69novels Chapter 59 Strange Teammates
Chapter 59 Strange Teammates
The pure white light receded like a gentle tide, and the eternal, pure, and inhumanly holy radiance of the Main God Space once again became the only thing in sight. Beneath the sphere of light, the figures of all the members of the Central Continent Team became clear one by one. Along with them appeared ten slightly abrupt, yet strangely harmonious, furry, gray-black figures—ten "Order Rats" led by "Rat".
The ten mice were clearly shocked and bewildered by this incomprehensible scene. They huddled together, cautiously turning their little heads, their scarlet (now tinged with a pale gold) eyes filled with disbelief. The omnipresent, pure energy in the air, the smooth, incomprehensible ground beneath their feet, and the warm, restorative glow emanating from the orb above them, seemingly containing infinite mysteries, all challenged the boundaries of their newly established understanding as "intelligent life."
"Where...where is this...?" The rat's voice echoed in Zhang Jie's mind, trembling slightly. The contract between it and Zhang Jie seemed clearer and more stable here, allowing it to communicate directly with Zhang Jie telepathically.
"Our 'home,' for now," Zhang Jie's voice calmly responded in its consciousness. At the same time, a gentle, golden-white glow, carrying connotations of "order" and "soothing," quietly spread from him, enveloping the ten rats. This glow acted like the most effective tranquilizer, instantly soothing their panic and restlessness upon first arriving in the unfamiliar divine realm, allowing them to feel a sense of security and belonging rooted in the contract.
"Don't be nervous, little guys, it's safe here," Zhan Lan said softly. Her voice seemed to have a magical quality, further easing the tension of the rats. She curiously observed the rats, whose bright eyes and "disciplined" postures exuded a sense of discipline, especially the leader, the "big rat," from whom she could sense a faint but clear mental fluctuation.
"Repair first." Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally lingering briefly on Zhang Jie and the rat swarm. "Having undergone deep contact and reconstruction at the rule level, a thorough soul and existence scan and stabilization are needed. The rat swarm also needs to have its stability under the new contract and its adaptability to the God's environment tested."
The divine beam of healing descended at the opportune moment. This time, the beam seemed to contain a more subtle and profound power than ever before. It not only restored the physical strength and slight mental fatigue that everyone (including O'Connor and his two companions) had expended in the instance, but also focused on Zhang Jie, Wang Lin, and the ten rats.
Zhang Jie's pillar of light displayed a strange interplay of gold and white. As the light flowed, it seemed to be providing the deepest level of reinforcement, optimization, and rule-based "registration" for his soul and talent, which had just completed "forging" and advanced to the [Order Walker (Primary)]. Wang Lin's pillar of light, on the other hand, was more profound and tranquil, focusing on repairing the soul-level fatigue caused by his excessive use of the Light of the Mind for connection and perception, and further purifying and stabilizing the nascent form of his Light of the Mind, which possessed the characteristics of "connection" and "definition."
The pillar of light enveloping the ten rats was relatively gentle, its main function being to purify any remaining unstable elements from the old contract, solidify the connection to the new contract, and gently enhance their life essence, enabling them to better adapt to the existence of intelligent life and to develop an initial affinity for the energy of the main divine space. As one could see, nourished by the pillar of light, their gray-black fur became smoother, the light in their eyes more stable, and their squatting posture more natural, showing less of their wild wariness and more of a calm observation.
When the beam of light dissipated, everyone (including the rat) felt refreshed and in better condition than ever before.
"Awesome!" Zheng Zha stretched his limbs, feeling the qualitatively transformed, surging power within him like a vast galaxy after the S-rank enhancements from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Ten Rats Are Not Easy." He couldn't help but let out a low roar, his eyes gleaming. He looked at Zhang Jie, then at the group of quietly crouching, bright-eyed rats, and grinned, "Old Zhang, this dungeon run was worth it! Not only did you level up, but you also brought back a team... um, the 'Order Rat Vanguard Team'?"
Upon hearing this, the rat's ears twitched slightly, and it raised its little head to look at Zheng Zha. A calm, slightly helpless voice echoed in its mind (recorded by Zhang Jie, the same below): "This... sir, our current race is more accurately called 'Order Rats'. Moreover, we are not combat vanguards; our current role is more inclined towards 'rule perception,' 'information gathering,' and 'contract assistance.'"
