The system is four years ahead of schedule, but Weird is still a cub.

"Oh?" This time, Shen Ge's voice sounded slightly surprised. He had seen Ugly Bull's combat performance in the action report and video, and was quite interested in his Bone Armor.

Because the Red Mist Armor used to rely on its high self-healing ability to offset the damage from the target, while the "Ghost Bone Armor" relies on its powerful defense to block it.

Li Xiang explained the principle of the "Strange Bone Armor" to Shen Ge in detail, and mentioned that it could even be used to condense "Strange Bone Armor" on the separated blood spiders. Shen Ge was completely shocked!

"Old Li, you're a genius!" Shen Ge exclaimed.

Li Xiang retorted, "So, in your eyes, I've never been a genius?"

"Uh."

Holy crap, when did Lao Li's eloquence become so good?

"Ahem." Shen Ge coughed lightly to cover up his embarrassment and changed the subject, saying, "I heard from Sheng Nan that a '12' clubhouse was brought over from the East District, and some things were sent over. I thought you would take the time to figure out those 'sacrificial' things first."

While operating the instruments, Li Xiang replied, "You know I'm not really interested in research on weirdos. I'm mainly responsible for research on weird energy equipment. Compared to me, my junior sister and Lao He have far greater achievements and abilities in research on weirdos."

“However, I was involved in Zhang Hong’s freak transformation. Speaking of which, do you know if it’s possible for Zhang Hong’s freak transformation to be reversed?” Li Xiang asked.

Shen Ge paused for a moment, then said with slight surprise, "I really didn't know that. If I remember correctly, when I brought Zhang Hong back from Australia, he had already entered an irreversible high-level mutation period, right? Is there still hope for reversal? Has your research on the Qi Energy Inhibitor made a breakthrough?"

"Let's go find Lao He. I'll explain everything to you on the way," Li Xiang said, putting down the instrument he was holding.

In a deeper, highly isolated medical observation area, Zhang Hong lay in a life support pod.

After the initial injection of the new inhibitor "Type I Anti-Armor," the monitoring instrument showed a clear trend of flattening out of the previously turbulent curve of his parasitic and bizarre energy fluctuations, which represented the activity level of the parasitic organisms in his body.

Although it is still far from being completely suppressed, this is undoubtedly a major breakthrough.

The medical team and research observers waiting outside breathed a sigh of relief, their faces lighting up with hope. Zhang Hong's eyeballs seemed to move extremely slightly beneath his tightly closed eyelids.

Li Xiang led Shen Ge through layers of heavy isolation doors into the deepest, most isolated medical observation area of ​​the base.

The air here seems to have been specially filtered, carrying a hint of cold disinfectant and a faint scent of eerie energy suppressant.

In front of the huge observation window, He Youwei and Jiang Peiwen, along with their team of researchers studying strange individuals, were intently staring at the life support pods and data screens inside.

Inside the cabin, Zhang Hong lay quietly, his body connected to a complex network of tubes. However, the curve of the parasitic energy fluctuations on the monitoring instruments, which represented the activity level of the parasitic entity within his body, was indeed much more stable than before. Although there were still occasional small fluctuations, it was no longer in a state of violent out-of-control.

"Team Leader Shen."

"Minister Li."

Everyone looked at the two of them.

When He Youwei saw Shen Ge and Li Xiang enter, he nodded, his face showing a tired yet excited expression: "You've come at the right time. The effects of the 'Type I anti-armor' inhibitor are significant, judging from the initial results."

Jiang Peiwen pulled up several sets of comparative data and projected them on the screen: "Look, this is the peak value of the strange energy fluctuations before the injection. It has almost reached the sixth-order critical point and is extremely chaotic and violent."

"Twelve hours after the inhibitor injection, the peak value decreased by 35%, and the frequency and amplitude of fluctuations also decreased significantly. More importantly..."

She pointed to another set of cell activity analysis diagrams: "The special 'neutralizing factor' contained in the inhibitor comes from an inert, strange metal particle in the Ugly Ox 'Strange Bone Armor' sample. This particle can effectively interfere with the core energy node of the parasitic strange creature, temporarily 'paralyze' its activity, and seems to be able to slowly repair Zhang Hong's own eroded nerve tissue and inhibit the alienation process."

On the screen, under microscopic scanning, the abnormal tissue in certain parts of Zhang Hong's body showed faint signs of "reversal," with some distorted cell structures appearing to be slowly returning to their normal shape.

"A reversal?" Shen Ge looked at the subtle change, a hint of surprise and hope flashing in his eyes.

When he was working with Zhang Hong in the multiple strange spaces in Australia, his mutation was already very deep, almost fused with the strange cells in his body. Shen Ge forcibly separated him and took him out, more with the idea of ​​"leaving him with a whole body" or "a research sample".

