Chapter 253: Steam Dual Cores, Level: 36! (5K)

No. 112 Dwarf Long Street, inside Baggins' backyard underground secret chamber.

"Clang!"

"Clang!"

Inside Baggins' alchemical marvelous hut.

The forging sound, rich with forging rhythm, rang out low and muffled like bells and drums.

Accompanying the forging rhythm, Ta Ke could even feel the resonance between the material and the forging hammer.

And the sound wave of the forging blended with the ecology of the entire Dwarf Long Street.

Perhaps Baggins himself wasn't clear about his own forging state.

But Ta Ke could see it.

Baggins in his forging state had already begun to merge with the forging ecology of the surrounding dwarves.

"After becoming a Forging Master, Baggins' forging skill has indeed improved considerably."

"The Fourth-rank Dragon Scale Armor and Blood Shadow Wizard Robe look fine."

Feeling Baggins' forging rhythm, Ta Ke, sitting cross-legged in his own marvelous hut, gradually relaxed.

This time Ta Ke came over and handed the Dragon Scale Armor, the prepared materials, and a Fourth-rank Shadow Spider Crystal to Baggins for forging.

With the Second Ecological War approaching, in this brief time beforehand, Ta Ke wanted to fill any gaps as much as possible.

The direction for the wizard robe is set, the materials are ready; forge it quickly, lest prolonged delay bring trouble.

Immediately, Ta Ke looked at the Steam Core before him, about the size of two fists, entirely silver-gray, and surrounded by a permeating mist of source-energy steam.

A great sequence creation forged by the Spirit of Steam and Rails—the Steam Core!

It is both a tremendous impetus for humanity to grasp and transform the ecology of the supernatural world.

At the same time, it is the key for humanity's Steam Sequence supernaturals to advance.

Initial-stage supernaturals need to fuse two Steam Cores.

Mid-stage supernaturals need to fuse three Steam Cores.

High-stage supernaturals need to fuse five Steam Cores.

After accumulating ten, a Steam Sequence supernatural can, on the basis of the Steam Sequence, advance to a higher realm.

Ta Ke wanted to follow the Steam Sequence's track, absorbing the second Steam Core for optimal effect between levels 33 and 35.

Using Spirit Touch Perception to carefully penetrate and sense this Steam Core before him.

After confirming that this Steam Core had no issues,

Ta Ke then gently activated the Steam Wizard Sequence.

"Whooo..."

The source-energy rumble of the Steam Sequence around Ta Ke's body lightly surged.

At the same time, Ta Ke's supernatural state— the Flesh, Soul, Source Energy, and Sequence-combined Primeval Lightflame State— swiftly burst forth with its essential aura.

The scorching heat, like a small sun, surged and burst forth.

In the low, vast rumble of steam, vast amounts of steam surged out like a flood.

Although Ta Ke's supernatural state condensed for only a short time.

But thanks to Ta Ke absorbing a relatively large amount of Lord-grade materials upon his promotion, studying the powerful 【Primeval Steam Star Meditation】 scripture, and mastering strong runic arcana,

this gave Ta Ke's supernatural state a certain degree of supernatural awe.

Ordinary sequences find it hard to produce this kind of aura, which only leaders and lord-level beings can generate.

But as an elevated sequence, the Steam Sequence, which surpasses the basic supernatural sequence in all aspects, can generate supernatural awe.

Thick steam vortices quickly gathered around the Steam Core before Ta Ke.

Steam, like tendrils, pulled the second Steam Core into Ta Ke's Steam Wizard Sequence ecology.

The Steam Core, in the process of being drawn in by the steam haze, quickly turned into thick steam that poured into Ta Ke's steam ecology.

At the same time.

Ta Ke's Steam Wizard Sequence Tree, shimmering with a silver-gray metallic luster.

Above the position of the first Steam Core, the second Steam Core began to gradually appear.

One below, one above; one large, one small.

The two Steam Cores manifested in Ta Ke's sequence tree.

Ta Ke carefully sensed the effects of digesting the second Steam Core.

"First, the efficiency of converting source-energy steam increased, and the source-energy steam itself became more abundant and substantial."

"This will make my source-energy conversion efficiency higher."

