045. Ellei: The Element Architect
"Bad company indeed."
Li Aozi clicked his tongue.
The diversity of the Star Abyss is immense, especially in places like Valkyrie Fortress, known for its high tolerance—you're bound to meet all sorts of odd characters.
Here, you might see vegetarians clashing with arboreal nationalists every other day. The universe is vast, with tens of millions of species and hundreds of thousands of ideologies colliding, sparking colorful conflicts. A few more quirky characters just add to the fun.
Turning around, Flanna finally realized she'd been tricked, conned by her so-called friends into working for Li Aozi for free. Embarrassed, she turned to Li Aozi and said:
"Um…"
Flanna's heart nearly stopped.
"The order is already submitted."
Quick to act, Li Aozi wasn't about to miss a freebie, so he submitted the request right away. Seeing Flanna's face turn pale, he reassured her:
"Don't worry, I'll cover the platform fees and any expenses the freelance mercenary platform deducts, so you won't lose money. Just be more cautious next time."
"…Thank you."
Flanna was on the verge of tears. She looked back to find her two 'friends,' but they'd already vanished. Resigned, she accepted Li Aozi's terms:
"Well, if I'm going to do this, I might as well see it through—the Freelance Mercenary Union is already tracking the quest progress. I'll receive intel and the start time soon for convenience."
"Alright."
Li Aozi shared his contact information with her:
"I'll go get my things ready. See you then."
After Flanna left, a notification for mission completion popped up for Li Aozi.
[Reward Settlement]:
B. "Travel Insurance"—By a stroke of luck, you found a Delta-tier companion, and Orlaville has agreed to let you proceed.
Reward: Orlaville has unlocked a new module; you can now directly purchase 'Orlaville's Fine Spirits' series in the game[Shop].
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Li Aozi downed his drink without delay and set off. With years of experience in the Star Abyss, he easily located a quiet, secluded inn.
His goal wasn't just rest—he had acquired a bloodline transformation potion from the cleric Konstantine, and he needed a safe, discreet place for the procedure.
The technology of narrative-level civilizations is immensely powerful. The highly complex and sophisticated bloodline transformation process was fully condensed into a single injection gun, making reverse engineering impossible. Unconcerned, Li Aozi sat on the bed, aimed the injector at his deltoid, and pressed the trigger with practiced ease.
Buzz—!
The photon drill gently pierced the molecular layer of his arm, embedding genetic information directly into his DNA. Immediately, he felt his metabolism accelerate as the implanted information segments started transcribing, spreading, and replicating within his body.
[Bloodline Modification in Progress: Elai Spirit (Compatibility: 67%)]
[Compatibility below 80% may cause minor alterations to appearance.]
The existing genes from his Tanaxian and Neohuman lineages had a decent similarity to the Elai Spirit genes, allowing a relatively smooth fusion with almost no adverse reactions.
As for the appearance changes—Li Aozi wasn't bothered. His body was already modified, and as long as he had enough genetic fragments, he could transform it however he wished.
[Factor Transcription in Progress…]
Li Aozi closed his eyes, feeling a peculiar rhythm within as his blood began changing at the molecular level, restructuring. Primitive plasma condensed further, and vast amounts of energy-storing cells began to secrete and form.
It was as though every pore in his body opened, enabling him to absorb free-floating energy from the cosmos to enhance his body.
Unlike the fragile bodies of primary civilizations, the bodies of narrative-level civilizations… were designed for space.
Unintentionally, he crossed his legs on the bed, entering a state of serene clarity as his mind drifted to the edge of darkness.
Hummm…
Bright yellow patterns swiftly spread across his skin, etching mysterious symbols on his back and chest. His skin smoothed as all pores closed and vanished; he no longer needed to breathe or expel impurities like carbon-based organisms, and his energy efficiency increased significantly.
His facial features changed slightly. Under the influence of his powerful[Charm]stat, his appearance became more universally appealing among cosmic species. A faint golden tint appeared on his eyelids, as though he wore exquisite eyeshadow, exuding an aura of nobility.
His tall frame grew even more compact and solid. His muscles transformed, old blood evaporated and reconstituted, leaving his skin with a porcelain-like smoothness.
[Trait • [Flesh Affinity] Activated]
[You absorbed the fusion well, discarding some ineffective gene fragments.]
[—Your species has changed—]
[Elai Spirit • Stage I]
[You will gain the following racial growth adjustments:]
"Architect Angel"—Elai Spirit possess an exceptional understanding and adaptability to cosmic space and are born with[Architect]potential.
