Chapter 43

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Suddenly, within a range of about twenty-five meters, the rosy sunlight slightly distorted.

Syd quickly stopped his actions to prevent his photon energy from being depleted.

While absorbing the faint sunlight to replenish the missing energy, Syd thought, "Only increased by about five meters?"

Shaking his head, he felt a bit disappointed.

The increase was rather ordinary, far from what he had expected.

He had hoped for an increase of forty to fifty meters, but that was clearly too much to ask!

After all, this was just a slight improvement in the quality of his photon energy, coupled with an increase in the total amount of energy, resulting in a small expansion of the range.

"It seems that to truly increase the range, I need to upgrade Sunshine to level three."

Syd shook his head, realizing he had to take it slow.

However, other abilities reaching level three also brought significant improvements, so it wasn't all bad. Continuously enhancing them would also be a considerable boost.

"What's next to upgrade?"

"Sunshine?"

As he pondered, Venom was left in a daze.

"Was it my imagination, or did the sunlight just distort on a large scale?" Venom said in amazement.

Syd replied casually, "Really? Maybe it was just your imagination."

"Imagination?" Venom was stunned.

Could it really have been a hallucination?

Did Syd not notice anything?

At that moment, Venom doubted whether his perception was failing him.

First, Syd's attacks had become significantly larger, then he sensed the sunlight distorting…

Venom was left bewildered.

"Ahem…" Syd cleared his throat and focused on choosing the next ability to upgrade.

"Next, I'll choose Rebound Shield."

Syd had thought it through.

While Sunshine was crucial, it required too much energy and time to upgrade, time that could be used to enhance several other abilities to level three.

Most importantly, he currently lacked defensive capabilities, having plenty of offensive abilities but few defensive ones. He might get taken down by a surprise attack if he wasn't careful.

Rebound Shield was quite useful, at least against modern bullets.

Moreover, it could also block energy attacks, although he hadn't had the chance to test that yet.

Upgrading this ability to level three would significantly expand its defensive range, so he wouldn't need to activate two Rebound Shields simultaneously in combat.

Glancing at the sky and sensing the recovering photon energy within him, Syd didn't continue practicing but instead left the area.

As the sun set and the moon rose, then the moon set and the sun rose again.

[Photon Energy +1]

Nothing unexpected happened, and Syd passed the night safely.

Early the next morning, he resumed practicing his abilities.

[Rebound Shield Experience +1]

By evening:

[Ability: Rebound Shield (241/500) Level Two]

Time flew by, and another day passed.

After using up some of his internal energy, he successfully upgraded Rebound Shield to level three before sunset!

The prompt sounded.

[Ability: Rebound Shield (0/1000) Level Three]

Sensing the changes in his body, Syd smiled.

[Rebound Shield Experience +1]

As he activated Rebound Shield, he couldn't help but sigh in relief. The range of Rebound Shield had indeed increased significantly!

Upon activation, it covered his entire front!

This meant that as long as he was careful with his sides and timely in activating Rebound Shield, his defense was essentially secure!

Of course, this was assuming his energy didn't run out. If it did, even he could be overwhelmed.

At that moment, he felt much more confident.

Meanwhile, since the activation of Rebound Shield was quite subtle, Venom didn't notice much. He just looked on in bewilderment as Syd practiced, not understanding the purpose of it all.

During this time, Venom kept urging him to take action, complaining about not having bitten anyone in a while.

Syd, feeling helpless, ignored Venom's requests and focused on Sunshine.

Logically, he should be upgrading other abilities first, but he couldn't help himself.

Compared to Sunshine, the improvement of other abilities felt insignificant.

With Black Particle for attack and Rebound Shield for defense, he was pretty well-covered now!

With anticipation, he awaited the next morning.

Night fell, and hours passed…

With Venom's keen senses, he spent another safe night undisturbed.

As the sky began to lighten.

Looking at the overcast, cloud-covered sky, Syd frowned slightly.

[Photon Energy +1]

Although he was still absorbing sunlight, the rate had drastically decreased.

"Unlucky…"

Syd sighed.

But it was understandable; it had been sunny for several days. A rainy day was bound to come eventually.

[Photon Energy +1]

"If only I could fly above the clouds."

Syd shook his head, feeling a growing desire for flight.

He wondered if the ability unlocked at 85% progress would be floating or flying?

At that moment, he felt even more anticipation.

Once Sunshine was upgraded, he would work on the unlock progress!

While absorbing sunlight, Syd practiced Sunshine as best as he could.

[Sunshine Experience +1]

A soft, golden glow appeared around him, stunning Venom, who was at a loss for words.

"What is this?!"

Venom was utterly bewildered.

He realized he really didn't understand his host, Syd.

How long had it been, and Syd had already displayed another inexplicable ability?

"Glowing?"

What use was that?

Venom circled the young man, trying not to laugh, and asked, "Syd, are you trying to become a light bulb?"

Suddenly, Venom thought of something.

"Oh, you glowing like that, it does resemble those human depictions of God."

Syd shook his head, focusing on practicing Photon Sunshine.

[Sunshine Experience +1]

[Sunshine Experience +1]...

…

As Syd practiced Sunshine early in the morning, actions were also taking place inside Experiment Base 23.

Three black-clad guards walked slowly to a special confinement room.

This room was unique, with an empty space around it. There were no other prisoners, and even the iron bars were much thicker, as if specially reinforced.

They reached the bars and quickly opened the door, walking towards the figure bound by several chains inside.

"Number Five, wake up."

Noticing their arrival, Number Five lifted his head.

He had a pale complexion, a tall and thin frame, and wore a white suit. His gaze was calm.

"Come with us."

Unlocking his chains, the three guards led him to the last confinement room.

(End of Chapter)