novelraw Chapter 33 Strengthening and Analysis
Chapter 33 Strengthening and Analysis
The pure white light dissipated, and the eternal radiance of the Main God Space, like the gentlest caress, fell upon the ten (more accurately, one guide and nine reincarnators) disheveled figures. The healing beams descended precisely on time, healing the torn wounds, replenishing their depleted strength, and soothing their mental trauma and exhaustion. The crisp sound of bones breaking rang out and then subsided; torn muscles regrowed, and their overdrawn spirits were like a dried-up pond slowly replenished with spring water.
However, some wounds cannot be healed by light beams alone.
As the light faded, everyone stood beneath the sphere of light, speechless. A deathly stillness, a sense of relief at the end of an ordeal, and a deeper, lingering gloom hung in the air. The generous reward notifications echoed in their minds (11000 reward points per person, one B-rank and one C-rank side quest), yet they stirred no joy. Engineer Reynolds lay on the ground, his right leg below the knee missing. The black energy membrane had vanished under the repair beam, but the limb hadn't regenerated—the God's repair seemed unable to reverse this permanent loss caused by spatial rules or higher-dimensional energy. Medical Officer Anna sat slumped to one side, her left calf a bloody mess. Although the wound had healed, she walked with a noticeable limp, her eyes vacant. Karl's sacrifice and Zhang Jie's "departure" weighed heavily on everyone's hearts like two massive stones.
Overlord slammed his fist into the base of the light sphere, producing a dull thud. He lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly. Li Shuaixi gripped the hilt of his knife tightly, his knuckles white. Zero silently wiped the barrel of his gun, his eyes icy. Zhao Yingkong and Ming Yanwei stood a short distance away, their expressions complex. Zhan Lan gently supported the still weak and pale Wang Lin, her eyes filled with worry.
Zheng Zha looked at Reynolds, who had lost a leg and was unconscious, then at Anna, who was in a daze, and finally at Guide 7341-ZJ, who was standing quietly to the side with a calm and unwavering gaze, seemingly out of place with all of this. His chest heaved violently, and an indescribable anger and helplessness surged in his heart.
Chu Xuan had already stepped aside, opened his portable terminal, and began rapidly analyzing the "Relic Core Data Fragment" he had just acquired, attempting to deduce more information about Relic Zero, the Guide, and even the Main God Space. His movements were as calm and efficient as ever, but his slightly trembling fingertips and the cold sweat still clinging to his forehead betrayed his inner turmoil.
"Cheer up, everyone!"
A hoarse yet resolute voice broke the silence. It was Wang Lin. Supported by Zhan Lan, he forced himself to stand upright, his gaze slowly sweeping over each of his dejected teammates. His mental energy was severely depleted, his head was throbbing, and a hollow pain emanated from the depths of his soul, but his eyes were sharp and bright, like a tempered blade.
"Look around, look at this sphere of light, look at how we're still alive and standing here!" Wang Lin's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "Karl sacrificed himself, we remember. Reynolds and Anna are crippled, but they survived. Zhang Jie..." He paused, his gaze complex as he looked at the white figure, "Whether his current state is better than death, or worse than death, I don't know. But I do know one thing—"
He raised his voice, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "This is the Main God Space! Anything is possible! Limb regeneration? Gene repair? Consciousness restoration? Even... reversing the rules, pulling people back from the timeline! As long as we have enough reward points, enough side quests, and are strong enough! Here in the Main God Space, as long as we can afford the price, nothing is impossible!"
He looked at Zheng Zha: "Zheng Zha, do you remember the helplessness you felt when you were weak in Resident Evil? The despair you felt facing Kayako in Ju-on? The frustration of being manipulated by invisible rules in Final Destination? We survived time and time again, and we grew stronger time and time again! This time, we got a B-level side quest, over 10,000 points! This is capital we risked our lives for! It's capital that makes us stronger, strong enough to cope with any predicament, strong enough that one day, we might be able to change the endings we don't want to see!"
