The Direction for Improvement / Kiana: Mom's Academy?

After all, in addition to the upgrade, Gwen also fused with Absolut's energy source and Apollo's body today, so it's normal for his physical attributes to have greatly improved.

Secondly, there is the abnormality in mental strength—

During the previous fusion process, Gwen confirmed that he had devoted almost all of his mental energy to it, and with the help of Kevin and Eden, he was not killed by the rampaging Absolute Energy within him, but was successfully channeled into Apollo's body.

Theoretically speaking, even if Gwen doesn't faint immediately after the fusion, he should be in a state of extreme fatigue.

However, the truth is that Gwen felt unusually good, as if the previous pain and difficulties were just a dream.

Finally, it was under the enhancement of these powers that, while there was no specific standard to follow, Gwen sensed an elevation in the level of life.

After all, whether it's the Gene Lock, the fusion of the Mind Cube to become a ship girl-like creature, or the fusion of Absolut's energy to become Ultimate Lifeform, theoretically all of these would change the essence of life.

However, although there was no standard to refer to, Gwen still had a vague feeling based on his past experience with upgrades that essentially elevated the level of life.

These changes to oneself are probably no different from the improvements brought by leveling up several times on the system panel.

After carefully sensing the changes in himself, Gwen summoned the system again and opened his attribute panel—

Gwen 8

Power - S999

Durable——S987

Dexterity - E459

Spirit - SS1399

Energy - SSS1672

Energy system: None

Development capabilities: Nourish Body with Soul, Nourish Soul with Soul, Ten Directions Bearing, Scorching Infinity, Five Elements Mutual Generation, Gene Lock (optional), Ultimate Lifeform (optional), machine god (optional).

"!"

Looking at the values displayed on the attribute panel, even though Gwen had a premonition that his stats should have improved significantly, he was still surprised.

Chapter 249 Direction of Improvement

Based on Gwen's experience, acquiring his attributes becomes increasingly difficult as his level and strength increase.

The stronger he becomes, the fewer training opportunities will be available to him.

For this reason, Gwen had even been considering whether to try out the World Serpent and go to the Elysian Realm after reaching LV8 if the Virtual Training Room of Schicksal was no longer very effective.

Now, reality has undoubtedly given Gwen a pleasant surprise.

However, despite his surprise, Gwen quickly suppressed his excitement and began to analyze the situation—

"It's reasonable that my energy is at its highest right now, since even now I can feel my body almost overflowing with energy."

The increase in strength should be due to the fusion with Apollo's body later on. After fully adapting, there should be a significant improvement.

The durability... isn't it a bit low?

And still has spirit...

When I chose to upgrade, my mental energy was extremely depleted, and after the upgrade, I was still at my limit. It was only after the fusion was completed that I suddenly recovered...

Nothing related to the mind or soul was found in Apollo's body... so it can only be the Mind Cube?

Or perhaps... like Zheng Zha in the laser channel, some kind of mental threshold breakthrough occurred?

It is indeed agile... Is the low value due to a decrease in control caused by the surge in power?

It seems we'll need to focus on intensive training from now on...

Having found a reasonable explanation for the attribute boost that had surprised him, and comparing it with the changes in himself, Gwen's gaze shifted to his development ability.

Unlike the last upgrade where no development capabilities were available, this time Gwen was presented with three options.

The Gene Lock needs no further explanation; it is the orthodox path of the Z-series universe. The first stage restores combat instincts and ancient combat Remembrance; the second stage further enhances control over the body; the third stage simulates thought; the fourth stage is the subtle Light of the Mind; the fifth stage is the holy position... If you survive, you'll start as a single individual; if you don't, it's all over.

QQ... Ultimate Lifeform, which, unsurprisingly, is developing in the direction of Tartarus, the self-introducing alien... However, because I was so engrossed in the suit battle at the time that I didn't pay attention to the plot, Gwen was a little unsure whether this Ultimate Lifeform referred only to Tartarus or also included those minions.

The last Mech God... Gwen could probably only think of something like the Greek Mech Gods from Lostbelt 5.

