Evolution Begins with Elemental Domination

Guided by the Grand Elemental Master’s Third Core Authority, Su Chen went ahead and absorbed a Lv6 Radiant Curtain Rune.

As the name suggested, it was clearly the light-based counterpart to the Shadow Curtain. It was also an environment-shaping Rune with the effect of partitioning space.

As it happened, Ruoruo also had a Light Element curtain Rune of the same level. After gathering the necessary materials to upgrade it, he was able to promote it directly to Lv7 in one go.

HUMMM!

He raised his hand and waved.

Thirty meters ahead, on an empty patch of ground, an eight-meter-tall, thirteen-meter-long wall of incandescent white light erupted from the earth. At first glance, it resembled a city wall condensed from Holy Light.

The next second, the base of the light wall extended and curved outward, rapidly enclosing the area to form a ring-shaped barrier.

In addition to its malleable shape, it provided an absolute optical lockdown, blocking any attempts at infiltration via thermal imaging, sonar, or even Spiritual Abilities.

Its solidified structure was comparable to Magic Metal, and it was exceptionally effective against any Shadow or Undead Element units that drew near.

Furthermore, at Lv7 it unlocked the Energy Reflection trait, making its overall power undeniably formidable.

Then, Su Chen transformed the Rune in rapid succession into an Earth Wall Skill, a Fire Wall Skill, a Water Curtain Skill, a Shadow Curtain, and other space-partitioning Runes. Each possessed unique properties, allowing him to counter specific enemy types.

The Earth Wall Skill, for instance, formed a thick stone barrier capable of withstanding a full-on charge, making it an absolute physical shield.

The crimson curtain of the Fire Wall Skill was a powerful counter to Water Element users. It continuously seared and evaporated its surroundings, dealing true fire damage to all nearby individuals based on their maximum Life Value.

It also weakened all Recovery effects within its area of effect.

’The numbers and mechanics are insane.’

It really proved the old saying: there are no weak Runes, only weak Spellcasters.

”The Great Tree Guard Rune is excellent,” Pang Peng recommended enthusiastically. ”I just got mine to Lv7. It can perfectly transfer damage, and the Guard itself is a great fighter. I highly recommend you absorb it and focus on these guard-type Runes.” He had more or less figured out the effects of Su Chen’s new Authority.

At least for a front-line tank like him, these guardian Runes were insanely useful.

Even when charging in, they provided a substantial margin for error and increased survivability.

Yan Ziqian said, ”I’ve seen enemies with guardian phantoms of the Thunder and Wind Elements. It’ll definitely work.”

After some consideration, Su Chen went ahead and absorbed a Lv7 Corona Guardian Rune.

After confirming he could transform it into the Wood Element Great Tree Guard and the Water Element Tidal Spirit Guard, and memorizing their respective traits, he stopped experimenting.

Repeatedly using the Third Authority was still a drain on his Spiritual Power.

’Although it doesn’t just brute-force a higher Rune Level, the operational flexibility has increased significantly.’

These endless, wondrous transformations opened up a world of possibilities.

”Let’s go. Time to earn some contribution points,” Su Chen said.

The only downside was that the two Teleportation Gates deployed in the rift zone had been destroyed by military officers during the retreat.

After they arrived at Qixia Border Town, they heard some good news. The enemy’s attempts to use armed helicopters to launch long-range missile strikes against the Teleportation Gates along the three eastern borders had all been neutralized.

The Overload Pulse, a Thunder Element Rune that disrupts electronics, had proven to be incredibly effective.

Through the combined efforts of the military and civilians, the threat was eliminated.

However, the enemy wasn’t relying solely on missile strikes. At Eastern Post 3, a powerful, stealthy enemy had nearly succeeded in an attack. After killing over a dozen people, it still managed to escape with ease.

Because of this, Qixia Border Town had maxed out every conceivable anti-stealth measure.

Around the Teleportation Gate alone, five Order Prisms were positioned to prevent any spatial approach. On top of that, various anti-stealth and revealing techniques were continuously active, eliminating any chance for the enemy to exploit a vulnerability.

Even the forests were under constant surveillance, with flying Summoned Beasts like Wind Eagles and Golden Eagles conducting round-the-clock reconnaissance.

”Qixia Border Town has its own dedicated personnel on guard! All able-bodied fighters, please transfer immediately to Dongfu City’s Western Front, Gates 1 and 2! Enemy armed helicopters have been spotted there! Alternatively, provide support to the Southern Front, Gate 2!” someone outside was shouting.

This gave everyone a clear and immediate direction for where to provide support.

But that raised a question...

”What’s the situation at the Rune Core?” This was the biggest question on everyone’s mind.

That was the heart of the operation. If all the Rune structures there were destroyed, the entire world mission would end, and the personal contribution point rankings would be finalized.

”It’s fine, the situation is stable,” a corps communications officer replied. ”Besides, there are so many people there it’s getting uncomfortably crowded. Everyone, please hurry to other fronts that need support.”

Hearing this, Su Chen led his group to teleport to the western front to provide support.

...

The situation on the western front had not been optimistic initially. The first appearance of the armed helicopters hadn’t been handled well, and the front line had taken several direct hits from Hellfire Missiles.

While the Teleportation Gate itself was well-protected, various private buildings, mines, Supply Stations, and sections of the city wall had been hit mercilessly.

There was nothing to be done about it.

Once the enemy realized certain individuals possessed Techniques capable of countering missiles, they retargeted their strikes to secondary areas to maximize casualties.

Destroying a missile traveling at Mach 1.3 mid-air required not only the essential Overload Pulse Rune, but also auxiliary Runes like Jingzhe and Flowing Cloud, which boosted one’s neural reaction speed enough to successfully intercept the projectile.