantly disrupted the core rules of that world, leading to a crucial plot twist. Therefore, we received the highest evaluation and rewards."
He paused, then looked at everyone: "Now, we have the resources to propel the team's overall strength to a whole new level. But we must also realize that the gods won't bestow such generous rewards out of thin air. This means that the difficulty and danger of the next horror film will likely rise to a new level. We must use these resources rationally, efficiently, and with foresight."
The crowd slowly recovered from their initial shock, their eyes regaining their sharpness and focus. Yes, the reward was proof of survival, and even more so, a ladder to becoming stronger and facing an even more terrifying future. Indulging in joy was a luxury; seizing the time to become stronger was the ironclad rule of survival.
"Let's address the most critical and urgent strengthening and repair first." Wang Lin's voice rang out, calm and clear, drawing everyone's attention back. "Chu Xuan, your analysis is the most comprehensive. Considering our current situation and the potentially high difficulty of the next round, you've provided suggestions on strengthening directions. Then, each of you can make minor adjustments based on your own circumstances."
Chu Xuan nodded without any hesitation and immediately pulled up the enhancement model he had simulated countless times in his mind: "Based on our current team composition, shortcomings in capabilities, and the problems exposed in God and Demon Legend and Cinderella World, the enhancement should follow the following principles: address shortcomings, strengthen the core, expand functions, emphasize survival, and prepare for surprise attacks."
"Addressing weaknesses: The team currently lacks strong, sustainable positive-area damage/control capabilities (Zheng Zha's 'Explosion' is a burst single-target attack), lacks efficient healing and status recovery methods (relying on the main god's repair and limited potions), and still lacks sufficient resistance and countermeasures against higher-dimensional, rule-based, and mental pollution threats. Targeted improvements are needed."
"Strong core: Zheng Zha's physical destruction core, Wang Lin's mental connection and support core, my tactical calculation and analysis core, and Zero's long-range sniping core need to be further strengthened to ensure that the core functions do not collapse in higher-level battles."
"Expanding capabilities: It is necessary to increase the ability to adapt to and combat special environments (space, deep sea, high magic, science fiction, supernatural, etc.), and to add multi-functional means such as information acquisition, reconnaissance, infiltration, and disguise."
"Emphasis on Survival: Enhances the overall survivability of all members, including basic attributes, energy resistance, abnormal status resistance, survival items, and the ability to quickly leave the battlefield."
"Prepare for surprise attacks: Develop one or two unconventional abilities or items that may have a surprising effect in certain situations, as a tactical reserve."
He quickly scanned the crowd: "Based on the above principles, the recommended areas for strengthening are as follows—"
"Wang Lin: You have awakened the rudimentary form of the Light of the Mind, constructing a spiritual matrix, serving as the team's support and information hub. Recommendations: 1. Further solidify and deepen the [Rudimentary Awakening of the Light of the Mind], exchanging for related A-level knowledge skills [Introduction to Mind Programming] or [Rule Resonance Perception], and try to actively develop and utilize your Light of the Mind traits (suspected to be related to contracts, connections, and balance). 2. Upgrade the [Spiritual Matrix] to A-level, expanding its functionality, such as adding [Temporary Skill Sharing], [Energy Coordination Transmission], and [Matrix Solidification Defense Nodes]. 3. Exchange for the A-level special physique [Energy Synchronization Body], greatly improving the efficiency of perception, adaptation, absorption, and conversion of various energies, and enhancing resistance to energy attacks, compensating for your physical survivability weaknesses. 4. Exchange for the B-level skills [Mind Acceleration] and [Memory Palace], working in conjunction with your mental strength to enhance information processing and tactical deduction capabilities. 5. Use remaining resources to exchange for advanced mental strength recovery, soul stabilization potions, and one-time rule protection/interference items."
"Zheng Zha: Physical destruction is the core, but endurance and defense are issues. Recommendations: 1. Exchange for an S-grade (or a combination of two A-grade) bloodline/cultivation technique, such as the [Ancient War God Bloodline (Incomplete)] or [Eight-Nine Arcane Technique (First Level)], significantly improving basic attributes, energy cap, recovery ability, and natural resistance to physical/energy attacks, providing a stronger foundation for subsequent 'Explosion' and 'Destruction' skills. 2. Optimize 'Explosion' and 'Destruction' by exchanging for the A-grade skill [Energy Internal Circulation System] or [Collapse Star Force], improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing side effects. 3. Exchange for the B-grade defensive skill [Indestructible Vajra Body (Beginner)] or [Elemental Resistance Skin]. 4. Exchange for an A-grade single-target attack weapon or gauntlets. 5. Supplement with high-level recovery pills and life-saving talismans."