Why does it feel like this choice isn't just about choosing a development capability, but also about choosing a future direction?

After a moment of contemplation, Gwen, realizing that something seemed amiss, muttered to himself, and suddenly realized a blind spot—

"Or rather, the ability to develop is the choice that determines the future path. It's just that I have too many options, so I don't have this feeling of conflict now."

Furthermore, to be honest, the two developmental abilities granted by the Earth Shadow Stone and the Fire Shadow Stone are somewhat similar. It's just that because I knew about the Five Elements Mutual Generation and the eventual unification of the five elements, I didn't realize it at the time?

While pondering the blind spot he had previously overlooked, a sudden flash of inspiration struck Gwen—

"In that case, if I choose a more compatible option, can I still choose that option for the next upgrade?"

With this in mind, Gwen's gaze fell upon the Gene Lock—

Simply put, in Gwen's mind, the Gene Lock was a universally applicable solution.

Moreover, all three abilities already exist within him; choosing them as development abilities will only allow him to grow faster.

Compared to the Ultimate Lifeform and Mecha Gods whose growth paths are currently unknown, Gwen, who Gene Lock, knows more about them. It can be said that every step he takes is a hurdle, and he basically needs to come out of life-or-death crises to improve.

Even with Gwen's current strength and level of physical development, unlocking the first few Gene Lock might not pose a life-or-death crisis, but reaching the fourth level would still be fraught with difficulties.

So, after a moment's thought, Gwen made his choice. The latter two options disappeared, leaving only the Gene Lock as one of his developmental abilities.

After making his choice, Gwen felt that something within his body that was originally quite hidden, something that could only be touched by chance, had become clearer.

With a sudden thought, Gwen rammed into it with all his might.

The next moment, Gwen seemed to be fast asleep, suddenly stiffened and opened his blank eyes, but Gwen expression was somewhat unnatural—

"Ouch... I think I used too much force. I'll have to be more careful next time..."

With a thought to himself, Gwen began to try using his abilities, following the Gene Lock information in his Remembrance—

With his first-stage ancient combat Remembrance and combat instincts, Gwen could clearly feel that his perception had improved after unlocking his Gene Lock.

As for the Remembrance of ancient battles... with the unlocking of his Gene Lock, Gwen realized that he had received them back then, but because his attention was entirely focused on guiding the energy, and later on the massive flow of information after merging with Apollo, he had completely ignored them until now—

"Ground Splitting Slash, Earth-Splitting Palm, Demon Seal Slash, Flame Fist, Rocket Fist... and some sword techniques, these should be from the Five Elements Bloodline brought by the Light Shadow Stone;

Is this... gun-fu?

These must have been left behind by Caslana's ancestors...

Since this worldview originally didn't have Gene Lock... at least not a Z-series Gene Lock, are these things somewhat limited...?

However, it's not a big deal, since I'm long past the point where I need to rely on these combat instincts. In fact, it's a pleasant surprise.

After a long while, the blank look in Gwen's eyes disappeared, and he regained his composure, revealing a hint of fatigue.

"The Gene Lock is currently considered to be at the third level of entry. After getting familiar with it for a while, it should be able to maintain the first and second levels and stabilize at the third level."

Moreover, with the Gene Lock, my speed of mastering my existing powers should also be much faster.

With these thoughts in mind, Gwen opened his attribute panel again and looked at the "Energy System" section.

However, to Gwen's disappointment, this column did not show Gene Lock Stage 3; it remained empty.

"Is it because the first Third Order Gene Lock are only a buff-type auxiliary ability and do not involve energy, so they are not included?"

Gwen was slightly disappointed, but he didn't lose heart.

After all, there are still many areas where he can improve, so there's no need to get bogged down in this one thing.

The various basic attributes; the genes, or rather the Stigmata, that have undergone significant changes with the unlocking of the Gene Lock; the Cascade Light Cascade Light Source, which is only initially fused; the Apollo mecha, whose body is still continuously absorbing the energy brought by the Cascade Light Source...