He then looked at Chu Xuan: "Chu Xuan, what secret is hidden in that fragment you have? Is it about the Main God? About the Guide? About the Zero Relic? Find it! Analyze it! That is our future direction and hope!"
Finally, he looked at everyone, including Anna with her lifeless eyes and the unconscious Reynolds: "Grief and anger are useful, but they can't kill monsters, save our companions, or heal our wounds! Put them away and turn them into motivation to become stronger! The horror movie of the Supreme God won't stop just because we've lost teammates or crippled our comrades! Next time, and the time after that, it will only be more dangerous! What we need to do now is survive, to become stronger! Strong enough to protect the rest, strong enough to have the right to hope... for change!"
Those words struck everyone like a hammer blow. Zheng Zha's clenched fist slowly loosened, the anger in his eyes gradually replaced by something deeper and more resilient. Ba Wang raised his head and fiercely wiped his face. Zero stopped wiping the barrel of his gun. Zhao Yingkong and Ming Yanwei's gazes refocused. Even Anna's empty eyes flickered slightly.
Chu Xuan looked up from the terminal, adjusted his glasses, and looked at Wang Lin. A barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes. He nodded: "Wang Lin is right. Emotions are inefficient variables, but at this moment, transforming them into the motivation to 'become stronger' and 'explore the truth' aligns with the optimal solution. According to preliminary analysis, the internal structure of this 'core data fragment' is extremely complex, with encryption levels far exceeding those of the Surako and the Zero Relic surface system. I need time, a large amount of computing resources, and possibly... higher-level privileges. But it must contain crucial information about the underlying architecture of the God Space, the principles of Guide creation, and the history of the Zero Relic. This might be the key to understanding everything, or even... finding a way to restore some of Zhang Jie's 'humanity,' or at least to safely utilize his current state."
He looked at Guide 7341-ZJ: "Guide Unit 7341-ZJ, according to the Main God Agreement, is your current state stable? Will you continue to carry out the guidance mission for Team 7341? Do you have the authority or suggestions to interpret this data fragment?"
The facilitator, 7341-ZJ, calmly replied: "The unit is stable. We will continue to fulfill our basic facilitation responsibilities, including task assignment, evaluation, reward distribution, and providing consultation within the scope permitted by the agreement. We do not have direct access to interpret the 'Relic Core Data Fragments.' However, according to the agreement, when the team obtains specific high-level information carriers, the facilitator unit is obligated to assist in connecting to the main god's deep database for basic verification and may apply for limited technical support. Would you like to apply?"
"Apply." Chu Xuan said without hesitation.
"Application submitted. Awaiting feedback from the Main God. Estimated time: 1-12 Main God Space hours." Data streams flashed in the eyes of Guide 7341-ZJ, then returned to calm.
"Alright, now, everyone go back, repair, strengthen, and think." Wang Lin took a breath, feeling a bit dizzy, but forced himself to say, "Meet here in twenty-four hours to summarize the strengthening direction and formulate the next plan. Chu Xuan, you focus on studying the fragments. Zheng Zha, you're in charge of arranging the follow-up for Reynolds and Anna (to see if we can exchange for limb regeneration or advanced healing). The rest of you, figure out what you need most. We don't have time to waste on self-pity."
Everyone nodded silently and dispersed. Zheng Zha carefully carried Reynolds on his back, while Zhan Lan supported Anna as they walked towards the orb of light for a more detailed assessment of his injuries and possible treatment options. Chu Xuan hurriedly returned to his personal space with the data fragments. Guide 7341-ZJ remained beside the orb of light, like a silent guardian.
Under Zhan Lan's worried gaze, Wang Lin waved his hand, indicating that he could go back and rest. He dragged his leaden legs, step by step, back to his personal space.
