MM Racing Chapter 9 Further Enhancement
Chapter 9 Further Enhancement
Looking at the dazzling array of enhancement options on the screen, Wang Lin's brain rapidly filtered out irrelevant information.
2870 points, two D-level side quests. It seems like a lot, but in the God's Space, it's barely enough to go from abject poverty to a comfortable life. Every point must be spent wisely, and his "wisdom" lies in identifying, preventing, controlling, and utilizing "Fang Jing-style simpletons."
In Resident Evil 1, although there was no typical "Fang Jing" (the kind of fool who holds the key prop and thinks he's smart), Zheng Zha's impulsiveness in the early stages, the newcomers' chaotic and disorderly reactions to the crisis, and Zhang Jie's unfathomable scrutiny... all made Wang Lin more convinced that in the cycle of horror movies, the biggest variable is often not the monster, but the human heart, especially those who are "more likely to ruin things than to succeed".
"God, filter the following categories: telepathy (focusing on malice perception and lie detection), basic curse/contract abilities (focusing on rule constraints and cost triggering), quick stun/control skills or items, and basic survival and reconnaissance skills. Price is the priority."
The screen refreshed, and the options were greatly simplified.
[Malicious Perception (Rank D Passive Skill): Allows for the vague sensing of intense malice and murderous intent directed at oneself at close range. Sensing range and accuracy increase with mental attribute. Exchange: 400 reward points, one Rank D side quest.]
[Liar Detector's Eye (Rank D Active Skill): Consumes a small amount of mental energy to temporarily enhance the ability to observe and analyze the target's language and micro-expressions, allowing the assessment of the truthfulness of their words (effect weakened against those with high willpower, high mental strength, or special abilities). Cooldown: 5 minutes. Exchange: 350 reward points.]
[Basic Contract Inscription (Knowledge-based, No Level): Learn low-level contract magic runes from a magical world; can understand, write, and activate basic contract scrolls (requires corresponding materials). Exchange: 200 Reward Points.]
[Stun Spell (Rank D Active Skill): Consumes Spirit Power to unleash a mental shock on a single target, causing them to be briefly stunned (1-3 seconds, effect varies depending on the target's Spirit and Willpower attributes). Casting Range: 10 meters. Cooldown: 1 minute. Exchange: 500 Reward Points, one Rank D side quest.]
[Basic Stealth (Rank E Skill): Learn basic techniques for reducing one's presence and moving using shadows and environmental cover. Exchange: 100 Reward Points.]
[Basic Reconnaissance (Rank E Skill): Learn the basics of trace tracking, environmental observation, intelligence gathering, and analysis. Exchange: 100 reward points.]
[Tactical Vest (Tier E Item): Lightweight bulletproof vest with several multi-functional pockets. Redeemable for: 50 reward points.]
[High-Concentration Sedative Injection Pen (Grade D Item, 3-Pack): A potent sedative that can induce a deep coma in an average adult within 5 seconds, lasting 2-4 hours. Effects are reduced for some individuals with abnormal constitutions. Exchange: 150 Reward Points.]
[Mental Energy Restoration Potion (Small) *3: Slowly restores a small amount of mental energy. Exchange: 90 Reward Points.]
Wang Lin quickly weighed the options.
Maliciousness Detection and Lie Detector have overlapping functions, but one is passive and the other is active. Maliciousness Detection is more direct, able to warn of sudden murderous intent (such as being shot in the back by a bad teammate), but it requires a D-level side quest. Lie Detector is more flexible, able to actively judge the truthfulness of the other party's words, extremely useful in extracting information and negotiating, and it's cheaper, requiring no side quest. The two can complement each other.
Basic Contract Inscription... This is interesting! It's directly related to the "rules side," and it's knowledge-based, so it can be combined with my existing "Contract Paper" fragments! Although I can't immediately create a powerful contract scroll after exchanging for it (it requires materials and time to craft), at least I can understand and even improve the rules on that fragment! This is an investment in my core abilities.
The Dizziness Spell is a powerful crowd control skill, but it consumes a D-rank side quest and may be ineffective against targets with high mental strength. Currently, its cost-effectiveness seems lower than using a high-concentration sedative injection pen (physical anesthesia, more stable). However, the skill has no usage limit, while the injection pen is a consumable.