"Hey, it can talk back now? Interesting!" Ba Wang also came over, squatted down with interest, and wanted to reach out to poke the rat, but the rat nimbly dodged to the side. At the same time, a faint but clear mental wave with a warning meaning swept across the back of his hand, making him feel as if he had been lightly stung by static electricity.
"Alright, stop fooling around." Wang Lin shook his head with a smile. His mental energy was abundant, and his senses were sharper. He could clearly "see" the stable and vibrant soul connection network between Zhang Jie and the ten rats, centered on some extremely intricate golden contract runes. This network not only connected Zhang Jie to the rat swarm, but the ten rats also shared information and coordinated their senses with each other, albeit subtly. "This instance was indeed very special. There were almost no large-scale battles; the entire process was about deciphering, communicating, and handling rule-related issues. The benefits... are correspondingly reflected in these aspects."
Chu Xuan had already brought up the terminal, and the screen was rapidly refreshing with detailed mission settlement data for this "Ten Rats Are Not Easy" world, as well as the team resource statistics that had been readjusted based on everyone's gains.
[Overview of the "Ten Rats Are Not Easy" World Quest Results]
Main quest completed (Grade B). Optional quests completed (Grade A). Overall rating: S.
【全员基础奖励：B级支线x1，7000点；A级支线x1，10000点；团队S级额外奖励：12000点，S级支线x1。】
[Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution:]
[Zhang Jie: Purified and reconstructed the abnormal contract, absorbed high-level rule knowledge, talent advancement, obtained S-level side quest x1, 15000 points, special profession [Order Walker (Beginner)] .]
[Wang Lin: Leads in spiritual communication and connection, assists in rule definition, obtains 1 A-level side quest, 8000 points.]
[(Other players also receive varying amounts of bonus points and low-level side quests/items based on their contribution.)]
[Based on the accumulation of extremely high-yield worlds "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Ten Rats Is Not Easy," the team's current estimated total resources are: an average of approximately 15 reward points per person, 3-4 A-level side quests, several B and C-level quests, and 2 S-level side quests shared by the entire team.]
[New Special Member: "Order Rat" x10 (Leader "Rat" possesses high intelligence and rule perception, the other nine rats possess basic intelligence and teamwork ability). Status: They have signed a stable order contract with Zhang Jie and can enjoy some basic functions of the main god (such as repair and slight improvement of basic attributes). They cannot be directly strengthened through side quests, but their existence can be regarded as an extension and component of Zhang Jie's [Order Walker] ability.]
A series of staggering figures once again proves the rich rewards of continuously challenging high-difficulty, high-exploration worlds. Resources are now abundant enough for each individual to make more than one S-level investment in their own enhancement path, with ample surplus for improving overall team configuration, exchanging for strategic resources, and stockpiling for potential future contingencies.
"Resources are plentiful, but careful planning is needed." Chu Xuan's voice pulled everyone back from the joy of the harvest. "In this instance, our combat system didn't undergo a high-intensity test, but our ability to handle rule-based, puzzle-solving, communication, and contract-related events was validated and improved. Zhang Jie's acquisition of the [Order Walker] class is a significant addition and qualitative leap to the team's capabilities. Wang Lin's use of Mind Light has become more refined. Others also need to address their weaknesses exposed in the instance (such as immediate adaptation to special rule environments, information processing efficiency, and responsiveness in non-combat situations) through targeted reinforcement."
"Now, based on existing resources and the team's development needs, formulate the final reinforcement plan—"
1. Ultimate Enhancement of Core Members (S-Level Investment):
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Zheng Zha: Ultimate Goal—Physical Sainthood, One Punch Breaks All Laws. Exchange for the S++ grade combination: [Ancient War God Bloodline (Ultimate Awakening)] + [Eight-Nine Arcane Arts (Fourth Level - Initial Understanding of the Law of Heaven and Earth)]. This combination will fully unleash his War God bloodline, achieving unimaginable physical strength, power, and regenerative abilities. The Eight-Nine Arcane Arts grants him the rudiments of ever-changing, law-of-heaven and earth-manifesting divine powers, significantly optimizing energy circulation efficiency, greatly increasing the controllability and power of his "Destruction" state. Also includes an S grade, upgradable natal divine weapon: [Boundary-Breaking Gauntlets - Unnamed].
