076. Super God Machine (crossed out) Super God Psionic (confirmed)
Li Aozi had two mutation directions, both capable of synthesizing and granting Omega Energy to others.
[Enhanced Psionic Pod]: It can store multiple Omega Energies simultaneously and then release them in combination, mainly functioning like a skill. It also "physically" grants Omega Energy to others.
[Quantum Information Hub] allows the fusion of Omega Energies within the body and, by transplanting cells, generates fleshy buds to grant the synthesized Omega Energy to others.
At first glance, it might seem that granting Omega Energy to others isn't a profitable deal—but that's completely wrong.
Based on Li Aozi's experience over 14 versions, [Mutants] were the class least afraid of having their intel discovered. Their mutation options, specialties, Omega Energy combinations, fusions, and conversions—these combinations were endless, making it nearly impossible for anyone to crack or thoroughly research them.
Furthermore, with his Psionic Pods and [Blood of Immortality], Li Aozi could hold more Omega Energies than the average person—he estimated his body alone could carry the genetic load for about ten Omega Energies, and the pods provided an additional 22 slots, giving him a total of 32 Omega Energies at his disposal.
Considering that any combination of Omega Energies, like '1+1' or '1+1+1,' could create new skills—Li Aozi effectively had an endless supply of Omega Energy combinations.
[Mutants] were not lacking in versatility; the real challenge lay in mastering their Omega Energies—increasing their levels and proficiency.
Li Aozi had already thought this through from the beginning.
"Shared Omega Energy."
Renting out his unused Omega Energies, letting others help develop and improve them.
This was a unique gameplay mechanic for [Mutants].
However, the actual ratio wasn't very high—the benefit... was probably only about one percent of what he would get from training the Omega Energy himself.
For professional players, this didn't matter much; guilds would help power-level your Omega Energy proficiency. With hundreds of people casually grinding proficiency for you, by the end of a version, the development level would have at least increased by one tier.
For regular players, it worked if a few friends teamed up and helped each other grind proficiency, but for most players, it wasn't feasible.
But Li Aozi's situation was different.
First, he was recognized across Azure Star as the [Domination] class mentor.
Second, he wasn't just a mentor; he was a pioneer of the Dao Path.
Third, he was Azure Star's number one top-tier celebrity, with the highest reputation.
This created a market foundation.
His shared recipients were all [Mutants] on the [Domination] Dao Path, who were naturally inclined toward him and shared a mutual interest.
Their glory was his glory, and their loss was his loss.
Now, the powerful effects of Omega Energy were becoming apparent, making these military players eager but financially constrained. By the time the official process was complete and funding was approved, the war would likely be over.
In contrast, renting Omega Energy was much more cost-effective. It could immediately boost the combat power of the [Domination] Dao Path and provide a steady stream of income.
The key difference was that, unlike NPCs, most Azure Star people weren't interested in fleeing the universe. They had families, nations, and ethnic responsibilities. Most just wanted a happy life with their wives and children. The ambition to develop Omega Energy and become masters of their destiny... was likely less than one in a thousand.
Among players, that proportion was harder to determine. Most players were driven by competitiveness; they played games to have fun and get stronger.
Watching the fleshy, spiral bud rise from Li Aozi's palm, woven entirely from blood and flesh, some people instinctively felt discomfort. But under the influence of the [Aura of Goodwill], that discomfort turned into an aesthetic appreciation.
"Renting Omega Energy..." Liu Wenzhong was fully intrigued. "What exactly does that entail?"
Li Aozi smiled without answering.
The next moment, a trading interface appeared in front of the players, and they eagerly began reading through it.
"[Eye of Truth]—Myth-level (m, the twelfth Greek letter) Omega Energy, capable of seeing through all targets within visual range and their true effects. Passively, it also allows the user to identify items... The rented version of [Eye of Truth] has its energy consumption increased by 50%, but this Omega Energy's base consumption is already quite low."