Stealth and reconnaissance are essential for survival. They're cheap, so let's grab them first.
Tactical vest, practical.
Mental potion, ensuring continued power.
So, the preliminary plan is as follows:
1. Exchange for the [Liar Detector's Eye] (350 points) to compensate for the shortcomings of proactive investigation. It works even better when combined with existing micro-expression analysis. Avoid side quests to save resources.
2. Exchange for [Basic Contract Inscription] (200 points) to enhance core abilities and develop the potential of "Contract Paper".
3. Exchange for [Basic Stealth] and [Basic Reconnaissance] (200 points in total) to improve survival and information gathering capabilities.
4. Redeem the [Tactical Vest] (50 points).
5. Redeem [High Concentration Sedative Injection Pen (3-pack)] (150 points) for a quick control measure.
6. Exchange for [Mental Strength Restoration Potion (Small) *3] (90 points).
总计：350+200+200+50+150+90 = 1040点。还剩1830点，两个D级支线。
There are two D-rank side quests remaining, totaling 1830 points. I need to consider strengthening my physical base and developing a reliable means of attack/self-defense.
Physical health is the foundation of everything. Without sufficient strength, agility, and physique, even the best strategies may fail in unexpected situations.
Attack methods... directly exchanging for powerful bloodlines or skills is insufficient given the current rewards and side quests. Firearms skills? Requires specific firearms, and firearms are ineffective in certain supernatural worlds. Melee weapon skills? I already have basic combat skills, so I can use those for now.
Therefore, prioritize strengthening your physical foundation and choose a cost-effective and versatile ability to survive or control the battlefield.
[Comprehensive Physical Enhancement (Minor)]: Increases Strength, Agility, and Constitution by approximately 30% each (based on current attributes). Requires 300 points and one D-rank side quest. This is the most balanced option.
Or, how about maximizing a single attribute? For example, increasing stamina (constitution) to a higher level, combined with melee and stealth, for prolonged battles and escapes?
After a moment's thought, Wang Lin decided to choose a balanced approach. In the unknown world of the mission, balanced development offers a higher margin for error.
So, use one D-level side quest and 300 points to exchange for [Comprehensive Physical Fitness Enhancement (Slight)].
There is one D-level branch quest remaining, worth 1530 points.
Attack or special ability...
Wang Lin saw something interesting:
[Ghost Bullet Enchantment Knowledge (Beginner, No Level): Learn how to perform a simple ghost enchantment on ordinary physical bullets, enabling them to inflict minor damage on low-level spirits and negative energy creatures. The enchantment effect is weak, short-lived (approximately 1 hour), and requires specific materials (such as silver dust, holy water, and resentful dust). Exchange: 250 reward points.]
This is great! Although the effect is weak and requires materials, it offers a possibility for dealing with paranormal threats! And it's cheap. Used in conjunction with firearms, it might be surprisingly effective in hybrid worlds (like those with both zombies and ghosts). Even without materials, the knowledge itself is valuable.
Add a basic gun skill as well?
[Basic Firearms Mastery (Level E Skill): Master the basic operation, aiming, and maintenance of common pistols and rifles. Redeemable for: 100 reward points.]
This gives us a basic means of dealing with both long-range physical attacks (in the normal world) and potential supernatural attacks. As for guns... we can "get" them back in the Resident Evil world, or exchange them for regular firearms using reward points (they shouldn't be expensive).
So, spend another 350 points (250 + 100). You'll have 1180 points left, enough for a D-level side quest.
Keep this D-level side quest as an emergency measure, or save it for later to upgrade key abilities. Keep 1180 points as reserve funds to deal with unexpected exchange needs during missions, or to purchase some one-time consumables.
The plan has been finalized.
"God, exchange for [Eye of Lie Detection], [Basic Contract Inscription], [Basic Stealth], [Basic Reconnaissance], [Tactical Vest], [High-Concentration Sedative Injection Pen (3-pack)], [Mental Strength Restoration Potion (Small)*3], [Comprehensive Physical Fitness Enhancement (Slight)], [Knowledge of Enchantment for Supernatural Bullets (Beginner)], [Basic Firearms Mastery]."
