Chu Xuan nodded. "Based on my analysis, such a device requires roughly two components: a primary energy storage rule, and a rule for converting that energy into primary alternating current. When the energy in the storage unit converts to electricity, it instantly unleashes a powerful energy attack. The stele mentions a powerful energy attack, backslide333 but I’m not entirely clear on the exact magnitude of its destructive force."

Zheng Zha clapped Wang Xia on the shoulder. "Fantastic, Wang Xia! If we run into massive enemy forces again, these cheap, wide-area landmines could very well be the trump card for our victory! Chu Xuan, build one of these mines to test it out. I want to see if this storage device is functional."

Chu Xuan waved his hand dismissively. "Regrettably, fabricating such a device demands specific, distinct materials. For instance, the stone slab we used earlier to convert your internal energy was carved from obsidian, inscribed with countless symbols and runes. Not just any material can activate the effects of those symbols and runes; each set of rules corresponds to certain materials only... The 'Main God' should have these materials available for exchange. The price might be slightly higher than common materials, but not prohibitively so. We’ve already discussed the function of two rules. The final rule—the primary anti-gravity rule for energy conversion—is the foundational technology for crafting flying swords."

"Flying swords?" The surrounding people echoed the phrase in unison.

Especially Wang Xia’s eyes lit up; for a man who adored Xuanhuan novels, the words "flying sword" were nothing short of captivating.

Chu Xuan affirmed with certainty. "Of course. Consider this: those Sword Immortals in legends who used 'flying swords' as weapons—why did they insist on stepping onto the swords to fly? If they could remotely control the sword’s flight, wouldn’t flying themselves be more agile and convenient? The answer lies in the fact that the flying sword possesses the anti-gravity rule via energy conversion. When their remote energy input reaches the sword, it levitates, becoming an anti-gravity flying blade. Since they themselves lack this energy conversion mechanism, they must rely on standing on the sword to fly. Beyond that, I speculate the flying sword requires at least a few other rules: first, the remote energy input rule,"

"Which allows remote input of energy to control the sword."

"Second, the energy password rule, preventing others from easily taking control of one's sword. Third, the attribute attack rule, enabling one's own energy to be transformed and projected by the sword into various offensive maneuvers. There might be other symbol and rune rules involved, but that is beyond my current speculation."

Zheng Zha managed a wry smile. "You’ve truly managed to scientize something as legendary as a flying sword. While it sounds bizarre, what you’re saying makes perfect, unsettling sense. It actually sounds quite plausible."

"Naturally. There may be aspects of this world that science cannot yet explain, because science only accounts for a portion of that reality. However, there are absolutely no unexplainable phenomena or objects; the inability to explain them stems only from our current ignorance..." Chu Xuan stated calmly.

Zheng Zha chuckled. "Don't get too profound. Only those who try too hard to force an explanation appear ignorant. backslide333 We refrain from forcing an explanation. That is called self-awareness. In any case, let's stay in this ruin for another ten days to see what else we can unearth. Then, with five days remaining, we’ll fly back to Cairo and proceed to the City of the Dead to resurrect Zhao..."

"Wait."

Chu Xuan suddenly interjected, stopping him. "I do not agree to resurrecting team members just yet, for the same reason I stopped you from resurrecting others last time. We must retain this side-mission reward points to enhance attributes and exchange for weapons. Furthermore, to test these legendary magic-style rules, we must allocate a significant portion of the reward points to acquire laboratory equipment and materials. We have no surplus reward points to resurrect team members, unless you are willing to disregard the lives of the five of us. After all, we also need sufficient strength to guarantee survival in the next horror movie, and we, too, cannot be resurrected if we die!"

Zheng Zha was silent for a long moment before finally nodding with a measure of resignation. "I understand. Then we will decide on our individual enhancements and exchanges after returning to the 'Main God' space..." Life often presents unfavorable outcomes. Though Zheng Zha desperately wanted to resurrect their comrades, he could not refute Chu Xuan. As Chu Xuan pointed out, the five remaining members also required enhancement and weapon upgrades; they were not as resilient as he was, and their lives remained in peril during most horror movies. Similarly, he didn't wish to lose any of his comrades, whether those yet to be resurrected or those currently beside him.

The ten days passed quickly. The area covered by the stone slabs increased slightly, but no new rules appeared—only stones inscribed with ordinary explanatory symbols. Even so, Chu Xuan was highly satisfied; the fanatic expression flashed across the face of the simple youth repeatedly, a sight that inevitably instilled a degree of fear in the others.

With the ruin exploration concluded, the group had only about five days left. To guard against any unforeseen changes during the journey, backslide333 the others decided to head to Cairo that very day. O’Connell and his two companions chose to remain and continue excavating the pyramid, promising to preserve any newly discovered inscriptions for Zheng Zha and his team upon their next visit.