Closing the door to block out outside gazes, Wang Lin could no longer hold on. He staggered and collapsed onto the sofa, gasping for breath, his clothes instantly soaked with cold sweat. The backlash from the depletion of his mental energy felt like a thousand steel needles churning in his mind; his soul felt as if it had been torn open, leaving an empty, aching void. The "emptiness" left by the damaged contract paper became even more pronounced after this overexertion, as if he had lost some important "anchor point."
"Not enough...not nearly enough..." He gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain, yet his mind remained unusually clear.
His words of comfort to his teammates were eloquent, but he knew better than anyone the difficulties ahead. Zhang Jie's problems were far from resolved, the secrets of Ruins Zero were unfathomable, and the rules of the Supreme God were cold and ruthless. Their team, seemingly having gained immensely, was actually riddled with hidden dangers. Having lost the potential informational advantage (though unstable) brought by Zhang Jie, their former "semi-guide," and the rule-based support of the Contract Paper, he himself was practically useless. He had to find a new power system as soon as possible and re-establish his position and value within the team.
After resting for an unknown amount of time, until the excruciating pain subsided slightly, Wang Lin struggled to sit up and brought up the attribute panel and exchange list.
[Reincarnator: Wang Lin]
[Number: 7341]
[Permission Level: 3]
Overall Rating: C+ (Mental exhaustion, severely declining physical condition)
【Strength: 13】
[Agility: 24]
[Physical constitution: 17 (-)]
[Mental state: 8/35 (Severely exhausted, recovering)]
[Perception: 18/22 (Overdraft)]
[Willpower: 28 (Having experienced dramatic changes and crucial choices, willpower has been significantly enhanced)]
[Energy: Mental Energy (Depleted), Weak General Energy]
[Reward Points: 12500 (Originally 1400 + 11000 + 100? Seems a bit odd)]
[Side Quests: Rank B x1, Rank C x1]
After experiencing the life-or-death trials of the Zhang Jie incident and the Zero Relic, his willpower actually increased to 28 points! This was the only good news. However, the severe overdraft of his mental strength and perception has left him almost a "half-crippled person."
The most urgent task is to restore mental strength and address the potential damage caused by overexertion.
[Advanced Mental Strength Deep Repair and Potential Activation (Rank B): Provides deep repair for severe mental strength depletion, damage, and even minor trauma at the soul level. During the repair process, it slightly stimulates mental strength potential, increasing the upper limit of mental strength and recovery speed. Contains certain risks and requires unwavering willpower. Exchange: 3000 reward points, one Rank B side quest.]
This is perfect! It'll use up a B-rank side quest. Risky, but worth it. His mental strength is fundamental; he must recover it as soon as possible, and even make it stronger.
[Eternal Warm Jade (Rank C Item): Wearing it slowly nourishes the soul, calms mental agitation, accelerates the natural recovery of spiritual power, and slightly increases the purity of spiritual power. Exchange: 1800 reward points, one Rank C side quest.]
A good item for aiding recovery and long-term nourishment. Used up a C-level side quest.
Next, he needs to strengthen his survivability. The previous battles exposed his physical fragility and over-reliance on mental energy. Without the ability to use the Contract Paper, he needs a more robust "physical frame".
[Intermediate Comprehensive Physical Fitness Enhancement (Grade C): Further enhances basic attributes such as strength, agility, constitution, and nerve reaction by approximately 30%. Redeemable for: 2500 reward points.]
This requires a C-level side quest, but that's already been used. Redeem a single item using pure reward points.
[Advanced Cell Vitality Enhancement (Grade B): Significantly increases cell regeneration speed, resistance to toxicity, radiation, and abnormal energy erosion. Also significantly enhances endurance and sustained combat capability. Redeemable for: 3500 reward points.]
This is good, pure reward points. I've already used up my B-rank side quest points, but this doesn't seem necessary? Looking again, it really only requires reward points. Redeem.
Some life-saving and special coping methods are still needed.
[Mental Amulet (Rank C Item): Automatically triggered mental protection that can withstand one moderate mental attack or curse, and forms a weak mental barrier for ten seconds after triggering. Uses: 3/3. Exchange: 1200 Reward Points.]
