Chapter 65: with translation of chapter title

Pitch black

The remaining two S-rank items, Fu Guang selected: one that could speed up water-system cultivation, the "treasure pearl", and the other was a piece of meteoric iron essence.

It was displayed among the S-rank weapons, unlike the gleaming, extraordinary-looking other weapons; it presented a dark black color, like a black hole absorbing light, silently suspended in a space.

Logically speaking, meteoric iron essence isn't even a weapon, and there's no reason to put it in the S-rank armory; placing it among S-rank items is barely acceptable.

Li Shao gazed at Fu Guang, his eyes stopping on "pitch black"; not knowing who coined the name, they called the meteoric iron "pitch black".

"Pitch black" was left behind by the previous three chief master smiths; unknown where it was obtained, just simply tempered, feeling they could not fully bring out its advantages, they set it aside.

The succeeding chief master smith also felt they could not let their teacher's hard work be ruined by their own hands, and also set it aside.

After a long time, this meteoric iron essence somehow ended up in the military's S-rank armory.

Because no master smith could forge it, it became a useless yet regrettable rib—like a chicken rib.

It's not that no one paid attention to it, but asking a master smith to forge a weapon once also costs no less than five million federal credits.

Moreover, whether the master smith can forge it is one matter; whether it satisfies the buyer's desires is another.

The uncertainty is too great; it would be faster to look for a usable, matching weapon.

Fu Guang's pupils reflected the light of the meteoric iron essence, and she drifted off slightly.

Weapons break; better to forge one that belongs solely to her. She plans to make it her secondary weapon, to compensate for her lack in close combat.

The present situation calls for it, as does the long term; having a handy weapon is also extremely important.

Although this already has the weapon's inherent traits, the hidden cicada's wings also exerted considerable effect.

Fu Guang pondered for a moment; she also planned to select some suitable materials to fuse with "Darkening".

A Guide's and Sentinel's innate weapon, although formed by the individual themselves, can also have high-grade materials added to it.

On one hand, it can reduce the frenzied consumption of mental power when using the innate weapon; on the other hand, it can attach some extra functions to one's own innate weapon.

Like Sheng Lai Ke Si, his main weapon is a bow, his secondary weapon a hidden blade; both incorporate S-rank hidden cicada wings, making the weapons almost undetectable when not in use.

However, filling the innate weapon with materials is not better the more; the ideal is that it does not hinder the hand during battle.

If too many materials are added, the innate weapon and the wielder will feel a disconnect, not as responsive as an extension of the arm at the start, moving freely with thought.

"One to three types is best," said Qing Feng. The White Tower has statistics on S-rank Guides and Sentinels regarding how many types are optimal when forging one's own innate weapon.

The materials for tempering the innate weapon are all one-time consumables; no master smith needed—one can temper them oneself.

Moreover, by immersing the innate weapon deep in the mental landscape and intentionally washing it once, or using the same-system essence, one can cleanse everything off the innate weapon.

Those with money can try items one by one to see which suits them, though it takes time.

"I remember Shang Ze tempered his innate weapon with five S-rank items, costing his family nearly a hundred million federal credits." Ting Zhu still vividly recalls this news.

Because every time they sparred, Shang Ze's weapon gave him a different feeling.

Shang Ze, the young master, has never exerted his full strength; to him, nothing is that important, and nothing can make him go all out without reservation.

"Not long ago they fought, and I didn't see him use his weapon—that kid's weapon must still be undergoing tempering." Ting Zhu narrowed his eyes and said, "What a huge family, truly enviable."

Suddenly he wanted to find an excuse to beat him up.

Fu Guang raised her head. She had also never seen Shang Ze's weapon, and thought transforming into a fox was his attack method, so she asked.

"A big fox counts too, but who would complain about having too many methods?"

"Usually, he first uses his weapon to wear down the opponent, then tops it off with the transformed big fox."

Ting Zhu had long summed up the attack methods of all S-rank Sentinels in the academy; even the former A-rank Li Shao, he had fought.

As for these people's attack habits, though not known inside out, he at least knows a thing or two.

Combat methods also relate to one's personality.

Ting Zhu took a sip of tea and said, "That kid is very cautious."

"What's the point of nagging him?" Li Shao curled his fingers, tapping the tabletop; one could see Ting Zhu's fighting spirit rising, wanting to brawl.

Coincidentally, he also wanted to.

He and Ting Zhu's gazes met across the space; both rose simultaneously. The chairs scraped back as they pushed off, rising together and walking out; both tall and long-legged, they strode with vigor.

Li Shao reached the doorway, tilted his head, and a red mark at the corner of his eye appeared in Fu Guang's field of vision.

He looked at the small one, a blond girl seemingly sunk in her chair, and raised his brow: "Xiao Bai, go fight; you all continue."

Ting Zhu heard his voice; his tall stature paused mid-step, his momentum not halted, he continued forward, yet still raised his hand and waved "see you later."

The reception room suddenly emptied of two people, becoming more spacious, even the air circulated.

Fu Guang ignored the suddenly berserk Sentinel, patiently selecting the materials she needed; the military also provided an extra S-rank item, she picked among them, and ultimately chose a set of S-rank combat uniform.

The combat uniform comes with a set of exoskeleton armor, and an A-plus mech up to three meters tall.

She had heard of the mech but never seen it; moreover, paired with her starship, it would enable interstellar voyages.

Her starship is still docked at the Alliance University's external starship berth; she needs to take it out for a test run.

She suppressed her excitement and continued to examine the rewards given by the White Tower.

She already had a goal, so she moved quickly, selecting two S-rank plants to repair her mental landscape.

Two S-rank devices: she chose an earring-style spatial storage unit, and a "mist" that protects the mental landscape and blocks mental attacks.

Fu Guang reluctantly closed the "treasury"; she also saw medicinal herbs that enhance human potential, capable of storing mental power, ready for use when needed—a storage device, and also a "dream" that allows the user to comprehend skills...

More means, more paths, more skills, more opportunities.

She wanted them all, but looking at the pile of auxiliary medicinal ingredients needed to make potions, her empty wallet brought tears to her eyes.

One moment back to pre-liberation times, aside from the S-rank items that are inedible long-term, she's a penniless wretch again.

She still wanted to find some S-rank items to temper her innate weapon; although she hadn't found suitable ones, even if they suddenly appeared now, she couldn't afford them.

Penniless, not wanting a whole household to go hungry, drinking northwest wind, she still must strive to complete tasks to earn money.

It's hard.

Fu Guang's face looked somewhat dim; she felt she was destined to be busy. Earning is just for spending; not spending what she earns makes no sense, so she can only console herself with a guilty conscience.