"It's suppression and partial repair; it's not a complete reversal yet," He Youwei added meticulously. "'Armor-Piercing Type I' is more like putting a strong brake on an out-of-control train and attempting to repair some of the derailed carriages. But to completely eliminate the parasitic anomaly in his body, reverse all the mutations, and restore him to a normal person... the road is still long. However, this proves that the direction is correct! Combining the research on the Ugly Ox sample, we have found a breakthrough!"

Jiang Peiwen chimed in, "That's right. This is all thanks to the other strange creature samples that Captain Shen brought out from the multiple strange spaces in Australia. They provided excellent 'materials' for making the strange energy inhibitor."

Li Xiang chimed in, "That's why I said that Lao He and my junior sister are true geniuses when it comes to researching weirdos. My idea for the 'Strange Bone Armor' was inspired by them, which is why I thought of adding a 'shell' to the Blood Spider as well."

Shen Ge looked at Zhang Hong, who was sleeping soundly in the life support pod, and then at the data on the screen that represented hope. He nodded slowly: "You've worked hard. This is indeed a major breakthrough, and I hope Zhang Hong is worthy of this hope."

After the conversation, Shen Ge left the deep observation room, feeling more relaxed than when he arrived.

Although he didn't care about Zhang Hong's life or death, Zhang Hong's survival was a rare piece of good news in this brutal confrontation. Once a way to reverse the monster transformation was found in him, it would be great news for both dealing with the monster organization and treating the anti-monster warriors who were severely corrupted by monster energy!
As soon as Shen Ge stepped out of the heavy main gate of the research institute, he saw Chen Su waiting in the corridor outside the gate, his expression not too good.

"Captain Shen, I've finally waited for you." Chen Su quickly came up to him, his tone carrying obvious dissatisfaction and a hint of barely perceptible anxiety. "These past two days, the 'joint operation observation' arranged by Minister Deng has really been... disappointing."

Shen Ge didn't stop walking, gesturing for him to continue speaking as they walked: "Oh? What advice does Director Chen have?"

"I dare not presume to offer guidance." Chen Su followed Shen Ge's steps, his voice low, but filled with the frustration of wanting to vent his anger but not daring to: "Captain Shen, I came with sincerity, and I genuinely want to establish a deep cooperative relationship with the Rong City Special Affairs Department. But Minister Deng... is far too perfunctory."

He counted on his fingers: "The so-called 'operations' arranged are either clearing out low-level monsters wandering in the suburbs or raiding a smuggling den that doesn't even have a third-level monster."

“These kinds of missions, even your Special Operations Department captains wouldn’t normally need to handle them personally, let alone the observation team sent by our Dajing headquarters! We want to learn from Rong City’s experience in fighting high-level monsters and dealing with complex supernatural disasters, not to watch you deal with ‘community security’ issues!” Chen Su stopped and blocked Shen Ge’s path, his expression incredibly “sincere”: “Captain Shen, I know that Minister Deng may still have some prejudice against me and Dajing headquarters. But I, Chen Su, genuinely want to cooperate this time! To show our sincerity… we know that you had a grudge against Song Zhengjun of the First Bureau in Dajing.”

“We have dealt with the two ‘spies’ he planted in the task force to try to cause trouble in Rong City. Here are their files and copies of their transfer orders.”

He handed over an encrypted file folder: "I've already escorted the person back to Dajing overnight and handed them over to the disciplinary department for investigation. I'll also personally go to the Song family to explain. Is that sincere enough?"

"Captain Shen, could you please pass on a message to Minister Deng for me? I, Chen Su, genuinely want to get things done and cooperate! I ask her... to also show some real 'cooperative' attitude and arrange some actions that will allow us to truly learn and make a difference, would that be alright?"

Shen Ge took the file bag, weighed it in her hand, and looked calmly at Chen Su: "I have received Director Chen's 'sincerity.' I will pass it on to the minister."

He made no promises, simply saying, "However, Rong City's actions have their own considerations and pace. Director Chen, please be patient. Perhaps the real big event... is coming soon."

After saying that, Shen Ge left without lingering, taking the file bag and leaving Chen Su standing there, his expression shifting.

Shen Ge's last words, "a grand scene," made his heart skip a beat, filled with a vague unease, yet also a hint of anticipation.

Shen Ge didn't return to her office, but went directly to Deng Yuqi and handed her the file bag unopened: "Chen Su's 'sincerity' was to deal with the people Song Zhengjun planted. He complained that the observation trip you arranged was too 'low-level' and hoped to see some 'real substance'."

Deng Yuqi opened the file folder, glanced at it, and sneered: "Heh, that's ruthless enough, even selling out your own people. 'Practical skills'? If you want to learn real skills, you'll have to see if you're destined to learn them. Alright, I understand. Don't worry about it. I'll 'properly' arrange Director Chen's learning schedule."

