Chapter 135: Part．26［Afterstory 1］

Part．26［Afterstory 1］

Is this the gift you brought back? No, how is she alive? Are you sure this thing has no infectious ability? No, it has your 'aura'! Your clan?! They actually dared to let it in like that!

In the Dragon Palace beneath Lake Baikal, Long Siwu, who had received Wu Ming's message, prepared a welcome party in advance to receive her so‑called 'gift'.

Sis, there's nothing I can do~ It could fool the people in my team, but it might not fool the others in the town, and things had already come to that point, so I could only bring it back~." Wu Ming, feeling guilty, unusually took Long Siwu's hand and acted coquettishly.

Ahhh~~~ Look what you're saying. Little Wu Ming, even if you tore apart the gods of existing and ancient civilizations and brought them here, as long as I'm around, anyone who wants to see you has to get past me first!

The big white dragon grabbed Wu Ming, pulling her into its embrace and rubbing against her.

All right, all right, let's get down to business. I also wanted you to help me keep watch. Those classmates before— at least they were human, so accepting my power didn't seem like a problem to me. But it's different. Wait while I explain what happened." She pushed away the softness pressing on her chin, and crystal dust gathered in the girl's hand, condensing into a map of Antarctica before them.

... In the final stage, possibly due to excessive survival pressure, plus the overly long fusion time of the Bai Duo organization and the Angel System (AngelPac), it developed some subjective consciousness, so after thoroughly accepting the erosion of my power from those remains, it ultimately manifested this form. When I tracked it down via the connection, it was almost entirely encased in a large lump of crystal beneath the debris of an r‑type fighter to ensure its survival.

Is it something not of this world? It looks like the same kind of existence as certain mysteries— something that originally did not exist in our world/universe, but comes from another spacetime or a place with vastly different rules.

Long Siwu pinched its face, then placed his hand on its head amid its dazed expression.

What power does it have?

Show yourself, sis.

Heh~, there's also a sister‑play style.

I feel that a guy who looks human and isn't ugly calling me 'my lord' all the time is just too embarrassing.

The two observed Bai Duo while bickering.

Because too many gene sets have been lost, the only thing I can currently show is the power you call froce; everything else is limited to the level of ordinary carbon‑based life— things like maximum output, structural strength, etc. However, my recovery is fine; my adaptability is enough for me to gradually adapt to various attacks. If I had more organisms as references, I could improve faster.

It extended both hands forward, and a high temperature of distorted air appeared between them, then faded. Next, it expressionlessly snapped its left hand with its right hand, and visibly recovered within minutes.

It's a promising specimen, and froce, like you, is an off‑world product that can retain its specialness in our world. Growth.... can't be rushed, so take it slow. By the way, can you use my genes?

Analyzing, Long Siwu suddenly asked curiously.

She shed a few drops of her own blood and a small piece of flesh, watching as the other took them in and they merged into its hand.

Pfft——

After a brief wriggling of flesh and blood, Bai Duo gradually grew dragon scales on the limb that had accepted the white dragon's flesh, but under Long Siwu's eager gaze it lasted only tens of seconds before its arm burst open, and the tissue that fell to the ground quickly collapsed into a puddle of meat paste.

However, it remained expressionless, extending a new limb from its body that quickly absorbed the previous one, then the same process occurred again. The difference this time was that signs of collapse appeared only after half a minute.

Then came the third time: it grew crystalline spikes on its head and underwent other changes on its body, lasting about ten minutes before instability and partial collapse set in.

With further adjustment, the original spikes turned into horn‑like shapes, and in Long Siwu's view Bai Duo's interior revealed a froce‑named core steadily releasing energy outward; this energy circulated along a certain pathway inside it, helping to stabilize its bodily structure.

All right.

The brief reply was met with two slightly excited hearts.

Wu Ming marveled at its adaptability, while Long Siwu saw the possibility of her breaking free of her shackles further.

What a fine fellow, look at him— so handsome! Using froce as the energy‑output core instead of a dragon pearl— is that also an adaptation?" Long Siwu, who had deliberately offered true dragon blood, watched Bai Duo, whose stature had grown noticeably, and clicked his tongue in amazement.

It reached the capacity to bear these mysterious beings in about an hour, and the acceptance level is still high; in a sense, although you've lost freedom, your upper limit seems higher." Wu Ming couldn't help recalling the bestiary of mysterious beings she had studied.

Her willingness to do this experiment also came from wanting to gauge how far Bai Duo could go by borrowing Long Siwu's existence, which has actual biological traits plus some non‑biological traits. Now it seems that, relying on this bit of flesh and blood, Bai Duo inevitably gained a surface through adaptability, and even learned some inner workings.

A froce core like a dragon pearl, its unique meridians, and this natural sense of mastery that faintly resonates with the surrounding environment— perhaps after letting it evolve a bit longer, it could temporarily act as Long Siwu's stand‑in and take charge of the North Sea's authority.

So, extending this example in other directions, if one dares to create a material body resembling a living being, does that mean it can all be gradually broken down by biology and ultimately become Bai Duo's nourishment? Moreover, with Wu Ming's power as the underlying foundation, there's no need to worry about altering the 'base tone'; for Bai Duo, this means it can freely experiment.

