After thoroughly washing up and tidying herself, Artoria changed into a silver-gray scholar's robe that looked capable yet retained a scholarly air, then pulled Minerva, who had also changed into simple casual clothes, through the internal teleportation array directly to Hexi's "Heart of Dawn" laboratory.
Hexi seemed to have anticipated her arrival; she was busy processing something in front of a floating light screen.
Hearing the commotion, she turned her head and saw the refreshed Artoria, whose eyes were clear and determined, as well as Minerva beside her, whose temperament was calm and who had completely merged with that perfect starlight body.
A flash of understanding and appreciation crossed Hexi's eyes.
"Have you decided?" Hexi put down her work, leaned back in her chair, and folded her hands over her lower abdomen, her posture elegant and composed.
"Yes, Teacher, I have decided." Artoria took a deep breath, walked up to Hexi, and said in a solemn tone, "I have decided to take the path of self-enhancement."
"Using myself as the foundation, I will optimize and ascend. My goal is to gain survival and combat capabilities sufficient to stand, maneuver, and even counterattack in front of high-end combat forces, while retaining my emotions, cognition, and will as a human."
"Oh?" Hexi raised an eyebrow, seemingly unsurprised.
"Tell me your specific thoughts, and... why did you think of this direction? I remember that in your 'tree diagram,' there were quite a few options."
Artoria clearly and methodically explained her thought process, including her concerns about the external equipment route, her fundamental approval of self-enhancement, and her persistence in retaining her "humanity."
Finally, she looked at Hexi with burning eyes: "Teacher, in this Universe, the most mature and systematic path for self-enhancement and ascending life forms is the divine body technology."
"I want to study the Angel's divine body technology in depth, especially its basic principles and energy operation methods, to serve as the cornerstone and reference for my own path of self-enhancement."
Hexi listened quietly without interrupting.
It was not until Artoria finished speaking that she slowly nodded, a look of satisfaction appearing in her eyes.
"Your thinking is clear, your goal is defined, and... you haven't lost yourself in the pure pursuit of power. Very good."
Hexi's evaluation was high.
"Since you have chosen this path and hope to use divine body technology as a reference, then as your teacher, I have an obligation to give you a clearer and more essential understanding of 'divine bodies' and the top power levels of the Super God Universe."
"This may help you avoid many detours and also let you understand what kind of 'mountain' you will be facing."
She waved her hand to signal Artoria and Minerva to sit down, then stood up herself and walked to the center of the laboratory.
Following her will, the surrounding light dimmed, and countless tiny points of light emerged, beginning to combine and arrange in front of her, constructing a clear, layered, three-dimensional structural diagram.
"First, the most basic concept." Hexi's voice rang out in the slightly dim space, carrying the clarity and calmness of an instructor.
"In the cognition of the mainstream civilizations of the Known Universe, the enhancement and ascension of life are usually divided by 'Super Soldier' levels and 'divine body' levels."
"Super Soldiers are divided into the first, second, and third generations. This mainly focuses on quantitative improvements in basic physical functions, energy utilization, resistance to damage, and recovery speed."
"A first-generation Super Soldier is enough to crush the vast majority of conventional civilizations; the second generation can serve as elite units in interstellar warfare; the third generation is already the peak that conventional civilizations can theoretically cultivate, possessing the ability to fight on a galactic scale."
"For example, the Power of the Galaxy Ge Xiaolun and the Nuo Xing God of War Liu Chuang, who have been activated by your Earth Super Seminary, are currently between the second and third generation levels."
On the diagram composed of light points, data such as the energy fluctuation range, cellular activity threshold, and theoretical lifespan for the first, second, and third generations were clearly marked.
"And 'divine body' is a concept of another dimension." Hexi's tone became a bit more serious.
"It is not just an enhancement of physical functions, but also involves the essential understanding and reconstruction of matter, energy, and even information."
"Divine body technology is a field that can only be touched after a civilization's technology, resource accumulation, and understanding of the rules of the Universe reach a certain height."
The diagram extended upwards, and new layers appeared.
"Third Generation God Body." Hexi pointed to the first node, which was significantly brighter.
"This is the level that we Angels, as well as several other top god-making civilizations (such as Lieyang and Demons), currently equip on a large scale, or that core combat forces generally reach."
"It means the body is initially energized, cells possess high activity and regenerative capabilities, it can withstand bombardment from conventional interstellar battleship main guns, and it can distort local physical rules to a certain extent, such as short-range space jumps and energy deflection, with lifespans calculated in tens of thousands."
"Your senior legion commanders, including Yan, are currently at the Third Generation God Body level, though the strength varies based on individual differences and resource investment."
The diagram continued upwards.
"fourth generation divine body." Hexi's voice carried a hint of imperceptible pride.
