"So, I've only been able to utilize about half of the Scorching Core's maximum energy output," Qingshui said, taking a sip of coffee back in Dr. Kuseno's lab. He watched as Dr. Kuseno displayed various parameters on the large computer screen.
It made sense, really. Genos could only maintain his maximum firepower for ten seconds. During that time, he was capable of withstanding Dragon-level and above monsters. For Qingshui, that same energy output efficiency could be sustained for about twenty seconds, exactly twice as long as Genos. While the power would undoubtedly be somewhat reduced, it would still possess Dragon-level peak destructive capability.
This had clearly become his most powerful offensive ability to date. If the Scorching Core could unleash its full power, it would also be a formidable offensive tool for his main body. Qingshui currently possessed many skills of various types, enough for his needs, but when it came to offense, his old methods were starting to seem a bit outdated. The Scorching Core was an excellent complement. Moreover, if he could produce them for Sasori and the others, it would be akin to possessing a terrifying weapon far more powerful than a nuclear bomb.
"That's not a major issue, or rather, the issue isn't with you, Mr. Qingshui. Your invention of the Flash Freeze Coolant is a groundbreaking, great invention. And the high-energy cooling superconductor you proposed is even more so. It can significantly increase the energy output limit by sacrificing some energy. The real problem lies with my Scorching Core. To ensure stable energy output, I've implemented many safeguards on the Scorching Core to prevent excessive efficiency from damaging it. As long as we can combine it with your technology, I believe these problems can be resolved, it's just…"
Dr. Kuseno's old face suddenly showed a hint of difficulty.
"Does the doctor have some unspeakable difficulty that prevents him from exchanging technology with me?" Qingshui asked, observing Dr. Kuseno's expression.
"No, it's just that this old man feels the value of our respective technologies isn't equal. The Arc Reactor alone already surpasses the Scorching Core. Although we don't lack energy now, it still represents infinite energy, not to mention the synthesis of new isotopes involved."
"Dr. Kuseno, didn't you say you also have technologies like the Thunderlight Core and the Dragon Roar Core? Those are enough. If you still feel it's not fair, just copy any other engineering technologies you find valuable for me." Qingshui actually felt that an exchange like this was fine.
Although the value wasn't equal, Dr. Kuseno himself was worth it! As someone who could develop the Scorching Core, and in the future upgrade Genos to possess ultimate firepower, capable of briefly resisting Psykorochi, and then provide further upgrades for Genos to achieve Dragon-level peak combat power in his normal state—this was enough to show what kind of genius Dr. Kuseno was! He wanted Dr. Kuseno to owe him an unpayable favor!
Not to mention, given Dr. Kuseno's relationship with Genos, he could even bring Genos into the fold as a bonus. Although the "Expense Fighter" was often ridiculed as the "Unbeatable Fighter" who always got careless and crashed, his talent was actually very high. Dr. Kuseno would definitely use this technology on Genos, and then Genos would absolutely become a formidable combatant.
"Sigh!" Dr. Kuseno sighed.
"Then this old man will shamelessly accept. For our first meeting, you're willing to share such important technology with me. Consider this old man indebted to you. If you ever need help in the future, just ask."
"Then, Dr. Kuseno, are we friends now?" Qingshui smiled slightly at Dr. Kuseno and extended a hand.
"Of course, a young, talented hero-scientist with such great power like yourself, this old man is certainly willing to be friends with you." Dr. Kuseno also smiled and extended his old, withered hand, high-fiving Qingshui.
Cooperation achieved!
...
...
In a remote, deep mountain forest in City W.
Inside the House of Evolution.
A young man in a suit, with a cold expression and wearing glasses, sat in a chair, watching the screen in front of him repeatedly play footage of Qingshui killing Mosquito Girl.
A monitor was implanted inside Mosquito Girl, connected to her eyes, transmitting everything she saw and heard in real-time to the House of Evolution.
