Otherworld Bone Dragon Operation Guide

Chapter 268 Mental Defense (Bonus Chapter 2 for Yang and Xiaoyinzi)

With the sixth aircraft in training, Su Ming finally completed the takeoff and landing procedures smoothly.

There will be no aerial maneuvering practice today; simply maintaining level flight shouldn't be too difficult. However, according to the training curriculum, there will also be troubleshooting and recovery techniques for special air situations.

However, the instructor terminated the training.

On one hand, the technical team needs to continue optimizing the flight control and control interface for Su Ming based on today's training data; on the other hand, the next training will be conducted in the snow mountain area, in a near-otherworldly environment of low temperature and strong winds.

"Isn't the wind strong enough today?" Su Ming asked, puzzled. The various wind changes today had given him a hard time, forcing him to use sideslip and crab-like approaches. He seriously doubted whether this was how beginner training was conducted.

"According to the final training goal, you need to be able to take off and land on a runway with a ground wind speed of 30 knots and side-head winds and snow," the instructor said. "You also need to be able to cope with the wind."

The space inside the sheltered valley wasn't large enough, and Su Ming didn't plan to invest too many resources in building a runway. So the final solution was to level and compact a patch of snow outside the sheltered valley and build a snow runway.

Taking into account the actual conditions of the venue, the training team designed these requirements.

"Is it difficult to reach this standard?" Su Ming frowned; these subjects didn't sound quite right.

"Don't worry, at your current learning pace, it's no problem at all," the instructor encouraged. The 15-knot crosswind just now was already the theoretical limit that a small aircraft of this size could achieve.

Compared to Miao Xin, who defies common sense, Su Ming's talent is exceptional.

"Anyway, you can crash our planes as much as you want. We'll make sure you're trained to the point where you can fly freely in snowy mountain and high-altitude climates!"

On Earth, it wouldn't matter if Su Ming crashed 100 planes, but in this resource-limited world, losing any materials or spending a lot of time searching for crash wreckage would be a huge waste.

It would be even more unacceptable if the aircraft went out of control and alerted the enemy.

"Understood," Su Ming replied.

Meanwhile, the Youth Civilization went to the Lorencia volcano. This time it went empty, and received supplies arranged by Daphne: a large amount of food, metal materials, alchemical explosives, etc., and returned fully loaded.

The supplies greatly enriched the camp's food reserves, especially the long-awaited fresh vegetables and even more precious fruits, bringing a joyful atmosphere to the entire camp.

Meanwhile, even more cement was transported back by this behemoth. This unreasonable transport monster easily accomplished in a single trip the work that would have been impossible for more than a dozen traditional transport teams, and the time required was ridiculously short. All the otherworldly beings who witnessed all of this were amazed.

This is the real way to experience a train!

****
The tunnel project has entered its second week of construction, reaching approximately 3600 meters, and has successfully established a second relay point.

The tunneling speed has increased significantly this week, but as the material transfer distance continues to increase, the subsequent construction progress will inevitably slow down. However, the project team is taking countermeasures to accelerate transportation efficiency.

Su Ming carefully checked the progress of each task and found that it was generally progressing within expectations. It would be slightly delayed from the planned five weeks, but within acceptable limits.

His and Zijin's workload decreased slightly, and the two of them reduced their working hours accordingly.

After all, a tough battle is ahead, and we'll be leaving the North afterward, so the coming period will be very busy. Adjusting our pace and taking a break is necessary.

Zi Jin made a special request to Su Ming—she wanted to receive training to address her weakness in mental defense.

“The feeling of being mentally invaded by Abigail last time was terrible,” Violet admitted. “Although it was caused by a defect in my soul, I also found that there is still room for improvement in mental resistance.”

Su Ming was somewhat surprised, "You want me to use the Heart of Ashes on you?"

Violet nodded.

“No problem, I’ll practice my mental combat skills too.” Su Ming immediately agreed.

The two found a secluded spot on the edge of the camp, set up a perimeter and isolation barrier, and began special training.

Zi Jin first dispelled all defensive spells and barriers on her body, then removed the few defensive ornaments she always wore and neatly arranged them on a nearby stone. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest, took a deep breath, and signaled to Su Ming that she could begin.

Su Ming began to gather his emotions, recalling those unpleasant events. Like that day in the computer lab, the atmosphere was fine until Zi Jin suddenly punched him away—

"Words of despair, a heart utterly broken!"

Su Ming unleashed his magic suddenly, and the tangible energy fluctuations struck Zi Jin directly.

