pdf-ebookys Chapter 41 Summary and Reinforcement
Chapter 41 Summary and Reinforcement
Pure white, warm, with an almost numb comfort.
The divine beam of healing light, like the most precise nanomachines, or rather, the manifestation of some incomprehensible higher-dimensional rule, meticulously repaired the shattered bodies of the Middle Continent survivors. Fractures regenerated, muscles reconnected, deep wounds exposing bone healed at a visible speed, corroded skin peeled off, and new skin grew rapidly. The hidden injuries to internal organs, the depleted life force, and even the cold imprints left on the soul level by Imhotep's death roar and the Book of the Dead, were all slowly smoothed and dispelled under this omnipotent radiance.
However, while repair can heal wounds, it cannot instantly erase the deep-seated fatigue and the heavy, mixed feelings of relief and sorrow that come with surviving a disaster.
As the light faded, eleven figures (nine members of the Central Continent Team, plus three story characters—O'Connor, Evelyn, and Jonathan—who were implicitly considered "temporary team members" and returned together, seemingly as some kind of hidden reward from the main god for perfectly completing the main quest) stood beneath the main god's sphere of light, and were silent for a moment.
The air was thick with the stench of blood, gunpowder, sand, and death, which was gradually diluted by the eternal, pure light of the Main God Space. Everyone had newly healed, pinkish skin, their clothes were tattered, their faces covered in dust, and their eyes still held lingering killing intent, fear, and a trace of empty bewilderment.
Zhan Lan collapsed softly into Wang Lin's arms. Although the wounds on her back had healed, she remained unconscious and breathing weakly due to exhaustion of her mental energy and damage to her soul. Wang Lin himself was deathly pale, his temples throbbing, and his mind felt as if countless needles were churning within him—the intense backlash from the complete depletion of his mental energy, forcibly stimulated. In his arms, the enormous, pure gold Sun Sutra still emitted a warm and majestic glow, seemingly possessing a life of its own, subtly resonating with the energy field of the Main God Space.
Chu Xuan stood not far away. The wound on his ribs had healed considerably, but the Black Book of the Dead he held in his hands, even under the beam of healing light, still exuded an inescapable chilling deathly aura, making the air around him seem several degrees colder. Behind his glasses, his gaze was fixed on the dark red, seemingly slowly flowing runes on the cover of the Black Book, as if he were trying his best to memorize and analyze them.
Zheng Zha, Ba Wang, Li Shuaixi, Zhao Yingkong, Ming Yanwei, and Ling Dian were all wounded and weak, but their eyes remained sharp, like a pack of wolves licking their wounds after a bloody battle. O'Connor, Evelyn, and Jonathan, on the other hand, looked dazed from the ordeal and filled with boundless awe and fear of this pure white, sacred space. They huddled together, not daring to utter a sound.
The guide, 7341-ZJ, stood quietly beside the sphere of light, his crimson electronic eyes calmly scanning the crowd, recording everything, completely out of place with the atmosphere of surviving the catastrophe around him.
The silence lasted for about ten seconds.
[The quest for World One of Gods and Demons is complete.]
A cold notification sound rang in everyone's mind, breaking the silence.
[Main Quest 1: Ensure the survival of the main characters O'Connor, Evelyn, and Jonathan. Completed. Reward: 3000 reward points for each surviving reincarnator, and one C-rank side quest.]
[Main Quest 2: Capture/ensure the Book of the Sun and the Book of the Dead are not used by the enemy to resurrect the fully-formed Imhotep. Completed. Reward: The entire team receives one B-rank side quest and 5000 reward points.]
[Hidden Quest: Defeat the fully-formed Imhotep. Completed. Reward: Each participant in the kill (Zheng Zha, Wang Lin, Chu Xuan, Ling Dian, Ming Yanwei, Ba Wang, Li Shuaixi, Zhao Yingkong) will receive one A-level side quest and 8000 reward points.]
