My health recovery is incredibly fast.

Hillenburg nodded. "That's right. When we were developing underwater bullets, we deliberately avoided metallic materials with strong electrical affinity."

Master Tyson rubbed his fingers together, the electric arcs at his fingertips becoming increasingly erratic. "Do you know that the Tower Scholars once developed a spell to temporarily enhance electrical affinity? It's the [Electrical Affinity Enhancement Arc] that I'm demonstrating now. It can, in a very short time, give metal materials that originally have a weak electrical affinity an extremely strong electrical affinity, at least 20 times the original."

Hillenburg's expression changed.

Xia Zuo frowned as well. Tyson's words sounded like he was magnetizing a weakly magnetic material.

Is it even possible for such an electric arc to accurately make contact with a fast-moving underwater bullet?

Master Tyson anticipated this question and proactively explained:

“It is indeed difficult to hit a bullet with an electric arc. But why don’t we use it on something that has a high electrical affinity? For example, the suction device on the feet of a combat puppet, which has several pieces of easily detachable metal material, something that every combat puppet has.”

Master Tyson glanced around and used his Wind Hand to take an oval-shaped metal plate from the shelf—it had strong magnetism—and installed it on the ball of his foot.

Master Tyson unleashed an arc of electricity that landed on the oval-shaped metal plate, then handed it to Hillenburg. "Go try it. Put this plate on the sand bed and shoot upwards at it. You'll be amazed."

Hillenburg's team did as instructed.

Once again in sync with the combat golem, Huberon fired an underwater bullet at the seawater above the metal plate.

The underwater bullet's magic circle suddenly reduced its power and its flight speed decreased, but supercavitation did not occur!

Xia Zuo instantly understood the principle!

The problem lies with the warhead's flight attitude.

The strong magnetic field of the metal sheet caused a slight deviation in the warhead during flight, and the arc-shaped groove behind the warhead failed to drag out the air bubble.

As for what this deviation is... Xia Zuo speculated that the irregular flipping of the bullet was due to the uneven distribution of magnetic material in the alloy, and the inconsistent influence of the magnetic field on different parts of the bullet, which caused the bullet to flip uncontrollably.

There are two ways to solve this problem.

They developed an alloy that contains no magnetism, meaning it has electrical affinity, to be used as a raw material for underwater bullets.

Alternatively, a metal shell, thin film, or coating that insulates against magnetism can be used to make underwater bullets immune to the effects of strong magnetic fields.

Both of these methods are somewhat difficult, but with enough effort, the answer can still be found.

After delivering Master Tyson to the Lumington Tower, Hillenberg immediately went to the city's academy to find the spellbook for [Electric Affinity Enhanced Arc], only to be told that this spell was not on the list of available spells—the Tower Scholars did not share it with the Alchemy School.

Hillenburg had no choice but to use his connections to obtain a legitimate spellbook through special channels.

In short, hiring Tyson as an advisor was definitely the right choice.

They not only found a way to counter underwater bullets, but also discovered the hidden flaws of underwater bullets.

After playing a friendly match against the Crystal Remnants, news that Hillenburg's team possessed underwater bullets spread like wildfire.

Each group is researching ways to deal with underwater bullets.

When they were full of confidence and planned to use a strong magnetic field, little did they know that Hillenburg's team had anticipated all of this and used an alloy that contained absolutely no electrical affinity for the underwater bullets.

Underwater bullets will tear their combat puppets to shreds to their astonishment.

This kind of plot twist is sure to be exciting.

Chapter 79 Choosing the Elemental Body

Any research that delves into the most fundamental areas of materials science becomes incredibly lengthy.

The underwater bullet, which has no electrical affinity, is likely the final version of this underwater individual combat weapon.

Xia Zuo must participate and make his own contribution; otherwise, it will affect his share of the patent benefits when applying for a patent.

He commutes daily between Poseidon and Lumington, working during the day and making element bottles and meditating at night.

Finally, on a Saturday in November, the last elemental bottle needed to condense the elemental shell was created.

It was noon that day, at home in the St. York community.