Violet was struck and let out a muffled groan. She tried to resist with her mind, but found that Su Ming's magic was more powerful than ever before.

The resentment hidden within the spell surged forth like a tide, instantly suppressing the girl's senses. The world before her was immediately veiled by a thick layer of gauze, losing its color.

"...Don't use so much force!" Zi Jin looked at Su Ming with some annoyance. "Give me some time to proceed gradually!"

"Sorry." Su Ming scratched his head, dispelled the spell on Zi Jin, then adjusted his emotions and weakened the intensity of the Death Words spell.

It must be said that after several practice sessions, Violet's ability to combat Ash Heart Exhaustion has indeed improved. More importantly, she has learned how to compensate for her disadvantages and break free more quickly when her mind and senses are suppressed.

She even created a technique that didn't rely on perception to find targets. After enduring Su Ming's deathbed words, she retaliated with a "Dark Dragon Dance," tripping Su Ming and sending him crashing to the ground.

However, this newly created spell was somewhat indiscriminate in distinguishing between friend and foe. Unaware of the danger, Violet was also struck down by the tentacles.

The two men looked at each other's disheveled state and burst into laughter.

****
"We still need to make more changes." Zi Jin sat up from the ground, tidied her messy hair, and continued to adjust the spell.

As his horizons broadened, Su Ming began to understand that this girl, who was initially invincible in his eyes, actually had many shortcomings. She was essentially a scholar, not a professional battle mage.

She often relies on agility and techniques in combat, which is very different from mainstream combat professions.

“This kind of practice is quite effective,” Su Ming said.

“But we can’t keep practicing with just this one spell,” Zi Jin said, sounding troubled.

Her aim is to enhance the overall resilience of the mental domain, rather than dealing with despair in isolation.

Su Ming suggested that they go to the Construction Group and find a few mages to cast negative mental spells on Violet under the guise of a magic assessment.

“It’s no use.” Violet shook her head. “My mental defenses are indeed a weakness, but they’re not something that just anyone can break through. They pose no threat to me.”

"Uh, is that so?" Su Ming looked at his hand. "Then why was I able to break it?"

“Your 'Depressing Words' series is very powerful!” Violet said irritably. “It’s just that your current magic power isn’t strong enough, otherwise it could be used as a breakthrough spell.”

A functional spell that breaks through enemy defenses, disrupts their defensive formations, and creates opportunities for subsequent attacks.

"So you're not weak, you only suffer when facing top experts?" Su Ming revised his understanding. "Of course!" Zi Jin said, "Abigail's 'Silk Puppet Prison's' penetrating power is basically at the ceiling level."

"So now we need to find someone with stronger mental power to cast mental spells on you," Su Ming concluded, "while also not exposing your weakness?"

"Yes!"

Zijin's weakness must be kept secret. Last time, when Abigail invaded her with "Silk Puppet Prison," Su Ming managed to get away with it by explaining that he was "deliberately wearing down the opponent."

If this becomes known, Violet will face endless mental attacks in future battles.

"You really know how to create problems!" Su Ming complained.

****
The next day, Su Ming had a flash of inspiration and actually came up with an idea.

"You want me to use seductive magic on you?!" Qi Luo exclaimed, jaw dropping as she held a steaming bucket of pork stew with vermicelli. "You're not planning to find another excuse to hang me up again, are you?" She became wary, her mane standing on end as she shielded the bucket behind her. "Or are you not going to keep your promise?"

Su Ming cleared his throat and began to fabricate a reason, "Zi Jin discovered one of my weaknesses, which is that I am easily attracted to the opposite sex."

"Attractive?" Qi Luo thought for a moment, "The kind of attraction that makes you have feelings when you see a pretty girl?"

"That's right!" Su Ming accepted the stigma. "If a very pretty girl tries to cause me trouble, I'll hesitate to fight her!"

"So you want me to use 'Moon Goddess - Aphrodisiac' on you, to get you used to fighting in this situation?" Qi Luo's expression was indescribable. This was the first time she had ever heard of using seductive magic in this way.

“That’s right!” Su Ming clapped his hands. He even took out his notebook and showed the training plan he had written.

Qi Luo wanted to scold Su Ming for having his brain filled with vermicelli, but seeing that she was actually holding a bucket of vermicelli, she changed her mind and said, "...Yes, that makes a lot of sense!"

Considering that Su Ming had been diligently preparing food for her recently, the unicorn agreed to do the favor.

“I can help.” She said, glancing at Violet beside her. “But there’s one thing to make clear: this spell is an area-of-effect spell.”

"It doesn't matter if it affects me," Violet shrugged and said indifferently.