Having summarized the areas where he could improve, Gwen's weariness was no longer visible, and he began to plan for the next three days.

"So, for the next three days, besides calming Kiana and Mei, I need to focus on consolidating my power as much as possible in preparation for returning to headquarters to meet Otto in three days."

250

Chapter 250 Kiana: Mom's Academy?

"Wow..."

Stepping out of the Hyperion's hangar and gazing at the St. Freya Academy, which resembled a fairytale manor in the distance, Kiana couldn't help but let out a soft gasp.

Beside Kiana, Mei didn't remind Kiana to be mindful of the occasion this time either, as she was also drawn to the St. Freya Academy, which almost only exists in ACG works, not far away.

Beside them, Wuse Huohuo, who had also been amazed when they first enrolled, didn't say much, giving them some time to react, planning to take them over after they finished watching.

However, before the Wuse Huohuo could speak, a voice that all three of them were quite familiar with came from behind—

"Hmm, what are you three doing here?"

Following the sound, the three of them saw Gwen walking towards them.

"Hey, Gwen, your hair..."

Although Kiana had long suspected that Gwen might have white hair, Kiana was still somewhat surprised when she actually saw it.

"Yeah, it bled, so I just washed it off."

Gwen casually ran his fingers through his hair and chuckled.

"Even if Kiana isn't very smart, you should have already guessed it."

"Who are you calling not very smart!"

Upon hearing this, Kiana's ahoge (cowlick) stood up immediately, and she puffed out her cheeks to glare at Gwen.

"Okay, stop drumming. You're not a pufferfish. Drumming won't scare anyone. It'll just make you look silly and cute."

Gwen smiled and shook his head, turning his gaze to the distant St. Freya Academy.

St. Freya Academy...

To be honest, I'd heard about it a few times before, but this was the first time I'd seen it with my own eyes.

"Um?

"Gwen, is this your first time here too?"

Mei blinked in surprise upon hearing this.

"Yes, I basically stay at the Destiny Headquarters when I'm not on missions, and I rarely leave. This is indeed my first time here."

Gwen smiled and nodded, but his gaze shifted to Kiana, who was creeping closer with a mischievous grin on her face, causing the girl to freeze in place.

"Speaking of which, I heard Theresa say that St. Freya was originally the idea proposed by your mother Cecilia, but it was Theresa who brought it to fruition here."

"Did your mother suggest that?"

Kiana blinked, instantly banishing her earlier thought of taking revenge on Gwen. Her gaze returned to St. Freya, a hint of anticipation appearing on her face.

"Yes, according to the school's history, the St. Freya project was first proposed by Lady Cecilia and executed by Lady Theresa, which ultimately led to the St. Freya Academy we know today."

At this moment, the Wuse Huohuo, which had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, interrupting the conversation between the three.

"Um..."

Having completely confirmed the truth of Gwen's words, Kiana's gaze towards St. Freya became even more serious—

Although Kiana had no Remembrance of Cecilia, only occasionally hearing Siegfried and Gwen mention her a few times, Kiana was very concerned about the name, even temporarily putting Siegfried aside.

After all, my dad is capable and strong; nothing bad can happen to him.

"Hui Huo, do you still have the energy to show us around the St. Freya Academy?"

Noticing Kiana's emotional change, Gwen understood and looked at the Wuse Huohuo beside him.

The Wuse Huohuo armor is available in a kimono style, which conceals the figure while adding a unique charm to the girl. However, the black pleated skirt on the lower body contrasts sharply with the white furisode, making the slender and long legs encased in white stockings even more prominent.

However, what attracted Gwen's attention the most was not her shapely legs, but the scarf around the neck of the Wuse Huohuo.

In Gwen's memory, Wuse Huohuo don't usually wear scarves.

"Certainly."

Seemingly noticing Gwen's gaze, Wuse Huohuo casually tugged at his scarf, nodded in agreement, pondered for a moment, planned his route, and met Kiana's gaze, which was fixed intently on him.

"Come with me."