"This is the currently recognized peak of mature divine body technology in the Known Universe. The body is highly combined with energy and information; taking ours as an example, the Holy Body, Holy Atomization, is nearly indestructible."
"As long as one Holy Atom exists and obtains sufficient energy and specific conditions, it can reorganize and resurrect."
"It is immune to the vast majority of known attack methods and can perform more complex rule interference, such as Keisha's Knowledge Treasury weapon library calls, or my Sky-based Computing Cluster operations."
"Energy is nearly infinite, and recovery ability is astonishing. Keisha, myself, and the Demon Queen Morgana are currently at the fourth generation divine body level."
"Among the returning Ancient Angels legion commanders, a few have also reached the fourth generation threshold."
The diagram paused here, and Hexi's gaze became profound.
"Then, there is 'King Level'." She said slowly.
"This is a concept that requires special attention. 'fourth generation divine body' is a technical level, while 'King Level' refers more to combat power, influence, and the 'right of definition' over a civilization or the Known Universe's landscape."
"An existence might possess a fourth generation divine body, but not necessarily be 'King Level'." Hexi gave an example.
"For instance, the Demon Queen Morgana is a fourth generation divine body with formidable combat power, but her 'King Level' is more reflected in her absolute rule over the Demon civilization and her propagation of the 'fallen freedom' philosophy; it is a 'King' at the level of influence."
"Another example is the God of Death Karl..."
Mentioning this name, Hexi's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly: "To some extent, he has jumped out of our divine body evaluation system."
"His 'Phantom Body' state is special and difficult to measure with conventional divine body standards. But judging from his ability to plan god-slaying, research the Void, and secretly influence the situation in the Styx and even the Known Universe, regarding him as a 'King Level' threat is accurate."
"He represents another kind of 'definition'—the exploration of death, the Void, and the unknown, and the subversion that may bring."
"And like Keisha and me," Hexi's tone returned to calm, "We are both fourth generation divine bodies and 'King Level'."
"We represent the Angel Civilization, the order of justice, and the current mainstream rules and stable power of the Known Universe. Our 'King Level' is a comprehensive manifestation of power, technology, civilization, and philosophy."
She summarized: "Simply put, before there are clear prospects for fifth-generation divine body technology, 'fourth generation divine body' is the ceiling of technology, while 'King Level' is a symbol of comprehensive strength and influence standing above that ceiling."
"The two have intersections but are not completely equivalent. For example, the Lieyang Guardian Pan Zhen is currently at the peak of the Third Generation God Body, but with the help of some of Sunlight's power and Lieyang's heritage, he possesses some means of a fourth generation divine body and considerable influence, which can be regarded as 'quasi-King Level' or a Third Generation God with King Level combat power."
Artoria and Minerva listened attentively. These secrets told personally by the most top-tier existence in the Universe made their understanding of power levels suddenly clear.
It turned out that beyond simple physical strength, there were such complex dimensions of "definition" and "influence."
"So, little Artoria," Hexi looked at Artoria, her tone gentle but serious, "You want to use divine body technology as a reference to enhance yourself; this direction is not a problem."
"But you must understand that from a first-generation Super Soldier to a fourth generation divine body, every step means a massive investment of knowledge, resources, and time, as well as a profound revolution in the cognition of your own life form."
"Especially the parts involving the combination of soul, consciousness, and matter-energy are extremely dangerous and cannot tolerate even the slightest error."
"Starting now, wanting to possess the ability to deal with 'King Level' or fourth generation god threats in a short time is, theoretically... almost impossible."
"Angels spent 30,000 years, from the first generation Super Soldier to the fourth generation god."
Artoria's heart sank slightly, but her eyes did not dim. She had long known that this road was long and difficult.
"However," Hexi changed the subject, a flash of slyness and absolute self-confidence appearing in her eyes, "You don't need to worry too much, or rather, carry all the pressure on your own shoulders."
"Research must be done step by step; you cannot rush it. But your safety is another matter." Hexi's voice carried an unquestionable meaning.
"Since you have chosen this path, as your teacher, as the Angel Civilization, we naturally will not let you be exposed to real danger before you grow up."
She snapped her fingers lightly, the surrounding three-dimensional diagram dissipated, and the light returned to brightness.
"There are some things I didn't intend to tell you, so as not to give you a psychological burden. But since we are talking about this, I might as well let you know." Hexi said nonchalantly.
"From the moment you took over 'star dome,' from the moment you brought that 'hope' to the Angels, you have already been one of the most core members of the Angel Civilization. Your safety has the highest priority."
"So," she looked at Artoria's slightly widened eyes and threw out a bombshell in a flat tone, "Without you knowing, your security work has already been arranged."
"Under normal circumstances, you won't feel their presence. But once you encounter a threat beyond your current ability to handle, they will appear immediately."