"His high-tech battle armor doesn't seem to have significantly improved compared to previous times. However, according to some video footage released by the Hero Association, and detection results obtained through other channels, they all indicate, without exception, that Black Lightning's strength has rapidly increased over the past six months. From initially needing nearly a minute to deal with a Tiger-level Monster, he can now defeat Mosquito Girl, who is considered top-tier among Demon-level threats, in a shorter amount of time. According to data modeling, there's over a 70% probability that this is due to a significant physical enhancement he underwent in the past six months, and it's faster than what was observed in previous targets like Superalloy Darkshine or Watchdog Man. This suggests that his body may have broken its Limiter multiple times within these six months! Even if not, it at least indicates that his physical potential is extremely high, representing the direction of human evolution, and holds immense research value!"
Geno pushed up his glasses. A thoughtful expression flashed across his young face. Although he appeared to be in his early thirties at most, he was actually a seventy-year-old man, having used advanced biotechnology to reverse his aging and maintain his youth.
The purpose of the House of Evolution was Geno's desire to create the perfect organism through technological means. This scientist's goal was to evolve the perfect life form through his research at the House of Evolution, to replace humanity. Even an S-Class Hero of the Hero Association as strong as Zombieman was merely one of Geno's test subjects. Although, he was the second most powerful creation he had made to date.
"This is a bit problematic. If Mosquito Girl isn't a match for Black Lightning, then Beast King and Armored Gorilla won't be either. But Asura Rhino Beetle should be a different story."
Geno rested his chin on one hand, lost in thought.
He held immense expectations for Asura Rhino Beetle.
In its normal state, Asura Rhino Beetle already possessed Dragon-level combat power, and when Asura Mode was activated, it was undoubtedly among the top-tier Dragon-level threats.
The S-Class Heroes of the Hero Association varied in strength. Against absolute elites like Tatsumaki or Superalloy Darkshine, Asura Rhino Beetle might not be a match, but it was more than sufficient against most S-Class Heroes.
According to data analysis, Black Lightning's current power level shouldn't yet be in the upper echelons of Dragon-level.
However, the gap shouldn't be too significant.
If I can lure him to Asura Rhino Beetle…
A faint smile touched Geno's lips, as if he could already see the scene: both sides battling to a draw, only for him to capture them and turn them into research material.
The key now was how to lure him over.
A thought flashed through Geno's mind, and he already had an answer.
...
A few days later.
Inside Qingshui's large, detached villa.
A Teleportation Halo opened, and Qingshui stepped out, clad in his Black Samurai Armor.
His discussions with Dr. Kuseno over the past few days had been incredibly fruitful.
He had already mastered the method for creating the Scorching Core.
In addition, he had obtained technical data for other energy cores like the Thunderlight Core, Electromagnetic Core, and Dragon Roar Core, all developed by Kuseno to increase output power.
During this process, Qingshui also had a thorough discussion with Dr. Kuseno and, on the spot, used some of his Magic Tool Transformation Nanoparticles and Flash Freeze Coolant to create a new Scorching Core, removing its Limiter.
Although he hadn't tested it, fearing what might happen, and thus didn't know if it could truly unleash the Scorching Core's full potential, it was definitely much stronger than the last one.
"Hmm? Outside… someone's watching me? And they're using Telepathy or something similar?"
As soon as Qingshui stepped out of the Teleportation Halo, he curiously turned his head towards the open area outside the house.
An area spanning ten li in every direction was within the Transparent World's perception range. Combined with his powerful psychic abilities, there was nothing he feared more than sneak attacks or ambushes.
For example…
Qingshui silently walked to the door.
*"Clang~!"*
A blurred green figure, its blades drawn, lunged at Qingshui like a spring, brandishing its scythes.
*"Bang!"*
Yellow-green flesh exploded, and a mantis head rolled far away in the direction of Qingshui's punch.
Immediately after, Qingshui casually stomped his foot.
"Gen Character - Earth Dragon Flip."
The ground trembled, and a monster resembling a marmot was shaken out, disoriented.
"You've got some skill! Let me have a go at you!"
A boisterous voice rang out, and a tall, majestic lion standing on two legs attacked Qingshui, brandishing its sharp claws.
His black steel longsword unsheathed, Qingshui turned and swung his sword, creating a bright blue mirror-like arc.
