Returning X Affiliate Forces

In the Bronze TC City.

Tuck has replaced his body.

Here you'll find empty Storage Crystal, numerous Bronze Tower, and all sorts of equipment and mechanical parts—everything you need can be found here.

Apart from the very first day after her arrival, Bellolight hadn't been paying any attention to information gathering in the past few days.

Instead, it continuously memorized the entire structure of all the equipment in each Bronze Tower and collected the information storage devices.

However, the storage devices containing the collected information were returned to Tuck, who agreed to share them later.

Kevin looked at Tuck at that moment.

The other person's body was modified almost entirely based on human anatomy.

It is about two meters tall, with two hands and two feet, and you can even see the five fingers on its hands.

The only difference is that it has four Octopus -like tentacles on its back.

Two detection devices form the eyes of the head, and on top of the head are pipes that look like hair, but are actually some kind of weapon that can extend and swing.

"Wow! So handsome!"

Qi, seeing the other's new appearance, circled around it, couldn't resist touching it a couple of times, and shouted with shining eyes.

They're practically like cyborgs from anime.

The other party is Machine Lifeform.

Although the constructed mechanical objects may not conform to human aesthetics, the heavy mechanical feel can still be felt.

Machine Lifeform generally have a technologically advanced design in their physical structure.

It combines a technological style with a heavy mechanical feel, while also incorporating a human-like aesthetic.

The combination of various elements is perfectly integrated, instantly elevating the visual aesthetic.

"Really? This is an external modification based on aesthetic understanding derived from communication with humans."

Tuck shook his hands and said.

He was still getting used to the feel of his hands.

Each Machine Lifeform has a slightly different way of controlling the external world.

However, most of them are simulations of other organisms.

This is why Machine Lifeform collect information from a wide range of organisms.

Understanding other life forms can provide inspiration for the construction of their mechanical bodies.

The main issue is that Machine Lifeform themselves do not possess the concept of aesthetics.

But in essence, they have already begun to construct their own aesthetic.

This is also a manifestation of civilization.

During this time, Tuck interacted with and learned from humans, and naturally, he also shaped his own appearance into a human form.

"By the way, what about those two prisoners? What are you going to do with them—"

Kevin asked.

Tuck shook his head; now, in his more human-like form, he was beginning to communicate in a human way.

"I dismantled them. They are no longer my kind, unable to communicate with the outside world, and I can't even find the place where their will is stored."

"In human terms, they are just walking corpses, their bodies are being manipulated."

Letting them go would only leave them lingering there, so Tuck eventually dismantled them.

"You didn't actually put parts of them on yourself, did you? I suggest you don't, since we can't find out why they were turned into this."

Morel, standing nearby, was somewhat worried and offered a reminder.

"Of course I wouldn't do that. Once their parts are removed, they become rusty and worn out, unusable."

It seems you had considered this beforehand.

After listening to their words, Kevin nodded slightly and looked at Bellolight on the other side.

"What about you? Have you finished collecting everything?"

Bellolight nodded, his expression still showing excitement and joy.

If we're talking about who gained the most from this trip, then without a doubt, Bellolight is far ahead of the pack.

His Nen ability is to control and assemble machines, and he himself studies and is extremely passionate about this field.

Entering this mechanically constructed Bronze TC City was like Rat entering a rice jar.

I've been having a blast these past few days, wandering all over the city, my eyes never closed, constantly on the move.

They all look like they want to enjoy the experience more.

"Then let's go."

They rushed forward.

Night.

At the camp.

Looking at the fire in front of him, Kevin suddenly thought of something and asked.

"Tuck, what are you going to do next?"

After all, their homeland had been destroyed, and their entire clan had been wiped out.

"Of course, it's about rebuilding my people. I still have many companions who are not in their homeland."

First, there's the Bronze Tower above the Giant Beast Kingdom; their own kind are inside.

Although they are temporarily insane, they will naturally stabilize and recover once their minds are placed back into the Storage Crystal.

There will simply be some missing information, but once the missing information is filled in, everything will be as good as before.

And now he possesses those Storage Crystal that have already developed their own consciousness.

Building a home for a dozen or so Machine Lifeform is no problem at all.

Life can continue.

After all, Machine Lifeform reproduce through mental processes, and there are still many Storage Crystal.

So you're saying you plan to come back here and rebuild your home?

Bellolight asked, as he was quite interested in that.

To everyone's surprise, Tuck shook his head.

"No, based on the data analysis, I don't think going back to my original home and rebuilding is a good option."

The location of Bronze TC City is indeed not very good; its only important feature is its use as Storage Crystal.

But that alone is enough.

That's their lifeline for reproduction.

"The Storage Crystal is certainly important, but that's only from our perspective. The mine has existed there for so many years, our home has been destroyed, and the enemy who caused our home's destruction has no intention of seizing or caring about it."

Simply put, the Storage Crystal is only important to them; to other life forms, it's no different from an ordinary Rock.

Kevin could understand that.

Although he also needs to Storage Crystal, the amount he needs is not large; he only needs them to make some potions.

The medicines produced are primarily designed for psychological protection.

Only during the duration of the medication.

It cannot strengthen the spirit.

Those individuals who have already been infused with spiritual energy are the ones who actually have a strengthening effect on the spirit.

But isn't this essentially cannibalism?

The souls and wills of Machine Lifeform are made into supplements in potions to replenish the strength of human consciousness.

If it were an enemy, that would be fine.

But they are not enemies now.

Not to mention that the number of Machine Lifeform is so small, is it enough to just exhaust their resources and use their consciousness to make a few potions?

That definitely won't work.