Furthermore, the strong mental prowess of the Spirit Clan grants them a profound sensitivity to both the material and spiritual realms. You can communicate with spirit entities and the Void without needing to awaken spirit power.
When leveling up[Architect]by 5 levels, +10 to all attributes.
"Geographical Editor"—Elai Spirit are highly adaptable with innate talent in geography, so harsh environments won't slow your movement speed.
When leveling up[Architect], you can edit the geographic environment more quickly and efficiently.
"Cosmic Being"—Elai Spirit are cosmic lifeforms capable of performing high-intensity operations and activities in space without stamina depletion.
When leveling up[Architect], you can generate 'ecological communities' in space more efficiently.
"Theoretical Analysis"—Through the ages, Elai Spirit have mastered a unique learning method, allowing you to deconstruct theoretical knowledge with a distinctive mindset and excel in combination abilities. Learn supernatural knowledge 100% faster.
When leveling up[Architect], you gain a permanent 30% bonus to the production and attributes of 'ecological communities.'
"Element Architecture"—Your strong racial talents and elemental affinity enable you to use your elemental pool to create 'elemental communities,' though you can't upgrade or stabilize them.
Unlike[Architect]'ecological communities,' elemental communities don't provide comprehensive attribute boosts or production lines but can enhance the health and attributes of elemental beings.
When leveling up[Architect], you can permanently generate an elemental community.
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"This is exactly what I wanted."
Li Aozi nodded.
The Elai Spirit, while seemingly weak, was actually the most suitable species for the[Architect]class. Though it offered low attribute growth, its class modifications perfectly aligned with the style of a[Starfall Master].
Especially with the[Element Architecture]modification, Li Aozi's elemental pool, previously used solely for spellcasting, gained a multitude of new functions.
With the first phase of transformation complete, Li Aozi felt considerably lighter. He glanced at his stats, noting minimal changes, yet several weak points had been addressed.
For his own development, Li Aozi had no intention of fully joining the「Temple of Annihilation」. Once he had enough funds, he planned to join the「Empire of Heroes」instead and aimed to secure narrative-level citizenship within three years.
While the「Temple of Annihilation」offered high benefits and fifteen revival opportunities, its restrictions on personal freedom were also greater, essentially treating citizens like livestock. The temple's worldview was too conservative.
The「Empire of Heroes」, on the other hand, was different. As a young narrative-level civilization, it was ambitious and pursued diverse development. Its only shortfall was in pathway mastery, which limited its appeal to prospective followers.
And then, there was something… a personal secret Li Aozi had never told anyone.
There weren't many[Starfall Masters]in his pathway, just four or five thousand, yet he was the only truly successful[Starfall Master].
It sounded a bit selfish.
He was utterly dedicated to advancing this pathway, initially not for communal purposes.
Because, the[Starfall Master]pathway had never had a main god.
What does this mean? It means that[Starfall Master]is an uncharted pathway, one no one has completed before. There are others like it.
For instance, the[Path of Destruction]features the main god[Asura of the Returning Path], Arsekhin Shana.
The first wave of followers who pursued this pathway received His divine power and shared part of the pathway's strength, becoming unwavering god adherents. They now form one of the largest independent forces in the Abyss—the Shrine of the Returning Path, whose Asura adherents are exceptionally fierce and can even clash with[societies]by linking to their pathway.
If Li Aozi achieves ascension in this pathway, all other[Starfall Masters]would instantly become his god adherents, unlike other gods who ascend alone.
Adherents on the same pathway cannot betray the main god of that pathway. They can form an immensely powerful divine authority, withstanding many curses and debuffs, capable of challenging[societies]head-on.
Before departing, Li Aozi tested his new Omega Sequence 77 •[Catastrophe]and the newly awakened ability 'Element Architecture.'
Since he was still at Beta-tier, his combat gains weren't high, but his 'Blood Demon' path gave him the advantage of resilience.
After testing, Li Aozi gauged his combat strength.
"Tch… not too promising."
As a Beta-tier facing Gamma-tier or higher enemies, he could only deal around 60-70% damage, which was barely satisfactory and could easily end in disaster.
Thankfully, his Blood Demon style was fully developed, and with the 'Blacksmith's Sword' Jannia at hand, he could still make a safe retreat.
The Element Architecture was surprisingly effective; with Li Aozi's high[Charm]and[Intelligence]boosts, the balanced mix of five elements provided significant bonuses through the constructed elemental community.
Though he pushed his limits with Omega Energy applications and switches,[Mutator]'s early-stage weaknesses persisted. He could only rely on his[Dominant Form]for a burst attack.
The reason is simple: Omega Energy has inherent operational limits. The lower the development, the harder it is to wield with complete freedom.