"It's not needed for short bursts of combat, after all, my Steam Wizard ecology already stores plenty of source-energy steam, enough for normal combat use."

"But… in prolonged battles requiring large replenishment of source-energy steam, it comes down to the conversion efficiency of that steam."

"Although I currently have no chance for prolonged battle, future supernatural voyages will certainly need it."

"From the chaos in the supernatural ocean, one can see that the supernaturals of the outside world never observe martial virtue!"

"Besides that… it is my ecology's load-bearing capacity after absorbing this second Steam Core."

Ta Ke meticulously controlled the power of Spirit Touch Perception, permeating every nook of the sequence ecology, to feel the load-bearing capacity granted to him by digesting the second Steam Core.

……

After about half a day.

The second Steam Core was preliminarily absorbed and digested by Ta Ke.

On Ta Ke's Steam Wizard Sequence Tree.

The second Steam Core was about one-third the size of the first.

As Taku constantly nurtures, cultivates, and carries out an ecological cycle.

This second steam core will also reach the same size as the first steam core.

With the support of two steam cores, Taku clearly feels that his steam wizard ecological framework has become much more complete.

At the same time, the entire steam sequence has become much broader and more substantial than before.

Seated cross-legged, Taku lightly pinches his palm beneath his wizard robe.

"Woo woo woo…"

Strong steam source energy surges forth.

Immediately after!

"Boom boom boom…"

The rumbling sound of the steam sequence bursts forth, exhilarating and surging, like thunder across the heavens, deafening.

For a moment, the entire magical cottage violently shakes within the sound wave of Taku's steam sequence rumbling.

At this moment, Taku's aura is like that of a ferocious iron beast capable of pushing mountains, straining to roar within this tiny world.

The small world of the magical cottage is now completely prostrate within the sound wave of Taku's steam sequence rumbling.

At the same time.

The two 【steam cores】, that is, the dual core, also bring an unprecedented sensation to the supernatural state's body.

Under the outbreak of the steam sequence from the two steam cores.

Taku's physical strength, supernatural soul, supernatural state, and even steam source energy all begin operating at full capacity and high speed.

Taku keenly feels the peculiar sensation brought by the dual-core eruption.

"Although the steam dual core shows no difference from a single core under normal conditions, when entering the steam sequence outbreak, the upper limit becomes apparent."

"For the soul, flesh, perception, supernatural state strength, and the activation of source energy."

"The upper limit of the dual core is obviously much higher than that of a single core."

"However…"

Taku frowns slightly, carefully pondering the steam sequence enemies he previously encountered.

"The dual-core, even triple-core steam sequence superhumans I previously encountered, even if they entered the steam outbreak state, seemed… just like that!"

"Is it… that their way of opening the steam sequence is wrong?"

"Or… is it that their supernatural ecology isn't strong enough to support them in unleashing the upper limit of the steam sequence's multi‑core?"

While pondering, Taku carefully feels the all‑round outbreak sensation of his dual‑core steam sequence.

"Hmm… when the dual core erupts, the pressure on the supernatural ecology is indeed considerable."

"For me it's already a heavy pressure, but for others it's enough to crush the sequence."

"For other superhumans, when they advance, the materials aren't solid enough, or they lack a stronger supernatural sequence ecology."

"It's truly difficult to trigger the steam sequence's ultimate outbreak."

"In short, the upper limit of the steam sequence continually rises as the number of cores increases."

"But… whether one can actually unleash the power of the steam core sequence depends greatly on talent and foundation."

"The comprehensive strength of a superhuman's own supernatural sequence ecology, the depth of comprehension of runic mysteries, the height of supernatural talent, and the finesse of source energy control."

"These aspects all affect the outbreak of the steam sequence core."

After carefully experiencing the sensation of the dual‑core outbreak, Taku then gradually retracts the power of his dual steam cores.

A large amount of steam source energy is also swallowed and absorbed by Taku, then reintegrated into the steam wizard sequence ecology.

Taku once again returns to the former calm, natural state of an ordinary third‑rank wizard.

With the acquisition of the dual steam core, Taku gradually finds the way to unlock the steam sequence's multi‑core.