[Team Victory Results: Killed members of the Indian Team: Mental Specialist (Bald Woman), Melee Specialist (Beast Giant), Necromancer (Black Robe), Melee Swordsman, Melee Scimitar Slayer. A total of five. The killers receive corresponding reward points (one-tenth) and a random C-rank skill/item draw. The team receives an additional rating boost.]
[Team Overall Rating: S (Mission completed perfectly, defeated the fully evolved BOSS, won the team battle, and all story characters survived). Bonus Rewards: The entire team receives 10000 reward points and one A-rank side quest.]
[Wang Lin, the Reincarnator, provided key tactical ideas in this mission (utilizing terrain, splitting forces to lure the enemy, and locating treasures), activated a crucial item (Tear of the Sun) at a critical moment, guided the team to obtain the Golden Book of the Sun, and assisted in the final kill of Imhotep. Contribution rating: Highest.]
You have received: 3000 (Main Story 1) + 4500 (Main Story 2 and Contribution Allocation) + 8000 (Hidden Mission) + 12000 (Team Bonus and Estimated Kill Rewards) + 10000 (S Rank Bonus) = 37500 reward points. Two A-rank side quests (hidden + team bonus), one B-rank side quest (Main Story 2), and one C-rank side quest (Main Story 1). Random kill reward: C-rank skill [Mental Pollution Resistance (Passive)].
A series of cold, enormous numbers exploded in everyone's minds like bombs.
37,500 points! Two A-rank side quests, one B-rank, one C-rank! Plus a bunch of kill rewards and random skills!
Even seasoned members of the Central Continent team, who had reaped numerous rich rewards from films like Ju-on, Final Destination, and Zero, were somewhat dizzy from this unprecedented windfall. Not to mention characters from the storyline like O'Connor; although they couldn't hear the specific figures, they could sense a dramatic shift in the atmosphere from the sudden heavy breathing and gleaming eyes of the veterans around them.
"Thirty...thirty-seven thousand?" The Overlord licked his chapped lips, his voice trembling.
"Two A's..." Li Shuaixi gripped the knife hilt tightly, his knuckles turning white.
"S rating..." Zero stopped wiping his sniper rifle.
Even Chu Xuan temporarily broke free from his focus on the Necronomicon, pushed up his glasses, and saw data streaming wildly in his eyes, clearly calculating the qualitative leap these resources could bring.
Holding the unconscious Zhan Lan, Wang Lin felt the faint new knowledge he had gained about "resistance to mental pollution" (a skill that passively enhances resistance to the erosion of chaotic, evil, and insane thoughts) in his mind, and let out a long, long sigh. The heavy sense of urgency and the faint self-reproach that had been suppressed in his chest since Zhang Jie's "departure" and the destruction of the contract seemed to have been diluted a little by this generous reward.
Power. More power. This is the only foundation upon which they struggle to survive, protect their companions, seek the truth, and even hope for the future in this world of infinite terror.
"First, heal Zhan Lan, treat her injuries, and exchange for emergency treatment." Zheng Zha was the first to recover from the shock. His voice was still tired, but full of undeniable determination. "Chu Xuan and Wang Lin, you two are in the worst condition, so heal them first. Everyone else, treat your own injuries. Then, we'll discuss strengthening."
No one objected. At that moment, the severely injured Zhan Lan, Wang Lin, and several others with more serious injuries underwent another deep healing by the main god. As the light descended, Zhan Lan's pale face visibly regained its color, and her tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed. The stinging pain in Wang Lin's mind and the emptiness in his soul were also soothed and filled by the warm light.
Once everyone (including the three main characters, who had also received basic treatment) had stabilized, they gathered again under the sphere of light. The atmosphere was different now; it was still heavy, but there was a newfound sense of anticipation and a burning desire for the future.