"Chu Xuan (self): Core of tactical calculation. Recommendations: 1. Upgrade [Quantum Brain Domain Expansion] to S-rank (or double A-rank) and exchange for the A-rank skill [Multidimensional Logic Deduction], pushing computing power and deduction ability to the non-human realm. 2. Exchange for the S-rank (or double A-rank) knowledge-type [High-Dimensional Rule Analysis and Simulation], laying the foundation for analyzing high-end items such as the Zero Relic Fragment, the Necronomicon, and the Golden Book of the Sun, and dealing with complex rule-based worlds. 3. Exchange for the A-rank special sensory [Full Information Perception], which can passively receive all forms of information flow (electromagnetic waves, energy fluctuations, mental ripples, etc.) within a certain range, and transform them into usable intelligence after processing by the brain domain. 4. Exchange for the B-rank life-saving skill [Quantized Flash (Short-range, Low-frequency)] and corresponding defensive items. 5. Use resources to exchange for top-level computing units, universal analyzers, and a large number of knowledge-type storage devices."
"Zhan Lan: Mental Defense and Support. Recommendations: 1. Exchange for the A-level mental defense skill [Sanctuary of the Mind] or [Absolute Mental Barrier]. 2. Exchange for the A-level healing/recovery skill [Praise of Life] or [Soul Soothing] to compensate for the team's healing shortcomings. 3. Upgrade [Mind Chains] to A-level to increase bandwidth, stability, and anti-interference capabilities, complementing Wang Lin's mental matrix. 4. Exchange for the B-level skill [Emotional Control], which can influence the emotions of both allies and enemies within a small area. 5. Strengthen basic mental strength attributes and recovery."
"Zero Hour: Core of Long-Range Sniping. Recommendations: 1. Exchange for the S-rank (or double A-rank) sniper specialization skill [Death Sentence], which includes beyond-visual-range lock-on, bullet trajectory prediction correction, and rule penetration enhancement. 2. Exchange for A-rank special bullet manufacturing/enchanting knowledge, allowing you to create special bullets for different targets. 3. Exchange for the A-rank stealth skill [Void Walker], significantly improving stealth and escape capabilities. 4. Exchange for an S-rank (or double A-rank) growth-type/modifiable sniper rifle. 5. Enhance dynamic vision, neural reflexes, and environmental adaptation."
"Overlord, Li Shuaixi, Zhao Yingkong, Ming Yanwei: Based on their respective roles (heavy firepower assault, high-speed swordsman, shadow assassin, elemental archer), exchange for corresponding A-level core skills, A-level weapons/equipment, and B-level auxiliary survival skills. Focus on strengthening resistance to special attacks (energy, spirit, rules) and sustained combat ability."
"O'Connor and his two companions: I suggest using reward points to upgrade their basic stats (strength, agility, constitution, and reflexes), a C-level combat or survival skill, and the corresponding equipment, so that they have a minimum level of self-defense and following ability."
Chu Xuan's plan was extremely detailed, making the most of almost everyone's resources, and it was also very forward-looking, directly addressing the team's current shortcomings and potential high-intensity battlefields in the future.
After listening, everyone pondered silently, comparing and adjusting their ideas with their own. No one raised any objections; Chu Xuan's plan was based on the most calm and objective analysis of the team.
"Agreed." "No problem." "Let's do it!" Everyone expressed their opinions.
"Now, let's begin the enhancement exchange in batches. Seriously wounded and core members will be given priority. After the exchange, enter the training ground for adaptation and coordination training. The God of War won't give us much time, so we must master our newly acquired power as soon as possible," Wang Lin concluded.
Without further hesitation, everyone connected to the main god's light sphere and began this unprecedented enhancement feast, which was enough to change their fate and truly push the Central Continent Team into the ranks of veteran powerhouses.
One after another, beams of light, thicker and brighter than ever before, filled with a more powerful energy and torrent of knowledge, descended. The surge of energy, the resonance of rules, the imprint of knowledge, the transformation of the body, the sublimation of the soul... all intertwined in this eternally luminous space, forming a magnificent yet silent symphony of evolution.
Wang Lin stood in his own pillar of light, feeling the unprecedented torrent of power transformed from two A-level side quests, one B-level quest, one C-level quest, and over 40,000 reward points surging into his body and soul.
First came the "Introduction to Mind Programming" and the "Perception of Rule Resonance." A vast amount of knowledge models, like a cosmic star map, unfolded in his mind about how to recognize, guide, and initially "program" the qualities of his own mental light, and how to perceive, understand, and even subtly resonate with the operation of external rules. He gained a clearer understanding of his own golden-white mental light, imbued with the rhythm of contracts and balance, and began to attempt, following the guidance of the knowledge, the most basic "structural reinforcement" and "frequency fine-tuning." At the same time, he also gained a more subtle perception of the rule fluctuations in the surrounding God Space. Although he was far from understanding them, he was no longer completely clueless as before.
