Jason wiped the saliva from the corner of his mouth and, as usual, cleaned up his "ugly expression of getting lucky with a jackpot." While strengthening his attributes as usual, he studied the two purple cards in his hand.
After reviewing their information, his expression grew increasingly strange.
[Fantasy Card: AT Field]
[Card Type: Ability Card]
[Rarity: SR]
[Description: A unique spiritual substance of the EVA world. It is the "soul barrier" that separates the self from the external world, also known as the "Absolute Territory."]
[Effect 1: Soul Manifestation]
Transforms mental energy into a special spiritual substance.
[Effect 2: Deploy Absolute Territory]
Grants powerful resistance against physical, energy, and heat-based attacks. When highly condensed, it can block external matter or generate counterforce.
[Effect 3: Field Manipulation]
Allows full control over the field, enabling impact, defense, intrusion, neutralization, and reversal applications.
A mental-type SR card of this level was self-explanatory.
One of these alone could equal a hundred normal mental attribute N-cards. It would directly double Jason's current mental power.
The other purple card was even more outrageous.
A so-called "psychic-type" ability from a certain orange-colored world, famous for becoming absurdly powerful the more withdrawn or emotionally closed off its user is. In the hands of angels or deeply withdrawn individuals, it could destroy worlds. Once it reached godlike levels, creation and destruction were nothing more than routine.
But I am not that kind of person…
I am not socially withdrawn at all!
Jason looked at the mental attribute card in his hand and quickly came to a decision.
After finishing the miscellaneous stat boosts, it was time for the main course.
He pressed the two purple cards into his chest.
A cool energy surged into his brain. His originally lake-sized mental power began to swell like a rising tide, rapidly expanding in volume.
At the same time, his spirit and something deeper and indescribable, his very soul, underwent a kind of embryonic growth and expansion, like a seed sprouting roots and growing into a towering tree, turning something invisible into something that now had weight in reality.
In front of him, the surrounding air automatically condensed into layered polygonal crystalline barriers. A deep blue glow flowed within them, making them look like fragile illusions that could shatter at a touch, yet also like indestructible ancient stone.
Enhancement complete.
Jason opened his eyes and carefully examined the Absolute Territory that had formed in front of him. He reached out and touched it. He could clearly feel that it was real. Its strength far exceeded the crude psychic barriers he had previously created with telekinesis.
He clenched his fist and threw a punch with about half his strength.
The punch struck the Absolute Territory, producing ripples of multicolored polygonal light. The impact energy spread outward like mechanical waves, dispersing and fully neutralizing. All that remained was visible vibration of spiritual matter. The structural integrity of the field remained completely intact.
There was no reduction in durability at all.
The only drawback was the consumption of mental energy.
To maintain this barrier, fine beads of sweat formed on Jason's forehead. Twice his previous mental power continuously condensed into spiritual substance and poured into the field.
When the barrier was under attack, the rate of mental energy consumption increased exponentially.
Jason estimated that under normal conditions, he could maintain it for about ten minutes. In a high-intensity battle, that duration might drop to one tenth or even less, depending on the enemy's attack strength.
He stopped the output of mental energy.
The Absolute Territory dissipated.
Jason exhaled and rubbed his tired brow.
It seemed that even now, he still could not fully unleash the true potential of the AT Field. In actual combat, he would probably need to switch it on and off at the right moments just to maintain normal performance.
So much for not being "withdrawn" enough.
Still, as a cheat user, Jason was not worried.
At his current growth rate, once Tornado joined the Hero Association, it was still uncertain who would hold the title of strongest psychic.
Flowing Water Fist Dojo
"Haa!"
"Ha!"
Early in the morning, Bang was leading his disciples through training.
The dojo was filled with activity. Dozens of disciples occupied the training hall.
However, behind the appearance of prosperity, there was a sense of decline.
There were many students, but few who could truly inherit his art.
"Charanko, put more strength into your waist! Is that weak punch something I taught you?"
"Y-yes, Master!"
After correcting one diligent but talentless disciple, Bang's gaze fell on another student.
A fifteen-year-old boy already nearly 1.8 meters tall, with natural white hair split into two strands. He had excellent potential, but a cold personality and rarely interacted with others, always training alone.
Garou.
Bang had once believed this child was the one he was looking for, but after half a year of observation, his doubts only grew.
There was something beneath that cold exterior, something even he could not fully see through.
So he decided to keep watching.
Suddenly, Bang's ear twitched.
"Continue training!"
"Yes!"
The disciples responded in unison.
In the next instant, Bang vanished from the training hall and reappeared outside the gate.
A young figure was slowly walking up the mountain path.
Bang raised an eyebrow and smiled.
It was Jason!
But his expression immediately stiffened.
This guy…
He was floating up.
Is having psychic powers something to be proud of?!
The old man screamed inwardly.
By the time Jason reached him, Bang forced a fake smile.
"Jason, aren't you supposed to be at work during the day? What brings you here?"
Jason: …
Why is this old man suddenly so hostile?
Yesterday we were drinking together like old friends!
Fine. I came here for help anyway, I won't argue with you.
He landed and snapped his fingers. Two boxes of tea appeared from his Fantasy Cards and fell into his hands.
Smiling shamelessly, he offered them.
"I came to bother you because I need a small favor, Master."
"Hm?"
Bang glanced at the gift boxes and mentally estimated the price.
His expression softened immediately. He took the gifts naturally and led Jason inside.
"Speak. I will certainly help if I can."
"Thank you, Master!"
As they passed through the training courtyard, Jason's eyes met a cold-looking white-haired boy.
Oh, it's Garou.
Not doing well these days, huh… or rather, still leveling up?
A hint of mischief rose in Jason's mind.
The moment their eyes met, he activated his telekinesis.
Garou shivered suddenly. A heavy pressure crushed his chest.
By the time he recovered, Jason had already walked past with Bang. He hadn't even clearly seen Jason's face.
Is that him?
Garou clutched his chest, breathing heavily.
His instincts screamed at him the truth.
That feeling was unmistakable.
In an instant, his teeth clenched hard.
Damn it…