"Memory..." Ron murmured to himself, his eyes sparkling with a glow of delight.
This added trait turns the Flowing Shield Wall from a passive defense tool into an adaptive protection system capable of self-learning and evolution.
As the number of uses increases, the Shield Wall will become increasingly difficult to breach, especially against repeated attacks of the same type.
"Dale, one more time!"
Ron instructed the other to continue attacking: "Use the same attack as before!"
Although the Little Sea Siren was somewhat confused, she complied nevertheless.
When the second identical massive Water Spear struck the Shield Wall, Ron deliberately made no additional reinforcements, only maintaining basic Spiritual Power input.
To everyone’s surprise, the Shield Wall easily repelled the attack, and this time there was almost no Energy Fluctuation, as if it had been prepared all along.
"Are you fully... mastering this advanced magic?"
Lilia gazed at the scene in disbelief, her voice filled with admiration.
"Not just that." Ron explained:
"Its defense effect is even stronger than I imagined, Dale’s attack power earlier has already reached a level comparable to the signature magic of an Advanced Apprentice."
He began pondering more possibilities of this ability:
If the Shield Wall is exposed to various different types of attacks—physical impact, flame scorch, frost freeze...
Could it gradually form a comprehensive defense system?
"Lilia, help me prepare some test devices." Ron turned to the young girl, his eyes sparkling with excitement:
"I need to test the limits of this memory ability."
In the following days, Ron dedicated himself to in-depth research on the Flowing Shield Wall.
He designed a series of tests, confronting the Shield Wall with various different types of attacks—Dale’s water-based assaults, Ailan’s manipulative plant lashes, and even elemental impacts simulated with Alchemy Device.
Each test confirmed the remarkable strength of Fluid Memory—the Shield Wall indeed "learns" and adapts to various attack patterns, becoming increasingly difficult to penetrate.
Moreover, this memory ability seems to have a certain degree of generalization.
For instance, after "learning" how to counter Dale’s Water Arrow, the Shield Wall exhibited improved resistance against other types of piercing shots, though not as perfect as against specifically learned attacks.
"It’s almost like possessing some primitive intelligence..."
Ron silently perceived the literal flow of it, watching the Shield Wall automatically adjust its structure to counter the new wave of attacks.
During the research, Ron also discovered another astonishing trait of the Flowing Shield Wall:
It could easily change form depending on the user’s intent, forming various complex geometric shapes.
This shaping ability not only helps to enhance the defensive effect but also endows the Shield Wall with more tactical uses.
In simulated combat, Ron successfully used the Flowing Shield Wall to capture a fast-moving target—a vine cluster controlled by Ailan.
The Shield Wall swiftly deformed from a flat Shield to a closed spherical cage, completely enveloping the vine inside.
"In the Bloodline Altar, the value of this ability is immeasurable."
Ron summarized as he looked at the special composite powder in his hand:
His latest masterpiece, carefully blended from various materials, capable of forming an extremely balanced multifunctional Shield Wall.
"It can not only defend against various physical and elemental attacks but also resist a certain degree of Spiritual Interference."
Ron whispered to himself: "If combined with the ’Sound Wave Oscillation - Erosion State’ I’ve studied..."
A complete combat system gradually formed in his mind:
The Flowing Shield Wall provides comprehensive protection, the Sound Wave Oscillation - Erosion State covers long-range attacks, while the Ring of Brilliance serves as a versatile means for both offense and defense in medium and close proximity.
The three magics complement each other, forming a combination with almost no apparent weaknesses.
Plus, with his Knight prowess and the powerful explosive force after Boiling Blood...
"Better practice more since there’s no telling what I’ll encounter when I go in."
.........
Ron sat at the center of the laboratory, the Soul Steel shimmering with a cold silver gleam under the Magic Crystal Lamp.
He had tried countless times to "activate" the Soul Steel, yet repeatedly failed to break through the last barrier.
Every time Spiritual Power seeped into the depths of the metal, attempting to awaken some "Life Traits," the Soul Steel would revert to an ordinary metal state before reaching the Critical Point, as if lacking some crucial catalyst.
"Again, a failure..."
Ron rubbed his temples, his eyes dry and fatigued from prolonged focus.
He picked up his notebook and reviewed data from recent experiments.
Every parameter adjustment, Energy injection path, and vibration frequency was recorded meticulously.
Yet no matter how much he adjusted, the results remained similar—the Soul Steel could accept a spiritual imprint but could not truly "activate."
"Master, still troubled by that stubborn metal?"
Dale’s bell-like voice came from the entrance.
The Little Sea Siren leaned on the door frame, her big purple-blue eyes flashing with playful light.
Since her body has continued growing and developing, she has shedded her initial shyness, becoming increasingly lively and cheerful.
"I brought you a cup of hot tea, Lily said you’ve been working for ten hours straight."
Only then did Ron realize that the dawn sunlight had long penetrated the laboratory window, and somehow, an entire night had quietly slipped by.
"Thank you, Dale." Ron took the cup, sipping gently, feeling the warmth of the liquid soothe his dry throat:
"How’s your training today?"