Su Chen's success was met with relief.
The power bank did not detonate, emit a chaotic surge of electromagnetic waves, or morph into an unexpected kitchen appliance. Rather, it absorbed the energy input by Su Chen in a steady and controlled manner, completing the storage process.
Encouraged by his triumph, Su Chen decided to push the limits further.
Leaving one unit of energy for himself, he injected the remaining one and a half units into the power bank.
There seemed to be a slight loss during the process, approximately 5% of the total stored energy. However, it fell within an acceptable range. What truly exhilarated Su Chen was the fact that he had accomplished his goal.
The era of "charging" oneself with a power bank had begun!
He estimated that the power bank's maximum capacity would be around five energy units. While not substantial, it could be a lifesaver in dire situations when the primary energy unit was depleted and unable to be replenished promptly.
Interestingly, when he absorbed the stored energy from the power bank, it illuminated as if in normal use. The screen displayed the energy units as a percentage, adding a touch of technological allure to the device.
Clutching the power bank in his hand, Su Chen fell into contemplation.
His thoughts expanded beyond the current achievement. Despite the unexpected transformations that had taken place in Yuanliao City, Su Chen had fulfilled his personal objectives—he had completed the battle armor and acquired an array of weapons and equipment. However, Lin Mo remained missing.
Su Chen now surmised that while he could engage in direct combat with the flesh and blood giant, he couldn't conceive a method to vanquish it completely. How does one eliminate an adversary that seems indestructible? Would the magical alterations from the RPG possess enough power to reduce it to ashes?
Simultaneously, Su Chen sensed a certain "limit."
Since his encounter with the second level during the armor forging, Su Chen had become aware of reaching a threshold within the first level.
It wasn't that Su Chen hadn't considered demonic chariots and cannons. He could certainly dismantle and reconfigure them as depicted in the ancient drawings. However, those advanced devices necessitated the completion of the last step in demonic refinement, followed by sublimation and forging. The energy demands of the black-energized model would far surpass that of the Mark 45 model. His own body's energy storage capacity was limited to only 30 units. It would be impossible to provide sufficient support during the critical final step. Unless he prepared a stack of power banks, the complications and obstacles would be overwhelming. Even if he managed to construct it, Su Chen would struggle to afford it without establishing a conventional reactor and burning his body's energy reserves.
Furthermore, when he had previously touched the second level, Su Chen could distinctly sense that if he were to unlock the door, his current abilities would undergo unimaginable transformations. The effects of magical altered items might take on entirely new dimensions. It was a prospect that Su Chen eagerly anticipated—a pivotal step forward.
Indeed, Su Chen found himself with a dwindling supply of energy units. Once the monsters completed their sacrificial rituals, they would likely surge through Yuanliao City with an even more terrifying onslaught than before. Time and space were not on Su Chen's side, leaving him unable to leisurely accumulate energy and gradually transform into a towering giant. This crucial aspect could not be ignored.
Moreover, at this stage, Su Chen's armor possessed satisfactory mobility, combat prowess, and defense. It offered the ideal level of portability that aligned perfectly with Su Chen's current needs.
From Su Chen's perspective, the transformation of chariots, fighter planes, and even spaceships was an imperative. However, the conditions were not yet ripe in all respects, and such alterations could potentially make him a prime target for the monster army.
Currently, Su Chen had two main plans. First, he needed to expedite his entry into the second level. Second, he aimed to further fortify his existing suit.
Su Chen pondered various methods of reinforcement. He contemplated adding components such as radar or an external storage battery charger to his armor. Radar would allow him to preemptively detect threats, as he had experienced during the previous flesh and blood giant attack. Su Chen had also contemplated the magical modification of radar, considering the possibility of repurposing watches or car navigators. As for the plug-in storage battery for the battle armor, he could salvage one from an electric car.
He also deliberated on incorporating a communicator, a sonic weapon, or even a miniature rocket array into his arsenal. Su Chen's mind wandered, considering the potential items that could be transformed into a rocket array. Could a LEGO piece serve the purpose? No, it seemed inadequate.
Rubbing his chin in contemplation, Su Chen could already envision the ways in which he could strengthen his suit and equip himself more comprehensively.
Seizing every available moment, he planned to reinforce his battle attire and strive to break through to the second level, where he could acquire even more potent abilities. Su Chen meticulously devised his strategy in silence.
Professor Chen would be flabbergasted if he discovered that the remarkable suit he believed to be exclusively crafted through dark energy tempering was being assembled in such a manner by Su Chen. In all likelihood, he would be left dumbfounded and exasperated.
Su Chen had no intentions of seeking assistance from the military. At this stage, the military barely had the time to spare, let alone lend him a helping hand. He was fortunate if they didn't hinder his progress.
After pondering and planning extensively, Su Chen temporarily set aside his calculations, packed his "wealth" of possessions, and descended the stairs.
Rather than rushing to find a navigator or battery, Su Chen recognized the limitations. Firstly, his energy reserves were insufficient, leaving no surplus power for modifying those items. Secondly, the items he wished to magically alter were, in essence, the very "scraps" discarded during the doomsday. Although they might hold future significance, they currently held no value to anyone. With Su Chen's current strength, finding them would be a simple task if the need arose. There was no need to burden himself with a surplus at the moment.
The sky above Yuankong grew increasingly ominous and blindingly bright. The monstrous sacrifices had begun, and without human offerings, the gruesome ritual would not be halted. The abominations themselves might now take the initiative, offering themselves as sacrifices, creating a scene of bloodshed and terror that chilled the soul.
Despite the ongoing monster sacrifices, the military seemed powerless, making no attempt to intervene or quell the horrors unfolding. Yuanliao City appeared to be spiraling irreversibly into the depths of despair.
They had been stationed here for over an hour and a half, surpassing the time frame outlined in Su Wenhao's initial plan. The intention had been to establish contact with other troops and obtain a new course of action. However, due to the fluctuations in the magnetic field, they had moved away from the Cloud City store, rendering communication sporadic at best. The efficiency was abysmal, progress sluggish. They had, at most, another two hours remaining in this location.
Seizing this opportunity, Su Chen sought a private conversation with Professor Chen, making his way directly towards him. Given his current circumstances, no one would dare to impede his path.
There were countless questions swirling within Su Chen's mind—about the monsters, the altered world, and even his own abilities.
Upon reaching Professor Chen, Su Chen found him and his team engrossed in analyzing the cup he had provided. Their expressions were a mix of excitement and frustration. The cup, ordinary in appearance, had undergone a peculiar transformation after being infused with a small amount of dark energy—an unprecedented occurrence in human history. The application of dark energy to manufactured objects through non-industrial means held immense potential. Unfortunately, their equipment was insufficient to conduct a more comprehensive investigation. Professor Chen expressed regret, marveling at Su Chen's natural ability. "Is this truly your innate talent? It's truly remarkable..."
Su Chen responded with a nonchalant smile. "Don't concern yourself with that. I'd like to hear your insights on the monsters, the nature of dark energy, and individuals with extraordinary abilities."
Professor Chen glanced at him, nodding in agreement, and gestured for them to move to a secluded corner. They sought refuge from prying ears, yet the stench of decaying fruit still permeated the air. Professor Chen began, "What specifically would you like to know?"
Su Chen, devoid of any prior knowledge, simply replied, "Everything."