[One-time use spatial anchor (D-grade item): After activation, it temporarily stabilizes the spatial structure within a 10-meter radius for 5 seconds, effectively countering spatial tearing, teleportation, and other effects. Exchange: 800 reward points.]
[Highly Effective Universal Detox/Anti-Radiation Serum *3: Redeemable for 600 Reward Points.]
总计：3000(B级修复)+1800(C级温玉)+3500(细胞强化)+1200(护符)+800(空间锚)+600(血清)= 10900点。剩余1600点。
With 1600 points remaining, you can consider purchasing some mental energy recovery potions or exchanging them for a useful skill.
[Advanced Basic Energy Manipulation (Rank C Skill): Building upon basic energy perception, learn more refined energy shaping and property conversion techniques. You can attempt to convert mental energy into other forms of energy (such as heat or electricity) for attack or support, or more efficiently manipulate existing energy (such as energy shields). Exchange: 1500 reward points.]
This skill will enrich his offensive and support methods, no longer relying solely on mental attacks and telekinesis. That's it.
With the last 100 points, exchange them for some high-efficiency bandages and nutrient solutions.
"God, exchange for [Advanced Mental Strength Deep Repair and Potential Activation (Grade B)], [Ten Thousand Year Warm Jade (Grade C)], [Advanced Cell Activity Enhancement (Grade B Reward Points)], [Mental Strength Amulet (Grade C)], [Disposable Space Anchor (Grade D)], [Highly Effective Universal Detox/Anti-Radiation Serum *3], [Basic Energy Manipulation Advanced (Grade C Skill)], and corresponding supplies."
The beams of light fell one after another.
First, a powerful yet gentle restorative force surged into his mind, like the finest spring rain nourishing the parched and cracked earth of his spirit. The soul-wrenching pain was slowly soothed, and the depleted wellspring of his spiritual power was revitalized, even becoming deeper and more refined. Wang Lin could feel that the upper limit of his spiritual power had been slightly expanded during the restoration process, and the recovery speed seemed to have increased a little. But at the same time, the restoration process was accompanied by a strange sense of "scrutiny," as if a higher-dimensional being was observing and assessing his will and soul potential. He guarded his mind, his powerful willpower of 28 points like a reef, resisting all external interference.
Immediately afterward, a surge of intense, vibrant energy coursed through his entire body, permeating every cell. His muscle fibers became denser and stronger, a slight tingling sensation spread through his bones as if their density were increasing, his internal organ functions were significantly enhanced, and his metabolism accelerated. He felt a qualitative leap in his endurance, resilience, and resistance to harsh environments.
A jade pendant, warm to the touch and emitting a faint white light, automatically hung around his neck, close to his skin. A cool and calming aura slowly seeped in, soothing his still somewhat sensitive mind after its recent repair. Advanced knowledge about energy manipulation also flooded his mind, and countless techniques for shaping, transforming, and precisely controlling energy brought him sudden enlightenment.
Amulets, spatial anchors, serums, and other items also appear at hand.
Enhancement complete, attributes updated:
[Reincarnator: Wang Lin]
[Number: 7341]
[Privilege Level: 4 (Having completed highly challenging tasks and performed exceptionally well)]
[Overall Rating: B- (A seasoned player with unique support abilities and impressive survivability)]
Strength: 15 (+2)
Agility: 26 (+2)
Constitution: 22 (+5)
[Spirit: 38/40 (+3 cap, potential unlocked after deep repair)]
Perception: 25 (+3)
[Willpower: 30 (+2)]
[Energy: Mental Power (Abundant), General Energy (Weak), Knowledge of Energy Manipulation]
[Items: Eternal Warm Jade, 3 Spiritual Power Amulets, Disposable Spatial Anchor, 3 High-Efficiency Serum, etc.]