Or rather, it is a development path that matches his own steam core.

"Previously one core, now two cores, in the future capable of possessing nine cores."

"By then it could be one core in trouble, eight cores watching… cough cough… actually all nine cores exerting force together!"

"The further one cultivates, the higher the steam sequence's upper limit will be compared to that of an ordinary sequence—far, far higher."

"Is this the powerful sequence that can move the era?"

Taku sighs inwardly.

As the steam sequence's power gradually retracts.

Taku opens his attribute level page.

"The second steam core has been fully absorbed, the sequence has become much more stable, and it's time to level up."

Open the attribute page.

Taku feels for a moment, then begins a new round of point‑allocation upgrades.

Level 34!

……

Level 35!

……

Level 36!

After raising to level 36 and carefully sensing it, Taku ends the upgrade.

"One needs to meditate and settle the ecological cycle in order to upgrade better."

"This wave of upgrades brought me to level 36, so the next wave can directly take me to level 39."

"The fourth‑rank promotion materials are far off; should I expend once the major help given by the three great powers to obtain three pieces of fourth‑rank lord materials?"

After thinking it over carefully, Taku shakes his head.

The full-power assistance of top-tier forbidden-spell-level from the three major forces would be better used to obtain resources that cannot be obtained outside.

Materials for lord promotion to the fourth tier can still be found if one looks carefully.

Moreover... as a top-tier refiner, others still have plenty of opportunities to conduct this kind of resource transaction.

Supernatural Sequence

Steam·Wizard: level 36.

Origin Dark Sea: level 36.

……

Supernatural Divine Ability

Phase Walk (665 fragments): level 39.

Eternal·Flame Heart (1160 fragments): level 39.

……

Supernatural Talent

Precise Correction (SSS rank): 1500%.

Steam·World·Origin Spirit State (SSS-exclusive rank): 2020%.

……

Supernatural Witchcraft/Ability

Steam·Light Feather Blade (three-star, shape-shifting ability): level 39

Sheep Transformation Technique (two-star, ability): level 39.

Spirit Touch Perception (two-star, ability): level 39.

Rune·Soul Veil Shadow (four-star): level 39.

Rune·Spirit Walk Hand (three-star): level 39.

Rune·Storm Hold (three-star): level 39.

Light-Shaping Spear (two-star): level 39.

Holy Light Healing Technique (two-star): level 39.

Arcane Shot: level 39.

Abyss·Bloodthirsty Devil Vine: level 39.

Dragon Source Scale Armor Shield: level 39.

Nightmare Fire Oil Bomb: level 39.

Micro·Storm Technique: level 39.

Feeling Ta Ke's current 36th-level rank.

Ta Ke, having gradually examined the many spells in their hand, rubbed their brow.

According to the supernatural steam knowledge Ta Ke learned in the tower.

The second steam core will increase the "relatively greater" ecological carrying capacity.

Ta Ke also had great expectations for it.

But after Ta Ke absorbed and digested this second steam core,

Ta Ke found that the effect was not as good as imagined.

Perhaps...

What other supernaturals have described as "relatively greater".

For Ta Ke's current physique, however, it is "relatively less".

"Generally speaking, only fourth-tier supernaturals are qualified to master rune-level witchcraft."

"But I have already mastered three three-star witchcrafts and one four-star witchcraft."

"Forbidden-spell-level power is prepared for those above seventh tier; at least a sixth-tier supernatural is needed to grasp and learn it."

"I am only third tier, and yet, with all these witchcrafts already loaded, forcing a five-star forbidden spell in is truly excessive!"

"No rush, anyway a five-star forbidden spell won't run away."

"Get it first; learning it after advancing to fourth tier is not too late!"

"On the contrary, it would be better to first learn a three- or four-star witchcraft like 'Flame Dragon Breath'."

"This would also allow my Light-Flame Rune Principle to be better exerted."

"The actual combat effect would also be better."

Ta Ke, sitting cross-legged in the corner of the living room of the magical cottage, comprehensively reviewed this absorption enhancement.

The dual steam cores greatly raised Ta Ke's upper limit.

At the same time, absorbing the second steam core also paved the way for Ta Ke's upcoming upgrades.

