At this moment, the cold, metallic voice of "Beacon" rang out from the life support module's communicator: "Lu Chenentang, if you can hear me, come to the special treatment room in the central medical area immediately. We have preliminary analysis results on your arm... and the knife. Wen Shifei, come here as well."
The special treatment room was filled with the faint hum of disinfectant and energy instruments. A massive holographic projection displayed a complex image split across two screens: On one side was a three-dimensional scan of Lu Chenen's entire skeleton, muscles, and nervous system. The injured areas, forcibly sealed and healed by the silver energy material, were highlighted, displaying an unnatural energy activity distinct from normal tissue. On the other side was a high-precision energy spectrum analysis of the Demon Blade. The mercury sheen flowing through the dark blade was magnified, revealing an extremely stable yet restrained, never-before-recorded high-level energy waveform.
The Beacon's towering form stood before the projection like a cold iron tower, its electronic eyes atop its metal visor gleaming with a calm blue light. The Healer was gone; a middle-aged, bespectacled researcher with a nervous expression was operating the equipment. He was the Fortress's only remaining bioenergetics expert, Dr. Chen.
"The situation... is more complicated and dangerous than expected." Dr. Chen's voice trembled slightly as he pointed at the silver areas on Lu Chenen's body scan. "These substances... we've temporarily named them 'active mithril'. They're not pure metal, nor are they biological tissues, but rather a highly condensed, self-repairing, energy-conducting... unknown energy polymer. They are the product of the violent energy at the bottom of the factory, forcibly fused with your body tissues under the guidance of Ms. Wen Shifei and the 'harmony' of Mr. Wen Yuan's residual consciousness. They temporarily seal the fatal wound, maintaining your vital signs, but they have also completely altered the physiological structure of the damaged area."
He pulled up an energy spectrum analysis chart and pointed at the Demon Blade. "This weapon... is also deeply imbued with that energy. The blade's original energy structure has been completely reshaped. That mercury-like luster is an extremely stable, nearly inert form of high-level energy. Its energy level far exceeds our previous understanding, but... its extreme restraint also means extreme danger and instability. Preliminary testing indicates a strong, homologous energy resonance with the 'active mithril' in your body."
Dr. Chen took a deep breath, his eyes swept over Lu Chen's empty left arm and the dark magic blade, and he said with difficulty: "Based on the current analysis, we have two options."
He pointed to a projected model of an extremely precisely designed robotic arm, gleaming with a faint blue sheen. "Option One: Completely remove all 'active mithril' from your body, including the damaged tissue fused with it. Then, install the latest neural-linked bionic robotic arm. This is the safest and most controllable option. The robotic arm's materials and energy core can minimize conflict with the residual energy and demonic blades in your body."
"Price?" Lu Chen's voice was calm.
"The price is... you will forever lose the potential of this part of your body that has been transformed by 'Active Mithril'. The removal process itself is also extremely risky and may trigger unpredictable energy backlash and nervous breakdown." Dr. Chen pushed his glasses and pointed to another projection.
It was a far more sinister scheme: using the residual "active mithril" within Lu Chenen's body as a foundation, they would conduct targeted energy guidance and catalysis at the wound site of his severed arm, causing it to proliferate and shape according to a specific configuration, ultimately "growing" an energy arm composed entirely of "active mithril"! The Demon Blade would become the core energy source and weapon extension of this arm!
"Option Two: Accept it, guide it." Dr. Chen's voice was filled with a hint of fanaticism and fear. "Utilize the deep resonance that already exists between you and the Demon Blade. Using the Demon Blade as the core and 'Active Mithril' as the material, I will reshape your left arm! This will no longer be mechanical, but... a living weapon completely bound to your life, will, and soul! It may possess unimaginable destructive power and recovery capabilities! But..."
He paused, looking Lu Chenentang in the eye, and spoke word by word, "The risks are equally enormous. First, energy loss of control. The energy levels of the Demon Blade and 'Active Mithril' are too high. If the guidance process is wrong, your entire body will be torn apart or assimilated by the uncontrolled energy. Second, mental contamination. The Demon Blade itself was once a container of 'Ark' energy. Now, after its transformation, its nature is unknown. The deeper it is bound to your soul, the higher the risk of you being corroded by the cold will it contains, or even eventually replaced! Third... once this arm is formed, it will no longer be flesh and blood, but a pure killing weapon. You may... gradually lose some of the perception and emotions as a 'human'."
The cold air in the examination room froze. Wen Shifei's face turned pale. She subconsciously clenched her bandaged hands and looked at Lu Chenheng, her eyes filled with fear and dissuasion.
The beacon's electronic prosthetic eyes locked onto Lu Chenentang, and a cold metallic voice broke the silence: "The choice is yours, Lu Chenentang. The robotic arm represents a safe and controllable future, but the upper limit is set. The active mithril arm... is the path to the power of the abyss, but the price may be your soul. The fortress needs your strength, but it does not need a monster devoured by weapons."
Lu Cheneng remained silent. His gaze shifted slowly between the cold, precise mechanical arm and the ferocious, sinister energy arm on the projection. The phantom pain in his severed arm was a faint reminder of what he had lost. The demon blade pulsed coldly and familiarly in his hand, like the whisper of the abyss, tempting him to control the destructive power, yet also warning him of the risk of sinking.
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