Next is the A-level upgrade of the [Mental Matrix]. The original matrix structure has become more complex, sophisticated, and stable, with optimized coverage and mental energy consumption. The newly added "Temporary Skill Sharing" function allows him to temporarily share the "permission" to use a non-bloodline core skill of a teammate with another person through the matrix, provided the other party voluntarily authorizes it. However, this consumes a huge amount of energy and is restricted by skill compatibility and mental energy. "Energy Coordination Transfer" allows him to more efficiently guide and distribute the energy of his teammates within the matrix for joint attacks or defenses. "Matrix Solidified Defense Nodes" allows him to leave mental imprints in specific locations beforehand, which can be instantly activated during battle to form a powerful mental shield over a small area. The entire matrix's computational core has formed a deeper connection with his nascent Mind Light, operating more smoothly and intelligently.
The transformation of the [Energy Synchronization Body] is a metamorphosis that begins at the cellular level. Every cell seems to be engraved with tiny energy-sensing and adaptive runes. He feels that he has become exceptionally sensitive to all forms of energy flow inside and outside his body, able to clearly "see" the faint radiation and elemental particles floating in the air, and even the energy fluctuations emanating from his teammates. When actively activated, it can greatly enhance resistance to attacks of specific energy attributes and accelerate the absorption of harmless energy from the environment to restore himself. In a passive state, it also has stronger resistance to energy erosion, radiation, and curses. This gives his "fragile" support a qualitative leap in survivability.
[Accelerated Thinking] and [Memory Palace] were like wings that gave wings to his already outstanding thinking abilities. His information processing speed, short-term memory capacity, and logical reasoning ability were further enhanced, and together with the mental matrix, he could process battlefield information more efficiently.
Finally, he used the remaining reward points to exchange for several highly effective mental and soul recovery potions, a few one-time high-power mental shock talismans and rule interference scrolls, and some pills to improve his basic attributes.
As the beam of light dissipated, Wang Lin stood up again, feeling as if he had been reborn. His ocean of spiritual energy was now deeper and more vast, and the nascent light of his mind acted like a stabilizing anchor, firm and resilient. His body was filled with vitality and a sense of energy affinity. His spiritual matrix, like the most intricate neural network, operated silently, maintaining a clear and stable connection with every teammate. Occasionally, a golden-white glint would flash in his eyes, filled with wisdom, tranquility, and an indescribable depth that seemed to penetrate the essence of things.
On the other side, from Zheng Zha's pillar of light, faint sounds of surging blood energy and resonating bones could be heard, and a more violent yet restrained terrifying aura was slowly taking shape. Chu Xuan's pillar of light was silent, but the torrent of data flowing within it was almost tangible. Zhan Lan's pillar of light was warm and holy, while the pillars of light from Zero Point, Overlord, Li Shuaixi, Zhao Yingkong, and Ming Yanwei each emitted distinct yet powerful and sharp auras.
The three O'Connors also underwent basic enhancements and looked much more capable.
When all the pillars of light finally dissipated, the Central Continent Team members, who had regrouped under the sphere of light, looked completely refreshed.
Zheng Zha's figure seemed even more upright and refined, his eyes flashing with a divine light, his every move carrying an unwavering composure and a suppressed sense of impending explosion. Chu Xuan's gaze behind his glasses seemed to penetrate the very essence of all data, his aura becoming even more ethereal and unpredictable. Zhan Lan's complexion was rosy, her eyes clear and full of power, surrounded by a gentle yet resilient spiritual field. Zero seemed completely integrated with his surroundings, the sniper rifle in his hands appearing to come alive. Overlord's muscles bulged, his murderous aura now imbued with a profound composure. Li Shuai's sword, though concealed, was all the more sharp. Zhao Ying's aura was almost nonexistent; only the occasional sweep of her gaze sent a chill down one's spine. Ming Yanwei's eyes seemed to pulsate with elemental spirits, agile yet dangerous.
The entire team, having undergone two extremely challenging trials and tribulations and been nourished by abundant resources, has finally emerged from its cocoon and truly possesses the substantial resources to struggle and even seek development in the upper and middle levels of the Infinite Horror world.
"Adapt to the new power and conduct basic coordination drills. Ten days later, we will enter the next world," Chu Xuan said finally, his voice calm but filled with undeniable certainty.
Ten days later. For the Zhongzhou team, which has a training ground with a time flow rate a hundred times faster, it will be the culmination of nearly three years of in-depth training and mastery of strength.
They don't know what the next world will hold. But no matter what dire straits they face, at this moment, they will step into it side by side with even greater determination, strength, and understanding.
Meanwhile, the cold rules of the Supreme God continue to record silently, preparing for the next round of selection and... evolution, which may be even more cruel and closer to the "truth".