129: Second set of armor

Shen Mingyuan looked at The Forger's last reply regarding the “Principle of Justice” and did not press for more. The amount of information tonight was already explosive enough; he needed time to digest and process it. He glanced at the time; it was late into the night.

He sent one last message: Shen Mingyuan: Good night?

A few seconds later, a reply arrived. .**: Good night.

Shen Mingyuan put down his phone and rubbed his temples. Tonight's experience completely overturned his understanding. He glanced at the armband on his left wrist, which had returned to its calm state, like an exquisite ornament, and then looked at the tranquil night sky outside the window.

"A hero, huh..." he murmured to himself, his tone complex, but his eyes no longer held the initial panic. Instead, they glowed with a light ignited by a mix of responsibility and curiosity. "This is truly... an extraordinary 'commission'."

He turned off his computer and desk lamp, and the office plunged into darkness. Although his mind was still racing, his body's fatigue reminded him that he needed rest. He decided to sleep first and then examine this seemingly changed world with a fresh perspective tomorrow.

[Consciousness Space]

After confirming that Shen Mingyuan had temporarily gone quiet, Han Chengyu also breathed a slight sigh of relief. The first contact with the new Aptitude Holder, though starting with a bit of a "prank," was generally smooth, and the other party's performance mostly met expectations.

"System, pull up the phase report. From Lu Jianchuan's last battle, to the Unit's drift, being picked up by Wang Yuan, finally transferred to Shen Mingyuan, and completing the initial binding, make a complete summary. Focus on analyzing all hostile individual types we've encountered, as well as Shen Mingyuan's basic assessment."

[Command confirmed. Generating phase summary report...]

[Report Summary:]

[I. Hostile Individual File Update:]

[1. Prometheus Cadre - Heartbinder (Purified): Bio-peptide toxin, cardiac arrest attack.]

[2. Prometheus Cadre - Bone Chime (Purified): High-precision biological sonic cannon, steel bead bomb.]

[3. Prometheus Cadre - Scarlet Gardener (Status: Suspected Purification/Missing): Biochemical capsules, corrosive, neurotoxic, flammable and explosive properties, battlefield control type.]

[4. Prometheus Creation - Fissure Beasts (Mass Purified): Infinitely proliferating flesh masses, swarm attack, fission reproduction, core weakness is instant annihilation by high temperature/strong current.]

[5. Others: Including animal individuals affected by forced evolution (e.g., White Star, Big Orange), Puppets controlled by parasites, etc., with diverse threat patterns.]

[II. New Aptitude Holder Shen Mingyuan Preliminary Assessment:]

[evo factor concentration 0.029%, meeting standard. Profession: Criminal Defense Lawyer. Highly rational thinking, rigorous logic, strong sense of justice and independent investigative spirit, clear moral bottom line. Initial acceptance is good, motivations include interest and sense of responsibility.]

[III. Unit Status:]

[Bound to former Aptitude Holder Lu Jianchuan and entered "dormant observation" mode. Initial binding with new Aptitude Holder Shen Mingyuan complete, running stably. evo factor energy reserves, after consumption and replenishment, are currently in a low-level equilibrium state.]

Han Chengyu carefully reviewed the report, especially the hostile individual section. Prometheus's methods were becoming increasingly diverse, from direct attacks to biological weapon deployment; vigilance must be maintained.

[Additional prompt: According to the core protocol, after successfully guiding and stabilizing an Aptitude Holder, and they complete at least one effective evolution, relevant permissions have been unlocked.]

The System continued to prompt, [You have obtained complete design authority for the 'Second Independent Combat Unit'.]

"Design authority for the second armor?" Han Chengyu's spirits lifted, but then he realized the difference, "Wait, it's not like Lu Jianchuan, developing a Second Form based on the first armor, but... designing a completely new, independent armor from scratch?"

[Correct.] The System confirmed.

[This is a completely different 'Combat Unit Blueprint'. It will have an independent evolution tree, ability System, appearance design, and may even adapt to different core combat philosophies. It has no direct relation to the 'silver skeleton' and its derivative forms.]

Han Chengyu understood. This was like transitioning from a single troop type to planning a second troop type with a different function. "A brand new armor... So, what should be the core concept for its design? Attack specialization? Defense? Support? Or some special function?"