As for Imhotep and his companion, they had departed several days prior. The handsome bald man had obtained Indiana Jones's address from Evie, and he and Anck-su-namun had hurried off immediately. This man was practically desperate for the Holy Grail. However, upon leaving, he reaffirmed that the three-year pact remained valid. If he failed to find the Grail or another path to immortality within three years, he would bring Anck-su-namun into the world of horror movies—a span equivalent to only two movie cycles. backslide333 Consequently, Zheng Zha readily agreed, and they arranged to meet next time in Hamunaptra, the City of the Dead.

"Life truly makes one sentimental, doesn't it? Last time, we were implacable enemies, and in the blink of an eye, we become partners fighting side-by-side... even if this partner remains somewhat unreliable. Don't you all find the ways of the world marvelous?" At dusk,

Above the calm surface of the Atlantic Ocean, Zheng Zha spoke to the others with a smile.

Two Goblin Gliders flew one behind the other. All six members were in high spirits; this had been an adventure of abundant harvest, a perfectly concluded side-mission. The secure acquisition of plot items, coupled with the knowledge of legendary magic rules unearthed beneath the stepped pyramid—this string of successes left them somewhat dazed even now. Remember, this was within the horror movie reincarnation cycle, where any adventure could lead to death. They arrived as six and returned as six, coupled with rich mission rewards; this brought them immense joy.

"Let us keep striving; we will never stop growing stronger, no matter the time. One day, all of us can return to the real world... that day will certainly come!" Yes.

If they could keep becoming stronger until every member of the team could return to reality, backslide333 that was perhaps the shared aspiration of every member of the Central Zone team... perhaps with one addition: another encounter with the Demon Reincarnation Squad... The group took very little time to return to Cairo, encountering no incidents en route. During their few days in Cairo, Chu Xuan uncharacteristically lost all interest in fishing.

He dedicated himself entirely to deciphering the collected inscriptions. Conversely, Ba Wang, Wang Xia, and Ling Dian developed an interest in fishing. Without Chu Xuan, the 'Fishing Demon King' (as Ling Dian called him), Ling Dian’s fishing skills naturally reverted to their previous high level, causing Ba Wang and Wang Xia to sigh repeatedly.

Time slipped away in this period of leisure, and soon the few relaxing days in Cairo were completely over.

In a state between sleep and wakefulness, the group was finally transported back to the 'Main God' space.

The few days of rest had allowed their tightly wound nerves to relax somewhat, backslide333 so upon returning to the 'Main God' space, everyone naturally began planning their training regimens. That afternoon, shortly after lunch on the day of their return, Chu Xuan unexpectedly convened a meeting for everyone.

The gathering point was the basement of Zheng Zha's residence, which he had converted into a testing area with an alloy floor. Chu Xuan was the last to arrive. Without a word, he approached everyone and casually tossed a six-sided, Rubik's Cube-like object to Zheng Zha, stating calmly, "Try inputting your internal energy or vampire energy into this."

Zheng Zha took the cube, examining it from all angles. The object was engraved with symbols and runes the size of a thumb. Without hesitation, he channeled his internal energy into it. A faint, pale-white light shimmered from the cube. A second later, Zheng Zha tossed it back to Chu Xuan. "It’s full. Is this the storage unit? If it can only hold that little bit of internal energy or vampire energy, then this thing is basically useless..."

Chu Xuan let out a breath of relief. "No, this is just a cheap model plated with a layer of Mithril. The amount of energy stored doesn't significantly correlate with volume; only the combination of the symbols and runes is required. That means if the symbols and runes are nano-sized, a similar quantity of them occupies a minuscule area, allowing thousands or tens of thousands of these storage rules to exist on a single ring. I plan to make you two pure Mithril rings, but Mithril is somewhat expensive, and engraving nano-sized symbols and runes takes considerable time. Therefore, I needed to test if this storage rule was effective first. Only after confirmation will I proceed with crafting the others... By the way, what is the next horror movie? I need to prepare accordingly..."

Zheng Zha's expression shifted slightly. He looked at the others with sudden gravity, and everyone else’s hearts skipped a beat. Those familiar with Zheng Zha knew a significant announcement was imminent. Zheng Zha nodded. "I was planning to tell you all tonight, but I didn't expect you to gather us so early... The next horror movie is Starship Troopers 1, a science fiction war film, rated extremely difficult... And for the next movie, we will be pitted against other teams in direct combat. However, for the final piece of news, I don't know whether to sigh or rejoice..."

"I will be delayed entering the horror movie world. The 'Main God' has determined that our strength surpasses the opposing force!" The valor of men, the iron-blooded war—in the instant my comrades fell into the sea of bugs, my own iron-blooded body leaped in! Leaping towards...