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Wang Lin: Ultimate Goal—Mind Domination, Connecting All Realms. Completely solidify the [Prototype of the Light of the Mind] and attempt to advance towards the complete [Light of the Mind], exchanging for the S++ level knowledge [High-Dimensional Consciousness Ocean Navigation Technique] and [Initial Understanding of Root Contract Writing]. Upgrade the [Mental Matrix] to S++ level, becoming a "Mind Realm" with strategic capabilities such as a certain degree of precognition, stable cross-dimensional connections, temporary fusion of collective consciousness, and rule-level information shielding/penetration. Strengthen the [High-Dimensional Energy Synchronization Body] to S level, making it nearly immune to most energy erosion and capable of simulating and transforming any energy attributes it has come into contact with to a limited extent.
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Chu Xuan: Ultimate Goal—Omniscient God, where everything is data. He merges [Quantum Brain Domain Expansion] and [Multidimensional Logical Deduction] to advance to S++ level [Brain of Truth], with thinking speed and deductive ability approaching theoretical limits, capable of instantaneous construction and deduction of cosmic-scale models. He exchanges for the S++ level [Information Omniscient (Domain)], passively receiving and processing information of all dimensions and forms within a certain range centered on himself. He exchanges for the S-level survival/mobility skill [Reality Editor (Pseudo)], allowing for brief, small-scale modification of local reality parameters. He supplements his ultimate computing unit, [Heart of the World].
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Zhang Jie: Ultimate Goal – Order Walker, Balancing All Laws. Focus on developing the [Order Walker (Initial)] class ability. Exchange for S-rank class-exclusive skills: [Expanding the Domain of Order], [Blade of Rule Purification], and [Contract Weaving and Revision]. Utilize his unique soul base (Sun Fragment + Heart of Order) to attempt to exchange for an introductory cultivation method for the S-rank special energy system [Primal Order Power]. This power is extremely high-level, possessing multiple characteristics such as purification, stabilization, definition, and contracts, with limitless potential. Strengthen his basic attributes to the current maximum limit and exchange for an A-rank, growable accessory that amplifies the power of "Order" and "Contract": [Ring of Balance].
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Zhan Lan, Lingdian, Bawang, Li Shuaixi, Zhao Yingkong, and Ming Yanwei: Based on their respective core roles (Absolute Defense/Healing, Beyond-the-Range Sniping, Heavy Berserker, Speed Blade Master, Shadow Assassin, Elemental Turret), they can exchange for corresponding S-level ultimate core skills, S-level natal artifacts/magical devices, and A-level top-tier survival support skills. The goal is to maximize their individual strengths and form an irreplaceable strategic role in teamwork.
2. Team strategy and functional enhancement:
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Exchange for S-level team-use combination artifacts/formations, such as the [All-Heavens Star Defense Formation (Simplified Version)], [Cross-Spacetime Communication Anchor Point], and [Group Life Link Sharing Device].
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Exchange for a large number of one-time S-grade and A-grade rule-based and concept-based items, such as [Time Stop Talisman (Fake)], [Fate Interference Scroll], [Absolute Hit Arrow (One-time Use)], etc., as "trump cards" to deal with extreme situations.
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Tailor-made auxiliary equipment and enhancement plans are created for the "Order Ratkin." Utilizing the main god's functions, their basic life essence is enhanced (without occupying side quests). Chu Xuan designs and exchanges micro-detectors, information relay nodes, and collaborative tactical modules, truly integrating them into the team's intelligence, early warning, and auxiliary spellcasting system. The focus is on strengthening the "Ratkin's" intelligence, rule perception, and contractual assistance capabilities.
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The three O'Connors underwent comprehensive second-stage gene lock activation assistance and corresponding A-level enhancements, enabling them to independently cope with the world of ordinary horror movies and become reliable secondary combat forces.
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A large amount of reward points and some high-level side quests are reserved for temporary exchange of key intelligence, rare materials, or dealing with unknown variables in the mission world.
3. Zhang Jie's deep integration with "Rats of Order":
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Zhang Jie needs to spend a lot of time deeply understanding and mastering the new power of the [Order Walker], and exploring more ways to apply the contractual connection with the "Order Rat", such as "shared vision", "temporary ability borrowing", and "cooperative spellcasting".
