novelraw Chapter 43 : League Preparation
Chapter 43 : League Preparation
The medical pod closed, and Chen Sui quietly closed her eyes, waiting for the sustained-release medication and body treatment program.
In the hospital room, Xie Chunshi pulled out a tissue, wiped the nearly dried blood from his hands, and signaled with his eyes for the others to leave.
The group left the hospital room and, in the silver-white corridor outside the medical institute, met Yan Mingyu who had arrived a step late.
The school team teacher was holding Chen Sui's examination report, the energy simulation device analysis chip, and the shattered energy crystal from the ground.
"Teacher, has the cause of the explosion been found?"
Xie Chunshi asked.
He placed his blood-stained hand behind him. The blood had congealed, and the dry tissue couldn't wipe it away anymore, leaving it on his well-defined hand like a tattoo.
"How is Chen Sui?"
Yan Mingyu asked simultaneously.
"She'll be fine after the medical pod treatment program is completed. There's no serious trauma."
Hearing this, Yan Mingyu breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face.
"That counts as good news."
"The energy crystal Chen Sui used was an S-grade lightning attribute. During the summoned body editing process, due to the high level of value balance and structural compatibility, it created a super S-grade energy concentration."
Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Xie Chunshi's eyes.
"Advancement?"
Yan Mingyu pondered for a moment, then answered: "It can't be called advancement, just an energy storage process, but strictly speaking, her summoned body editing was successful."
At this point, Yan Mingyu looked through the glass window at the medical pod in the empty hospital room and slowly said with a sighing tone: "She completed the leap from energy analysis to summoned body editing in less than half a month."
As soon as these words were spoken, the first to show astonishment was Tong Wei, who had come to visit Chen Sui.
Xie Chunshi turned his head, his peripheral vision watching the medical pod. With his height of nearly 1.9 meters, his viewpoint could see through two glass windows to Chen Sui's half-open lips, her chest seeming to cough once, a mist-like medication spraying on her face, alleviating her discomfort.
"At the beginning of the month, she told me she had completed crystal analysis, then said her progress was too slow," Gu Qinxue murmured softly, her tone unconsciously breaking into a smile. "She even promised not to slow down the preparation."
"Does this count as slow?"
Tong Wei slowly stood up. As an analyst, she felt the impact of this progress more strongly than anyone else present.
She turned to look at Cheng Wei, then at Xie Chunshi, and finally at He Lanxi, her mouth remaining open in shock, her eyes blinking continuously. "Does Suisui have an unclear perception of herself?"
He Lanxi covered his forehead with one hand, combed his hair, and spoke profoundly: "I think somewhat. Didn't the Analyst Department teachers teach her these things? Ha! One month to complete practical transition, less than two weeks to successfully edit a summoning body."
Yan Mingyu raised her head, saying with satisfaction: "The Analyst Department teachers feel that Student Chen Sui's combat thinking is too strong, so in teaching, they try to make her as steady and error-free as possible."
She said diplomatically.
He Lanxi gave a dry laugh, with a somewhat spectator-like tone: "The teachers probably didn't expect Student Chen Sui to pick things up so quickly, did they? Underestimated her, this is what a spiritual threshold of 94 looks like."
"It's not just the spiritual threshold," Gu Qinxue sighed. As someone who lived and ate with Chen Sui, she knew how much effort Chen Sui had put in. "These days, she's barely closed her eyes, looking like she's been drained empty. She's either practicing or on her way to practice."
He Lanxi nodded, "Right, a spiritual threshold of 94, energy reserves that allow her to practice day and night. With a lower threshold, there wouldn't be enough energy."
At this point, He Lanxi frowned, "Wait, that's not right."
He asked Yan Mingyu for the energy simulation device report and, looking at the long string of values, folded the materials and handed them to Tong Wei, who passed them around to the school team.
"Teacher Yan, have the Analyst Department teachers seen the report?"
Yan Mingyu shook her head, "There hasn't been time to take it over yet. I was concerned about Chen Sui's condition, so I came here first. What did you discover?"
Tong Wei, having seen the report, also showed a puzzled expression.
"Her spiritual threshold margin doesn't seem right," He Lanxi flipped through the report, comparing several numbers. "For this data's summoning body, I'm more inclined to think that Chen Sui created an advanced-grade summoning body. During editing, she must have supplemented energy, completing the values to reach S+ grade, but her spiritual threshold has been depleted these days, leading to insufficient subsequent energy."
"Failed advancement is a fear ingrained in the genes of any biological entity. For a summoning body to save itself, it needs to absorb energy from its surroundings. The simulation device creates a micro-energy field, so it collapsed."
He Lanxi explained.
The analyst's final measured spiritual threshold level was incredibly low.
