207- Abyss Trial
While the Tower Trial for the transcendent team was underway, the Abyss Trial was also underway.
The way the Abyss Trial went was vastly different from the Tower Trial.
The first floor of the Abyss Trial required the scientific team to create a proper blueprint for the floating aircraft carrier.
Although they could do it, the requirements were actually strict. Charlene then made a quick readjustment which saved the team some time and focused on the smaller details that would affect the entire structure.
This was the first floor, and they were already challenged by this requirement. Charlene and the others finally made a different aircraft carrier from their civilization’s aircraft carrier.
“Finally done.” Charlene said with a nod of satisfaction.
“Sister Charlene, will this be fine?” Annie asked as she was sure that the next floor’s requirement was for the aircraft carrier to be used either on voyage or on battle.
“Don’t worry, this aircraft carrier is our effort together. Even the aircraft’s specification has been made to suit the aircraft carrier to reach a seamless take-off and landing as well as mobility of the aircraft carrier.” Charlene explained.
“Submit.” Charlene said after she looked after everyone for a short rest.
They also wanted to see the aircraft carrier they had made in action.
[You have submitted ‘Aircraft Carrier Mk.III Model’ blueprint.]
[Assessment begins…]
[You have received an SSS rating. Reward is distributed.]
After hearing the rating, everyone was very happy. SSS rating was the highest rating for the Abyss Trial for each floor.
“We did it!” one scientist shouted.
“The highest rating on our first floor.”
“We should see the reward first.” One suggested.
“Right, Sister Charlene. Let’s open the reward.” Annie said.
Charlene nodded. She then let the reward be distributed.
[Rewards for SSS rating are as follows: One Gene Optimization Potion, One Standard Spacecraft Blueprint, One Mind Power Enhancement Serum, One Artificial Black Hole Generator Device]
Seeing the reward, Charlene looked at the others. Seeing each other’s surprise, she realized that this reward was truly big. But she knew that this was just on the first floor and she should not get complacent.
There were higher floors to be challenged and that meant better rewards.
[You have accomplished the requirement for the first floor of the Abyss Trial. Do you want to go to the next floor?]
Charlene looked at Annie. Annie then looked at the other scientists. They all nodded with a hopeful expectation.
She nodded in agreement and willed to climb to the next floor.
Their current place was in the white space with several tables and chairs for them to sit and draw blueprints. Now the white space collapsed and was replaced by the familiar sensation of the beach and the sea.
There were coconut trees along the beach line; the waves softly flowed and ebbed, while in the distance, Charlene could see a familiar form.
“In the distance, isn’t that our designed aircraft carrier?” Annie asked while pointing out toward the steel giant in the distant sea.
“Yes, it is.” Charlene nodded in agreement.
[Abyss Trial second floor requirement. Experimental Test.]
[Experimental Test: Your designed aircraft carrier has been made and is now on its maiden voyage. Optimize its effectiveness in all aspects of an aircraft carrier.]
“So we need to collect data from the designed aircraft carrier.” Charlene grasped the second-floor requirement quickly.
They all needed to collect as much practical data as possible before integrating it with the theoretical knowledge of the blueprint of the aircraft carrier.
Around them in the small island, there were devices to communicate, probably to the admiral on the aircraft carrier as well as the parameters for the aircraft carrier being there.
“Then the division of labor is as usual.” Charlene said before she added, “Let’s show this trial that we are the brightest star of the Hinon Federation and our civilization.”
All of the people then shouted with excitement.
The first to be tested were the aircraft carrier’s speed and maximum distance traveled.
“Report: the aircraft carrier has reached one-eighth of its maximum distance. The fuel needed is also as we estimated, but this can be improved if we switch to a nuclear fusion engine.” One scientist reported.
“The tonnage of the aircraft carrier needs to be readjusted if we did that. We can add more capability to it or add more aircraft.” Annie commented.
“Add more aircraft. The offensive and defensive method of an aircraft carrier lies within the aircraft it brings. So adding more should be doable. We just need to readjust the deck.” Charlene said.
Then from the practical tests as well as theoretical technical aspects about the aircraft carrier, Charlene and the others began to deconstruct and reconstruct the aircraft carrier to be as powerful as possible.
As for the rewards from the Abyss Trial, all of them knew that their worth was when it could be mass-produced so they kept it.
After a sleepless ten days, the suitable aircraft carrier was finally drawn on the new blueprint and was then ready to be retrofitted to the available aircraft carrier.
The Aircraft Carrier Mk.IV Model, which was the final design for the suitable aircraft carrier that could be used in this Abyss Trial second floor.
Then the aircraft carrier was launched and its effectiveness increased and a seamless take-off and landing could be done along with the security of air superiority as well.
Charlene, Annie and the others who saw it through the video being livestreamed felt happy and fulfilled. They had surpassed their initial thought about the test data.
But at the same time, they were tired since they pulled an all-out effort in the last ten days. So they all slept in their bed, no matter the condition. They woke up twelve hours later and felt slightly better.