"Report your findings and initial intentions for strengthening." Chu Xuan went straight to the point, still holding the Necronomicon in his hand, seemingly unwilling to let go. "I'll go first. I gained approximately 32,000 reward points, 2 A-rank side quests, 1 B-rank, and 1 C-rank. The kill reward was a random C-rank item, [Rotten Tentacle Gloves] (enhances the power of necromancy spells and inflicts a minor curse). My strengthening direction: First, upgrade 'Quantum Brain Domain Expansion' to A-rank, significantly improving computing power, information processing, and rule analysis capabilities, in order to further study the fragments of Relic Zero." The plan includes: 1. Providing hardware support for the acquisition of the Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead, and the Book of the Sun, as well as planning subsequent operations. 2. Exchanging for the A-level special skill [Eye of Truth] (high-dimensional vision), which allows temporary insight into illusions and direct vision of the essence of energy and rules, greatly aiding research, reconnaissance, and tactical planning. 3. Exchanging for the B-level knowledge item [Construction and Deciphering of High-Dimensional Energy Runes], combining the knowledge from the Zero Relic and the two scriptures to attempt to master more advanced energy manipulation and rule interference methods. 4. Using remaining resources to exchange for advanced computing equipment, analytical instruments, and life-saving items.
Everyone was secretly astonished. Chu Xuan's enhancements were entirely centered around his "wise man" persona, focusing resources on his intellect, knowledge, and analytical abilities. This would undoubtedly greatly improve the team's potential and their ability to handle complex situations.
Zheng Zha continued, "I have about 35,000 points: 2 A-grade, 1 B-grade, and 1 C-grade. The kill reward gave me a C-grade skill, [Combat Intuition Enhancement]. I plan to: 1. Use the A-grade side quest to enhance my vampire bloodline to Prince level, or exchange it for a higher-level internal cultivation method (such as the Beginner's Guide to Cultivation), significantly improving my basic attributes and energy limit. 2. Use the other A-grade skill to optimize and upgrade the 'Explosion' and 'Destruction' skills, making them more precise and reducing side effects. 3. Use the B-grade and C-grade skills to exchange for powerful single-target attack or defensive skills to compensate for weaknesses. I'll use the reward points to replenish high-level energy crystals and life-saving pills."
Zheng Zha's strategy is simple and straightforward—focus on stacking attributes, increasing burst damage, and improving survivability. This aligns with his role as the core of his team's combat power.
Next, everyone gave their brief introductions. Zhan Lan (who had awakened but was still weak) planned to use a large number of reward points and A-level side quests to exchange for high-level mental enhancements like [Mind Domination], and to acquire powerful area-of-effect mental defense and link skills. Lingdian chose [Void Stealth] and [Fatal Strike Modified] to enhance the sniper's stealth and finishing moves. Bawang wanted to combine heavy machinery with the berserker path. Li Shuaixi focused on the ultimate swordsmanship and high-speed movement. Zhao Yingkong enhanced her shadow and assassination skills. Ming Yanwei chose the more advanced [Elemental Resonance] and [True Vision], developing into a long-range turret that combines magic and martial arts.
O'Connor and his two companions didn't have any side quests, but they did receive a substantial amount of reward points (as "temporary team members," they shared some of the basic rewards). At Zheng Zha's suggestion, they each redeemed basic physical enhancements, firearms proficiency, and desert survival knowledge, at least giving them the ability to protect themselves in the next horror movie.
Finally, all eyes turned to Wang Lin. His gains this time were the most astonishing, and his contribution was the greatest.
Wang Lin held the warm, heavy Golden Sutra of the Sun in his arms, feeling the faint yet continuous resonance emanating from the "Tear of the Sun" gem as it approached the sutra. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke:
"I have the most reward points and the most side quests. But my problems are also the most obvious—without the Contract Paper, my core control and support abilities have been greatly reduced. The newly acquired mental connection and energy manipulation have played a role in God and Demon Legend, but they are not systematic enough or powerful enough. Moreover, my basic physical attributes, especially my survivability, are still a weakness."
He paused, then continued, "My enhancement has several aspects."
