I digress

"Do you truly believe, Mr. Su, that discovering the correct pathway to evolve and harness dark energy could lead to a remarkable surge in your power?" Professor Chen's voice quivered with anticipation, his eyes fixated on the collection of dark energy-infused armor behind Su Chen. He seemed to be extending an invitation, a proposition that carried a dual purpose.

Observing Su Chen's silence, a flicker of excitement danced in Professor Chen's eyes, urging him to take a couple of steps forward. He couldn't help but scan the dark energy armor repeatedly, as if envisioning the immense potential it held. Su Ran, wearing a concerned expression, furrowed her brows and interjected, "But how long will it take for such research to yield tangible results?"

Professor Chen's visage contorted with bitterness at her inquiry. He didn't shy away from the truth. "I cannot ascertain the current state of our laboratory outside the city. It appears to have lost its significance amidst the chaos. We require new equipment, and the timeline is uncertain. It might take a few months, or even several decades, to achieve substantial progress... The complexities of this uncharted domain make it exceedingly challenging to produce results."

Su Chen remained utterly silent, his mind grappling with the harsh reality before him. In the current dire circumstances, dedicating such an extensive period to research seemed utterly unrealistic. Unless a significant and favorable shift occurred on a grand scale, time was a luxury they simply couldn't afford.

Shaking his head, Su Chen mustered his resolve and addressed Professor Chen firmly, "This is not feasible. I cannot collaborate with you, at least not at this moment. The timeline is far too protracted, and I find it difficult to believe the military possesses the necessary resources and time to allocate to your cause."

A tinge of frustration etched itself onto Professor Chen's countenance. "Then we must wait for a moment of respite, a chance for survival, and then..."

Su Chen couldn't help but marvel at Professor Chen's tenacity. The man's unwavering determination was admirable, even in the face of adversity. Suppressing a wry smile, Su Chen interjected, "Well, that's not the issue at hand. I'm actually more curious about what you mentioned earlier regarding dark energy and talent, Professor Chen. Besides the precise utilization of dark energy to enhance efficiency, are there other methods to augment a person's abilities? I mean...is there a way to upgrade oneself, to transcend to a higher level through a specific means?"

In this moment, Su Chen secretly hoped to glean some inspiration or guidance from the esteemed dark energy expert, a glimmer of hope for his own breakthrough to the next stage.

Taken aback, Professor Chen paused momentarily before responding, "What prompts such a question, Mr. Su? Interestingly enough, that is precisely what I seek to uncover. However, my encounters with talented individuals have been limited thus far. Since the cataclysm struck, our team has been operating in a state of perpetual urgency, impeding our access to pertinent information. However, I've heard rumors of numerous talented individuals congregating in a designated secure zone. If I manage to reach that location, I might be able to make progress in unraveling the mysteries you seek."

Su Chen furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "And where might this secure zone be, precisely?"

Professor Chen's response was tinged with uncertainty. "I cannot provide precise details. Deputy Battalion Commander Su mentioned it as a military-established security zone outside the city, a constant refuge. That is where we are heading now, seeking sanctuary amidst the chaos."

The possibility of abandoning the urban area of Yuanliao City loomed before them, a grim but familiar reality.

The perpetual darkness, the treacherous terrain, the enigmatic life forms with their uncanny abilities—these elements created a haven for the relentless creatures that showed no fear of bullets.

In a more open setting, engaging these monsters head-on could potentially grant the military a slight advantage. However, the predicament lay in the multitude of survivors left behind in the city, their evacuation efforts continuously hampered by the need to rescue those who were unable to escape in time.

Su Chen nodded, his gaze shifting to Su Wenhao, who diligently tinkered with the equipment nearby, attempting to establish communication with other troops. Thoughts of the secret Su Chen had confided in himself resurfaced.

Having endured the harrowing battle at the Cloud City store, the military had suffered significant losses. With only twelve people remaining, safeguarding the convoy had become a daunting task.

Nevertheless, Su Chen swiftly refocused and queried Professor Chen, "Given such a possible method of enhancement, how do you propose achieving it, Professor Chen?"

The professor contemplated for a moment, his brows furrowing in deep concentration. Finally, he replied, "If such a method exists, it would likely involve enhancing the body itself. Only through physical strengthening can one accommodate and harness more dark energy. According to our preliminary understanding, the body of a gifted individual serves as both a vessel and a generator—much like an energy weapon capable of storing and expelling energy. Once the dark energy is depleted, the talented individual succumbs to a state of complete weakness. Speaking of which, you and Mr. Lin are the only formidable beings I have witnessed, as you both fought tirelessly without displaying any signs of fatigue."

Professor Chen's observation of Su Chen's energy-supplying suit did not startle the latter, considering the professor's lifelong study of dark energy. However, the mention of body strengthening sparked a flicker of interest within Su Chen. Shaking his head, he interjected with a hint of frustration, "You've digressed once again."

Regret tugged at Professor Chen's demeanor, as he had yearned to delve into the intricacies of Su Chen's suit—its dark armor capable of shape-shifting, a marvel beyond comprehension. Nevertheless, he swiftly returned to the topic at hand, apologizing, "My apologies. In my opinion, if there exists a means to elevate a gifted individual's abilities to a higher level, it undoubtedly involves fortifying the body. The storage and utilization of dark energy within a biological vessel is an arduous feat for ordinary individuals. The same applies to gifted individuals. Only through a stronger physique can they possess the potential to store and employ greater amounts of dark energy.

"It's akin to comparing a muscular man with a frail beggar. If both were to fall simultaneously, the former might endure, while the latter would likely crumble. The strength of the body undeniably impacts the control and proficiency of one's abilities. While it may not be the sole determining factor, it certainly plays a crucial role."

Pausing briefly, Professor Chen added, "However, the true extent of its importance remains unknown, as it has yet to be thoroughly tested and supported by empirical evidence."

It was a missed opportunity for him to delve into the research of dark energy and talent, a prospect that now seemed tantalizingly out of reach. Su Chen, however, found himself lost in contemplation.

In this realm, he possessed knowledge surpassing that of Professor Chen.

The notion of physical fitness, as mentioned by the professor, seemed to align with what Su Chen referred to as the "life level."

Recalling his past encounter at the Sky View Hotel, Su Chen had once fortified his body, attaining the pinnacle of human physical prowess. Yet, it appeared that such a level might not suffice within the realm of dark energy.

When he had approached the threshold of the second level, it felt as if he lacked a vital support, a missing piece preventing him from fully breaching the barrier.

While Professor Chen's suggestion of physical exercise as a means of enhancement seemed overly simplistic and perhaps too common, there remained a possibility that reinforcing the body could indeed provide the missing "support." The current limitations of his life level and strength hindered him from ascending to higher realms.

Since his time at the Sky View Hotel, Su Chen had refrained from further strengthening his body. Not due to a lack of desire—after all, who wouldn't yearn for a superhuman physique?—but because he had foreseen that such augmentation would lead him to an inhuman state. The astronomical energy consumption associated with that transformation was daunting. In his pursuit of immediate survival, he had instead focused on utilizing his magical modification ability to create weapons and equipment.

Elevating the life level required a protracted process, often demanding hundreds of energy units.

Now, however, Su Chen reconsidered. Perhaps this was the path to unlocking the second level.

Previously, he lacked the capacity to undertake such strengthening. But now, encased in his complete armor, armed from head to toe, he possessed the combat power to both sustain and augment his body, reaching a level of inhuman vitality.

In that moment, Su Chen sensed that the door to the second level might finally swing open, beckoning him forth with tantalizing promise.