"As for the configuration... two veteran Third Generation God Body warriors, plus one... well, a veteran who has just broken through the fourth generation divine body threshold and is rich in experience. It is enough to deal with the vast majority of 'accidents'."
"As for who they are," Hexi waved her hand, blocking Artoria's subconscious question, "don't ask; this is discipline."
"You just need to know that under the banner of the Merlot Heavenly Court, in the territory of the Angels, no one can easily touch you."
"Keisha's Knowledge Treasury and my Sky-based Computing Cluster have the highest priority for monitoring and supporting your personal safety channel."
"Once triggered, they can tear open the vast majority of spatial blockades and information barriers in a very short time and send support to your side."
Artoria was completely stunned, an indescribable warm current and shock impacting her soul.
Two Third Generation Gods! One fourth generation divine body! And secret protection at that! Knowledge Treasury and Sky-based Computing Cluster highest priority support! This... this treatment...
Hexi seemed very satisfied with her reaction, smiled, and continued to "bombard" her: "Also, your 'hyperion' combat celestial body has a complex design, so the construction period will be longer."
"But the other 'little toys,' those guys in the logistics and engineering departments, worked overtime to rush them out for you."
She pulled up the light screen again, on which a series of dazzling 3D diagrams of weapons and equipment flashed rapidly.
"Here, these were rushed out according to the preferences and preliminary requirements you submitted. The 'Hive' type intelligent floating cannon array, in groups of twelve, can automatically target enemies, surround and attack flexibly, and is equipped with godslayer no. 1 armor-piercing rounds, which pose a good threat to divine bodies below the third generation."
"The city-level heavy energy cannon has been disassembled into modules; it can be quickly assembled when needed. One shot is enough to wipe out a large city without a problem."
"Anti-air close-in weapon system, specifically for hitting aircraft and dense targets."
"'Iron Curtain' automatic targeting sentry turret, equipped with a micro-phase shield, can be deployed as a defensive position."
"Oh, right," Hexi seemed to remember something and added nonchalantly, "Those lunatics in the engineering department, based on some energy structure conjectures you provided earlier, plus some inventory materials from the Heavenly City, 'conveniently' whipped up an experimental... well, let's call it a'ship cannon' for you."
"As for the power... after preliminary tests, under conditions of sufficient energy storage, the single-shot power should exceed the conventional output of the Heavens Blade Judgment."
"The theoretical maximum power... planet-killing is not impossible. Morgana's fourth generation divine body, if it takes a solid hit, should be pierced through."
"Of course, this thing consumes huge energy, has a long charging time, and is not small in size, so it can't be carried by you personally for now; it's being kept in the warehouse first."
Planet... planet-killing? Can pierce through Morgana's fourth generation divine body?! Artoria and Minerva were already too shocked to speak.
This, this is still called a "little toy"? This is simply a strategic weapon on a foul level!
Isn't such large-scale destructive, inhumane weaponry strictly prohibited in the Angel's order of justice?
As if seeing through their thoughts, Hexi snorted softly, her tone carrying an unquestionable dominance:
"Rules are dead, people are alive. The Angel's justice is to protect kindness and order, not to bind oneself in a cocoon."
"For friends, for family, for existences worth protecting with everything, our 'justice' naturally has different manifestations."
She looked at Artoria, her gaze profound and warm, enunciating every word clearly:
"Little Artoria, you must remember this. In the Known Universe, there may be many rules, many 'not allowed' things. But here with the Angels, for you, there are no such rigid restrictions."
"As long as it is what you need, as long as it is to protect you, even if it is forbidden technology or a weapon that destroys stars, the Angels can make exceptions for you, build it for you, and even..."
The corners of Hexi's mouth curled into a breathtakingly proud and sharp expression that belonged to the King of Gods:
"If you need it, the Angels can also... launch a holy war for you."
The calm words carried the weight of a thousand juns, with unquestionable determination and monstrous dominance, echoing in the laboratory for a long time.
Artoria stared blankly at Hexi, looking at the unreserved trust, doting, and protective intent in her teacher's eyes, only feeling her eye sockets heating up and her throat choking.
She knew that from this moment on, what she carried was not just her own dreams and her future with Minerva, but also a heavy, unreserved partiality and protection from the entire Angel Civilization.
This "special" treatment made her panic, but also filled her with strength.
"Teacher..." She opened her mouth, but thousands of words were stuck in her chest.
"Alright, save the sentimental words." Hexi returned to her usual lazy and smiling appearance, waving her hand, "You know what you should know. Go ahead, study, research, and be lovey-dovey with your Minerva."
"The road is still long; take it one step at a time. As for things outside, leave it to us old folks."
Artoria nodded heavily, burying all her emotions and determination deep in her heart, and tightly held Minerva's hand.
Yes, the road is still long. But this time, she is no longer groping forward alone in the darkness. Behind her is the vast galaxy, millions of Angels, and endless partiality and the most solid backing.
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