I'll post two chapters this morning, and another one during the "add essence" party at 12 o'clock tonight. Feel free to join the party from 12 to 1, it's not that I don't want to give you all something exciting now, but due to the scarcity of essence during the first week of a new book release, the bonus won't count until after Sunday at 12. There will be more essence to add then. Please remember to cast your votes, helping Little Three rise on the new book rankings. Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sacred Liquid? What's that?" Sky Scar voiced his confusion. Although he had gradually developed some resistance to the various mysterious things within the Holy Alliance, he still couldn't help but voice his doubts.
Upon hearing Liao En's simple explanation of what Sacred Liquid was, Sky Scar changed color when he discovered that it cost a million Cosmic Coins per milliliter. "What? A million Cosmic Coins per milliliter? That means ten milliliters equal ten million." His mind went blank at the thought of the astronomical figure. Ten million Cosmic Coins was quite a lot, perhaps even surpassing annual tax revenue of City of Zhongting. He had yet to repay his existing debt, and yet here he was, incurring more.
Liao En gave a snort. "Considering the resources those madmen at the Research Institute of the Holy Alliance have squandered, the value of the Sacred Liquid might even be more than that. You're lucky."
Sky Scar gave a bitter smile. "I don't want this kind of luck. I hate owing people. Commander Liao En, the effects of the Sacred Liquid don't seem as significant as you claim. Other than feeling physically well, and my muscles seemingly more powerful, I don't detect any difference."
"This was Manipulator Oya's decision, you'll have the opportunity to ask her yourself. Let's go, your training today is the same as yesterday's."
Training! Upon mention, an intense light sparkled in Sky Scar's eyes. He eagerly anticipated how many laps he could endure today.
His Cosmic Energy was similarly sealed and wearing identical Mechanical Armor, Sky Scar's training began anew. Today's training was better than yesterday's. His Mechanical Armor didn't feel that heavy anymore. Although he couldn't truly run, at least he could jog now. He continued to push forward, step by step, full of confidence in himself.
And so, the first month passed. Each day entailed only boring repetitions of running. The number of laps gradually increased from twenty-one, Sky Scar finally perceived the miraculous benefits of the Sacred Liquid. The Sacred Liquid had transformed his body, making his recovery speed extremely fast. Regardless of how severe the fatigue, a night's rest was all he needed to recover. His training of Cosmic Energy finally entered the Second Stage. For some reason, his rate of Cosmic Energy progress was swift. After just one month, he reached the Second Level of the Second Stage. However, this month had brought no progress in his realization of Space-related supernatural power. After all, time was severely limited for him. All of his energy was devoted to physical enhancement, naturally leaving little to no opportunity for the practice of supernatural abilities.
"One - hundred - I've done it, I truly did it!" Sky Scar's excited shouts echoed across the square. Yes, this was the thirtieth day since his arrival at Castle Oya. Finally, he had accomplished his goal – one hundred laps, a distance of forty thousand meters which took him an entire day to complete. Sweating heavily and waving his arm about, his excitement was quite contagious, even to the austere Liao En. With the clanking of his Mechanical Armor, Sky Scar's efforts were not in vain. You reap what you sow. Under the nourishment of the Advanced Nutrient Solution and the Sacred Liquid, Sky Scar had acquired a physique far surpassing that of an average person, a fact that even invoked envy in Liao En. He had wondered before if he could compare to Sky Scar if his supernatural ability was sealed. The answer was negative. Not only was Sky Scar's physique packed with explosive power, but it also, similar to his will, possessed an impressive amount of resilience and stamina.
"Unseal!" Sky Scar shouted. Under Liao En's gloomy watch, he undid his physical restraint. From the first day on, whenever Sky Scar gathered his focus, he could stimulate the mixed Cosmic Energy within his body and successfully break free from the restraint. His supernatural power might indeed be far inferior to Liao En's, but their levels of Cosmic Energy were not vastly different. Although this did not signify that he could fight on-par with Liao En, it did demonstrate the advantage of having Space-related supernatural power. Sky Scar later found out that the greatest feature of Space-related supernatural power was its relative ease in breaking free from all types of restraints.