"First, the most fundamental of all—spiritual power. I'm exchanging for the A-level skill [Awakening of the Prototype of Light of the Mind]."
Upon hearing this, even Chu Xuan raised his head, his gaze behind his glasses sharp as a knife. The Light of the Soul—that's a key to the origin of the soul, to the recognition of the rules, and to the fourth tier or even higher! Although it's only a "prototype awakening," its significance and value far surpass ordinary A-level enhancements!
"I need one Rank A side quest, 15000 points. After awakening, my mental power will undergo a qualitative change, possessing unique 'attributes' (which vary from person to person). My total mental power, recovery speed, control precision, and ability to perceive and interfere with the rule level will all be greatly enhanced. This is the cornerstone of my future path," Wang Lin explained. What he didn't say was that his experience in Ruins Zero, his resonance with the "Tears of the Sun," and his insights from touching the Golden Sutra of the Sun made him vaguely feel that his mental power characteristics might be related to "contract," "balance," "purification," or "connection." Awakening the nascent form of the Light of the Mind is a crucial step in verifying and deepening it.
"Secondly, to fill the void left by the loss of the Contract Paper, we will establish a new and more powerful team support system. I will exchange for the A-level combination skill [Mental Matrix]."
"【Mental Matrix】: A sustainable, wide-ranging, and multifunctional mental energy network centered on itself. Within the matrix, the following can be achieved: 1. Real-time, barrier-free mental communication (regardless of distance or shielding, requires permissions). 2. Sharing of some senses, such as sight and hearing. 3. Allocating and transmitting mental power or specific energies (healing, amplification). 4. Constructing multi-layered mental defense barriers. 5. Marking and tracking units within the matrix. 6. Storing, analyzing, and transmitting complex information flows. It has enormous upgrade potential, expanding its functions as mental power increases. Requires one A-level side quest, 12000 points."
This skill was almost tailor-made for him, elevating "Mental Resonance" to a whole new level, truly possessing strategic-level support and control capabilities.
"Third, enhance survival and coping abilities. I used a B-level side quest to exchange for [Energy Absorption and Conversion Physique (Intermediate)]."
"This physique allows me to passively absorb some low-intensity energy attacks (such as elemental, radiation, and curse aftershocks) that are free-floating or targeted at me in the surrounding environment, converting them into physical or mental energy recovery, greatly enhancing my ability to sustain combat and survive in harsh environments. At the same time, when actively activated, it can temporarily enhance resistance to specific energy attributes, and even attempt to guide or deflect attacks. Requires one B-level side quest, 8000 points."
"Fourth, attack and control methods. I used a C-rank side quest to exchange for the skills [Mental Lash] and [Energy Imprisonment Field]."
"【Mental Lash】: Transforms mental energy into an invisible whip, delivering a mid-range attack that inflicts severe pain, dizziness, and interrupts spellcasting. It is even more effective against spirits. Requires a C-rank side quest, 5000 points."
"【Energy Imprisonment Field】: Consumes a large amount of mental energy to create a temporary energy disruption field. All energy operations outside the user's control (including skill casting, energy shields, magic circles, etc.) within the field will be severely interfered with, delayed, or even rendered ineffective. The range, intensity, and duration are related to mental energy. Requires a C-rank side quest, 6000 points."
"Fifth, the Golden Book of the Sun and the 'Tear of the Sun' gem in my possession are key items. I plan to use the remaining reward points to exchange for advanced knowledge-based skills such as [Mastery of Ancient Egyptian Sacred Texts], [Advanced Energology], and [Basic Ritual Magic], and try to obtain from the Supreme God a method for safe access, preliminary interpretation, and even limited use of the Golden Book of the Sun (at least to activate its purifying and protective powers). The Black Book of the Dead..." He looked at Chu Xuan, "Chu Xuan, you excel at research, so you can temporarily keep and study the Black Book, but we must find a way to safely utilize it or suppress its backlash. The 'Tear of the Sun' gem seems to be able to neutralize some of its corrosive effects; this might be one direction."
