"Only truly powerful individuals can maintain their identity in the flood of time. Others... are just passersby."
Ailan heard these words, and the branches slightly trembled.
She could sense the increasingly heavy feeling of loneliness in her master, as well as the gradually indifferent attitude toward everything around him.
"However...," Ron’s tone changed to one of pragmatism, "before that, I need to ensure each step is taken with enough solidity."
He shifted his attention to the second development path.
[Alchemy Master (Three Stars) Advancement Requirements:
1. Prerequisite Profession - Alchemist (Two Stars)
2. Alchemy reaches Expert Level;
3. Successfully refine a ’semi-permanent’ alchemy device (self-operating for fifty years and above);
4. Complete a ’Life Reconstruction’ experiment.]
The requirements for Alchemy Master are more stringent, especially the ’semi-permanent device’.
"The energy core issue of the Mobile Simulation Battle Device has never been thoroughly resolved."
Ron opened the design drawings:
"Aksa’s Soul Fragments, and that Heart-devouring Stone from the gambling stone shop can only be considered temporary substitutes; solely relying on them is far from sufficient to maintain fifty years of stable operation."
Ron took out the otherworldly technical data provided by Cassandra.
The theories from the "Mechanical Federation" and "Biological Factory" broadened his horizons.
"Energy integration technology... integrating energy from different sources into a unified driving force."
He carefully studied the technical details in the materials, starting to construct the blueprint of the semi-permanent device in his mind.
The key to such a device is establishing a sustainable energy cycle, allowing the system to absorb energy from the outside while maximizing the utilization of internal energy conversion.
"If the Soul Fragment is used as the core, the Heart-devouring Stone as the Energy Converter, and combined with the ’Cycle Enhancement’ technology from the Otherworld..."
Ron began sketching a new design scheme on paper:
"Theoretically, it is possible to create an energy system that can self-sustain."
He drew complex energy circuit diagrams on paper, with every line calculated precisely.
This design needs to involve multiple advanced fields like Time Magic, Space Folding, and Energy Conversion, but Ron believes he has the capability to master these technologies.
The key is to solve the issue of energy loss.
Any mechanical device produces energy loss during operation, and the accumulation of this loss eventually leads to a system shutdown.
"Unless..." A bold idea emerged in his mind:
"Unless the system itself possesses the ability to ’grow’."
Just as he was immersed in thought, a slight noise came from the corner of the laboratory.
’Ink’ wriggled slightly in the recovery tank, the silver streaks flickered with a faint glow, as if responding to the master’s mental activity.
"Did you feel it too?" Ron asked softly, knowing the Slime Monster couldn’t answer.
To his surprise, ’Ink’s’ wriggling became more pronounced, the streaks began to form some kind of regular pattern.
This change indicated it had gained a higher sensitivity to the surrounding magic power fluctuations.
"Interesting... looks like your potential is greater than I thought."
Ron walked to the recovery tank, observing ’Ink’s’ condition closely.
In the perspective of "Extraordinary Recognition," he could see subtle structural reorganization taking place inside the Slime Monster.
Those Abyssal factors were merging with the original biological tissues, creating entirely new possibilities.
The observation of ’Ink’ gave him inspiration for the growth potential of his own device.
The Autophagic Slime Monster not only avoids loss during operation but also strengthens itself by devouring external materials.
If this trait can be applied to mechanical devices...
"Make the device an organic growth system rather than a rigid mechanical structure."
Ron’s eyes sparkled with excitement:
"Thus, it can not only self-sustain but also grow stronger over time."
This approach completely contradicts traditional Alchemy concepts, but it is precisely this groundbreaking innovation that may allow him to reach the level of Alchemy Master.
"As for the Life Reconstruction experiment..."
His gaze fell on ’Ink’ once more.
This life form, created by him, was slowly recovering in the recovery tank.
The data obtained from the recent Franka blood sample incident showed it had far exceeded expected adaptability.
"If the adaptation of the Abyssal traits in the ’carrier strain’ bloodline can be safely implanted..."
Ron remembered that nearly fatal experiment.
The complex energy structure contained in Franka’s blood nearly caused ’Ink’ to collapse completely.
But it was also that experience that made him realize the true value of the ’carrier strain’ bloodline.
"If the traits of more Abyssal creatures can be successfully integrated, ’Ink’ will become a real miracle. Not just a helper, but a new exploration of the essence of life."
He took out several biological sample data gathered from the Abyssal Observation Station, starting to plan the fusion scheme:
"Desert Hunter’s multi-dimensional perception, Eco Cloak Worm’s perfect camouflage, Corrosion Bug’s molecular decomposition ability... through the harmonizing effect of the carrier strain bloodline, theoretically achievable seamless fusion."
"The key lies in finding the correct way to merge. Direct contact is obviously too dangerous, but if adapted gradually..."
After considering the Alchemy Master’s path, Ron turned his gaze to the most dangerous yet enticing third path—the Rune Expert:
[Rune Expert (Three and a Half Stars) Advancement Requirements:
1. Prerequisite Profession - Enchanter (Two and a Half Stars)