Chapter 2557: Silence
Ordinary invisibility cloaks only allow players to conceal their form using the surrounding environment, but players do not disappear and can still be sensed, especially by those with super evolution powers. Anything within their control range is as obvious as if it were right in front of them, unless separated by a very thick barrier.
"Integrating with space" can address this drawback, using spatial powers to hide one’s form and even allowing one to approach opponents unnoticed during encounters, while also blocking instruments. This affords a tactical advantage in battles.
The effect is better during periods of stillness simply because players, when moving at high speed, inevitably generate air currents or noise, though this is not a particularly difficult problem to solve.
The function of "Fate’s String" is similar to that of the "Time Ring," the only difference being that the static time power emitted by the "Time Ring" is more easily shaken off by space-time class props, unlike ordinary space-time items and instruments that interfere with each other during use. This is likely a constraint intentionally set during the creation of time-related items. "Fate’s String," however, requires interference from space-time class props of the same or higher level to become ineffective. Its effect targets a single person and is bound by a strict time limit, making it seemingly less practical than super evolution powers.
Among the three Rank-A props, Xu Huo is most satisfied with the "dreamy false teeth," an item that allows players below the level of super players to execute orders; its potential doesn’t stray far from the ultimate height of psychic power evolution. Additionally, it only requires verbal commands, making its conditions for use very simple.
The Big Head Doll gave him two special items. He wondered if the "Justice Aura" among them could double the effects of this item.
Find time to test it later.
He glanced at the Rank-B props. While two of them appeared interesting, they are seldom used in his current stage of battle, merely glanced at and set aside.
Moreover, there’s a prop upgrade opportunity marked here that allows a one-time upgrade of a Rank-A prop. However, this upgrade does not elevate Rank-A props to super props but is a one-time enhancement of the prop’s effect.
Xu Huo typically uses the Black Blade and "Everything Wants to Slice." With psychic power evolution, even "Everything Wants to Slice" has been used less, and the Black Blade is currently his most handy close-combat item. Even though its effects can be upgraded further, after a slight hesitation, he opted to upgrade the "Life Core."
Previously, to avoid being targeted by the Guile Sound Knights, he used this item with utmost caution and, of course, there were many times he didn’t need this item at all. It can turn the metal of an entire city into dust, but in actual combat, such large-scale control is often unnecessary, and it has limitations on the metal it can melt. While it can destroy a city, it cannot break down metals genuinely used to protect important objects–the unnecessary casualties are too great.
As an auxiliary item, the holder’s strength must be sufficient to unleash its maximal potential. If "Life Core" is upgraded, for one who simultaneously possesses spatial, spiritual three-way evolution, everything touched by evolutionary powers becomes transparent.
Prop upgrades began, and Xu Huo continued to examine several special items.
[Handful of Fragrance: When the holder uses this item, they can instantly pluck a bouquet of flowers from within the district, making it an excellent tool for visiting the sick, for friendship, love, or apologies. If there are no flowers in the district, please don’t force the item.]
[Bouncy Ball: Anyone stepping on it must bounce for ten minutes to get off—a grievance from a former circus performer.]
[Silence: A special tool crafted by an artifact maker who once attended a noisy funeral, under the double emotions of losing a friend and anger towards guests. Using it makes everyone within a kilometer radius of the holder clench their teeth until the item fails. Item effective time: three minutes.]
"Silence" is quite suited to dealing with those whose characteristics require "speaking out" as a medium.
Next up is the trait upgrade.
The original main trait "Memory Flashback" was upgraded to "Beautiful Memories Between You and Me." Initially, "Memory Flashback" forced others to recall memory fragments about Xu Huo, causing mental pauses to interfere with battles. After the upgrade, it involuntarily triggers the recall of all memories related to him. Based on the description, this implies an increase in both time and intensity, with not much change in effect.
The second upgraded trait is "God-Level Acting," which evolved from forcing people within view to gaze for ten seconds to half a minute—a Version 2.0.
Additionally, there are the usual White Notes, potion, tickets, accompanied by a bunch of miscellaneous discount coupons.
These constitute the complete personal reward: the SS-rank of a Rank-B instance garnered three Rank-A props, two major trait upgrades—relatively substantial.
Both time items and spiritual items are rather challenging to obtain in the game, so while the quantity may appear small, they each have significant value.
Moreover, there’s a special game gift.
A Medal of the Radiant Gentleman, a luggage compartment upgrade, and a nutrient for mutant plants.
Xu Huo has seen the Medal of the Radiant Gentleman many times, apart from accumulating to trade with the game government for grey player status, it is particularly favored by the Girl in the painting, presumably assisting her powers, though the extent of its effect is hard to estimate.
This luggage compartment upgrade, on the other hand, is rather gratifying, upgrading to 1000 at once.
As for the nutrient, he’s unsure if the game specially sent it knowing he’s cultivating psychic power mutant plants. Upon checking the manual:
[This nutrient is exclusively for S-rank mutant plants, please use with caution.]
That’s all it says, not even a dosage suggestion.
Last time, he replaced the soil and pot for the seed, and now it’s tucked in his luggage compartment. It hasn’t even sprouted yet; he imagines it won’t grow quickly, applying nutrient can wait.
Of course, the biggest gain this time is the super prop "Inversion Ring," traveling freely among district using Wormhole Points, though only three uses per day. It can be self-used or used on opponents, especially handy. Unlike "Angel’s Tooth," its randomness doesn’t fixate on the district.
Once he wrapped up reviewing his rewards, he turned to look at the situation in District 001.
Underneath the dimension, District 001’s players are abundant, from United Capital’s initial emergency preparations to suddenly announcing a celebration. Everyone realized that the upcoming District 001 likely wouldn’t encounter any major incidents.
Some keen individuals caught onto a rumor and deduced further points, guessing District 001 was possibly targeted by other districts. Yet, for some reason, the crisis was suddenly resolved. Additionally, many within the district government vanished, with several suddenly disappearing and a few secretly detained by the Enforcement Department. This move is not minor, naturally making it impossible to hide from outsiders.