"Finally, the remaining reward points will be used to exchange for a batch of life-saving supplies such as highly effective mental energy recovery potions, soul stabilizing potions, advanced energy amulets, and one-time rule interference scrolls, as well as to improve some basic attributes."
Wang Lin's plan was clear and comprehensive, making the most of almost all the resources he had. Awakening the nascent form of the Light of the Mind and constructing the Spiritual Matrix were his core evolutionary directions, directly targeting the realm of high-level reincarnators. His energy-absorbing physique compensated for his survival weaknesses, new attack and control skills enriched his repertoire, and investments in knowledge paved the way for utilizing key items. What remained was to transform these enhancements into tangible combat power.
After listening, Chu Xuan nodded: "The plan is reasonable. The awakening of the Light of the Mind is of paramount importance, with both risks and opportunities, but it's worthwhile. The Spirit Matrix skill can be perfectly combined with my calculation and command abilities, greatly improving team synergy. The Energy Absorption Physique suits your fighting style. I will provide assistance with the research on the Book of the Sun. The corruption of the Book of the Dead can indeed be tested by using the 'Tears of the Sun' as a medium, combined with the power of the Book of the Sun, to construct a balancing or filtering device. This requires a lot of experimentation. I suggest that after the enhancement is completed, we conduct at least ten days of in-depth integration and experimental training, especially your new matrix, which needs to be docked and debugged with everyone's abilities."
"Agreed." Zheng Zha nodded as well. "Wang Lin's enhancement is key to the leap in our team's overall strength. Everyone, follow the plan, exchange for the items as soon as possible, and then get to training. The main god won't give us much time."
Without further hesitation, everyone connected with the main god and began their respective enhancement exchanges, which could change their fate.
One after another, beams of light, thicker, brighter, and containing more immense energy than ever before, descended, enveloping the members of the Central Continent Team. The surge of energy, the hum of rules, the infusion of knowledge, the transformation of the body, the baptism of the soul... all unfolded quietly in this eternally luminous space.
Wang Lin stood in his own pillar of light, feeling the unprecedented torrent of A-level side quests and huge reward points surging into his body and soul.
First came the awakening of the nascent form of the Light of the Soul. The feeling wasn't simply an infusion of power, but an "awakening," a "recognition." It was as if a long-dormant, vague imprint deep within his soul had been gently "touched" by the supreme power of the God's rules, and then quietly lit up. There were no earth-shattering phenomena, only an indescribable tremor and clarity originating from the very source of life. He "saw" a faint yet incredibly resilient "light" shining deep within his spiritual sea, a light with a pale golden hue, seemingly containing countless subtle contractual runes and the power of balance. This light was so faint, as if it might extinguish at any moment, yet so essential, like the first ray of light radiating from the birth of a star. Around this "Light of the Soul," the entire structure of his spiritual sea began to spontaneously adjust, optimize, and expand; the nature of his spiritual power became more condensed and transparent, carrying a unique charm, as if it could "define" or "connect" to the rules. He vaguely understood that his spiritual light attribute might be related to "contract," "order," "connection," or "balance," but he would need to explore it further in the future.
Next came the construction of the [Mental Matrix]. Countless extremely complex energy structure models, rune arrays, and knowledge of mental frequency modulation flooded into his mind like a vast galaxy. His consciousness seemed to transform into the most precise engineer, using that newly awakened light of the mind as the core, beginning to construct a complex, three-dimensional, and aesthetically pleasing energy network structure within his own mental sea. This structure was like a miniature honeycomb universe with infinite expansion potential, where each node could connect to a "terminal" (teammate), enabling instantaneous information exchange, limited energy sharing, and coordinated defensive support. The construction process was extremely costly, but his mental strength, supported by the nascent light of the mind and A-level enhancement, tenaciously sustained him.