He fell into thought, unconsciously thinking of Shen Mingyuan, "His style is logic, insight, pursuit of truth... Perhaps an armor biased towards 'analysis,' 'control,' or 'tactical support' would be more suitable for him? Ah, I should have discussed his preferences with him earlier."

It was too early to think about these things now. Shen Mingyuan himself was still in the exploratory stage.

"Let's not rush to set a direction. System, retrieve all collected combat data on hostile individuals, especially special types like the Scarlet Gardener and Fissure Beasts. Also, incorporate Shen Mingyuan's personal assessment data as a reference. We need to design an armor that can both compensate for existing shortcomings and fully leverage the new Aptitude Holder's strengths."

Han Chengyu's thoughts became clear, "The second armor must effectively complement the 'silver skeleton' rather than simply duplicating it."

[Command received. Integrating relevant data, establishing initial design framework for the second combat Unit...]

Shen Mingyuan woke up punctually, thanks to his biological clock. Morning light streamed into the room through a gap in the curtains. He immediately raised his left hand and looked at his wrist. The silver-gray armband quietly adhered to his skin, and the crimson gem glowed with a warm texture in the morning light; everything from last night was not a dream.

"An... extraordinary commission has begun," he murmured to himself, his tone less confused and more indicative of formally accepting a challenge.

Just then, the phone screen on his bedside table lit up, and a wechat notification sound rang out. It was still that starry sky avatar.

.**: Good morning. Since you have officially become an Aptitude Holder, we need to discuss the form of your power. Although you can temporarily borrow the previous user's 'silver skeleton' form, long-term use may attract unnecessary attention and trouble, especially with the authorities already intending to make its image public.

Shen Mingyuan leaned against the headboard and quickly replied. Shen Mingyuan: Understood. You mean, to custom-build one for me?

.**: Precisely. What are your ideas for your power style? What kind of combat method do you prefer?

Shen Mingyuan pondered for a moment. What was the romance of a Detective? It was to perceive the truth amidst chaotic clues, to control the overall situation from the edge of danger, rather than engaging in close-quarters combat deep in the mire. The powerful melee strength he experienced when transforming into the 'silver skeleton' last night, though shocking, was not his most comfortable or proficient area.

He tapped his finger on the screen. Shen Mingyuan: I lean towards... perception and long-range types. A style that can acquire information, foresee opportunities, and solve problems from a safe distance. This might better leverage my... strengths.

.**: Perception and long-range. An excellent choice, consistent with your way of thinking. So, the attack method will be determined as long-range primary offense.

However, the operating principle of this armor is based on guiding the life potential within your body for directed evolution, leaning towards the bio-tech category. Directly generating efficient, stable bio-energy long-range weapons out of thin air is technically very complex and extremely uneconomical in terms of energy consumption, especially in the Early Stage.

Shen Mingyuan raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing that the other party was about to propose an unconventional solution. Shen Mingyuan: So?

.**: Therefore, we need a 'carrier' and a 'fuse'. You should buy some toy gun models, or replica airsoft guns—choose the model you like and feel comfortable with. Remember, this is just the carrier; the appearance and feel are up to you.

Shen Mingyuan stared at the message, paused, and then almost laughed. Asking a newly appointed supernatural power Aptitude Holder to go buy toy guns? Shen Mingyuan: ...Buy toy guns? That's really... an ingenious solution.

.**: This is the most efficient way. Physically connect your chosen 'carrier' with the Unit on your wrist, and the Unit will automatically complete the rest of the modification. It will transform the carrier into an exclusive weapon that can resonate with the armor's energy and possess real effectiveness. This is much more stable and energy-efficient than generating from scratch.

Shen Mingyuan understood the logic: using existing objects for 'enchantment' or 'symbiotic modification'. Although it sounded a bit absurd, combined with the nature of this power itself, it had a peculiar rationality.

Shen Mingyuan: Understood. So, I pick the 'gun blank', and you're responsible for 'sharpening' and 'enchanting'.

.**: Apt analogy. Go, choose your 'sidearm'. After the modification is complete, we will specifically test the synergistic effect of your new armor and it.

Shen Mingyuan put down his phone, a hint of a novel smile on his lips. He glanced at the city outside the window; his new "job" was unfolding in such an unexpected way. The first item on today's agenda: choosing a "sidearm" for himself.

He got up, his gaze falling on the armband on his left wrist. "Perception and long-range... 'The Seer'? Not bad at all."