"Confirmed redemption. Total reward points consumed: 1390, one D-rank side quest. Confirm?"
"confirm."
In an instant, several beams of light of different colors descended from the sky, enveloping Wang Lin.
He felt a cool energy surge into his eyes, his vision seemingly becoming clearer, and his sensitivity to subtle changes in light and color greatly increased. Simultaneously, a wealth of knowledge about the structure, meaning, and activation principles of the contract runes flooded his mind, subtly echoing and combining with his previous vague feelings about the "Contract Paper." Stealth and reconnaissance skills were ingrained in his instincts, as if honed through long-term training. A tactical vest appeared out of thin air, automatically fitting his body. Three cold injection pens and three small vials emitting a faint blue glow appeared in his pockets.
Immediately afterward, a warm current washed over my entire body! My muscle fibers felt as if they were being stimulated by a subtle electric current, becoming firmer and stronger; my bones emitted a slight hum, seemingly increasing in density; my cardiopulmonary function was significantly enhanced, and my breathing became deeper and longer; my nerve reaction speed improved, and everything around me seemed to slow down slightly. A comprehensive enhancement!
Finally, the complex recipes and ritual details for supernatural enchantments, as well as the techniques for disassembling, aiming, and shooting firearms, are all thoroughly explained.
The beam of light dissipated.
Wang Lin stood still, clenched his fist, and felt the surging power within him. His attribute panel had been updated.
[Reincarnator: Wang Lin]
[Number: 7341]
[Permission Level: 0]
Overall Rating: D (Beginning to move beyond the beginner stage)
Strength: 13 (+3)
Agility: 14 (+3)
Constitution: 17 (+4)
[Spirit: 15 (+1)]
Perception: 14 (+1)
[Willpower: 17 (+1)]
Energy: None
Skills: Basic Combat Proficiency (E-rank), Micro-expression Analysis (Knowledge-based), Lie Detector (D-rank), Basic Stealth (E-rank), Basic Reconnaissance (E-rank), Basic Firearms Mastery (E-rank), Basic Contract Inscription (Knowledge-based), Knowledge of Paranormal Bullet Enchantment (Beginner)
[Items: Fragment of Contract Paper, Pen, Tactical Vest, 3 High-Concentration Sedative Injection Pens, 3 Small Mental Energy Restoration Potions]
[Reward Points: 1480 (originally 2870-1390)]
Side Quest: Rank D x1
The overall rating jumped from E+ to D! Although still at the bottom, at least it's no longer "an ordinary person with some special skills", but "has initially moved beyond the novice stage".
More importantly, his skill set is beginning to take shape: reconnaissance (stealth, reconnaissance, lie detection), control (contract paper, tranquilizers, potential contract abilities), survival (overall enhancement, combat), and special response (knowledge of supernatural enchantments). Although none of these skills are particularly strong individually, when combined, especially in a team, his ability to deal with "unstable factors" is already showing initial promise.
He looked to the side, where Zheng Zha and the others were also immersed in the enhanced light pillars, their expressions ranging from surprise to pain.
Zheng Zha's side shone the brightest, clearly indicating that he had received a lot of reward points (protagonist treatment). He should be undergoing a crucial enhancement at this moment, perhaps in his Qi cultivation? Or perhaps in his initial vampire bloodline?
Wang Lin withdrew his gaze, walked to the side, and took out the "contract paper (fragment)" from his tactical vest.
After exchanging for the [Basic Contract Inscription], looking at this piece of paper again gives a completely different feeling.
The paper itself has a special material, containing extremely subtle power of rules. In Wang Lin's "eyes," the originally blank areas now faintly reveal some extremely dim, almost dissipated rune patterns—remnants of its former role as a complete contract document. The terms he and Zheng Zha had written and their names signed earlier are now emitting a faint, binding spiritual light, faint yet real, forming a simple but effective "ring of rules."
"I see..." Wang Lin gently ran his fingers along the edge of the paper, sensing its structure. "The reason this fragment is still usable is because the core fragment of the 'Witness and Execution' rule is still intact. But it's too incomplete, its binding force is weak, the backlash is slight, and the terms require both parties to 'voluntarily'... It's very restrictive."
