Evolution Begins with Elemental Domination

The sixth batch of Rune Formulas also revealed the Fire Element’s teleportation method.

Fire + Light + Fire = Flame Jump

A Spellcaster can emerge from any flourishing flame within their Perception. Compared to the teleportation method of the Light-Dark Dual Element, it’s somewhat limited.

Of course.

A Fire Mage can create a burning environment with a Fire Realm, and this Technique has a few other interesting properties. Each time the user teleports, their original location can be detonated with an explosion of fire—undoubtedly a nice surprise for any would-be pursuers.

A complementary environment-shaping Rune, ’Flame Field,’ was introduced along with it.

In addition.

There were also public examples for other Runes of the same type, such as the Wood Element’s ’Thorny Hedge Wall,’ which directly creates a thorny hedge wall in a designated area to serve as a barrier.

There was also the Water Element’s ’Spring Skill,’ which could instantly summon a spring from the ground to form a temporary body of water.

After looking through the sixth batch of Rune Formulas, Su Chen brought Ruoruo to the front of the mission hall.

”Su Chen!”

Just then, a middle-aged man came jogging over.

The one calling out to him was Yang Hongyu, whom he hadn’t seen in quite a while.

”Looks like you’re doing well for yourself here,” Su Chen said, looking at him. Ever since the great retreat from the campsite, the renowned Ancient Architect seemed to be thriving in this apocalyptic environment.

He was wearing a hard hat, his shoulders dotted with dried specks of limestone—clear evidence that he was involved in the construction of the Rune Core’s central area.

”It’s been alright.”

Yang Hongyu grinned, his whole demeanor radiating success. As a special talent recruited by the authorities, his daily ration included two portions of Rune Essence. He had also been assigned a large house, and his food and drink were guaranteed.

One could say his entire family had been pulled back from the brink of death, and they no longer had to worry much about safety.

This was truly the kind of life ordinary people dreamed of.

After all, not everyone was keen on fighting and killing. The risk of death was too high. Living a quiet life and tending to their own little patch of land was the ultimate pursuit for many.

Su Chen exchanged a few pleasantries with him and caught up on how Yang Xiaoxiao and the tabby cat were doing.

Interestingly, both of them had caught the attention of the authorities. The little girl was a Fire Element specialist with top-tier affinity and huge potential for growth. However, she was still too young to be sent into battle.

The little tabby cat had landed itself a secure ”job,” thanks to the Demon Rats pouring from the forest. They had become a major nuisance to the city, even causing a small-scale plague that was swiftly wiped out by the Purification Skill.

There was evidence suggesting that household pets, such as cats and dogs, were involuntarily gaining sentience after absorbing Rune Essence.

At the very least, they could understand human commands.

The city had also begun ”employing” military dogs and stray cats in a similar fashion.

”I won’t keep you from checking the rankings. With your strength, breaking into the top thirty should be a breeze,” Yang Hongyu said, laying on the praise.

The praise was genuine, his tone filled with undisguised admiration. His perspective had certainly broadened since leaving the remote campsite for the central hub of the Rune Core.

But even so, his initial impression of Su Chen hadn’t faded in the slightest.

It’s just...

’I was being too conservative.’

Su Chen’s expression remained placid. He didn’t bother to refute him, simply interfacing his consciousness with the mission hall terminal.

[World Mission: City Defense Battle (In Progress)]

[Your Contribution Value: 603 points]

[Current Rank: 1st]

Just as he’d suspected, he had really taken the top spot.

Beside him, Yan Ruoruo also finished checking her results. Her rank had soared to 53rd place, with a Contribution Value of 165 points.

It wasn’t time to celebrate yet; the final rankings wouldn’t be settled for another two days.

Before leaving, Su Chen overheard from nearby conversations that the Combat Defense Department was trying to account for the top ten-ranked individuals. So far, they had located very few, and it seemed they hadn’t found anyone in the top five at all.

”Let’s go.”

On the eve of the great battle, all the private exchanges still open for business in the Rune Core’s central hub were packed with people.

Su Chen had no desire to linger and immediately headed back to their encampment under the cover of night.

....

12:17 AM.

After instantly arriving at the Qixia border town via the teleportation hub, the two of them, carrying a Magic Guide Crystal Pillar, returned to their encampment at the campsite in just 14 minutes.

This was undoubtedly thanks to the enhancement of Aurora Flash, which was improving his personal long-distance travel capabilities by the day.

Most of the people in the camp were asleep. Only Gong Jun was up, working late into the night. He was using the Shaping Skill to fabricate a cannon barrel by hand.

Even a capitalist would shed a tear at the sight.

”See? No need to worry. Everyone figured you two were out earning contribution points,” Gong Jun said with a shy smile. He was covered in grease, a clear sign that polishing the cannon’s rifling was grueling work.

”You don’t need to replicate any more handguns. Forging cannons is a good idea.”

Su Chen took several handguns out of his bag and placed them on the table. ”These things are dirt cheap in Oran City.”

At the same time, he placed a brand-new Lv7 Acceleration Skill Rune on the table for him.

”Later tonight, help me affix this to the barrel of that handgun of mine.”

His captured Colt M1911 was still in Gong Jun’s possession.

After giving his instructions, he made sure not to shortchange Gong Jun for working late.

From the large stack of Runes in his backpack, Su Chen pulled out a good number of Gold Element ones. He gave all his Shaping Skill, Gold Touching Skill, and Metal Repair Skill Runes, of various levels, to Gong Jun.

’Honestly, the fact that these sorts of lifestyle and Support Class tool Runes kept dropping from mere mine guards was telling. It just went to show how uneven the quality of their rank-and-file combatants was. Most of their builds lacked any real system—the negative consequences of Oran City’s decision to keep its Rune Formulas secret were already becoming apparent.’