"I want to know, just how hard is she pushing herself? Even a spiritual threshold of 94 is depleted?! Is she crazy?!"
He Lanxi raised his eyebrows in disbelief, turning to look at Gu Qinxue.
"Depleted spiritual threshold, and advancement on her first edit?"
Tong Wei was stunned into numbness, sitting back down in her chair. "My goodness, is this something I'm worthy of hearing?"
Energy crystal editing advancement is the rarest phenomenon under an analyst's hands.
Because during the process of extracting energy crystals, the awakened individual's spiritual body and summoning body's energy attacks damage the stable energy values in the energy crystal.
Every extracted energy crystal has a certain degree of depletion.
Unless, like Chen Sui in the Ocean Boulevard energy field, it can be extracted solely with cold weapons, ensuring complete non-depletion.
And during the energy crystal editing process, analysts must weaken other values to balance different value structures.
To create an advancement phenomenon where the summoning body exceeds the energy crystal's grade during editing requires, first, extremely low energy crystal depletion; second, the analyst must have an extremely high spiritual threshold and energy control to ensure supplementation of some missing values; and third, the energy body structure must simultaneously accommodate three types of balance: original grade state, advanced energy storage state, and advancement state.
None can be missing.
Currently known summoned body editing advancements have all occurred in the hands of several renowned masters at the Analyst Association.
Tong Wei's surprise was quite understandable.
Even He Lanxi, from an analyst family with many master predecessors, couldn't help but exclaim that Chen Sui was somewhat crazy.
"She's so brave. I now understand why the Analyst Department teachers all told her not to be aggressive. When the spiritual threshold is depleted, editing should be immediately interrupted."
At this point, He Lanxi stopped himself.
"But, successfully editing once is really difficult. After successful editing, everything goes smoothly, but once interrupted, it's like starting over. I can't imagine, after studying for so long, seeing success within reach, only to fail at the last moment. I wouldn't need rocks to crush me to death; I'd go hang myself at Zhu Jing Fu's front gate."
Tong Wei pouted, clenching her fist, her vision darkening at the thought of that scenario.
Cheng Wei, hearing her last sentence, hurriedly got up and pushed her down into the chair.
"Hanging yourself at Zhu Jing Fu's gate? I'll beat you right now for such talk."
Tong Wei puffed her cheeks.
He Lanxi, hearing her empathetic indignation, softly continued: "You would naturally be heartbroken after months of hard work ending in failure, but she... doesn't need to worry at all!"
Tong Wei cried out, comparing her progress with Chen Sui's less-than-half-a-month progress, pulling her twin tails and covering her ears: "Your words really hurt, wuwu."
He Lanxi shrugged and smiled, but as he withdrew his gaze, he noticed that everyone on the school team had furrowed brows.
"However, editing a summoning body is one thing, but on the battlefield, an analyst being too aggressive isn't good."
He subdued his smile, looking at Xie Chunshi, advising.
The aloof school Team Leader nodded gently, but his eyes showed no interest, only a strange look when gazing into the room.
After ensuring Chen Sui was not in serious condition, Cheng Wei, the other two, and Yan Mingyu left the medical institute. The remaining four school team members stayed, sitting on the long bench, waiting for Chen Sui's medical pod treatment program to finish.
Zhou Chen was on the outermost edge, hand supporting his chin, thinking with his not-so-large brain capacity for a while, then looked at the other side: at Gu Qinxue, who was cold-faced but visibly worried, and the expressionless Xie Chunshi.
"Does this mean our analyst is super awesome?"
Even Puluo understood, lowering his head to answer: "It's quite obvious. Good talent, plus hard work, both our analysts are pushing the limits."
Zhou Chen leaned forward to look at Xie Chunshi. "So with her current progress, we should be able to form a five-person team soon, right?"
"It depends on Chen Sui's physical condition," Xie Chunshi recalled the weight of Chen Sui when he carried her.
It was hard to imagine that when she was first announced as the school team analyst, her face still had soft flesh, even dimples had appeared. In such a short time, she seemed to have reverted to how she looked when they first met.
Zhou Chen thought of He Lanxi's evaluation and suddenly smiled: "You know, this is the first time I've heard of an analyst depleting their spiritual threshold. That person from the main star, your friend," he gestured to Gu Qinxue, "that genius young lady, probably hasn't experienced such a feeling, right?"
Gu Qinxue lowered her gaze, looking down at her light brain interface.
She was searching on the StarNet: "analyst spiritual threshold depletion."
First answer: Unless you're a big shot who can precisely control energy, it's impossible to achieve this. The reasons are: 1. The spiritual threshold is linked to the core crystal; once the spiritual threshold is triggered low, the core crystal will resist, energy will lock the spiritual threshold. 2. The higher the spiritual threshold, the more intense the core's resistance. As for low thresholds, they can't even connect to high-level energy crystals, let alone have a chance to deplete. In short, I've never heard of an analyst depleting their spiritual threshold.