The transformation of his physique through energy absorption and conversion was like having tiny energy sensing and conversion runes engraved deep within every cell. He felt as if his body had become a more efficient energy transfer station, spontaneously absorbing weak, harmless radiation and elemental fluctuations from the environment and converting them into strands of physical or mental energy replenishment. Resistance to specific energies was also etched into his life instincts like a brand.
The skill models for [Mental Lash] and [Energy Binding Field] have been transformed into clear application techniques, imprinted in combat consciousness.
Finally, there was the vast amount of knowledge available for exchange. The mysteries of ancient Egyptian sacred writing, the principles of advanced energy science, the basic framework of ritual magic… all flooded his understanding like a burst dam. Among them, the knowledge regarding the “safe contact protocol” and “basic purification activation formula” of the Book of the Sun was particularly valuable. He felt that his connection with the Book of the Sun in his possession seemed to have become even closer and clearer.
When all the pillars of light dissipated, the members of the Central Continent Team reappeared under the main god's sphere of light, completely transformed.
Zheng Zha's aura became even deeper and more restrained, his eyes occasionally flashing with the dark red unique to vampires and the pure white luster of internal energy. A faint red and white energy field flowed around him, clearly indicating a significant improvement in his control over his power. Zhan Lan was radiant, her eyes clear and full of wisdom, as if she could see into people's hearts. An invisible spiritual field naturally spread out, gentle yet resilient. Ling Dian seemed completely integrated into her environment; though she stood there, she gave off an unreal feeling. Ba Wang's muscles bulged, his blood surging like a dragon. Li Shuai's sword held hidden meaning. Zhao Ying's aura became even more ethereal. Ming Yanwei's eyes seemed to shimmer with elemental energy. Chu Xuan… he simply stood there calmly, but behind his glasses, his eyes seemed to contain the entire galaxy, filled with inhuman rationality and wisdom.
Wang Lin was the most obvious example. He stood there quietly, holding the Golden Sutra of the Sun in his arms. He didn't emit any particularly strong energy, but he gave off a feeling of "harmony," "clarity," and "stability." His eyes were bright and deep, and deep within his pupils, a faint golden-white light seemed to flow slowly. Gazing at him, one couldn't help but feel a sense of trust and connection. An invisible, more refined and stable mental field naturally covered a radius of dozens of meters around him, establishing a subtle yet deeper and more essential connection with each of his teammates than the previous "mental resonance." That was the foundational field of the nascent [Mental Matrix].
"It feels... completely different." Zheng Zha clenched his fist, feeling the more tamed and powerful force surging within him, and a joyful smile appeared on his face.
"The nascent form of the Light of the Mind... truly wondrous." Wang Lin felt the faint yet essential radiance of the core of his spiritual sea, and the intuitive control of the spiritual matrix, his heart filled with anticipation and confidence for the future. The regret of losing the contract was completely dispelled by this new and broader path.
"Initial testing shows the Mental Matrix is operating stably, with connection latency below 0.001 seconds and significantly improved information bandwidth. Energy absorption efficiency meets expectations. The Light of the Mind fluctuates stably, and its attribute tendency is preliminarily analyzed as either 'Order-side Connection' or 'Balance Contract,' requiring further observation." Chu Xuan quickly provided the test data. "Everyone, report the changes in your basic data after the enhancement and merge them into the Matrix database. In ten days, we will enter the next horror movie world. These ten days are crucial in determining whether we can truly transform this power into survival ability."
Ten days. For the God Space, which has a training ground with ten times the time flow rate, that's a hundred days.
The Zhongzhou team, which has experienced painful losses, difficult integration, and finally reborn from the ashes in the Legend of Gods and Demons, and has obtained unprecedented rich resources, will use these 100 days to conduct the deepest integration, the most rigorous training, and the most cutting-edge experiments.
They don't know what the next world will be like. But whatever it may be, with their newfound power, they will face it, conquer it, and... survive with even greater determination and strength.
Meanwhile, the cold rules of the Supreme God continue to operate silently, recording everything and preparing for the next, perhaps even more brutal, "selection" and "evolution."