Alchemy Transformation: Frenzy (1/3000)
It was clear that this transformation was on par with evil thoughts, though its flaws were pronounced. Nonetheless, it could significantly enhance the level of transformation, which was a promising gain. This deal was truly worthwhile; if he could master the evil alchemist's specialties and max them out using skill points, it would benefit him immensely.
"How many alchemists' residences do you know?" Bai Yi asked, observing the bustling streets once more. It struck him how even in a city as chaotic as this, order—no matter how twisted—could attract many beings. Humans were social creatures, unable to bear the weight of solitude for long.
Yue Fang replied without hesitation, "Everyone knows the strongest is my master, Mr. Marku, followed by an alchemy and mechanical modification master. There are also four mid-gold alchemists and two lower-gold alchemists. Among these six, two are pharmacists, and the rest are modification experts."
Bai Yi raised an eyebrow, surprised by the concentration of talent in such a small city. Yet, in the dangerous wilderness, sheer combat power was vital for survival.
Flesh and blood transformation was the most common skill here; technicians were the least sought after. Without a stable order, a treasure trove of knowledge was hard to build, forcing technicians to rely on mechanical transformations instead.
"Take me there. We have a week to visit all of them, ending with the gold-ranked mechanical modification engineer," Bai Yi instructed, formulating a plan. He understood that those who underwent comprehensive mechanical transformations were dangerous and rational, often triggering conflicts if their AI calculated a favorable outcome.
"Okay, boss, please follow me," Yue Fang responded, though he held a concern about the pharmacists' dangers, which he kept to himself. Following his survival instincts, he knew better than to question a powerful individual's decisions.
As they walked, Bai Yi's aura kept potential troublemakers at bay, allowing them to reach a bustling street with ease.
"This is the residence of Gasu, a mid-level gold alchemist skilled in poison. Mr. Marku once said, if she's your enemy, don't breathe the same air for more than three seconds," Yue Fang remarked in a hushed tone.
Bai Yi nodded, stepping forward toward the shop named Guangming Pharmacy. He pushed the door open, and they entered.
"Welcome to Guangming Pharmacy, esteemed guest. What can I get for you?" A melodic voice greeted them, contrasting sharply with the grim atmosphere of Sin City.
Behind the counter stood a green-haired elf woman, exuding a faint aura of the Tribe of Life. Yet, Bai Yi sensed she was not their target.
"I'm looking for Ms. Kasu. I wish to have an academic exchange," he replied, his tone polite but firm, a pressure subtly radiating from him that nudged Yue Fang aside.
With a sudden boom, the elf's demeanor shifted, and thick green smoke billowed from the back of the store, halting just before it reached her.
"Who lacks public decency to scare an old woman?" a hoarse voice croaked. An elderly woman in a robe approached, her eyes narrowing at Bai Yi. "Young man, are you here to cause trouble?"
Bai Yi smiled, maintaining his composure. "Hello, Ms. Kasu. I'm here for an academic exchange. Please, try this red wine."
He conjured a bottle and two glasses from his space ring and poured half into one. Offering it with his evil thoughts, he watched as she hesitated.
Kasu, accustomed to threats and poisons, took the glass, inspecting it carefully before downing it in one gulp. A moment later, her expression shifted as a surge of chaos rippled through her.
"Interesting poison," she remarked, her aura fluctuating. "You've mastered evil thoughts and can manipulate poison to this extent. Impressive."
Bai Yi handed her another glass. "I'd like to learn from you."
Her eyes narrowed, and she replied, "I don't have anything that fancy. But I didn't touch that little guy."
Suddenly, Bai Yi felt an alarming prompt from his panel.
[You have been infected with 485 kinds of alchemical poisons and 76 curses. Health will be deducted by 300% per second.]
His Plague Doctor Set provided immunity to some curses, and his evil thoughts mitigated others. But he could feel the poison's effects taking hold.
"Is the poison transmitted through mental power, sight, air, and skin? I understand the first three, but how does sight transmit poison? That doesn't seem like a curse," he mused, glancing at the elf and Yue Fang.
Kasu, intrigued yet guarded, responded, "Are you specialized in poison? But you've perfected evil thoughts..."
Bai Yi chose silence, focusing instead on neutralizing the alchemical toxins around him. He swiftly noticed Kasu's expression shifting as she realized her own predicament, hastily consuming a potion to cleanse herself.
"Ms. Kasu, it seems I've grasped what you know. How about an exchange? I'll share the method for this alcohol poison, and you tell me about yours," he proposed, gesturing to the assortment of bottles he summoned.
After a moment of contemplation, Kasu's serious demeanor returned. "You're a formidable opponent. Very well." She extended her hand, sending a booklet of knowledge toward him.
Bai Yi briefly examined it with his panel:
[Name: Black Gaze.]
Attribute: Active Skill.
Effect: Your sight becomes an anchor point, altering trace elements.
Learning Requirements: Mental Strength 100+.
Introduction: Poison, poison, how can I let it reach you? Is it okay to look at me? —Kasu.
He smiled, storing the knowledge in his space ring before turning to leave. "Oh, and regarding your earlier question, I'm a full-system alchemist."
With that, he stepped out, followed closely by a starry-eyed Yue Fang, who felt as if he was walking in the shadow of a true master.
"Which one is next?" Bai Yi inquired.
"The flesh and blood transformer, Saikang. My master didn't tell you what he specializes in. Please follow me."
Meanwhile, at Tobu Castle, in the valley...
As days passed, more players gathered, and the conflict between the creatures affected by the catastrophe and the players escalated into a large-scale battle.
In this valley, a thousand kilometers from Dongwu City, over 40,000 players clashed with nearly 10,000 disaster creatures. The deafening shouts of battle echoed, mingling with the scent of blood and madness.
"Ulla! Brothers, kill him! He's low on health!"
"Charge forward! The ones in the back, follow!"
With a swift motion, Wei Lu, wielding a silver-grade dagger, appeared behind a human adversary, plunging the dagger into the back of their head.
[You killed a level 35 Cataclysm Warrior. Experience +1000.]
[You leveled up to 20.]
[You've awakened your professional skill: Space Wormhole.]
Taking a moment to glance at his skill points, he maxed out his new ability and opened a tiny wormhole before leaping through it.
Clank!
With a swift strike, he eliminated a berserker who was about to wreak havoc on a nearby player.
The chaotic battlefield was filled with players—most still unranked—confidently engaging in combat, aware that as long as they could breach defenses, they stood a chance.
"Let's go! We can't let them take the lead!" Wei Lu shouted, rallying his comrades as they pressed forward, unafraid of the chaos surrounding them.
Demacia, with a staff gifted by Bai Yi, summoned forth a powerful creature from the abyss, sending a wave of fear through the disaster creatures.
[You sacrificed fifteen silver-level corpses; the level 46 Abyss Demon has responded to your call.]
As the demon materialized, Demacia directed it with fervor. "Go! Kill those Cataclysm creatures!"
The players around him gaped in disbelief. How could a player summon a creature of such power?
The demon roared, unleashing chaos as it collided with a Silver Upper Berserker, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
[Your summon kills a level 48 Cataclysm Berserker. Experience +10,000.]
Demacia's excitement surged as he realized the power he wielded.
[Warning: A gold-level boss is about to appear. Players, prepare yourselves.]
The atmosphere shifted as adrenaline coursed through the crowd, igniting their resolve.
"Boss! We can't let it escape! Ulla!!!"
As the players rushed forward, their collective roar echoed in the valley, igniting a spirit of unity against the impending threat.