Chapter 54: The Armor of Corruption

[Slayed "Corrosive Proto-Insect: Malicious Locust," gained 672 Spirituality]
[You have obtained "Rune Factor: Physique"]
[You have obtained "Rune Factor: Acuity"]
[You have obtained "Rune Factor: Spirit"]
[You have obtained "Rune Factor: Boon"]
[You have obtained "Rune Circuit Core: Indestructible (1)"]
[Slayed "Proto-Insect"]
[Destroyed "Locust Nest"]
[Destroyed "Mutated Insect Hive" (3/?)]

The headless corpse of the locust-man trembled and toppled to the ground.

A rapid succession of information prompts flashed before his eyes.

Zhou Yan staggered upon landing. In the next moment, the wounds he’d suffered from the locust-man’s assault were half-healed under the effect of the “Absorption Circuit.” The organs shielded by his ribs still ached faintly, and the ribs that had been broken were now mended to mere severe fractures.

“I need to get out and hunt down a few more creatures to recover more health...”

Such were Zhou Yan’s thoughts, though these minor injuries did not hinder his immediate actions. He reached out directly toward the headless remains of the locust-man—he was eager to know what tier this creature belonged to, and why it possessed speed and strength so formidable that even he had found it difficult to contend with.

[Corrosive Proto-Insect: Malicious Locust]
[Type: Calamity Seed (Demonic Insect)]
[Description: An ordinary orthopteran insect mutated through fusion with Chaotic Corrosive Stone, enhancing its exoskeleton, leaping ability, venom, and all other locust traits to an exaggerated degree under the influence of chaos.]
[Rating: Tier 3, 0-Star]
[Attributes: Physique 37, Acuity 34, Spirit 15]
[Note: Breed, expand, devour—the blight of corrosion!]

Zhou Yan’s eyes reflected a hint of uncertainty.

As expected, it was a third-tier opponent. Yet, the brief description alone could not explain how it had managed to contend with him in his fused state.

He decided not to dwell on it and instead prepared to use it as fusion material for his latest acquisition.

With a thought, Zhou Yan willed it.

The locust-man’s headless corpse, along with the severed head nearby, shattered into starlight.

Two illusory, resplendent cards materialized before him.

On the left was the familiar Lotus of Calamity Sword.

On the right, the scene transformed swiftly from a vague mist into the image of a black locust.

[Chaotic Entity "Corrosive Proto-Insect: Malicious Locust" has been recorded as material for the talent "Ultra-Fusion."]

Gazing at the two exquisite cards before him, Zhou Yan focused his mind on the newly acquired material.

He tentatively confirmed his intent.

‘Ultra-Fusion—Form Shift!’

Time seemed to pause for a split second.

The “Lotus of Calamity Apostle” form that cloaked Zhou Yan instantly unraveled, revealing his true self clad in the fitted armor beneath.

In the next instant, countless rays of light enveloped him.

[Activating Talent: Ultra-Fusion]
[Fusion Material: Corrosive Proto-Insect: Malicious Locust]

The shadow of a black locust emerged, merging with Zhou Yan within the radiant glow.

His armored form underwent a transformation in the blink of an eye.

From head to toe, his entire body—including his face—was now encased in an exoskeleton of gray-black, metallic, stone-like armor, reminiscent of a suit of armor.

His facial features were completely shielded. His previously intact left eye was now covered by a layer of azure compound lens, akin to that of a locust or mantis. The right eye was also shielded, but unlike the left, the membrane here was pale, edged with deep crimson patterns.

Sinister purple markings coursed across the exoskeleton that covered him.

Most notably, Zhou Yan’s left hand—which had once been severed at the wrist—was now fully restored. However, the exoskeleton in this spot differed from the rest, its color a stark, ghostly white.

[Fusion Complete]
[Fused Life-Armor Form—Locust Carapace of Corrosion]
[While battling in this form, additional Life-Armor Durability consumption: 15/second]
[Additional Attribute Bonuses: Physique +37, Acuity +34, Spirit +15]
[Skill 1 Unlocked—Locust’s Fierce Kick (Consumes 120 Durability per use)]
[Skill 2 Unlocked—Bloodmist Mode (Consumes 20 Durability per second while active)]

“Locust Carapace of Corrosion…”

Zhou Yan stood silently, his voice emerging from beneath the exoskeleton, altered and strange.

This new fusion form was distinct from the locust-man he had slain. The locust-man’s base was that of an insect, mutated into a humanoid. Zhou Yan’s base, however, was human—fused with the locust through his Life-Armor, he now wore an exoskeletal suit of armor.

Overall, the appearance somewhat resembled the masked heroes he had seen in certain Earth tokusatsu shows.

He slowly raised his left arm before his eyes, surprise and delight glimmering within them.

Though he could sense that this left hand was a hollow structure composed entirely of exoskeleton, with nothing inside,

Strictly speaking, this exoskeleton was not simply his “armor,” but a true extension of his “body.” He could control the exoskeleton perfectly, moving it as naturally as his own hand, and could feel sensations transmitted through its surface with precision.

In essence, there was no difference from having a real hand.

Beyond that, this new form offered many changes from his previous one.

For instance, the “compound eye” membrane covering his eyes genuinely granted him the unique vision of an insect’s compound eye—lower in clarity, but with exceptional light sensitivity and dynamic tracking. Combined with his original human eyesight, Zhou Yan’s overall vision was now extraordinary.

Most importantly, this fusion form came with two inherent skills: “Locust’s Fierce Kick” and “Bloodmist Mode.”

In this form, Zhou Yan instinctively understood the capabilities of these two skills.

He also now realized how the locust-man, despite being only third-tier, could match his own fusion form, which normally possessed double the attributes of a regular third-tier.

The two skills of the Lotus of Calamity Apostle were both tied to miasmic flame energy effects. Striking a “Calamity Mark” visible through the sword would trigger miasmic flames, dealing additional burn damage. The “Black Lotus Bloom” could unleash a surge of miasmic flames from his left arm, causing large-scale explosions and burning.

However, these abilities did not directly enhance Zhou Yan’s “physical” capabilities.

The Locust Carapace of Corrosion was different; its two skills closely resembled the powers the locust-man had displayed in their duel.

This was a form specialized for physical combat.

If he were to pit the Locust Carapace of Corrosion against his own Lotus of Calamity Apostle form, there was no doubt he could completely overpower himself.

For now, with no available opponents to test his strength against, Zhou Yan set aside his assessment of his newfound abilities.

He turned his attention to the rest of his spoils.

Four rune factors and a new rune circuit—a windfall indeed.

All in all, a fitting reward for such an unexpected and arduous battle.

The four rune factors were enough for his Life-Armor, which already housed seven rune slots, to advance once more.

However, before advancing, he needed to decide which rune circuit to equip.

He now possessed three rune circuits—“Shatter,” “Stealth,” and the newly acquired “Indestructible.”

He already knew the effects of Shatter and Stealth.

And Indestructible suited his preferences even more than the other two.