Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Chapter 535: Chapter 261 Training/Transformation_3

”Can I check the physical changes in both of you later?” Matilda’s tone was a distinct departure from its usual gentleness.

The two men nodded. Simon’s recent transformation, and the data now being detected and recorded, strongly suggested that Alka’s deduction from the previous night was indeed correct.

After finishing their meal, the three of them went to the manufacturing hall together. Due to its expansion, the manufacturing hall had long been divided into four areas: their respective work zones and a central, shared zone.

Alka’s work area was mostly filled with materials, recorded blueprints, various books, and some manual smithing tools. The other structural facilities and the Spell Carving Station were placed in the central area, as both Simon and Matilda used them. Simon’s zone looked almost futuristic, filled with various robotic arms and piles of complex circuitry. Matilda’s area, in stark contrast, was filled with all sorts of bottles and jars, plants and herbs, and, of course, various samples of flesh and tissue preserved in containers. No matter how one looked at it, the place didn’t seem like somewhere a normal person would willingly stay.

Many of the facilities here radiated an ancient aura, clashing with the style of the other equipment. This was because many of these facilities had been moved from Superimposed Spaces within Vastva. Vastva offered an excellent research environment, and they could utilize many of the precise facilities found in its Superimposed Spaces. Even if they didn’t know how to operate them, they had brought everything over. But those that were usable proved to be incredibly handy. Some of the technology was completely beyond their understanding, but that didn’t prevent them from using it. This ease of use with unfamiliar technology seemed to be a characteristic related to Simon’s forefinger.

The two men removed their shirts, and Simon stood on the platform of the central workstation. Matilda inserted several probes into his body. Nearby, various Spell Arrays were connected to these probes. Matilda’s attire was different at that moment. She wore a white lab coat, as Alka had suggested, and a pair of glasses. She adjusted her glasses with one hand. Her left hand held a device, pointed at Simon on the platform to scan him, while her two lower hands were busy recording data.

After Simon’s examination, it was Alka’s turn.

”Your soul is incredibly resilient. The readings and its density are much higher than ours,” Matilda said, somewhat surprised as she looked at Alka’s soul data. She had already heard from the crew about Alka’s exceptionally powerful soul, but she hadn’t expected it to be *this* strong. Simply put, it was nearly double that of a normal person. A twofold increase in soul strength was an extreme, almost exaggerated, level of power. The soul was the most enigmatic area of research—the most difficult to perceive, let alone comprehend.

However, Alka possessed numerous special attributes. In comparison, a powerful soul didn’t seem particularly extraordinary for him,

Matilda mused, turning the page. She began comparing their physical attributes.”In other words, after advancing to the Third Stage, both the Magic Power Circuit and physical strength reach a limit,” Matilda said, adjusting her glasses. Her voice was slightly louder and more serious now. ”Thus, the Third Stage appears to be the limit for a normal life form. Within this limit, every bit of progress is arduous. The most compelling evidence is that one’s own Magic Power absorption and conversion rate slows to one-fifth of its original speed. It’s like a person who is too full to eat another bite.”

Alka and Simon nodded in understanding. Matilda’s explanation was indeed clear and easy to grasp.

”And the Treasure...?” Alka prompted.

”Correct. The Treasure is an exception; its existence breaks this limit,” Matilda continued. ”According to data feedback and speculation, without a Treasure, one might remain at the Third Stage indefinitely. A Treasure is the key to advancing to the Fourth Stage. Without it, one cannot open the door to that ’new world.’”

The data and the readings all confirmed this.

”’In other words, at this stage, if there is no Treasure, the differences between Races will result in significant disparities,’ Alka said, his thoughts turning to Pororo’s formidable physique.”

Matilda nodded. This point was indeed undeniable.

At this moment, the three of them seemed to understand why the Fourth Stage was called the Staff Holder. It likely wasn’t just because this stage allowed one to control Scepter-level Treasures.

It was very likely related to this breakthrough as well.

Perhaps the Fourth Stage was one where a vast disparity in power could become evident.

As things stood, it wasn’t easy to reach, requiring certain stringent conditions.

For example, possessing a Treasure.

Perhaps it was also because of this fundamental enhancement that one could control a Scepter-level Treasure.

Subsequently, the conclusions drawn from the examination and all recorded data were archived.

Simon quickly returned to his room. After his advancement, he hadn’t yet had a proper chance to assess the changes wrought by his increased strength. Moreover, even while eating earlier, he had begun to lose precise control of his newfound power. He desperately needed to rest and acclimatize.

Meanwhile, Alka disembarked from the ship. He needed to find Balazs, who had sent a signal indicating that he had concluded his affairs. Now Alka had sufficient time for their next course of action. It was time to discuss their subsequent operations.

With both Simon and Matilda having reached Third Stage strength, they now possessed enough power for self-preservation under normal circumstances. As long as they didn’t actively seek trouble and remained sufficiently cautious and vigilant, they should be able to live safely. The potential risks of exposure had also been almost entirely eliminated.

It was time to begin a deeper, more extensive exploration of the Endless Sea, to truly understand this chaotic yet wondrous place. Their journey would begin with the Treasure marked on the Human Skin Map.

Alka pulled the brim of his hat slightly lower, then walked along the cobblestone road of the port.