****
That night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, its light bathing the snow-covered plains.

The two people and one beast arrived at an open space a few kilometers away from the camp.

"Qiluo, start with half the intensity," Su Ming said. "Your mental strength is too strong, it has a great influence on me."

"I told you so!" Qiluo jumped up and down on all four hooves. "My magic can't be completely ineffective! Last time you didn't resist at all and continued arguing as if nothing happened, which really hurt me—" The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she became.

"Shut up!" Zi Jin interrupted, Qi Luo's words reminding her of what happened that night. "If you mention this again, I'll want to steam you again!" Her voice was tinged with a hint of embarrassment and anger.

Qi Luo immediately shut her mouth, and her horn began to gather moonlight, casting "Moon Goddess - Seduction". Pink light gathered like mist, gradually enveloping Su Ming and Zi Jin, making them appear exceptionally dreamlike on the snowfield.

Zi Jin's expression changed slightly. She had already been triggered by her memories, and this sudden turn of events caught her off guard. She quickly focused her mind and began to build up her mental defenses, but her heart was beating faster than usual.

Su Ming also sensed something amiss. The unicorn's spiritual power was indeed formidable; upon contact, it was as gentle as moonlight, yet all-pervasive.

After several connections through the "Moon's Offering," Su Ming had lost his vigilance towards Qi Luo's spiritual power. Although he wasn't completely infiltrated all at once, continuously resisting this stagnant and tenacious invasion was extremely uncomfortable.

This kind of stress training can indeed improve one's resistance to mental infiltration.

Su Ming went all out to contend with Qi Luo's mental power, and he felt that this was much more difficult than wrestling with a unicorn.

He began to admire Zijin for her efforts despite her despair. This girl possessed an endearing resilience deep within her.

Su Ming looked up at Zi Jin. Moonlight poured down like water, bathing the girl in a soft, silvery glow. Her eyes appeared deep and captivating in the light and shadow, a touch of silver light clung to the tip of her nose, her slightly pursed lips were bitten red, and her slender fingers twisted gently.

But the girl's expression remained calm, appearing particularly aloof in the night.

Su Ming felt a little disappointed.

"Stop!" Zi Jin suddenly stretched out her hand, her fingertips trembling slightly, then quickly clenched into a fist. "Su Ming couldn't resist."

"..."

Su Ming immediately cooperated by patting his chest and pretending to be panting. "Qi Luo, you didn't even wait for me to get ready!" he complained loudly.

"So weak!" Upon hearing this, Qiluo dispelled the spell, and the pink light receded like a tide. She swished her tail triumphantly, clearly satisfied with the effect of her spell.

Zi Jin took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She looked at Su Ming again and suddenly found the young man exceptionally handsome, his eyes sparkling in the night as if filled with starlight.

"Qiluo, didn't I say to stop?" Zijin questioned discontentedly.

The unicorn, who was already eating a bunch of peanuts, looked up in confusion upon hearing this, and after confirming that the Moon Goddess Spell had completely stopped, it innocently shrugged its hooves.

Zijin patted her forehead, letting the cold night wind dispel the heat from her face.

After calming down for a moment, she spoke again, "Continue!"

****
The Youth Civilization Team made another trip to the Lorencia volcano. This time, in addition to bringing back various supplies and construction materials, they also brought back Princess Daphne.

As soon as she arrived at the sheltered valley, she went straight to the tunnel construction site and caught Newman red-handed before he could even receive the news.

Benedict, the leader of the technical team, was eager to watch the drama unfold, but after seeing the princess's extremely unfriendly gaze, he had no choice but to make an excuse to leave.

Su Ming arranged a party, partly to welcome the princess's arrival and partly to celebrate the smooth progress of various tasks.

The Human Bone Machine Band also performed, but Su Ming forbade them to sing death metal and instead had them accompany the band.

“If you want to sing, we can hold it at the Jianshe Yi Regiment’s camp,” Su Ming said.

For some reason, nearly half of the necromancers have come to like their music, and most of the others don't dislike it either. The mastermind behind the escape of student number 28 was revealed to have wanted to revisit the Human Bone Machine band's performance.

Su Ming was shocked for a long time when he learned of the result.

So afterwards, he let Hanster and the others do as they pleased.

Of course, the mastermind still had to take a cold shower. But after the initial few painful days, these people would consciously carry their basins to "receive their punishment" every day at the appointed time, chatting and laughing throughout.

Su Ming then opened the cold water shower to the crowd, and voices of "Look at his legs!" and "Hey, don't block it!" rang out.

(End of this chapter)