"However, with the knowledge of contract inscriptions, I might be able to..." Wang Lin focused his mind, mobilizing his newly enhanced and not yet fully stable mental power, and according to the knowledge in his mind, tried to use his will to outline a very simple "stabilization" rune on the blank edge of the paper.
His fingers didn't move, but his mind was highly focused. Gradually, a barely visible silver light appeared at the edge of the paper, and a simple, tiny rune, smaller than a grain of rice, flashed by and disappeared into the paper.
Become!
Although it was just a basic stabilizing rune, adding almost no extra functionality, merely slightly stabilizing the structure of the fragment and making it less prone to damage, it proved that he was on the right track! He could slowly use his knowledge and mental power to nurture, repair, and even expand the functionality of this "Contract Paper"!
"We can't rush this... We need more knowledge, stronger mental strength, and perhaps some special materials..." Wang Lin suppressed his excitement and carefully put the papers away. This was only the first step in a long journey.
He looked at the orb of divine light, and his plan became clearer.
Next, accumulate rewards and side quests; the goal is:
1. Enhance mental strength-related attributes or skills, thereby increasing control over the Contract Paper and the effect of the Lie Detector.
2. Acquire more advanced contract or rule-related knowledge/items.
3. Prepare a "package" to deal with the "Mirror-like Fool" that may appear in the next world - including identification (lie detection, observation), control (sedatives, contracts), and... contingency plans for efficient and harmless disposal when necessary.
He's not a serial killer, but in this precarious, cyclical world, he would never allow the recklessness of one or two fools to kill himself or a trusted teammate. If necessary, he would eliminate the threat decisively, just as he did with that minor character in Mysterious Resurrection.
Of course, it's best to use contracts to constrain their behavior and guide it in a direction that benefits the team, or even use their "reckless" tendencies to explore or trigger certain plot points... that's the key to skillful control.
At this moment, Zheng Zha's enhanced beam of light ended. He landed on the ground, his eyes sharp, his aura noticeably stronger, and there was a faint flow of energy beneath his skin, yet it also carried a hint of coldness.
"I exchanged for beginner-level Qi cultivation and a beginner-level vampire bloodline..." Zheng Zha said excitedly to Zhan Lan, who was walking over, then looked at Wang Lin with a complicated expression, "Wang Lin, what did you enhance?"
"Some little gadgets for survival and support." Wang Lin smiled, not going into details. "Congratulations, it seems your strength has increased significantly."
Zheng Zha nodded, clenched his fist, and felt the new power, but then his eyes dimmed again as he thought of his dead comrades.
Zhan Lan and Li Xiaoyi also completed their enhancements, each improving in some way. Lingdian remained silent, but his aura became even more refined.
The male employee and the silent girl didn't seem to receive much reward; they only underwent the most basic physical enhancement, and their expressions remained bewildered.
"We're all a team now," Wang Lin said at the opportune moment, taking out the contract paper. "I suggest we sign a more formal and comprehensive team contract. It's not to bind anyone, but to clarify responsibilities, rights, and basic behavioral guidelines in dangerous situations. With this agreement, we can more confidently entrust our backs to each other."
His gaze swept over the crowd, lingering especially on Zheng Zha and Zhan Lan's faces.
"Agreed!" Zheng Zha was the first to respond. Having experienced life and death, he longed for a reliable team.
Zhan Lan hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, the two newcomers had no choice but to agree.
Wang Lin quickly wrote down the terms on the contract, which were more detailed than the one he signed with Zheng Zha: including the principles for the distribution of spoils, command authority (currently undetermined, but stipulated that reasonable instructions must be followed in times of crisis), the prohibition against actively harming teammates, the obligation to share intelligence, conditions for leaving the team, and so on. These were all relatively fair and beneficial to survival.
The moment everyone finished signing, the light on the contract paper brightened slightly, and the sense of constraint became stronger. Wang Lin could sense that, because of this "multi-person formal contract," the fragments of its rules had been slightly supplemented and strengthened.
well.
The team has been initially formed, and I have also completed targeted reinforcement plans.
Wang Lin looked up at the endless pure white void above the main god's sphere of light.
What will the next world be like?
Whatever it may be, he is ready to face those monsters, and... his "kindred spirits" who are even more troublesome than the monsters.