Thinking this through, the two locked eyes and gave each other a hard slap.

Relevant information has been stored.

Its words drew their attention back, presenting a new problem that Wu Ming urgently needed to solve.

What kind of identity should we arrange for it? Or, how can it appear legally and compliant in this town? After all, this operation had neither the technology of r‑type fighters nor the heaven‑defying froce energy tech of r‑type, but just the prosthetic technology on Ailuo's body is already a considerable gain. As for the rest, Wu Ming said it shouldn't be too much as her reward, after all it's also her own clan.

"In the Dragon Palace there are still plenty of little demons..... they..... I treat them well, and some are willing to give everything for me without hesitation..... if..... really not possible"

Long Siwu's tone suddenly grew wistful as he spoke.

Actually, it's not really necessary; imitating and evolving to your level would be slower and more troublesome, but just targeting a little demon would greatly reduce the difficulty, plus you can guide from the side. If that still fails, we could start by cultivating it from a young age— gradually bring it to a suitable position, constantly testing and adjusting. After all, I'm not in that much of a hurry.

Wu Ming patted Long Siwu.

Besides, I can't just drop everything right now— ogas is still waiting for me to finish perfecting it. Building the new spiritual energy system also needs me as the main driving force. My expectation for it is roughly that it could become my eyes out there, which would be enough. As for other things, although I don't really want to admit it, after it became my clan I did indeed get a slight feel for the edges of my 'essence'." The girl said, and her head also manifested something like dragon horns; from Long Siwu's spiritual perception, almost in an instant she almost thought the girl before her was of her own kind.

The dragon horns faded, and a point of light emitting terrifying pressure appeared before her again. This energy aggregate is easy to recognize— it's froce similar to Bai Duo's.

"Copy, or absorb downward?" Long Siwu wondered curiously.

I'm not quite sure.... This feeling is quite peculiar; although I've produced similar power, in my cognition these things— whether like your dragon horns or its froce in my hand— are merely manifestations of a spiritual energy crystal.

Rubbing her forehead, Wu Ming described how it felt to use those abilities and changes that, to others, seem utterly unrelated to her.

Actually, that fits the traits of spiritual energy quite well. I know a spiritual energy user who is quite similar to you—I mean in the aspect of using spiritual energy." Long Siwu crossed his arms.

Oh?

He's from the Bureau Research Department, which specializes in studying mysteries to try to parse their principles. Those burst‑arrow guns you brought on this mission are also products of that department.

Hey hey, the guy you're talking about from the R&D department— he can use spiritual energy, right, and it's really convenient, able to do anything, right?

Wu Ming caught a whiff of something off.

Mm‑hm, yeah, earlier I thought your spiritual energy was just about controlling crystals and having strong corrosive effect, perhaps a higher‑rank concept closer to the so‑called essence of spiritual energy. But this time the strength you displayed made me realize it's actually quite like his.

Then, what characteristics does his spiritual energy have?

The girl bit her lip, feeling pressure gradually building in her heart.

Oh, it's in the form of flames." Long Siwu didn't notice Wu Ming's expression and continued.

Huh——, good, just fire...

Yes, fire, golden fire.

Cough cough cough————!!!!

Wu Ming's exhaled breath got stuck in her throat, making her involuntarily bend over.

What the heck... no, golden fire? Spiritual energy is fine, and there are burst‑arrow guns. Not, bro, what did you drag me into?" Wu Ming almost instantly thought of that universe which countless transmigrators call a cesspool.

"Ah? You look really off, he, he has any problem?" Long Siwu, noticing something wrong, hurriedly asked, and also dismissed the surrounding little demons.

"No, no, nothing, I'm very interested in that guy you mentioned; can you give me a brief introduction? I think the researcher of such a sturdy and usable weapon as the burst-arrow gun would be a great help to my ogas." Wuming bit down to calm herself, already feeling the urge to meet that mysterious existence.

"Sure, roughly like that......"

"So you still need me to help contact?"

"No need, my clearance is enough to meet him; you should just take good care of Zao'er here."

"All right, all right, but remember to rest; the ogas project isn't urgent for a bit, efficiency is higher when rested. Didn't the bureau also approve your half-month leave?"

"Got it, let's go out and play together in a couple days."

That evening, Wuming left the Dragon Palace with a heavy heart after the tea gathering ended.

Bai Duo gained a new name—Zao'er; it's indeed hard to hide her traits with those of ordinary demons. However, Long Siwu still found a barely matching existence among the myriad beings in Lake Baikal.

【dinoflagellate】

Yes, algae can become essences; although it's absurd, the Dragon Palace's monster registry does have records of algae that have become essences, although they are usually large algae like kelp, but occasional exceptions do occur, and even being an exception makes it somewhat normal to receive cultivation from the Dragon Palace's master.

