Chapter 00031: The Workshop (Thanks to Chen Zui for the Alliance Leader)
# The Workshop (Thanks to Chen Zui for the Alliance Leader)
Chapter 31
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 31 The Workshop (Thanks to Chen Zui for the Alliance Leader)
The birth of every chosen one begins with a blessing bestowed by the highest virtue.
From the vast tapestry of countless phenomena, the essence of time is woven, with its precious threads falling upon souls, responding to the desires and prayers of the chosen ones, granting them the powers gifted by the world.
Although there is no rule saying that one cannot receive more than one blessing from the highest virtue after obtaining the first, the majority of chosen ones tend to focus deeply on a single path of virtue.
Unless necessary, they do not overly engage with other blessings of virtue.
Each person has a limit to what they can bear.
Most individuals find it difficult to manage multiple blessings even if they specialize in just one.
If the number of blessings exceeds one’s capacity to bear them, they can spiral out of control, leading to shattered souls, damaged consciousness, or even physical deformities.
What follows then is a fate that makes chosen ones shudder—“corruption!”
If one is lucky, they might manage to salvage their situation after shedding some blessings but end up crippled or in a vegetative state.
If they are unfortunate and attract the attention of malevolent forces outside the highest virtues, their outcome is often worse than death.
To avoid such situations from occurring, the secret art known as “Matrix” was born.
Through generations of exploration and experimentation, the chosen ones created twelve soul seals representing the highest virtues.
These seals could enhance the capacity of the soul and guide chosen ones in their advancement to grow in a designated direction, preventing them from losing control.
It acts like a guide and map for the path of virtue.
At the same time, it serves as armor and protection for the soul, able to resist the corruption and contamination of malignant forces.
Even within higher matrices, there are rules and vows that ordinary chosen ones do not possess.
Just like the one Ji Jue had once seen on Wen Wen—the “Minerva.” Named after the war goddess from before the Era of Catastrophe, it is one of the top matrices of the Ruins system.
Not only does it bring out Wen Wen’s crystallization ability to the fullest, but it also adds unmatched effects in erosion, defense, and lethality, which can even cover reality and create a realm that feels like another world!
“Hmm, it sounds like a professional template designed specifically for the twelve enhancement directions. By leveling up step by step, one can gradually light up the required skills, avoiding the danger of practicing wrong, right?”
Ji Jue felt he understood—not just a little but fully grasped it.
“... While that’s close, why does it sound so cheap when you say it?”
Ye Chun’s eye twitched slightly, but she let it slide and continued, “From the moment of awakening, those who become chosen will gradually grow. They go through—the call, transformation, rebirth, and ascension—these four realms. After crossing twelve levels, most chosen ones will only dream of entering the realm of celestial beings for their whole lives. Entering such a realm, for ordinary people, they might as well be gods. However, that’s not your concern. As a level 1 newcomer, you should worry about how to manage your matrix. Otherwise, even if the highest virtue bestows another blessing upon you, you won't be able to hold onto it.”
She chuckled softly, “The matrix inherited from my aunt is called ‘Mo Ya.’ It’s one of the top matrices in the Embers realm, specializing in enhancing alchemy. Unfortunately… it’s restricted to females. How about you consider a trip to the Southeast Islands? Their gender change services seem well developed.”
“What, it even has a gender restriction?” Ji Jue was shocked, feeling a chill run down his spine, nearly in tears.
Why should a good matrix have to specify gender?
How silly!
No way, he had to post something on social media…
“It’s not just about gender. The stronger the matrix, the more restrictions it has. Some even limit the age for implantation, or personality. Some require simultaneous surgeries to remove body parts or organs. Others might forcibly alter your personality, or even erase your emotions entirely.”
Ye Chun shook her head, “Simply limiting gender is one of the least restrictive types.”
In the silence that followed, Ji Jue remained quiet.
For a moment, he wanted to make a joke to lighten the mood, but he suddenly remembered Wen Wen… The way her indifferent eyes showed no emotion when she opened her realm.
He wanted to say something humorous, but his voice turned dry, and he was taken aback: “Senior, I heard a jerk say once that the way of the Ruins is the road that needs the least human heart. Is that true?”
“Well, there’s some truth in that. After all, the Ruins represent material, and material things probably care the least about emotions.”
“But it’s not that absolute,”
To outside observers, chosen ones exhibit various traits based on the path of virtue they select.
Or perhaps, it’s precisely because of these traits that they can receive blessings from the highest virtue.
For example, those chosen on the path of Ruins tend to be rigid and emotionally cold, while those who manipulate souls, the transformable chosen ones, are often overwhelmed by emotions to the point of being neurotic.
The chosen ones of the White Deer path are usually laid-back and rebellious, while those from the Tianyuan path view them as completely inconsistent, not willing to listen, and lacking manners and upbringing.
Chosen ones from the Tianyuan path typically follow the rules, whereas those of the White Deer path think the Tianyuan chosen ones are control freaks, every word they say feels like a trap, filled with hidden agendas.
The large group of chosen ones often involves murderers, resulting in malicious incidents; those from the Heart Pivot path are scheming and deeply reserved; the Mirrored chosen ones are known for deception; those from the Ether path pry into private lives for gossip, risking their lives; and the Entropy chosen ones have explosive tempers, can snap at the slightest thing; and those from the Embers path are all tech enthusiasts, each acting wildly, leading to chaos like ‘Oni-chan, ah so bo’ incidents…
Different chosen ones from distinct paths often have conflicts and disputes, filled with inherent impressions and misconceptions.
