Chapter 87: Awakening Defects, Tiger Bug Corpse

Lin Feng had been reluctant to contact Ding Chenghai. On one hand, Ding Chenghai's research on insects and abilities at the institute might uncover Lin Feng's secrets. On the other, Ding Chenghai had shown an interest in Lin Feng's synthesis ability.

But the situation was urgent—Qin Hu was unconscious, and Lin Feng needed to confirm some things with him.

After a while, the call connected, and Ding's familiar gruff voice came through:

"You finally decided to call. What, having trouble advancing to Tier 2?"

Lin Feng acknowledged, then asked:

"Is it convenient to talk now?"

Ding Chenghai lowered his voice:

"No problem, I'm outside. Just say what you need; there's no surveillance here."

Lin Feng explained Qin Hu's condition:

"Can Tier 2 awakening repair lost limbs?"

Ding Chenghai pondered, recalling case studies:

"Probably not. You're talking about a whole leg, and there's no limb to reattach."

"The latest case involved a forearm reattached and healed during Tier 2 evolution."

"But given Major Qin's achievements, a lost leg is not a terminal issue. They'll save him, but regrowing a leg is unlikely."

"The key issue is that human Tier 2 awakening from killing insects is incomplete."

"In simple terms, humans have inherent defects, meaning our attributes don't reach perfect levels post awakening."

"Without using abilities, a late-stage Black Spinal Bug is far superior to an equally ranked human..."

"I thought you called about this."

"This is a recent discovery at the institute, not to be disclosed yet."

Lin Feng frowned as he listened:

"So you're saying even killing a Tier 2 insect doesn't grant a complete Tier 2 awakening."

"Only strength and mental capacity improve?"

Ding Chenghai nodded:

"Correct. There are cases of people killing Tier 2 insects and becoming powerful awakeners, but their stats are weaker than Tier 2 insects, and most are physical enhancers rather than mental ability users..."

Lin Feng considered this: Lv19 awakeners have a cap of 150 for constitution and mental stats, but late-stage Black Spinal Bugs or Blue Wing Bugs have 190 constitution despite low mental stats.

Their evolved Tier 2 counterparts have over 200 constitution, indeed stronger by a quarter.

"Is there a way to overcome this defect?"

Recalling his own limit-breaking experience, Lin Feng asked:

"Is there a way to break through limits? I've seen those with physical enhancement awaken abilities that boost constitution by 30%, making their late-stage burst comparable to late-stage Black Spinal Bugs..."

Ding Chenghai took a deep breath:

"There is, but it relies on ability enhancement. Breaking base stats requires changes at the biological level."

"Fundamentally improving human evolutionary potential."

Lin Feng noticed Shen Jie and his team in the distance, suspecting:

"Are you suggesting starting with the insects?"

Ding Chenghai remained silent, unable to confirm. Some things he could hint at, but secret research projects, especially those violating certain prohibitions, he could only subtly mention.

Lin Feng understood the constraints and shifted the topic:

"How's the research on utilizing insect materials?"

New weapon and equipment development was Ding Chenghai's focus, and he perked up:

"The woman you escorted... what was her name again...?"

Lin Feng sighed:

"Her name is Zhang Yurou."

Ding Chenghai dismissed it:

"Names aren't important. What's crucial is the biological armor you gave her, made from Red Beetle carapaces, right? We've started prototyping."

"The institute has named it 'Red Armor.'"

"A mature production line is being set up at our rear factory. In three days, a large batch of Red Armor will be sent to the front, equipping our federal soldiers."

"Red Armor comes in three levels, from early-stage Red Beetle carapaces that resist small arms fire, to late-stage mixed with steel to withstand a Black Spinal Bug's mandibles."

"This will make our soldiers less vulnerable to Black Spinal Bug attacks."

Lin Feng nodded, noting humanity's quick response since the insect invasion a week ago, as he'd expected:

"Good, utilizing our spoils eases logistical pressure."

Ding Chenghai kicked at pebbles, the institute located in desolate Jincheng outskirts:

"Thanks to you. But the Red Armor factories are in your sister-in-law's hands, so don't ask us for IP fees..."

Lin Feng laughed, then inquired:

"What's the progress on Black Spinal and Blue Wing Bugs, and Tier 2 Tiger Bugs?"

Ding Chenghai, being astute, quickly understood Lin Feng's implication:

"I heard the Thirteenth Army has a new Tiger Bug corpse..."

"This is your real reason for calling, right?"

Lin Feng acknowledged:

"I can't directly approach the Thirteenth Army, and my contact, Major Qin, is unconscious from severe injury."

"If he were awake, I wouldn't bother you."

Ding Chenghai hesitated, then replied:

"The corpse will be sent to the institute. We know little about Tier 2 insects, so this fresh body is invaluable, helping us understand their structure and weaknesses."

"Of course, the Thirteenth Army isn't giving it for free. We need to provide research data and the latest experimental tech."

"They also want the soon-to-be-released Level 3 Red Armor, in sync with capital forces."

Lin Feng frowned, knowing it wouldn't come free, and offered:

"Corpses are dead and limited. I can supply many live insects for experiments..."

Ding Chenghai was intrigued:

"Not low-level Red Beetles; we have plenty. But live Black Spinal or hard-to-capture Blue Wing Bugs..."

Lin Feng raised an eyebrow:

"Five live Black Spinal Bugs and one live Blue Wing Bug."

"In exchange for the Tiger Bug's mandibles; you can keep its body and brain."

Ding Chenghai considered. Tiger Bug mandibles only needed sampling for analysis, with limited research potential. Trading for live insects...

Absolutely worthwhile.

He agreed:

"Good, the Tiger Bug corpse arrives this afternoon. We can trade tomorrow night."

Lin Feng nodded, sealing the deal and ending th

e call.

With this matter resolved, an upgrade completion notice appeared for the armored vehicle:

"Flying Wing Vehicle Lv16/19, Red Quality"

"..."

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