Charlene stretched her body with everyone to preserve their healthy bodies. Then they did light exercise before gathering on the beach to submit their work to the system of the Abyss Trial.
“Submit.” Charlene said confidently.
[You have submitted ‘Aircraft Carrier Mk.IV Model’ blueprint and experimental test data.]
[Assessment begins…]
[You have received an SSS rating. Reward is distributed.]
Charlene and the others were celebrating since they did not expect that at all. After all, they knew their standings in reality. They were just a speck of dust in front of the civilization that could battle n the Universe Field.
But since the system gave them such a rating, it meant that they truly deserved it. They knew that for a trial, the judgment system would be so strict it was practically asking them to perfect a test.
[Rewards for SSS rating are as follows: One Rank 3 Transcendent Technique, One Assault Spaceship Blueprint, One Enhancement Cabin Blueprint]
Charlene and the others naturally saw the system announcement. Three rewards, although one less than the first-floor rewards, but their significance of them were still quite important for the civilization.
Then everyone shouted.
“Please open the Transcendent Technique!”
“Open!”
“Open!”
Hearing that, Charlene had to open the Transcendent Technique.
[Are you sure you want to open the Rank 3 Transcendent Technique?]
[Yes.]
Charlene willed it and agreed to open it. Then, in the system inventory, there were seven lights from the Rank 3 Transcendent Technique.
[Name: Three-Styles Breathing Technique
Effect: With three different breathing styles, you can create three main effects.
- Fire Breath: Increase your force by 50%/100%/200%/400% according to Beginner/Proficient/Mastery/Perfection.
- Liquid Breath: Increase your transcendent energy recovery by 50%/100%/200%/400% according to Beginner/Proficient/Mastery/Perfection.
- Solid Breath: Increase your physical body prowess, either stamina, endurance, or physical-based attack, by 50%/100%/200%/400% according to Beginner/Proficient/Mastery/Perfection.]
“Wah, the effect is so good.” Annie was the first one to scream out loud in excitement. The others became spirited as they saw the effect.
“We need to learn it right now. It is of utmost importance to bring this technique back to civilization.” One scientist let out his opinion.
“Yes, we need to learn it to increase our effectiveness and efficiency.” Charlene smiled and thought about Tatsumi.
‘He will like this present. I can already see his reaction.’ Charlene thought as she willed for the technique to be retrieved from the system inventory.
A jade slip came out and then Charlene channeled out her transcendent energy and information suddenly came into her mind as lights came out from the jade slip.
Charlene’s eyes became distant as the others carefully took one step back as not to disturb Charlene. After fifteen minutes, Charlene opened her eyes and grabbed the jade slip.
“Alright, I have memorized the Three-Styles Technique. I will transmit the complete technique to you all.” Charlene said as she used her mental power to form a mental link with everyone.
Then she transmitted the technique verbatim without adding her own understanding of it. The others’ expressions became relaxed as they received the technique and then slowly stood still.
Then the first thing they did was to practice the Liquid Breath to recover their spent transcendent energy. The effect was immediate; they could feel the transcendent energy recovering faster when their proficiency was just at Beginner.
“This Three-Styles Breathing Technique is so good.” Annie commented.
“Offense, Defense and Recovery are all covered. Of course it is a good reward.” Charlene also practiced it and was at the height of Proficient already.
Her transcendent energy recovery was doubled and she recovered even faster than the others.
After that, they, as the scientists, tried other breathing styles and found out that it was effective on any offensive and defensive method. This sparked even more of their spirits.
“Alright, everyone. Now that we have recovered fully, it is time to go to the next floor. The third floor, I don’t know exactly what will be tested but we have to be fully recovered when the time comes.” Charlene said before the system panel appeared in front of her.
[You have accomplished the requirement for the second floor of the Abyss Trial. Do you want to go to the next floor?]
Charlene willed it and the entire team was then teleported to the next floor.
The next floor was actually them on the ship in the middle of the battle. Charlene and the others quickly recognized that they were in the Aircraft Carrier Mk.IV Model.
They were on the bridge, and the first thing they saw was the aircraft carrier's aircraft taking off in batches.
Then the system window panels appeared to them.
[Abyss Trial third floor requirement. Real Battle Data.]
[Real Battle Data: Your designed aircraft carrier is now in battle. Gather the data of the aircraft carrier’s all aspects in real battle.]
-
Dian looked at the list of the scientific team that Charlene led.
When their names appeared on the first floor as the highest in rating, Dian was surprised.
He did not expect that the team would score so high that it was recorded on the list.
“I didn’t expect that at all.” Dian murmured as he looked at the list.
Dian then turned his head to look at the half-beast raccoon.
“Oh, right. I don’t know your name yet. Mind if you introduce yourself?” Dian asked in a polite manner.
“Ah! You want to know my name?” The half-beast raccoon Planet Master was elated, as if asking about his name was the greatest honor he had ever had.
“Of course. I mean, you kind of guided me here. It would be a pity not to know the name of such an individual.” Dian said with a slight smile.