Not to mention that the other side is a mechanical race, while humans are a technologically advanced race.

To some extent, the two sides can cooperate and complement each other.

At least for now, apart from Kevin making potions, Storage Crystal is of little use to them.

They couldn't possibly take their own souls out and stuff them into the crystal.

What the consequences will be is unknown.

"Our original home was too dangerous; no one knows if we will encounter an invincible enemy again next time."

"So I plan to rebuild our home on the site of the original Bronze Tower, so that we can be closer together."

"Haven't you already chosen a location for your home? It seems the distance between us isn't far."

Upon hearing this, Kevin nodded.

"If they're willing to cooperate and form an alliance, that would be great."

As for whether they will become enemies.

Kevin didn't care.

Even at the peak of their development, Machine Lifeform did not produce Lord Level beings in their homelands.

Humans are a race capable of producing beings at the Lord Level.

That's enough.

Furthermore, Kevin will definitely maintain the human population at the Dark Continent frontline base.

Therefore, Kevin's vast territory will have very little land left, and the rest will be empty.

It's not a bad thing to let Machine Lifeform choose where they want to establish their homes.

Just like the Resentful Eater Snake, they will choose populations and natural environments that are more suitable for them in and around their territory.

Let's not even talk about the Giant Beast Kingdom.

The Cloud of Time region had absolutely no effect on the larvae of the Resentful Eater Snake.

Therefore, it would be a good thing for Kevin to bring friendly and communicative races that are compatible with humans and can complement them to develop within his territory.

As for rebelling against the enemy or something like that.

During this time, Kevin also basically confirmed that among those who could communicate and of different races, they could not be regarded as human.

Not all races have as many emotions as humans.

The concept of betrayal does not exist for the mechanical race.

Because they are rational and emotionally stable, they are less able to understand why one would want to betray the group.

The Dark Continent is too dangerous.

Survival by banding together is a very good strategy in itself.

Now that we know our race has a population limit.

If I want my own race to develop better and be safer, wouldn't it be the perfect choice for multiple races to stick together?

It can develop itself without crossing the Red Line into extinction.

Kevin has been thinking about this for the past few days.

"Why don't we just tear down that Bronze Tower and rebuild around my territory? You know, I'm Lord now, and Lord recognized by the Sky Overlord."

"Building a home within my territory has significant advantages and provides security for your early development."

Tuck looked up, his blue eyes flashing as he stared at Kevin.

His tone was tinged with doubt.

"Shouldn't humans be a wary race? Don't you feel uneasy having a race living around your settlement?"

By the way, Tuck has also interacted with humans for a long time and has learned about individual humans.

The collection of information about humans is comprehensive.

No wonder I didn't make that request earlier.

That's really rational.

Kevin shared his thoughts with the other party.

After a moment's thought, Tuck quickly concluded that this alliance posed virtually no problem for them.

"No problem, the alliance can be established, but I need to develop all my clansmen before we can relocate, as that will take quite some time."

"I'll help you!" Bellolight quickly raised her hand and said.

Sitting next to him, Morel slapped the other person on the head.

"Idiot, you're going back. The relocation will only officially start after we get back."

"Use this time in between to let them replan and allow their teammates to rest and recover."

Bellolight then realized what was happening and nodded with some regret.

May your journey be safe and smooth.

They returned to the camp.

It's been a while since I've returned. The campsite has changed a bit, but not much.

Only the personnel responsible for staying behind remained in the camp, including Slash Ghost.

The others were still outside conducting a thorough, carpet-like reconnaissance of the surrounding terrain.

Did you find anything useful?

Qiduo looked at Kevin as he returned and couldn't help but ask, as she was also very interested in this kind of information.

"There is some, but it might not be the information we're looking for."

"Really? That's a shame."

Qiduo also felt some regret.

This kind of intelligence is indeed very important to them.

Shaking his head to shake off his regret, he handed the new map to Kevin from the table beside him.

"Take a look. This is a new map you re-surveyed of the surrounding area while you were away."

Kevin took it and examined it carefully.

Explore outwards in a fan shape from the central camp on the map.

There's no need to explore the coastline; the western side is Folded Zone.

The entire direction of exploration shifted to the fan-shaped area between the north and the east.

We have now explored a considerable area, roughly 500 kilometers from the camp, and it has been almost completely explored.

They even conducted exploration and planning of some resources along the way.

Even so, it is still quite rugged.

It's more about simple planning based on terrain, Danger Level, and geographical environment.

"With a campsite in place, the Exploration Team is indeed severely understaffed."

This situation also made Kevin sigh.

There were only about twenty of them at most.

Each person has their own duties, so it's impossible for them all to be sent out to explore.

Even if you run yourself ragged, you can't explore a very wide area because of limited personnel.

"That's enough. Send a message to everyone to prepare for our return. We need to get things ready."

Hearing this, Qiduo couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

His face also betrayed his excitement.

"Are we finally getting ready to go back?"

It's only been a little over two years, but it feels like I've been in the Dark Continent for much longer.

A temporary harbor.

Bellolight looked at the ship in front of her.

"So? What do you think of the idea I just shared? I just learned a lot about mechanical structures and parts from Tuck."

"That's enough for me to modify this ship. It will make our journey back safer and more comfortable. Don't you trust my skills?"

Hearing Bellolight's words, Morel sighed and nodded.

"Go ahead and do it. I didn't say you couldn't."

Having Bellolight make some modifications is indeed a very good idea, especially since they brought back some parts.

"Haha, you should have done this earlier! Would I have ruined the boat? Honestly."

Bellolight rubbed her hands together, somewhat excited.

With Nen ability, the modification should be completed within a few days, before the return journey begins.