In truth, most of this… is quite accurate!
Unfortunately, it’s not prejudice; it’s a fact.
Though there will always be exceptions, most of the time, chosen ones complement each other with their respective virtues.
“It’s just like you—”
Ye Chun pointed towards Ji Jue, who looked confused: “Aren’t you the same?”
“Ah? I’m not that obsessed with technology!”
“Really? After spending so many years at Tianmen University with my aunt, I’ve seen those who beat themselves to study for exams, and those who pour their heart and soul into achieving results. But you? You’re the first one I’ve seen enjoying studying so much. Sometimes I even feel annoyed, hoping you’d roll over and become a pile of bones, yet when I don’t make an effort to take you out for dinner, you practically starve in the lab.”
“I'm just living under pressure!” Ji Jue replied firmly, “If I lived like those rich kids, without worries for food and drink, why would I be this diligent? There are no options!”
“You already have a choice, Ji Jue.”
Ye Chun looked at him, her expression unclear, and sighed, “You’re already a chosen one, and it’s a self-awakening. Isn’t it simpler, more convenient, and more profitable than being an alchemist? Why haven’t you thought about finding another job?”
Ji Jue had no words.
Though he could argue that he was shy and had gotten used to being around Professor Ye, whom he trusted, he couldn’t deny that… even when it was difficult in the project group, no matter how troublesome it was to keep up, he enjoyed it.
The blessing from the Embers had never felt empty.
He preferred living this way over trying to dominate others or act according to whims or engaging in violence.
If he had to rely solely on his skills to earn a lot of money and lead a life of idleness, he would feel guilty toward time and life itself.
He wanted to live meaningfully.
Even if he couldn't become a revolutionary scholar in industry or the unparalleled master of alchemy, being able to change more lives with his creations is still a good thing, right?
After a brief moment of shock, he accepted this fact calmly.
It’s good enough.
A scientist that’s a little crazy, or wait—this might not even be scientific.
How about a magical eccentric? As long as he was still human, that was all that mattered.
Tap.
The clear sound of footsteps came from the stairs.
“Are you done talking?”
Professor Ye appeared, carrying a box covered in dust, coming down from upstairs.
“Ah, almost. The remaining common knowledge can be read up on.”
Ye Chun sighed and rubbed her nose, “I finally understand why my aunt said I would regret becoming a chosen one eventually.”
“Those who overthink tend to dither, and those with too many choices often face dilemmas. This isn’t your fault; you just don’t fit. Forcing yourself isn’t good.”
Professor Ye summoned Ji Jue with a wave of her hand, “Come with me.”
Ji Jue got up to follow, but Ye Chun remained on the couch, continuing to snack on chips, casually waving her hand while glancing at a variety show.
It was as if she was restraining herself from looking back.
“Don’t worry about her. She’s different from you. The research and exploration you find delightful feel too mundane for her.”
Walking ahead, Professor Ye seemed to read Ji Jue’s mind, saying without looking back: “You should worry about yourself, Ji Jue.”
“Huh?”
Ji Jue's attention snapped back, feeling a rising tension.
The basement was unexpectedly spacious, strikingly different from Ji Jue's imagination of dark corners, flickering candles, animal bones, and strange specimens on display, along with intricate magical formations.
What he saw… was a processing workshop!
Ninety percent of the items inside looked just like those found in the research laboratory equipped for the project group at school, with specifications far surpassing them… Just that one three-meter-long machine from Cosmic Heavy Industries caught Ji Jue's eye.
He had never seen that model before, but it had the Cosmic Heavy Industries logo, as if it were custom-made.
The device was over nine meters long, towering above Ji Jue, easily catching anyone’s eye even in a factory setting.
Here, it rested like an honored guest.
Most striking of all was the enormous furnace door at the end of the basement.
Even from a distance, one could feel the heat emanating from it, as if it continuously operated day and night.
And in the center, on the workbench, there lay a metal structure resembling the shape of a giant’s remains—it was a power armor!
Still unpainted and lacking any markings, it looked as if it was unfinished, with complex cables exposed, snaking out between the devices in its chest.
Even within the army, such dangerous weapons were supposed to be strictly secured, prohibited from deployment on the battlefield without orders from the military.
Yet, here it was, boldly displayed before Ji Jue.
He couldn’t help but swallow hard.
Oh no, I know too much.
They won’t silence me, will they?
That absurd thought quickly vanished from his mind.
Professor Ye, walking ahead, seemed to sense his worry yet didn’t even turn to glance back: “Interested in the military’s classified development contract from Haizhou?”
“Uh, no, I’m not!”
Ji Jue shook his head frantically, but upon seeing the exposed harmonic reducers on the armor joints and the familiar energy furnace nestled within the chest, he finally realized what his paper on the application direction of the new planetary framework was truly connected to.
No, everyone in the research group at Tianmen might very well be assisting in the creation of that very thing sitting on the workbench.
“Come here,” Professor Ye said. “Put your hand on it.”
An aged briefcase opened on another table, revealing finely crafted items resting on a soft velvet pad, remarkably resembling the crystal balls favored in fantasy novels.
Wait…
Ji Jue rubbed his eyes and double-checked.
It really is a crystal ball?!
Good news, it’s happening!
(End of Chapter)