Anruer was standing in front of the stove, manipulating two pieces of silver sand, holding a frying pan and a spatula on her left and right, quickly turning the golden rice grains in the pan.

A few light green seaweed fragments are interspersed among the rice grains, and a faint salty and creamy aroma mixed with the fragrance of egg liquid permeates the kitchen.

To her right, a robotic arm extending from the wall was slowly stirring the tomato and beef brisket soup in the pot, infusing the soup with delicious meat juices. It would be ready in about 10 more minutes.

Xia Zuo sat at the dining table with a book in his hand, glanced up at his graceful fiancée, and thought to himself that after this research and development competition was over, he would find a good day to hold their wedding.

From Starry Night Academy to Silver Moon Federation, the two have spent more than ten years together. It's time to mark this shared memory with a significant symbol and start a new relationship.

Anru seemed to sense her lover's affectionate gaze, turned her head to look at him, and said with a smile:

"Can't wait for lunch? The beef brisket soup needs to cook a little longer."

"Oh, no. I'm thinking about something." Xia Zuo didn't mention the wedding; he was planning a surprise.

“Hmm~” Anru’er looked at the book in the other person’s hand. “Are you thinking about what kind of elemental shell you want to condense? Although I have already condensed it, I can only give you limited advice.”

According to the "Second-Class Alchemist Talent Granting Document" signed by Anruer two years ago, as long as she steadily improves her magic and alchemy skills, all expenses will be borne by the Energy Research Institute.

Over the past few months, she has been working day and night to create elemental bottles, and has condensed an elemental shell more than a month ahead of Xia Zuo. It is an elemental shell designed specifically for researching Type 1 energy, which has virtually no combat capabilities, but enhances her ability to sense the four elements and control energy.

“I’m hesitating between choosing a general-purpose elemental shell or, like you, choosing an elemental shell specifically designed for a particular alchemy…” Xia Zuo flipped through his notes. “It’s a difficult decision.”

Xia Zuo conducted a data-driven analysis of the role of the elemental shell.

A universal elemental shell can comprehensively enhance the host's physical attributes and increase eight-dimensional attribute values. The specific increase depends on the quantity and level of the four elements used when condensing the shell.

Xia Zuo confirmed that the eight-dimensional attribute bonus provided by the elemental shell would not affect the bloodline characteristics and could not be used to increase the free attribute points given during upgrades.

The general-purpose elemental shell is the choice of the vast majority of mages, and it is also the dividing line between formal mages and mage apprentices.

With the universal elemental shell, a formal mage can hold several obedient elements at once, which not only improves the efficiency of cultivation but also eliminates the worry of elemental dissipation.

An elemental body specifically designed for alchemy; it cannot improve physical attributes or increase the efficiency of cultivation, but is only enhanced for alchemical research.

Shazo can choose an elemental body specifically for bioalchemy or poison alchemy.

The former allows the host to communicate with organisms through synesthesia, essentially mastering languages ​​that ordinary people cannot understand, such as the language of wild animals and the language of plants. This helps in cultivating the desired biological materials.

The elemental shell, designed specifically for poison alchemy, enhances the efficiency of the meditation alchemy table, increases earth resistance, and improves the accuracy of toxin perception from toxins to oxen, allowing the host to directly observe the glow of oxen through toxin perception.

All these enhancements are aimed at better studying toxins and oxalis.

If Xia Zuo wants to fit the current character design, then he should choose an elemental body specifically for poison alchemy.

But the ability to accommodate multiple cute elements at once is really tempting.

Especially considering that Xia Zuo can increase his mental attribute value by adding points and has a lot of idle citizen points.

He could imagine himself evolving overnight from a weakling into a powerful figure.

"Hmm, you look conflicted," Anru said, looking at her lover.

"The general-purpose design is very practical, but I have to follow the regulations, so I'm not in the same predicament as you are. Perhaps you could discuss it with Hillenburg. I think the work of the marine research group is very promising. Look, in just a few months, you've earned a lot of points and obtained many patents..."