The next second, the lion king's mane was severed, and its muscular body was covered in bloodstains, which rapidly healed beneath its rippling muscles.
"Not bad, stronger than Mosquito Girl."
Qingshui looked at the lion monster and commented.
To still retain some combat ability after taking a casual sword swing from him, this guy must be at the peak Demon-level.
If he wasn't mistaken, this lineup was likely sent by Geno of the House of Evolution.
So, besides this big lion, there should also be…
A few small stones on the ground trembled slightly, and a mechanical electronic voice came from the main entrance.
"I am Armored Gorilla, the crystallization of the House of Evolution's wisdom. The doctor needs to see you. Please come with us."
As tall as Beast King, Armored Gorilla, covered entirely in steel armor, walked towards Qingshui step by step, his hands hanging down in front of him.
"Hmph! You don't need to interfere! This guy is strong, and it's just what I need to get my blood pumping. Let the doctor know who the most reliable combat force in the House of Evolution truly is!"
Beast King stopped Armored Gorilla with one hand, a cold sneer on his monstrous face. He licked his sharp claws.
Qingshui was wondering how he could prevent the aftermath of the battle from damaging his villa.
Although he had placed seals on the house's walls, which were easily strong enough to withstand attacks from monsters below Demon-level, against a peak Demon-level monster specializing in offense like Beast King, while it could hold for a while, there would definitely be damage requiring repairs.
But before Qingshui could think of a solution, Beast King lunged forward, swinging his claw blades and unleashing his ultimate move.
"Lion Slash Current Group!"
Sharp wind blades flew from Beast King's claws, and his massive body pressed down on Qingshui like Mount Tai.
"Separation Breathing, Sixth Form, Parting Dragon Night Dance!"
Compared to his previous casual strike, Qingshui was truly serious this time, putting his full power into it.
He was worried that if he couldn't end the fight quickly, it would cause damage to his house and lawn.
Sharp flashes of sword light streaked across, and the world seemed to turn monochrome, gray and white.
The sharp air slashes from Beast King's claws were swept away by the sword energy, which had transformed into a spiraling Chi Dragon. Then, they collided head-on with Beast King's massive body, shattering into pieces.
Qingshui's figure appeared behind Beast King at an unknown moment. He flicked the black steel longsword in his hand, shaking off the blood.
And that giant human-faced lion beast, which was four or five meters tall even without armor, lost all signs of life at that instant. Its body disintegrated into neat chunks of flesh, scattering as blood splattered.
As for Qingshui's villa, it was completely undamaged, except for some splashed blood.
Hmm, I'll have to get a few cleaning robots later.
It would also be pretty reasonable to add some ammunition and magic tools to the robots.
"You just said your doctor invited me?"
Qingshui turned his head, pointing his sword at Armored Gorilla.
*"CRACK—CLANG~!"*
Armored Gorilla's steel mask was precisely split in half by the sword and fell to the ground, revealing its large, charcoal-black gorilla face.
The latter immediately raised its hands in surrender, sweat pouring down its face.
"Uh… yes, ah, no, uh, it was an invitation, but not like this. I was going to politely ask you to come, but who knew Beast King and Mantis Man would be so impulsive? You see, I was well-behaved and didn't fight you; they acted on their own initiative."
Armored Gorilla stammered, trying to organize its words. On the other side, Marmot Earth Dragon also ran to Armored Gorilla's side.
Two other chubby monsters followed behind them: one was a pink slug, and the other a hopping frog. They looked flustered and foolish.
"That's right, that's right, we are all sincere. We wanted to make friends with you on behalf of the doctor. It's all Beast King's fault!"
"Exactly, exactly, Hero, please spare us. We are usually bullied and oppressed by Beast King and them, so we had no choice but to obey him and attack!"
The three monsters, whose strength was quite good even among Tiger-level Monsters, simultaneously slid, raised their hands, surrendered, begged for mercy, and kowtowed—all in one smooth motion.
Armored Gorilla paused for a moment, then quickly joined the group begging for mercy.
"You want to live?"
"Yes!" ×4.
"Then lead the way. I happen to want to visit your doctor anyway."
Qingshui said with a smile to the four monsters.
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