Second answer: Let me explain. First, spiritual threshold depletion is basically impossible (masters are exceptions due to precise energy control and full utilization of every bit of energy). Second, before the spiritual threshold is exhausted, the analyst's core crystal will sense it. Generally, exhaustion isn't possible except with high-level summoning body advancement, but I advise against attempting advancement if your threshold isn't sufficient. Otherwise, core crystal damage will cause energy vibrations in the spiritual domain, feeling like your brain is being ground into mush. Unless your core crystal isn't in your spiritual threshold [
smile
], you can try it.
Gu Qinxue's expression was somewhat grave. She closed the StarNet interface with irritation and looked at Zhou Chen: "Our teammate is working so hard; how can some people still be so lazy?"
Zhou Chen, being called out, immediately turned his head, coughing a few times guiltily.
Xie Chunshi glanced at Gu Qinxue from the corner of his eye.
She withdrew her gaze, saying coldly: "If your brain hurts, go to the medical institute to treat the injury. Don't complain during training."
"I know, I know," Zhou Chen raised both hands helplessly, his face showing his usual inappropriate smile.
After Chen Sui's repair program, because of her successful summoned body editing, teachers who had taught her and those who hadn't all came to visit, earnestly advising her one by one.
Chen Sui almost thought she had bankrupted Zhu Jing Fu with her explosion; otherwise, why would there be such a grand scale of talks?
After listening to teachings all day, she summarized the main theme: "Stop pushing yourself, take a rest, the teachers are afraid you'll die from overwork."
The Analyst Department teachers hadn't expected someone could edit a summoning body and deplete their spiritual threshold. While urging Chen Sui to rest and be sustainable, they couldn't help feeling she was indeed too aggressive in her actions.
"Little Xie, on the battlefield you all must watch her closely. An analyst with too much killing intent makes team operations very difficult."
Xie Chunshi heard many such words. The speaking teacher was pulled away by a colleague, but still pushed back: "Don't pull me, this must be said. She's only 18 years old, too young for the Star League Competition. What if something happens? Isn't Vina's lesson enough?"
Ultimately, it was about cherishing talent.
No matter how well the Star League Competition arranged rescue and medical care, it essentially involved entering energy fields and competing with energy bodies.
Teammates might show mercy, but energy bodies would show no mercy to humans.
As an analyst, the highest attraction target for energy bodies, it would be fine if Chen Sui followed the defensive flow. But the current situation was that perhaps energy bodies wouldn't find her, but she would turn around to find them.
The Analyst Department teachers couldn't understand what deep blood feud this student had with energy bodies to harbor such hatred.
Insisting on following the aggressive flow, while increasing attack range, she was placing herself in great danger.
Xie Chunshi displayed a humble attitude of accepting teaching. After seeing off the visiting elders, he exchanged glances with his three companions, all sighing in relief simultaneously.
Zhou Chen patted his chest in retrospect: "Chen Sui is quite favored by the teachers. They've only taught her for a short time, but they all treat her like a cherished disciple."
Gu Qinxue saw this as perfectly normal.
In fact, anyone who had interacted with Chen Sui could feel an unyielding strength from her. No one would dislike such a person.
"It's normal. Talented, humble, hardworking, willing to endure hardship. Except for being a bit rebellious, she doesn't seem to have any other issues."
Puluo analyzed, then added, "Not to mention, she learns quickly, seems to know everything."
This point Zhou Chen indeed couldn't deny.
"You're right. When I think about how she transformed my mecha into a perfect state, I want to enshrine her."
He muttered softly.
Gu Qinxue snorted, seemingly mocking his previous attitude toward Chen Sui.
Placed on the hospital bed, Chen Sui held warm water, making it easier to swallow the pills.
These were nutrients prescribed by the medical institute. After examination following her injury, her malnutrition, despite continuous nourishment with high-nutrient solutions, hadn't improved but had worsened.
The doctor finally prescribed nutrient medications, sternly instructing her to take them.
"For the next few days, just lie here and rest well. Outside the ward, there are medical robots strictly supervising you."
As soon as she entered, seeing Chen Sui looking expectantly, Gu Qinxue announced the cruel fact.
Chen Sui swallowed the medicine, her face wrinkling: "Why? Isn't the repair program just two days?"
At this point, Gu Qinxue's eyes showed some amusement. "Yes, but because of your heroic mountain-blasting feat, you've scared the teachers. They fear something might happen to you and hope you can rest well for a few days. Just in time, Cheng Wei and the others are going to participate in the Star Ring selection for Star League Competition spots. With nothing to do, you can watch the livestream."