Two days later.

The deepest part of the base is an underground firing range specifically used for testing high-risk, stealth weapons.

The space here is enormous, with walls and floors covered in thick energy-absorbing materials and energy-suppressing devices. At this moment, Shen Ge is wearing his newly refurbished Red Mist Armor.

The biggest change is in the shoulders.

The originally smooth shoulder armor lines now give rise to a complex, mechanical and biological-looking protrusion – the V-shaped “sniper mode” cannon base.

It is not a completely exposed cannon barrel, but rather an energy gathering port embedded in the shoulder armor. Its surface is covered with dark red bio-armor, and its center shimmers with a ghostly blue energy light, vaguely resembling the texture of the "bone crystal" on Shenhou's sniper rifle.

Li Xiang's voice came through the loudspeaker, filled with tension and anticipation: "Old Shen, are you ready? First, test the 'Ghost Bone Armor' defense module! Target: Simulate a fifth-order ghost energy impact! Intensity setting: 150% peak!"

"Come on." Shen Ge's voice came through the armor's communication system, calm and steady.

hum!
Across from the firing range, a massive energy generator instantly finished charging, unleashing a thick, dark red beam of light, mixed with destructive energy, that tore through the air like a roaring beast and slammed into Shen Ge.

Originally, Li Xiang wanted Xiao Qi to control the main armor and participate in the test, which was supposed to be such a "dangerous" matter, but Shen Ge believed that he wouldn't be in any danger in his seventh-level state.

Most importantly, he also wanted to take this opportunity to test the defensive capabilities of the Crimson Mist Armor "Ghost Bone Armor," to see what level of the Invisible Barrier it could reach.

Just as the beam of light was about to hit him, a layer of fine, tough, dark red armor plates that shimmered with the luster of metal and bone instantly "grew" on the surface of Shen Ge's red mist armor on his shoulders, chest, arms and other key parts.

The armor plates are not physical objects, but are formed instantly by highly condensed red mist energy simulating the characteristics of "ghost bone armor," creating a layer of energy armor covering a specific area.

Boom! ! !

A deafening roar echoed throughout the firing range.

The dark red beam slammed into the Bone Armor on Shen Ge's chest, unleashing a blinding light and a violent surge of energy, shaking the entire firing range!

The light faded, and the smoke and dust subsided.

Shen Ge stood still, without moving an inch!
The monstrous armor covering his chest was now covered only with a charred mark and a few fine cracks, which were rapidly being repaired by the surging red mist energy!
"Peak defense withstand rate: 158%! Exceeding expectations!" Li Xiang's excited voice came from the monitoring room. "Repair speed... extremely fast! The Bone Armor defense module is a great success!"

"Next, let's test 'Sniper Mode'! Target: Moving target 2000 meters away! Simulated target: Tier 6 agility-type monster in evasion mode!" Li Xiang's voice carried a hint of fanaticism.

Shen Ge turned slightly to the side, and the dark blue energy gathering port on his shoulder instantly lit up with a dazzling light!
The surrounding air seemed to be instantly sucked out and compressed, emitting a low hum. A chilling sense of "stagnation" and "penetration" spread through the air.

Om-!
There was no deafening cannon fire, only a dark red beam of light, condensed to the extreme and moving so fast it was almost impossible to see with the naked eye, like a shooting star tearing through the night sky, instantly traversing a distance of two thousand meters!
boom! ! !
The alloy target in the distance, which was making irregular evasive maneuvers at extremely high speed, did not explode the moment the beam hit it. Instead, it was as if it had been hit hard by an invisible giant hammer and pierced through by the extreme penetrating force!

A bowl-sized hole with smooth, mirror-like edges appeared at the center of the target. The structure around the hole exhibited a strange "frozen" state, as if time had briefly stopped there before it suddenly shattered and twisted!
"Hit! Penetration effect...perfect! Stasis effect...verified successfully! Energy consumption...too high, charging time needs to be optimized!" Li Xiang's voice was filled with elation and a hint of thought for future improvements.

Shen Ge felt the slight warmth and energy consumption emanating from the shoulder device and nodded in satisfaction.

This new sniper rifle is incredibly powerful!

Although the charging time is slightly slower than the original version of Shenhou's weapon, its power seems to be superior, and it is perfectly integrated into the Red Mist Armor system.

"Very good. Old Li, well done." Shen Ge's voice was full of praise.

The test was over, and Shen Ge was in high spirits because of the powerful performance of the Red Mist Armor V. He took off his training combat uniform, took a shower, changed back into his civilian clothes, and met up with Cheng Shengnan, who was already waiting at the base entrance.

This time, there were no emergency alarms, no unexpected missions. The two drove like any ordinary couple in the city, blending into the evening traffic of Rongcheng. (End of Chapter)