139: Double Star

[Consciousness Space]

Han Chengyu's consciousness was immersed in the design interface constructed by the System, where countless data streams outlined a more precise biological neural network and energy circuit diagram inside the "twin stars" pistols.

The core of his modification method was precisely "Mechanical Biologization"—using the energy and guidance of the Cross-Boundary Synergistic Combat Unit to transform pure mechanical the creation into semi-mechanical semi-biological symbionts bound to the Aptitude Holder's life signals, possessing basic stress responses and energy metabolism capabilities.

They would give birth to a basic "consciousness," like animals with instincts or intelligent programs, but their underlying protocols were absolutely obedient to the Aptitude Holder, making them unique existences that combined the characteristics of "life" with the reliability of a "tool."

As he was deducing how to add environmental analysis instincts to the perception modules of the "twin stars," an independent communication window popped up silently on the interface.

The window style simulated common chat software, the contact's avatar was a simple gray silhouette, and the name displayed: Lu Jianchuan.

Han Chengyu stopped his work and focused his consciousness on it.

Lu Jianchuan: The Forger, are you still there?

.**: I'm here.

Lu Jianchuan: I... don't seem to be able to use that power anymore.

.**: Yes. In the last final battle, your evo factor potential was thoroughly burned out in order to repair fatal injuries and sustain your life. The residual concentration in your body now is far below the activation threshold. You can no longer guide life for directional evolution.

Lu Jianchuan: I see...

.**: Now, you can live as an "ordinary person." Stay away from those monsters, and stay away from battles on the line between life and death. This is at least... the safest path for now.

Lu Jianchuan: Thank you. But, The Forger, I may have lost the transformation power, but the physical enhancement brought by evolution hasn't completely disappeared. I should be a bit stronger than the limits of an ordinary person now. I... will still continue to fight, in my own way.

Lu Jianchuan: By the way, that motorcycle... the one you modified. After it consumed some electric current and metal parts on its own, it actually completed its own self-repair. Now it... how should I put it, feels very human-like, just like keeping a special pet.

Those GUPA researchers were shocked when they saw its changes. Regardless, it "recognizes" me now.

Lu Jianchuan: Also, I've received some intelligence here... Golden Bone told me. Now, it seems a new... 'shadow' has appeared? A new Aptitude Holder? A new Transformer?

.**: Yes. They are your junior.

Lu Jianchuan: ...I see. That's good. Lu Jianchuan: Perhaps, one day in the future, I will have the chance to meet this "junior."

.**: Live well, Lu Jianchuan. Take care.

The dialogue window dimmed.

Han Chengyu's consciousness floated quietly in the data stream, remaining silent for a moment.

Subsequently, he switched the interface back to the design blueprints for the "twin stars," where those dark red veins seemed to pulse for a moment.

The autonomous repair and growth of the motorcycle mentioned by Lu Jianchuan was proof of the success of the "Mechanical Biologization" protocol. These the creation were "living" on in their own way.

[Reality World]

At night, only a single desk lamp was lit in Shen Mingyuan's apartment. He sat at his desk, carefully connecting a special interface adjusted from the bottom of the "twin stars"' grip to a mobile power bank with voltage regulation. This was not a standard charging process, but a more peculiar "feeding" process.

When the current was connected, a very faint resonance pulse came from the armband on Shen Mingyuan's left wrist.

At the same time, an indescribable sense of connection spread along his nerve endings.

He didn't "hear" or "see" it, but directly "felt" it—the twin guns in his hands, those black and red the creation with sharp lines, were like two quiet and hungry lifeforms, orderly and contentedly absorbing electrical energy.

He could even vaguely perceive the trajectory of the energy flowing through those dark red veins inside the gun bodies, as well as the faint feedback of "comfort" and "fullness" coming from the core of the firearms, which was almost instinctive.

This feeling was very wonderful. They did not possess high intelligence, but were more like newborn animals or some basic intelligent program, transmitting the most basic needs and states: hunger, satisfaction, standby, and an unbreakable closeness and obedience to their "master" rooted in life hierarchy suppression.

"Truly... an incredible symbiotic state," Shen Mingyuan whispered to himself, his fingertips brushing over the cold gun bodies. He could feel that as the energy filled up, that faint "sense of satisfaction" became clearer and clearer.

During the interval while waiting for the charge, he picked up his tablet and logged into several legal industry forums and local news websites. As expected, there was a brief report about "The Prosecution's Withdrawal of the Case Against Uncle Chen for Excessive Defense."

· "It should have been like this long ago; should an old man go to jail for self-defense?"

· "I heard the other party wasn't a good person to begin with, and he even barged into the security booth while drunk; he got what he deserved."

· "The defense lawyer seems quite young, named Shen Mingyuan? He's got some skill."

· "The law finally didn't let people's hearts turn cold."

There was no explosive popularity, but for a legal aid case, this steady, positive conclusion and a bit of professional recognition within the industry was already the best result.

Shen Mingyuan scanned it a few times and then closed the page. The clamor of public opinion was not his goal; having the case handled justly was where his value as a lawyer lay.

He walked to the window, pulled back the curtains slightly, and looked out at the city night view, which was dotted with neon lights yet still unable to hide the profound darkness. A mixture of responsibility and a certain romantic fantasy surged in his heart.

'Look, beneath this glamorous surface, within the countless shadows, evil is still breeding, and tragedies are still brewing...'

He thought in his mind with a deliberately dramatized tone that only he could hear, 'And those corners ignored or unreachable by conventional forces... will need an eye and a blade that can blend into the night yet see through everything.

From now on, I, shadow, in the name of a passing Detective, will patrol here and drive out the hidden evil—one by one!'

Thinking of this, he felt a bit ashamed, but the corners of his mouth involuntarily curled upward. Just then, his left armband and the twin guns in his hands simultaneously transmitted a clear and synchronized pulse—not hunger, nor standby, but a full, poised state of "fullness" and being "ready."

The power was full.

Shen Mingyuan skillfully disconnected the power, giving the twin guns a light twirl in his hands; the black and red gun bodies traced smooth arcs under the light. He performed a few quick aiming and switching movements; the feel was perfect, and the coordination between man and gun felt innate.

"Not bad." He nodded with satisfaction. This weapon, independent of the Armor System, had a significant advantage: it could be used without transforming and had self-sustaining energy, so it wouldn't consume his own biological energy.

This meant an extra trump card, a power beyond reason that could be used even under the identity of "Shen Mingyuan."

He returned the "twin stars" to the specially made holsters at his waist, feeling the heavy weight that faintly resonated with his own life.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

Shen Mingyuan suppressed those pulsating thoughts belonging to "shadow" back into his heart and donned once more the cool exterior of an elite lawyer.