“I am Franco. Nice to meet you.” Franco introduced himself.
“But from your appearance, your race looks like the one described in the stele. What was it again, the human race, right?" Franco said as he was not completely sure.
For the half-beast Planet Masters, seeing the appearance of the human race reminded them of the missing link in their ancestry. Now, they could see for themselves that the human race was that missing link.
“Right.” Dian nodded helplessly. Ever since his race was listed on the stele, he had braced himself to be the one who was famous and the other Planet Masters to seek.
“But why are you so nice to an entity like me? I am just a lowly guide.” Franco said.
“Lowly? You?” Dian frowned hard. He did not expect Franco to look down on himself that much. His ingratiating tone sure was one thing but to think that this was actually the case of not liking yourself.
“Listen. The one who values you is yourself. Do you know that by lowering yourself, you will truly lower yourself in the other’s perspective?” Dian stated.
“But…I don’t have anything worth of noting.” Franco said.
“No, you are a suitable guide. Didn’t you explain to me the Tower and Abyss Trial to me in detail?” Dian said.
“But that is something easy to do. Everyone would surely do this well enough if not surpassing me.” Franco once again lowered himself.
“But I have never seen them. I only see you who is working hard to be a suitable guide.” Dian honestly said.
“But there are better individuals than me.” Franco said with a sad smile.
“Oh, but I only see you right here, right now. Where are they then if they, as you say, are better than you?” Dian asked while tilting his head.
“That…”
“Let’s be honest. I only see you here and probably will only see you.” Dian said with a certainty in his tone as he looked around and only saw the half-beast raccoon and himself.
“So, have more confidence in yourself. At least show it to me.” Dian added.
Dian looked at the half-beast raccoon with a warm smile and an expectation in his eyes.
Franco could not bear to let those eyes filled with expectation be disappointed. So he let out a forced smile that was as ugly as crying.
Dian patted Franco on the shoulders, still with a warm smile.
“You should practice smiling more often. Smile with the confidence that you are worthy of it!” Dian said while he himself let out a smile filled with happiness and satisfaction.
“I-I am trying.” Franco forced himself to smile, which was a torturous deal since he had never smiled with confidence. At most, he smiled ingratiatingly.
“Trying is not enough. Imagine this then: you have everything you have desired. Then you smile thinking about it. You have everything, so you let out a smile.” Dian said as he smiled while his finger pointed to the corner of his mouth.
Dian did this because he found that Franco was the first one he met, and he did this as a way of repaying the favor. After all, Dian disliked owing a favor to someone.
Then Franco tried to imagine it. He imagined that he had enough energy points for his race and civilization. His race venerated him, and he was at the top of the world. Then he let out a smile.
“See that. You can smile like that too.” Dian grinned.
While Dian did that, he took out a small mirror that reflected the smile that Franco had done. The smile felt different. The corner of his mouth was more natural and had a weight in it.
“I…I can do it, too.” Franco felt that what was reflected was his successful self, not his current self.
Dian knew why Franco was like this. To gain additional energy points, many Planet Masters forced themselves to work just to scrape some energy points for their races to develop.
It looked just like the blue-collar and white-collar workers in his civilization, working hard to earn a living and the future of their progeny.
That was why he wanted to help anyone he could interact with. And Franco was one such individual. Although Franco was a Fourth Rank Planet Master but Dian could feel that Franco was much weaker than him.
That was when Dian still had Auxiliary Cards for the Third Rank. If the current him were compared to Franco, he would crush Franco a hundred times over.
“Practice smiling like that sometime. It will be useful for you, too.” Dian advised.
“Thank you!” Franco let out a brilliant smile as he looked at Dian. Just by caring for him, Franco felt that Dian should be befriended no matter what.
That was why Franco grabbed Dian’s hands and shook it greatly. Dian nodded in understanding before stopping him.
“Alright, alright. Stop swinging my hand.” Dian comforted Franco.
“I just need you to guide the new Planet Master with confidence as someone who knows about the Tower and the Abyss Trials.” Dian said one last thing to Franco, and Franco nodded vehemently.
Dian returned to look at the list of both Tower Trial and Abyss Trial.
Franco, on the other hand, felt like something was changing inside his existence. His weary self now felt refreshed for the first time in a long while.
This is thanks to his help. If I kept doing what I had done without changing, perhaps there would be a time when my existence would be changed into irreversible damage and affect me and my race. He is my savior. But I don’t know his name yet. No, more like I don’t dare ask.
“Oh, right. I am rude for not giving my name.” Dian remembered something now. He had almost forgotten to give Franco his name.
“I am Dian. I am a Fourth Rank Planet Master, just like you.” Dian introduced himself.
“Master Dian. Thank you for encouraging me to be confident. At least, I know that you wish for me to be like this.” Franco said while silently murmuring Dian’s name to remember it better.
To Franco, Dian’s name was as important as his own life. He would be surprised to hear later that Dian was famous in the Undead Planet Masters’ community.