As Anru spoke, she used silver sand to scoop up the thick soup and golden fried rice and placed them in front of her lover. She then turned around, cleaned the frying pan, lit the fire again, and put two pieces of plump pork chops that had been drained of blood into the pan.

"If Hillenburg's advice still doesn't convince you, then... you might need to go see Master Rexor or your mentor."

Speaking of mentors...

A glint flashed in Xia Zuo's eyes as he thought of someone.

Krestor, a veteran pureblood mage, is currently the only important figure in the inner sanctum whom Shazo can contact.

Every pureblood mage must always prioritize their own safety.

Given Krestor's experience, she must know how a newly minted pureblood mage should choose an elemental body.

“You’re right…” Xia Zuo nodded. “I know what to do.”

"Hehe~" Anru chuckled, carrying a sizzling frying pan over and placing the steaming, tender fried pork chops on top of the golden fried rice. "Eat up, then we'll go find Janice together. She's preparing for her final exams, and she'll probably just take a walk in the park next to the university before going back to continue studying. Then you can go meet up with Hillenburg and the others."

"Okay, it's settled then." Xia Zuo put the book aside, picked up a steak with his fork, took a big bite, squinted his eyes to savor the juice between his teeth, "It's really delicious. If we opened a restaurant, we would definitely make a fortune."

...

Later that day, Xia Zuo parted ways with Anru and Janice at the park entrance and used his Windwalking ability to reach the Bosing Building.

He traveled to Lumington via a teleportation crystal.

Every weekend, Hillenburg would work overtime in his office at the university, teaching students on Saturday mornings and spending the rest of his time grading research reports and papers or guiding senior students in experiments.

Xia Zuo was fortunate to have transmigrated to the Western Continent and entered the Starry Night Academy. If he had arrived in the Silver Moon Federation, he would have had to go through multiple rounds of defenses before he could graduate and be allowed to study meditation techniques.

Shazo waited outside the lab for a while before returning to the office with Hillenburg.

Hillenburg sat at the table, using his Wind Hand to brew himself and the other person a cup of hot tea. "Let me catch my breath, Shazo. The students have really given me a run for my money, phew~"

Hillenburg blew away the steam from his teacup, took a sip, and hummed contentedly, "I've heard Mars mention your self-discipline at the university. If all my students were like you, I'd have a much easier time."

"Alright, let's get down to business." Hillenburg looked at Shazo, whose smile held a hint of embarrassment, and said:

"Condensing an elemental body is a mage's top priority, and consulting with multiple sources is always a good idea. I'm glad you've come to seek my advice. Have you consulted your mentor yet?"

“Master Adanavados has not yet replied,” Shazo said.

Hillenburg paused for a moment, then said, “My advice is for your reference only. If it differs from Master Adannavados’s advice, you should take his advice as the standard.”

"Okay, team leader."

Hillenburg adjusted his glasses and said, "That's right, Shazo. Elemental shells are a product of magical alchemy, but the book 'The Complete Explanation of Elemental Shells' doesn't elaborate much on their birth and development. In fact, this knowledge is very important."

Xia Zuo adjusted his posture, straightened his back, and listened attentively, like a student eager for knowledge.

Rexor once described the elemental shell as the greatest invention of the previous era, and Shazor had always been curious about the reason behind it. Now he finally had the opportunity to find out.

"Team leader, could you tell me about this historical knowledge?"

"I can only give a general account of what happened, since the Temple's laws restrict the dissemination of this history." Hillenburg paused, then continued:

"In the years near the end of the previous era, flesh alchemists ran rampant, creating countless disasters with their sinful and bloody magic."

"Just as the entire continent was plunged into turmoil, the Crystal Remnants emerged from the depths of the frozen snowfields and arrived on the plains in the northeastern Mediterranean."

"They brought with them a method of using crystalline substances to protect the body from physical torture."

Hillenburg opened a drawer, rummaged around inside for a while, and took out a crystal prop shaped like a gauntlet.

The crystal has an orange-yellow gemstone color throughout, a smooth texture, and reflects light softly. It also contains threads of four colors scattered throughout.

Xia Zuo immediately felt that this thing looked familiar.