As for why the prototype was set as dinoflagellate, we must talk about its traits: it's like the mouse-mouse of the biological world, the cell nucleus inside is a highly compressed DNA structure, a single cell's total DNA exceeds that of many organisms' reproductive cell fertilized eggs, and the various nucleic acid codes inside can be said to almost encompass everything; no one knows what could be pulled out to face changing environments and predators.

Quite suitable for Bai Duo, an existence capable of devouring other organisms and making them its own.

As for the formal name later, it hasn't come yet; why think so much? Just call it this for now.

At night, Wuming walked the streets of the small town; although there were still things to busy with tomorrow, this moment was idle.

After finishing the duty report, handing over the team and saying goodbye, then chatting with Long Siwu, Wuming suddenly felt very tired.

But she didn't really want to sleep.

She thought of Stanford, wondering if that man was still waiting for her arrival; she thought of her family, and although it wasn't the first time recalling them, each recollection still left her feeling somewhat uneasy.

Wuming also recalled her previous commission; unfortunately, after returning, Long Siwu told her that with current craftsmanship, technology, and materials, a weapon that can use personal spiritual energy as ammunition is truly inferior to making a magic implement/magic wand according to the China or Europe spiritual ability systems. If really impossible, making a gun-shaped magic wand would be roughly similar. As for the kind Wuming imagined—able to fire ordinary bullets, also use spiritual energy to load and fire, while guaranteeing power in a wheelchair-mounted device—Long Siwu could only say he was unable to help.

It's not that it can't be done; there's just no clue or method yet. If personal spiritual energy is strong enough and close to the essence, no extra equipment is needed—equipment only limits the user's spiritual energy release. If one is a spiritual energy practitioner within a certain system, strong gunpowder bullets decide nothing of effect, weak ones need not convert spiritual energy on-site into ammunition. One could even carry two weapons, one normal, one special. Thus, from Long Siwu's perspective, Wuming's idea is as strange as wanting a toy. She even wondered why, with her ability, she doesn't just directly conjure such a weapon from her own spiritual energy.

Wuming shook her head, recalling that back then she had just blurted out whatever idea came to mind. Indeed, she hadn't considered actual feasibility; she's always like that, sometimes godly, sometimes ghostly.

Perhaps it's merely insufficient accumulation? She turned her head to reflect on her current reserves; she also knew that, given the situation, opportunities to go to other worlds/universes in the future will definitely not be few, and perhaps if the technologies of certain worlds intertwine, she could manufacture her ideal.....'toy'?

"Ah...." Upon thinking this, she suddenly understood why she had such a strange idea. It was to find a rationality, a reason to keep going. Also, because up to now there hasn't been anything that could threaten her, while what she can't deal with is relatively far, leaving her at a loss for short- or medium-term goals at the moment.

"But....."

"I am still here."

"Later, perhaps there may be a need to send you out to accomplish some things in my place; how is your growth, Xin?"

"Currently, I only have consciousness; many powers cannot be used, and I haven't yet tried to use power."

"It's fine, enough; having an existence that can substitute for me to walk outside is sufficient; later there will be some minor adjustments, and Zao'er will also help you shape your body. Hmm... if my guess isn't wrong, after you meet him, you should have a better physique."

"Thank you."

"You are me; no need to say these."

"That's precisely why I say this, because I am you."

Listening to the inner dialogue, she slightly steadied her mind.

After returning, she didn't even need to go collect her diploma; on the way to submit the report, she already learned from the ogas terminal fixed in the bureau's hall that someone would deliver her diploma to her residence in a few days.

With this incident-resolution record, at least the Moscow side will have no further objections to her promotion.

Regarding residence, Wuming only learned from Long Siwu that she and Mina jointly applied for a five-story building with an attic, half commercial half residential, as their shared home for the three of them.

The first floor is a magic potion and spiritual instrument shop, with goods sourced from Mina and Long Siwu's Dragon Palace workshop. After Long Siwu decided to graduate, she reorganized the workshop in town bearing the Dragon Palace sign, placing some niche and high-difficulty works here, merely as a pastime.

The second floor is a reception hall for meeting guests, and the kitchen is also here.

The third floor contains the three individuals' rooms, plus an extra room for accommodating needed guests.

The fourth floor is Mina's laboratory; her magic wand-alchemy system is also gradually getting on track, with some rules progressively accepted by this world, so the system is rapidly expanding. Perhaps not long from now, she should also establish her own profession and recruit students based on this.

The fifth floor is a meditation room, where sometimes quiet cultivation or other unsightly matters take place.

Finally, the attic houses some observation equipment, used for stargazing and divination-like actions, occasionally serving other purposes.

As for location, it's just two or three streets from the edge of Lake Baikal, so it's not in a mixed residential area but a new district.

".... Even night stalls or restaurants aren't open?" Gazing at the desolate street, Wuming, whose pork craving flared up due to emo, wanted to eat something tasty but found nowhere, so she hurriedly quickened her pace and left.

"I will definitely promote the benefits of opening shops and snack stalls at night later; how can there be no nighttime snacks in such a city!"

Muttering, she seemed to forget the current low temperature of Lake Baikal's night, as well as the fact that her street district, due to being adjacent to the lake and hosting the bureau's garrison, has certain commercial restrictions.