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Chu Xuan will assist Zhang Jie in designing a growth system for the "Order Rat Clan" based on the "Order Contract" and the rules of the Main God, so that it can grow in sync with Zhang Jie as he becomes stronger, and develop unique team support tactics.
The plan is grand and meticulous, maximizing the value of existing resources. The goal is to build the Central Continent Team into a truly invincible "hexagonal" team that possesses at least one ultimate countermeasure against any threat, whether physical, energy, rules, or mental. It also paves a bright path for each core member to reach the fourth tier or even higher.
"Any objections?" Chu Xuan asked, looking at everyone.
They exchanged smiles, their eyes gleaming with eager anticipation and unwavering determination. With such resources, such a clear path to advancement, and the unwavering trust they shared—what reason did they have not to climb to the summit?
"Dry!"
One after another, beams of light, even more magnificent and dazzling than those after the return of "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and imbued with a boundless power that seemed capable of splitting the heavens and earth, crashed down! This time, the colors, shapes, and rule-based auras of the beams of light were all different, representing the ultimate mysteries and knowledge of their respective power systems, and they surged into the bodies and souls of the core members of the Central Continent Team like a torrent!
Within Zheng Zha's pillar of light, the God of War roared, unleashing his profound power, causing the Milky Way to reverse, as if creating the world from scratch!
Wang Lin's pillar of light transformed into a deep starry sky, with countless mental connections shining like stars, and the rules and runes appearing and disappearing!
Chu Xuan's beam of light transformed into a pure, transparent sea of data, swallowing and analyzing all the mysteries of the universe!
Zhang Jie's beam of light is the most unique. The golden-white light of order transforms into a three-dimensional matrix of contract runes that is constantly improving and expanding. At the center of the matrix, ten faint golden starlight (representing the Ratkin) intertwine with it, together constructing a stable, harmonious, and infinitely possible "microcosm of order"!
The beams of light from Zhan Lan, Lingdian, and others also exhibited unique phenomena: some were holy light soaring into the sky, some were filled with murderous intent, some were as heavy as mountains, some were sharp enough to pierce the heavens, some were as dark as night, and some were boiling with elements!
The ten "Order Rats" were also bathed in a relatively gentle but fundamentally uplifting light. Their forms glowed faintly, their spirituality grew at a visible rate, and the light of wisdom in their eyes shone even brighter. The miniature auxiliary devices that Chu Xuan designed for them (such as chips that enhance perception, information transmission nodes, and collaborative energy guides) also perfectly integrated with their bodies within this pillar of light.
When all the pillars of light finally dissipated, the members of the Central Continent Team, who were standing under the sphere of light again, had undergone a terrifying transformation, almost like a leap in their life level!
Without needing to project any aura, simply standing there, the surrounding air seemed to freeze, the light slightly distorted, and the space subtly rippled. Each person exuded an "inhuman," almost "perfect" sense of harmony and power, yet maintained a distinct and unique personal quality.
Zheng Zha was like a ferocious beast in human form. Every move he made seemed to be able to tear the void apart. His eyes were filled with divine light, yet they gave people a sense of oppression as if the world were about to collapse.
Wang Lin is like the embodiment of the starry sky, serene and profound, seemingly connected to all things in an invisible way, capable of stirring the tides of the soul in an instant.
Chu Xuan appeared even more ethereal, like a walking embodiment of the laws of the universe; wherever his gaze fell, no secret could be hidden.
Zhang Jie, on the other hand, was like a stabilizing star in a world, calm and composed, with a reassuring aura of order flowing around him. Ten pale golden starlight of the contract appeared and disappeared around him, echoing the ten "order rats" whose temperament had changed drastically, who sat like javelins and had sharp and alert eyes.
Zhan Lan is holy and compassionate, Zero Point is deadly and nihilistic, Overlord is as violent as a mountain, Li Shuaixi is one with his sword and becomes a sharp line, Zhao Yingkong's presence is almost non-existent but even more terrifying, and Ming Yanwei is surrounded by elemental spirits dancing like a natural queen.
The three of them, including O'Connor, also exuded a sharp aura and had eyes as sharp as eagles, indicating that they had already stepped into the threshold of true powerhouses.
"Is this... S-rank, no, power beyond S-rank?" Li Shuaixi murmured, feeling the sharpness within his body that seemed capable of cutting through everything.
"Initial adaptation, conducting ultimate coordination drills and developing 'Order Rats' collaborative tactics."