[Reward Points: 0]
Side quests: None
His mental strength not only fully recovered, but its upper limit also increased to 40 points! His perception and willpower also saw significant growth. His physical constitution jumped from 17 to 22, and combined with advanced cellular activity, his survivability greatly increased. His advanced knowledge of energy manipulation gave him more possibilities in using his power.
Wang Lin clenched his fist, feeling the surge of stronger and more vibrant power within him, and the clear and sharp thinking in his mind. Although he still felt heavy-hearted for Zhang Jie and his fallen teammates, that sense of powerlessness had dissipated considerably. Power was the foundation for changing everything.
He picked up the ancient jade, feeling its cool, nourishing quality, and familiarized himself with the new skills and items. Especially with the advanced energy manipulation, he tried to condense a wisp of spiritual energy at his fingertips. With a slight thought, that wisp of spiritual energy transformed into a weak, flickering spark of electricity, then into a small ball of warm heat. Although the power was small, the control was precise, and the changes were entirely at his command.
"The controller... is not just someone who uses contracts and words. Power, wisdom, understanding and application of various energies, decisiveness in critical moments... these are all part of controlling the field." Wang Lin silently pondered the direction of the future.
The 24-hour rest period passed quickly.
When everyone gathered again under the sphere of light of the main god, the atmosphere was different. Although the atmosphere was still heavy, fighting spirit and vigor had been rekindled in everyone's eyes.
Zheng Zha's aura became more profound and weighty, with subtle signs of fusion between his vampire energy and internal energy, clearly indicating the enhancement of a higher-level bloodline or technique. Zhan Lan's outward projection of mental power became more fluid and natural, seemingly having acquired a mental defense or connection enhancement skill. Ling Dian appeared to blend seamlessly with his surroundings, and his sniper rifle had been replaced with a more technologically advanced one. Ba Wang's muscles bulged, his murderous aura now imbued with a touch of composure. Li Shuaixi's sword intent was restrained, his eyes sharp. Zhao Ying's aura became even more elusive and unpredictable. Ming Yanwei carried a uniquely shaped longbow on her back.
Chu Xuan remained calm, but the frequency of the data stream flashing in his eyes seemed to increase. He held the dark gold data fragment and a new, more complex analysis terminal in his hand.
Engineer Reynolds lay on an automated hovering stretcher (which Zheng Zha had redeemed), his right leg stump covered with a layer of bio-gel. His face was still pale, but his eyes had regained their clarity, filled with gratitude and a hint of resentment. Anna, on the other hand, had a simple mechanical prosthetic limb (also redeemed). Although her movements were still somewhat stiff, she could at least walk, and her eyes held a newfound determination.
The guide, 7341-ZJ, stood to the side, like a background figure.
"Report on the direction of reinforcement," Chu Xuan said directly.
The participants briefly explained their choices in turn. Zheng Zha enhanced his "Explosion" skill and his "Vampire Count" bloodline. Zhan Lan exchanged for "Mind Barrier" (powerful mental defense) and "Mental Link Enhancement." Lingdian chose "Environmental Assimilation" and "Beyond Visual Range Sniping." Bawang enhanced "Berserk Body" (increased defense and recovery) and mastery of heavy energy weapons. Li Shuaixi exchanged for "Blade Intent Resonance" and "High-Speed Movement." Zhao Yingkong chose "Shadow Control" and "Fatal Strike." Ming Yanwei enhanced "Eagle Eye" and "Energy Arrow Generation."
Chu Xuan himself exchanged for the "Quantum Brain Domain Expansion (Grade B)" and the "High-Dimensional Information Decryption Module" specifically for studying that fragment.
Wang Lin also briefly described his enhancements.
"Very good. The team's overall combat strength, survivability, support, and reconnaissance capabilities have all improved." Chu Xuan nodded. "Now, I have made some initial discoveries regarding Zhang Jie and this fragment."
Everyone looked at him.