"Commander Liao En, did you see? I've done it! I really did it!" Sky Scar, ecstatic, ran towards Liao En.
Liao En gave a noncommittal grunt. "That's nothing. It's just basic training. Plus, your running speed is too slow. It won't be considered competent until you can complete this training within two hours. Furthermore, you would have to use the restroom at least five times during a day's running training."
The excitement disappeared from Sky Scar's face. Due to excessive perspiration, he only needed to use the restroom once a day under normal conditions. "Commander Liao En, couldn't you say it in a different way?"
The fleeting smile on Liao En's face disappeared. "This is the easiest way for you to understand."
"But how is it possible to achieve this without using Cosmic Energy or supernatural power? It's impossible not to sweat while running with such a heavy load on your back. After all, there are limits to the human body."
Liao En replied seriously, "Sky Scar, have you forgotten what our purpose as supernatural beings is? We are to transcend human limitations. That's enough for today. Starting tomorrow, you will undergo new training. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Manipulator Oya has decided to keep you here for three months."
Excitement shone in Sky Scar's eyes, "Alright, three months it is. Commander Liao En, I have a question."
"Ask." Feeling Sky Scar's genuine joy, Liao En wondered in his heart, this kid is a freak. He takes such grueling training as if it were entertainment.
"Commander Liao En, if I continue training here for three years, can I achieve level ten supernatural ability?"
"No. The objective here is to build your foundation. Supernatural power isn't simply raised through training, otherwise, you wouldn't still be at the first level. To attain deeper abilities, effort is essential, but opportunity and perception are equally crucial. Therefore, you must venture out and enhance your abilities through experience and self-improvement. As of tomorrow, I won't restrain you. In the morning, you can finish a hundred laps using Cosmic Energy and supernatural power, and in the afternoon, I will guide you on how to use your supernatural power."
"Yes, Commander Liao En." True happiness filled Sky Scar's heart upon not being restrained anymore. The growth of his Cosmic Energy made him eager to experience the fusion of body and energy. He rushed to the showers, carefully cleaning the Mechanical Armor before indulging in a hot shower to relieve muscle tension.
Watching Sky Scar leave, Liao En said with a wry smile: "This little monster, truly a creator of miracles."
"What happened to make our stern Controller show such an expression? Liao En, you seem to be losing your vigilance." Madame Oya appeared behind Liao En.
"I'm sorry, Manipulator." Liao En turned around somewhat fearfully.
"Perhaps he gave you too much of a surprise." Madame Oya surprisingly didn't reprimand Liao En, "You can report to me about his recent situation now."
"Yes. Sky Scar can now complete a hundred laps of running exercise while wearing the Mechanical Armor. His physical condition has reached an unprecedented level among the Controllers below the fifteenth level of the Holy Alliance without utilizing Cosmic Energy. In order to adapt to the weight of the Mechanical Armor, he wears this heavy armor at all times except when he bathes or sleeps. He voluntarily suggested this, he's quite mad. At the same time, his basic Cosmic Energy is very profound. According to him, he has practiced Cosmic Energy from a young age. Moreover, he seems to have a deep understanding of Cosmic Energy, and it has now reached a midterm second level. What's more admirable is that he forgoes cultivation techniques making his Cosmic Energy very pure, untouched by any impure energy. I believe he will soon reach the power of the second level of a supernatural being. Your judgement was correct. As reluctant as I am to admit, I must say, the guy's a genius."
Madame Oya smiled slightly, "No, you are wrong. Sky Scar is not a genius. However, 'little madman' suits him better. His yearning for power reminds me of my father when he was young."
Liao En was taken aback, "Could it be due to the magic of the Sacred Liquid?"
Madame Oya shook her head, "The effect of injecting ten milliliters of Sacred Liquid hasn't fully manifested, it just provided better recovery ability. His achievements are due to his efforts in putting in more than others. What's commendable is his robust perseverance, something even I probably don't possess. I hope his tenacity lasts forever. For any supernatural being, mindset is the most crucial part of cultivation."