[Superpower Reissue]
This is the core ability of the Sorokin, yet it has now appeared on Evans.
Han Xiao's first reaction was to suspect that Evans had some connection with the Sorokin, and he instantly imagined a two-million-word romance novel. However, after thinking about the plot of his previous life, he dismissed the idea.
It's more likely a coincidence. In the universe, there are quite a few people with the same superpowers. Abilities like fire control, water control, and force fields are commonplace. It's not impossible that another person who can absorb superpowers will appear.
However, this coincidence still gave Han Xiao a sense of déjà vu. Not many years after he imprisoned the Sorokin in the Space-Time Amber, a new generation of "Sorokin" appeared in the outside world... Could this be a cycle, and there must be a Meow Meow King?
"I never expected to encounter a ' Sorokin ' in his early stages."
Han Xiao was secretly delighted.
Possessing the [Superpower: Replication] inevitably leads to absorbing the superpowers of others. Evans ' talent was suppressed, but now he has to start taking the talents of others, which is too dramatic in his eyes.
Clearly, without unwavering faith, this method of developing superpowers can easily lead the possessor to corruption.
Evans, having experienced decades of mortal life and tasted the bitterness of the lowest levels, might not be as outspoken as the Sorokin... but it's also possible that he harbors resentment that, after being suppressed for a long time, will eventually erupt; it's all uncertain.
"He is a double-edged sword. If I can use him, he will be a combat force with extraordinary potential. I must try my best to guide him to my side. I have done him a favor now, so his loyalty should be very high. But if he shows signs of corruption one day, I will have no choice but to nip him in the bud to prevent the emergence of a second Sorokin."
Han Xiao pondered.
[Superpower: Replica] is powerful, but what is truly terrifying is the Sorokin himself, not this superpower.
In the hands of the Sorokin, all absorbed abilities can unleash Beyond Grade A power. However, without a foundation of strength, absorbing more superpowers is futile... A series of actions may seem impressive, but the damage is only 250. No matter how fancy the methods are, it's still a waste.
Absorbing supernatural abilities enhances one's combat capabilities and is considered a skill; it doesn't rapidly increase one's level or attributes. Therefore, there are no shortcuts for Evans to advance his rank. He must train slowly, just like other supernatural beings. Even with his talent of [Top-Tier Esper Affinity Physique], he cannot achieve instant success.
Evans has only just awakened and his abilities are still extremely weak, around Grade E. Although his model is the awesome Sorokin, how long has the Sorokin lived? How much combat experience has he accumulated? It's unknown when Evans will reach the level of Beyond Grade A.
Because this special ability is so rare, Han Xiao wanted to help him plan his growth path so as not to waste it.
The precedent of the Sorokin has already demonstrated the limitations of [Superpower Replication]: absorbing too many superpowers risks collapsing the genetic chain.
This means that the upper limit of the number of superpowers Evans can absorb also changes with his rank. Once he exceeds the limit, he will die from genetic collapse, so it is naturally impossible for him to have tens of thousands of superpowers at a low level.
However, due to Evans's affinity for supernatural abilities, the maximum amount of supernatural abilities he can absorb at the same level should exceed that of the Sorokin.
However, the absorption of superpowers by [Superpower Replication] is not guaranteed to succeed. It requires a judgment process. The superpowers absorbed by the Sorokin are basically those superpower users of a lower rank than themselves. They then use their own strength to unleash the superpowers and generate Beyond Grade A power, so it is very smooth.
In Han Xiao's memory, there was a man named Jiumozhi who used the Minor Formless Skill to activate the Seventy-Two Ultimate Techniques of the Bald Head, and his fighting style was quite similar to that of the Sorokin.
However, the success rate of seizing the abilities of powerful individuals of the same or even higher rank becomes extremely slim.
Therefore, Evans has very strict prerequisites for absorbing higher-level powerhouses, such as the target being on the verge of death, with extremely low stamina, strength, and health, or the target being captured. In short, the capture is only possible if the high-level target is unable to resist.