"Oh, right," Gu Qinxue brought up her light brain. "The Analyst Department students have also jointly requested that you rest well."
Chen Sui looked at the joint signature Gu Qinxue displayed, a screenshot from the forum.
The gist was: mid-term exams are approaching, please don't blast mountains, Grass God, leave the children a place to practice.
She wore a somewhat helpless expression. "Ha."
Seeing her expression, Gu Qinxue comforted: "The energy crystal summoning was successful, so you don't need to rush anymore. Seriously, you really need to rest well. Teacher Yan copied the life steward data from the dormitory and found that your recent sleep severely violates the Alliance Youth Growth Code."
At this, Chen Sui guiltily shrank her neck.
"The school team wants an analyst to participate in the competition, not an analyst who exhausts their life before the competition," even the Team Leader, sitting upright to the side, couldn't help but speak up.
Chen Sui couldn't refute, and could only raise both hands: "Okay, okay, I understand, I'll rest."
Isn't it normal for young people to stay up late? When she was a vanguard before, she wouldn't close her eyes for three days and nights, fighting alien species non-stop. How did this escalate to violating Star Alliance law?
However, hearing that her summoned body editing was successful, Chen Sui still breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
Since she had made a military order in front of the school team, she had to fulfill it.
Now that her progress was on track, she finally didn't need to work so hard.
"Star Ring selection, Cheng Wei and Tong Wei are participating?"
The Star Ring selection was for the ten Star Rings of the Star Alliance, excluding Zone Eleven guarded by the Border Army, to select spots for the Star League Competition.
There were a total of 100 spots. Excluding the teams from the previous official league competition who received automatic qualification, the other 95 spots were distributed to other Star Rings based on the ranking proportion of each Star Ring's teams in the previous league competition.
Chen Sui had been so busy with practice and treatment that she had almost forgotten about this.
Seeing Gu Qinxue nod, she opened the StarNet to take a look.
After seeing the hot discussions about the Star Ring selection, she thought that since she had nothing to do recently, it was a good time to handle her online store matters.
"Then these days, I'll design my mecha."
With nothing to do, Chen Sui felt a bit uncomfortable. After the school team left for training, she found things she could do from her to-do list.
In Chen Sui's plan, the online store could not only list mecha weapon diagrams but also processed materials and polished parts. Especially some expensive engine liquids requiring different material proportions, priced many times higher than diagrams, comparable to energy crystals.
Besides mecha-related items, she might later sell energy crystals and summoning body diagrams as analyst services.
When submitting the online store for review, Chen Sui simultaneously applied to the Repair Technician Association and Analyst Association for store testing qualifications.
The online processing speed was fast, approved the same day. It soon passed the Star Ring Banquet's review, successfully obtaining an online store section.
But to be listed on the Star Ring Banquet showcase and auction, she needed a sufficient transaction ratio and turnover to obtain qualifications issued by the Commercial Department.
Chen Sui first uploaded the scanned portions of mecha weapon diagrams, set up links, and priced them differently according to quality.
After uploading more than ten at once, clearing out the excess diagrams on hand, she began studying materials.
The school team had collected many mecha materials recently. Tallying them up, plus the mecha waste she had recovered, Chen Sui was surprised to find it was enough to create her personalized mecha.
Now she couldn't lie still anymore.
If she couldn't go to the analyst training mountain, surely she could go to the repair room?
Chen Sui thought carefully as she sat on the bed.
However, the medical robots watched her too closely. The round, squat robots were only half a human's height, yet equipped with three pairs of visual fields and a central light screen. When they saw Chen Sui, the light screen displayed a sound wave.
"Hello, patient 4732588, please return to the ward for rest and complete your indicator measurements promptly."
Just as she opened the door, Chen Sui scanned: one outside the door, two on the left and right of the corridor, and one at each of the two corners.
Additionally, there was a human-sized medical robot equipped with forced restraint devices, patrolling irregularly.
Chen Sui slammed the door shut.
The excitement on her face cooled as she looked at the applications rejected by the school team and academy on her light brain. She stroked her chin and looked out the window.
As soon as she opened the window, a camera rotated from its bracket, extending to Chen Sui's face, eye to eye.
The camera's red light flashed.
Chen Sui felt mocked.
She abruptly closed the window, fell back, and collapsed onto the bed.
She boredly watched the Star Ring selection broadcast on the holographic screen.
After switching through several recording platforms, watching Cheng Wei's team for a while, she turned to check her online store.
Just as Chen Sui felt she was about to mold from boredom, a series of footsteps suddenly came from the corridor, with soft discussions between men and women reaching her ears.
Then, someone knocked on her door.