Next, a portion of ecological carrying capacity has been developed.

Although it cannot carry forbidden-spell-level witchcraft, it is more than sufficient for rune-level witchcraft, and can even bear more than just one or two.

However, Ta Ke will naturally not fill all of this remaining ecological carrying capacity at once.

Some must be left for learning forbidden-spell witchcraft after future advancement to fourth tier.

Moreover, regarding Ta Ke's own forbidden-spell witchcraft, these past days Ta Ke has verified a large amount of data on forbidden-spell power from memory context, and after thinking has already gained some clues.

Since it is a forbidden spell,

then one must definitely learn a destructive forbidden spell with strong destructive power!

The kind that lets enemies see their grandmothers.

"Huh…"

After completing the steam core absorption and point‑allocation upgrade, Ta Ke let out a long sigh.

Before the second ecological war arrives, a small upgrade—this feels pretty good.

Immediately, Ta Ke rose and walked toward the "Blood Pool Room" on the living‑room side of the Mystic Cottage.

As Ta Ke opened the door.

A thick, viscous scent of blood rushed to his face.

Inside the Blood Pool Room, the center held a blood pool about two meters across, surrounded by blood channels that spread to the walls and even onto the wall surfaces.

At the exact center of the pool stood a Blood Crystal Tree, as thick as an arm and over five meters tall, its branches spreading to fill the entire ceiling of the room.

And on the Blood Crystal Tree, a multitude of sheep—climbed the tree!

Yes!

At this moment, the Blood Clan that Ta Ke had turned into sheep crowded en masse onto the Blood Crystal Tree.

Making the tree bear a weight it shouldn't bear at its age.

As for the sheep that didn't squeeze onto the tree, they naturally became food for the blood pool.

The blood pool can serve as a graveyard for processing enemy corpses.

At the same time, it is also one source of blood crystals.

Beyond that, the blood pool ecosystem merges into the Mystic Cottage, becoming part of its ecology, promoting the cottage's growth and serving as a sedimentary nourishment zone for the extraordinary traits of the ecological area.

Ta Ke's Mystic Cottage is cultivated with a "world‑class ecosystem" as its goal.

The corpses of these enemies will become the nourishment for the growth of Ta Ke's "Mystic World Cottage".

Now the Mystic Cottage is growing at an extremely rapid pace.

The blood pool plays a fairly large role.

One could say that the blood pool has already become a small core of the Mystic Cottage.

In the future, when the interior of Ta Ke's Mystic Deep Cottage becomes as massive and towering as a mountain peak.

Ta Ke plans to carve out a small grassland at the foot of the mountain.

After turning the enemies into sheep, he will raise them at the foothill so they can engage in Level‑Eight Sheep‑language communication.

【Sheep Transformation Technique】 as the core witchcraft on the Steam Sequence Tree, will, as Ta Ke continuously advances, gradually become rune witchcraft and possibly even forbidden‑spell witchcraft.

In the Dark Age era.

These Blood Clan members truly treat humans as livestock for breeding.

Now, Ta Ke turns these Blood Clan members into sheep and raises them, which counts as a reciprocal courtesy!

In his thoughts, Ta Ke's Rune Hand seized three fourth‑rank Blood Clan sheep.

This instantly made the already frightened flock bleat "baa" loudly.

"Whoever cries out again, I'll catch them!"

Ta Ke's gaze swept over the flock atop the Blood Crystal Tree, and he said coolly.

In an instant, all the sheep on the tree fell silent.

With Ta Ke's Sheep Transformation Technique advancing to two‑star level.

For those Blood Clan members of higher rank than him who hold titles.

Ta Ke can also turn them into sheep.

"These three fourth‑rank Viscount Blood Clan sheep, plus those three fourth‑rank Viscount Blood Clan lady‑sheep."

"Six Blood Clan sheep are enough to forge a powerful fourth‑rank Blood‑Shadow Witch Robe."

"If it's not enough, just catch more; after all… there are plenty!"

Ta Ke muttered softly to himself.

And Ta Ke's solitary words, in the ears of these Blood Clan sheep,

were nothing but the whisper of a terrifying demon, a sound that made their souls tremble in fear.