"The Sorokin has collected so many supernatural abilities over the years, making him a high-quality and rare resource. His main combat abilities, when combined, are still very powerful... Unfortunately, even Evans can't absorb them through the Space-Time Amber. If the seal is broken, the Sorokin will simply escape. It's only been a few decades; his consciousness won't be so easily extinguished. To be on the safe side, he should be imprisoned for at least five hundred years."
The amber isolates all energy, making it impossible for outsiders to observe the Sorokin's physical condition. He couldn't risk letting the Sorokin escape by rashly opening the seal.
Han Xiao put the thought aside and pondered Evans's growth path, and soon came up with an idea.
"Evans isn't suited for the path of Sorokin; he should take the planned absorption route, absorbing less but better, and living a happy life."
The Sorokin was powerful, but he absorbed too much power, to the point that his genetic chain was on the verge of collapse. Ninety-nine percent of Sorokin power was useless in battle, and it actually suppressed his strength.
Although the Legion has Aurora, a super healer, Han Xiao doesn't want her to have much contact with Evans; at most, he'll give him some life-saving potions.
The reason the Sorokin absorbed so many abilities was partly due to his obsession with fusing extremely dangerous superpowers, transforming himself, breaking the limits of Peak Beyond Grade A, and becoming a completely new "creature."
On the other hand, the Sorokin's obsession probably stems partly from his experiences. Han Xiao had read his biographical information. In his weak period, the Sorokin was always alone and could only rely on himself. He only believed in himself, which is why he wanted to become "omnipotent" and never need partners.
Evans doesn't need to do that, so choosing only useful and powerful superpowers instead of indiscriminately absorbing them might be a more correct approach.
Seeing Black Star's back to him and his silence for a long time, Evans grew increasingly puzzled and finally spoke up:
"Lord Black Star, what exactly did I...?"
Han Xiao snapped out of his daze, turned around, and patted Evans on the shoulder. "Your ability is to absorb the abilities of others; it's a very promising ability..."
He explained it to Evans, who then understood his own abilities, but immediately frowned.
"I don't really like this kind of superpower..."
Evans looked conflicted. His talent had been suppressed for decades, and he understood that feeling all too well. Deep down, he disliked the ability to steal other people's talents.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Do you think you're buying cabbage at a market? You're picking and choosing.
After clearing his throat, Master Han adopted a more amiable tone and said:
"Don't worry, now that you're one of my people, I'll naturally guide you in your growth. You don't need to worry, I won't allow you to use people indiscriminately, so don't be troubled, no one is forcing you down the path of crime."
At the same time, I hope you can resist temptation and not try to take other people's abilities for yourself just because you see how good they are. True strength comes from your own strength. Don't be impatient and go down the wrong path.
The Sorokin is a cautionary tale. He fell into depravity, committed evil everywhere, made countless enemies, and in the end, he was imprisoned by a bunch of us and lost his freedom. So don't follow his example in this regard; be as low-key as I am, understand?"
Hearing Black Star's warning, Evans nodded.
He had also heard of the infamous Sorokin. Although they possessed similar abilities, he was not one of them. He secretly warned himself to stay true to himself and never fall into depravity like the Sorokin.
Han Xiao gave some instructions, and then had some mechanical soldiers escort Evans away.
He was alone in the room. He stroked his chin and muttered to himself:
"This guy's abilities are worth nurturing. As long as he doesn't go down the wrong path, he'll definitely become a strongman in time. As for how to help him acquire superpowers... hey, for me, that's actually the easiest part."
Han Xiao chuckled.
In his previous life, the Sorokin had already tried absorbing players' supernatural abilities, so Han Xiao knew very well what the outcome would be...
It actually works!
Although players can resurrect, their bodies are physical entities. Besides having strange limitations and turning into light after dying, they can also get injured and bleed during normal combat, manifesting as various negative status effects.
In version 1.0, some factions even attempted to dissect players. Although due to the limited health, the player would usually be reduced to a pulp after only a few cuts... cough, turned into nothingness, the blood collected was no different from that of a normal species.
If a player with Esper Class is absorbed by the Sorokin, they will also lose their abilities and enter a [Ability Freeze] state, where all supernatural abilities will turn gray. This state is permanent and cannot be removed by any skill, just like when NPCs in Zhenghe-Tu-Book have their supernatural abilities taken away...
