"I can still do this..."
She leapt lightly into the air, surrounded by currents of airflow.
Those currents lifted her as if alive, allowing her to soar freely in the sky.
Even more miraculous, her body began to become semi-transparent, like a spirit composed of vapor and wind.
"In environments rich with water elements, I can temporarily elementalize my body, transforming into the shape of water."
As her words fell, Dale’s body spread out like flowing water, then re-formed into a human shape in the air.
"If I combine the two abilities..."
Dale took a deep breath, and the surrounding vapor began to gather rapidly.
Airflow and vapor merged, forming a miniature storm cloud around her.
"I can transform into a storm, traversing vast distances in an instant."
A messenger who can freely shuttle between the water and sky, also possessing the abilities of elemental invisibility and long-distance movement...
"A truly perfect transformation."
He commented concisely, but the satisfaction and admiration in his eyes were evident:
"These abilities combined have already surpassed the limits of the Sea Siren bloodline, just one step away from the Quasi-Star Ring level."
Dale’s heart surged with an unspeakable happiness upon hearing her master’s praise.
But at the same time, she acutely sensed what he was focused on.
He cared more about the practical value of these abilities than her own transformation.
This realization stirred an inexplicable emptiness within her, but also gave her a clearer understanding of a certain confused emotion.
She recalled Lilia from before, recalled the intense and yearning gaze Lily had when looking at the master.
At that time, she didn’t understand that emotion, but now she could deeply feel the intertwined pain and sweetness of it.
However, this emotion was too complex, too indescribable; she truly didn’t know how to express it.
"Dale! You’ve finally woken up!"
A voice full of surprise interrupted her thoughts.
Ailan floated over from the other end of the lab, her green branches excitedly swaying.
"Ailan’s mother..."
Seeing the Tree Spirit who had raised her, Dale’s voice took on the lively and affectionate tone that was characteristic when facing her.
"I thought you were going to sleep forever!"
Ailan circled Dale with concern, carefully observing her changes:
"My goodness, you’ve fully grown up! Is this the adult form of a Sea Siren?"
"Um... During the process of Bloodline Awakening, I’ve undergone a complete transformation from juvenile to adult."
The Sea Demon Girl explained somewhat embarrassedly:
"I now possess all the innate abilities of the Sea Siren clan."
"That’s wonderful!"
Ailan excitedly patted her branches:
"The lab has been so unusually quiet lately, sometimes I would still prepare large meals suitable for you, only to remember you’re still asleep..."
"Oh, by the way, the master comes to see you every day."
The Tree Spirit continued, with a teasing tone:
"Sometimes when he’s tired from work, he’ll sit by the pool in a daze.
I asked him what he’s thinking about, he always said he’s observing your transformation process, but I think..."
"Ahem."
Ron coughed lightly, interrupting their conversation:
"Since Dale has fully recovered, I need to start preparing to continue the experiment."
"What experiment?"
Dale instantly became curious, with her eyes lighting up with interest.
"The pilot run of the adaptability chaos simulation device."
Ron explained concisely:
"It’s a training system that integrates multidisciplinary technologies; your Elemental Perception ability might also help monitor the equipment’s running status."
His attention was entirely occupied by the upcoming important experiment.
Tomorrow’s test is not just technical validation, but a crucial step in establishing his position at the Abyssal Observation Station.
......
At three in the afternoon, an unprecedented crowd gathered in the main experimental hall of the Abyssal Observation Station.
This core area, usually only accessible to a few senior researchers, was bustling like a marketplace today.
Explorers grouped together, whispering about the "special project" they were about to witness;
Researchers appeared more cautious, with their recording devices ready to capture any abnormal phenomena;
Even the usually reclusive management personnel appeared in the audience.
In the center of the experimental hall, a complex device silently awaited its debut.
Its appearance was like artwork born from a nightmare—beautiful yet dangerous, intricate yet mysterious.
The support structure of its base was woven from Soul Steel and Abyssal active metal, forming a skeletal system of extraordinary organic beauty.
Rather than reflecting in a lifeless manner, the surface of that metal was like the skin of a living being, showing subtle color changes as energy flowed within.
The most striking feature was the energy circuits that sprawled across the entire structure.
These resembled blood vessels winding on the metal surface, emitting a pulsating silver-blue glow.
Every time energy passed through, these "blood vessels" would gently pulse, resembling genuine signs of life.
The neural network system at the mid-level was even more unsettling.
Thousands of biological fibers, thinner than hair, subtly undulated within transparent conduits, connecting to complicated consciousness processing nodes at their ends.
These fibers aren’t dead matter, but specially cultivated living neural tissue.
Through the transparent tube walls, one can see a light green Nutrient Solution flowing over the surface of these neural fibers.
Tiny sparkling particles float within, representing the bioelectric phenomena generated by mental activity.