The more Liu Wenzhong read, the more he liked it. This Omega Energy seemed tailor-made for tactical operations.
The officers excitedly discussed amongst themselves:
"Renting Omega Energy doesn't interfere with your main class? So we don't need to switch to [Mutant] to enjoy the effects of this Omega Energy?"
"The cost isn't bad at all. Implantation costs 2,000 experience points, and maintaining it costs 5,000 experience points per month. After completing a few missions, you can earn it all back."
"Not just that—agents of Law IV have bounties worth 3,000 to 4,000 experience points, and you can also loot their cybernetics and gear..."
While renting Omega Energy didn't improve its development level or allow it to evolve, the cost was so affordable that players eagerly discussed it. The x-ray-like ability of [Eye of Truth] was incredibly useful to them, especially in complex environments with heavy disguise tactics.
Not only that, the built-in identification feature was incredibly cost-effective—they had looted plenty of Law IV cybernetics and plugins, but without identification, those items had been gathering dust in their storage.
Plugins like [Peak Performance], [Lightning Reflexes], and [Nomad]—which gave instant speed boosts—were devastating in close-quarters combat, allowing enemies to rush right up and slaughter them.
Now, once they identified their equipment, they'd finally have a chance to retaliate and show the Frost-Plated forces what real combat was.
"Wait a second, I noticed a problem," an adjutant pointed out. "To access Li Aozi's Omega Energy rental option, you need at least 100 favorability points."
This realization was like a bucket of cold water poured over the excited players.
Over the past few days, they had noticed that raising favorability was like trying to chase down a race car in a tractor. It took immense effort and barely moved the needle, leaving them feeling deeply frustrated.
[Charisma] was nearly impossible to train.
Yet Li Aozi's threshold wasn't low—players needed at least 100 favorability points to rent Omega Energy from him.
This was a real headache... The military players already had their own training and work tasks, leaving them little time to grind favorability with Li Aozi.
Liu Wenzhong sighed internally. If he had known this, he would have recruited some female members into the squad. The combat power and organization were fine, but in terms of charm, they couldn't compare to the female team members.
"Unfortunately, we're not able to meet your requirements right now."
Liu Wenzhong said:
"We're very interested in this Omega Energy. If we could rent it, that would be ideal, but sadly, we don't have the means at the moment."
Hearing this, Li Aozi was secretly delighted: This is exactly what I was waiting for.
"In principle, I usually don't rent out Omega Energy because it would affect my own performance."
Li Aozi put on a troubled expression—after years of practice, he had mastered the art of lying without blushing. With his high [Charisma] and the persuasive power of the [Aura of Goodwill], his expressions were so rich that the players interpreted his hesitation and difficulty as genuine.
"However, since you've been fighting bravely for Granter, it wouldn't feel right if I didn't offer something in return."
In the players' eyes, Li Aozi's unspoken message was:
'I might suffer from this; I might even get hurt, but out of conscience and admiration for your actions, I'm still willing to lend you this Omega Energy. Don't worry about me—just fight well.'
This selfless spirit, sacrificing his own strength to help them, combined with the persona Li Aozi had cultivated, resulted in a massive impact on the players.
Li Aozi said, "I'll make an exception and rent it to you, but show me what you're made of. Don't let me down."
—What the players actually heard was: "Don't worry about my body, my future is in your hands."
Li Aozi added, "If you can't repay the potion costs, that's okay. You can work to pay off the debt; just ask Xislong for some contracts."
—What the deeply moved players actually heard was: "I understand your financial situation is tough, so I introduced you to the president as a big client. Work hard, and you'll be rich one day."
Li Aozi said, "I have things to do, so I'll take my leave."
—Not only were the players deeply moved, but under Li Aozi's care, they felt a sense of profound gratitude. What they actually heard was: "I may never be able to fight again. I've enjoyed talking with you, but now I have something important to do—something only I can accomplish."
He's so gentle, I could cry to death.
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