However!
When this player dies and respawns, his status is refreshed, and his superpowers will be restored!
This involves the mechanism of [Superpower Replication]. The process of the ability taking effect can be simply summarized as: acquisition - analysis - gene chain construction - solidification - storage.
After acquiring a superpower, [Superpower Replica] will decompose and analyze it, and finally store the ability in the owner's body in the form of a genetic chain. The genetic chain is composed of a special substance produced by [Superpower Replica], which is a substance produced by the owner himself and will not disappear when the player disappears.
Therefore, in the previous life, there was an unprecedented situation where players offered themselves as sacrifices to sell themselves to Sorokin for money. This forced the Three Universal Civilizations to introduce special policies, stating that if Immortals voluntarily provided Sorokin with superpowers, they would be treated as a wanted criminal and kicked out of the Order faction... Of course, players were very skilled, so this policy rarely took effect.
However, the Sorokin isn't a philanthropist. Limited by the genetic chain's capacity, he only uses abilities that interest him; otherwise, even if players offer themselves as sacrifices, he won't accept them...
The players' actions even caused a funny misunderstanding. At first, the Sorokin thought it was a conspiracy by the Three Universal Civilizations, sending people to deliver themselves to his death so that his genetic chain would collapse. He killed many players before realizing that these people were genuinely there to deliver cannons... cough cough, deliver superpowers.
Even the Sorokin was astonished, uttering a famous line to the players. "If I had met you all earlier, I might have been able to become a good person."
As he thought about it, Han Xiao couldn't help but grin.
"Therefore, I don't even need to lift a finger to acquire superpowers. I just need to issue missions to players with Esper Class and offer sufficient rewards, and people will come knocking on my door..."
In this way, tens of millions of players with Esper Class become a massive resource library!!
And nobody will die, it's legal!
Although a development path of less absorption and more absorption has been set for Evans, having so much material means that he can slowly select and find complementary superpowers to form various tactics and achieve the most perfect combination!
Thinking of this, Han Xiao became completely excited, and at this moment, a new plan was born in his mind.
"Phillip!"
"Buzzing."
"Draft a new plan that records the various abilities of all the Esper Class Immortals the Legion, and simulates various tactical combinations that can be used in conjunction with these abilities. Each combination will consist of at least two abilities and, for the time being, a maximum of ten abilities. Put this plan into a top-secret file. Also, do not mention Evans's existence."
"Okay, this will take up a little bit of my computing power. What should we name the plan?"
"No need for names, just a number will do."
Han Xiao really wanted to come up with a name like "Sorokin Cultivation Project," but after thinking about it, he gave up on the idea.
Although it was virtually impossible for his own database to be breached again, Han Xiao still chose a low-key approach that was consistent with his personality.
He had already decided to keep Evans hidden away as a secret weapon until Evans grew up.
"Speaking of which, I have Evolution Cube and Space-Time Amber, and my Legion has Hila Aurora. I'm definitely attracting a lot of attention. If I were to tell others that I'm planning to create a second-generation Sorokin... ugh, I'm afraid all the enemies would team up to steal my stuff."
The thought of that scene made Han Xiao shudder; he knew exactly what he was doing.
He calmed himself down for a while, processed his emotions, and then returned to his previous work, continuing to complete the Sovereign Mecha that was more than halfway finished.
Whether it was the good luck left by Evans or not, the panel suddenly moved the moment Han Xiao completed the last step and the Sovereign Mecha was fully formed.
[You have crafted a gold-quality equipment (Universal Treasure)]
[You received feedback from the [Divine Equipment]]
[You have gained 1 Divine Transformation Point (the same blueprint cannot be obtained repeatedly)]
[Your random attribute has decreased by 200 points... Ranking is in progress, randomization complete, your luck has decreased by 200 points.]
[You have gained 200 free attribute points]
[You have gained the first tier bonus of [Divine Equipment]: Basic crafting success rate of gold blueprints +2.5%, basic research success rate of gold blueprints +1.2%]
[You have acquired a new specialization: [Universal Treasure Creator]!]