"Through the limited technical support from the Main God obtained from Guide 7341-ZJ, combined with the preliminary decryption data from the fragments, we can confirm the following points: "First, Relic Zero was not directly built by the Main God. It belongs to an unknown pre-existing civilization or higher-dimensional existence that has long since perished or been 'absorbed' or 'covered' by the Main God. Its technology tree partially overlaps with the existing system of the Main God's space, but the core logic is different. The 'ancient experimental subjects' of the relic are defective products of the biological weapon research of a pre-existing civilization.
"Secondly, the Guide system is indeed related to this previous civilization. Or rather, the existing Guide creation technology in the Main God Space partially borrows from or directly inherits a certain 'Administrator' or 'Supervisor' creation protocol from the previous civilization. Zhang Jie's 'abnormal fusion' is likely because when he was fusing Guide authority, he came into contact with fragments of the previous civilization's protocol that were not completely cleared or transformed, leading to rule conflicts and 'humanity' remnants."
"Third," Chu Xuan looked at the guide 7341-ZJ, "according to the protocol fragments remaining in the fragments, guides like 7341-ZJ who have undergone 'benchmark repair' should still have a complete backup of their memories and behavioral logic data as 'Zhang Jie' in their core database. However, it is locked and overwritten by the highest-level permission protocol, making it impossible to actively access, and the emotional module is also forcibly suppressed. Theoretically, there is a possibility of bypassing or cracking part of the locking protocol through external means, restoring some data fragments, and even 'rebooting' the suppressed emotional module to a limited extent."
Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath.
"You mean... Zhang Jie's memories and feelings are still 'inside' him? Just locked away?" Zheng Zha asked urgently.
"At the data level, yes. But unlocking it is extremely difficult. It requires extremely high levels of relevant technological knowledge, a deep understanding of the main god and the protocols of previous civilizations, and possibly... higher-level permissions or special items. Moreover, even if part of it is unlocked, unpredictable consequences may occur due to protocol conflicts or data corruption, such as consciousness confusion, personality splits, or even triggering a counterattack from the main god." Chu Xuan calmly analyzed, "This is only a theoretical direction. With our current capabilities, it is almost impossible to achieve."
"But at least... there's hope, isn't there?" Wang Lin said slowly, looking at the guide 7341-ZJ. The latter remained calm, as if the topic of discussion wasn't him.
"That's right. Hopefully." Chu Xuan nodded. "The value of this fragment far exceeds our imagination. It's not just intelligence; it could be a 'key' or a 'map,' pointing to more relics or technological remnants of previous civilizations. And those places might hold the key to making us stronger, or even... touching the core secrets of the Main God Space."
He paused, then looked at everyone: "So, the next step is for us to gather strength, search for clues, and improve our technological and mystical knowledge. At the same time, we need to refine our new abilities to prepare for the next horror film. The Supreme God won't give us much free time. Based on the pattern and 7341-ZJ's hints, the next mission might be released in three days."
"So, for the next three days, we'll conduct intensive joint training to familiarize ourselves with the new abilities and develop several contingency plans for different types of horror films (supernatural, science fiction, disaster, war)," Wang Lin continued. "Chu Xuan, you continue to focus on deciphering the fragments and searching for valuable information, especially clues about other relics or special technologies. Zheng Zha, you'll be in charge of the team's combat training. Zhan Lan, you'll coordinate tactical drills under the mental link. Everyone else, perform your respective duties."
"Understood!" the crowd responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.
Zhang Jie's "hope," the "secret" of the Zero Ruins, and the "truth" of the Supreme God are like three lighthouses, guiding them as they continue their struggle forward on the path of infinite terror. Although the road ahead remains dark and treacherous, this time, they carry a heavy responsibility in their hearts, and a faint but real glimmer of light.
The guide, 7341-ZJ, quietly watched the crowd quickly move into the next stage of preparation. In his crimson electronic eyes, data flowed and recorded silently. No one knew whether, beneath the absolutely rational core protocol, deep within the layers of locked data, there was a ripple so faint as to be almost nonexistent that it belonged to "Zhang Jie" and trembled slightly.