8: Improvement methods

"Professional level 1721/300, I must have mastered some knowledge beyond the apprentice stage, but my foundation is still lacking, so I cannot be considered an entry-level Star Mechanic..."

Zhang Huaiyuan looked at the information feedback in his mind and pondered silently.

"However, what does this extraordinary level F (87/1000) mean..."

He knew that normal Transcendents could cultivate after awakening, absorbing the free energy in the starry sky to strengthen themselves. Generally speaking, the higher the ability level, the faster the cultivation speed.

He had tried it these past few days, but he didn't know if it was because his constitution was different from the native creatures of this world, but sensing that energy was extremely difficult, let alone absorbing it, so he gave up for the time being.

"So... does this advancement progress come from other channels?"

Zhang Huaiyuan recalled what he had done over these days.

"87 points of progress... 87 points of progress... Could it be..."

Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes suddenly lit up, and he thought of a possibility.

"During this time, apart from mastering the knowledge of five classics and casually modifying two weapons, I haven't done anything else. If I haven't guessed wrong..."

Thinking of this, he did not hesitate to take out a pitch-black firearm from his spatial storage box.

The XQ-12 combat rifle, one of the standard weapons of the Empire 200 years ago.

This was the most successful modification in his entire inventory, previously hung in the most conspicuous place in the weapon shop for display.

"Hmm... effective range 1.7 KM, average firing rate 900 rounds/minute, maximum power 1.2 crystals..."

Lines of data clearly appeared in his eyes.

"I hadn't noticed it before, but there are actually so many places that can be improved."

Zhang Huaiyuan reached out and brushed over the metallic-lustered gun body, and countless modification plans burst into his mind.

After confirming the theory was feasible, he immediately found a relatively open area, unfolded his suitcase, set up his simple weapon shop, and began to modify the firearm in his hand.

"The rifling inside the barrel can be corrected to further improve stability and accuracy..."

"Some liquid molten gold ore can be added to the material to effectively improve heat resistance..."

"..."

Two hours later, a rifle with a more slender body appeared on the weapon bench.

"Effective range 2KM, average firing rate 980 rounds/minute, maximum power 1.32 crystals..."

Brand new data feedback appeared in Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes.

"It's a pity that the equipment in my weapon shop is too old, the precision cannot be guaranteed, and I cannot carry out deeper modifications, otherwise, I could go even further."

He took a slightly regretful look, put away his weapon shop, and focused his mind on himself.

extraordinary level: F (89/1000), increased by two points.

"Sure enough, my guess was correct; mastering new knowledge or practicing modifications can both increase progress."

Zhang Huaiyuan was overjoyed.

At this rate, within a month at most, he would be able to upgrade to an E-Class Transcendent.

Although he didn't know the cultivation speed of other Transcendents, just looking at "Lord Dark," who possessed superior extraordinary abilities and had cultivated for over fifty years to reach Double A-Class, he knew it wasn't easy.

The only hidden danger was that his ability seemed different from everyone else's and did not bring him an intuitive improvement in physical fitness.

"However, it's not that there's no solution; at worst, I can just undergo mechanical ascension."

Zhang Huaiyuan wasn't too worried. He learned from the classics that many Star Mechanics above the master level would modify themselves to gain power no weaker than that of powerful Transcendents.

"Researcher Zhang, Lord Dark requests your presence."

Just as he was pondering, a polite shout suddenly came.

He saw a man wearing a black combat suit appear out of nowhere, standing quietly to the side.

Zhang Huaiyuan glanced at him and had a vague impression.

He seemed to be one of the guards who accompanied them to the awakening; presumably, he was one of Lord Dark's personal guards.

He immediately smiled and nodded, saying: "Alright, please lead the way."

...

A moment later.

Dark Annihilation administrative main building, top floor reception room.

"My Lord, the person has been brought here."

The guard reported respectfully and then retreated outside the door.

Zhang Huaiyuan looked up and saw two people standing in the main seat above.

One of them had a cold expression; it was "Lord Dark."

The other was a woman in her twenties. Unlike the usual color scheme of "Dark Annihilation," she wore a light cyan combat suit that outlined her well-proportioned figure, paired with shoulder-length short hair, making her look capable and refreshing.

She was currently looking at him with a scrutinizing gaze.

Zhang Huaiyuan's mind stirred slightly, and a piece of information fed back into his mind.

【An Yu】

Classification: Carbon-based lifeform.

Mastered Ability: Wind Spirit — — significantly improves agility and strength, grants flight ability, and can control wind interference to a certain extent.

Ability Level: Mid-tier.

extraordinary level: B.

"So it was her."

Zhang Huaiyuan understood in his heart.

Having arrived at the "Dark Annihilation" base for ten days, he had naturally heard that the leader had a daughter in addition to his son, An Wu.

"Lord Dark, Eldest Miss."

Zhang Huaiyuan greeted them with slight respect.

He felt grateful to "Dark Annihilation." If Lord Dark had not recruited him, he would probably still be wandering everywhere, having to avoid risks while trying to find ways to make money in the cracks.

"Hmm."

"Lord Dark" nodded slightly and asked: "How is your adaptation to the ability? Is it helpful for weapon development and modification?"

"I have basically mastered it. Thank you, My Lord, for allowing me to enter the information center to learn; I have benefited greatly. This is the firearm I just modified; please give me your guidance, My Lord."

He roughly understood "Lord Dark"'s style of doing things, so he didn't talk nonsense and directly presented the modified XQ-12 combat rifle.

At a time like this, he had to demonstrate his value and growth as much as possible.

"Oh... let me see."

An Yu, who was on the side, suddenly reached out and beckoned; a whirlwind blew the firearm and made it float towards her hand.

Zhang Huaiyuan only felt a flash before his eyes; the next moment, the woman disappeared from where she was standing.

"She went to the shooting range to test the weapon you modified."

"Lord Dark" said indifferently: "I originally planned to let you study under Master Yak for a period of time first. However, your progress seems to be even greater than I imagined. It just so happens that two Star Mechanics under Rain's command sacrificed themselves in an escort mission last month. If your modification can satisfy her, I will temporarily transfer you to her command to see if you can take over the duties of those two Star Mechanics."

"Yes!"

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan's heart was instantly excited.

This was exactly what he needed.

Modifying weapons could increase his ability progress; if he could enter the combat department directly, his growth speed would also be greatly accelerated!