Chapter 1220: Chapter 188: Blood River Armament, Transform! (7,400)
"Now?"
Hearing that Ian was finally going to use the Substitute, a previously asked-for Sio was visibly excited. She clenched her fists and earnestly said, "Iāll do my best!"
"Donāt put too much effort into it, just try to be inconspicuous." Ian was a bit speechless, but since it was Sio, it was understandable: "I wonāt say much else, Iām disguising as Mahdi to do something incredibly dangerous, concerning the deepest secrets of the Exotic Species Research Institute... So if you encounter me later, donāt come near, even the Prophet might not be able to protect you."
"To be honest, even I might not be able to protect myself."
This was Ianās heartfelt truth. He was well aware that despite all the camouflage measures he had in place, Mahdiās disguise was only āhard to see throughā... not to mention, the real danger was not being unmasked, but the massive crisis brought about by āThe Unyielding Fortressā and the āSilver Chip.ā
The danger inherent in these two identities didnāt depend on whether the bearer was Ian or Mahdi. Once exposed, at the very least, a Third Energy Level peak attack would ensue, and Fourth or even Fifth Energy Levels might personally appear.
"But is this identity really useful?"
On the side, Anfa expressed her disapproval. She raised a very real concern: "That Elg just now... letās assume he is Elg. He seemed to see through your special characteristics without any means."
"If you canāt figure out what exactly he sees through, your identity as Mahdi will be exposed immediately!"
"Thatās true, but itās not a big issue."
Ian nodded, pondering, "The true identity of that āMahdiā is more excessive compared to mine. He only reveals his true nature because of me... in fact, only I can see through it, which is why heās so audacious."
"But Iāve roughly figured it outāhe should be able to see my soul essence directly, and under the transformation of the Meditation Technique, my soul essence doesnāt quite resemble an ordinary personās. Heh, Iāve got some understanding now."
Ian thought of something amusingāif Elg was indeed very focused on him, even to the point of investigating Xiawei Territory, then they would definitely find that most of the leadership in Xiawei Territory are extraordinary individuals whoāve practiced the Meditation Technique and have extremely unique souls.
And because of their imitation of the Silver Chipās calculation units, at a glance, they all appeared to have a highly consistent, ultra-complex soul structure.
āāAnyone would think they all originated from the same source, or were even the same person!
That would be the common thought, and as the Thousand-Star Beast, a being that parasitizes and assimilates, would definitely assume Ianās another similar monster managing a horde of people by parasitizing and assimilating!
If thatās the case, it really could explain why Elg is so convinced that he and Ian are the same kind, capable of comprehending each other... indeed, theyāre quite close!
Only that the Thousand-Star Beast uses a more brute physical method, whereas Ian uses dreams and beliefs, inheritance, and technology for assimilation.
"You really arenāt some special identity are you..."
Sio mumbled, but stopped halfway, because Ian indeed has many special identities. Suddenly, she couldnāt determine why Elg valued Ian so much, so she gave up thinking: "Whatever, we have to trust your judgement, anyone not believing in the Prophet must have some issues in the head!"
"As a friend, Iād still suggest you question a bit. Sometimes I might not be coming from my heart and might lie instinctively."
Speaking frankly, Ian began to remove his āEntangling Void Armorā that he had been wearing.
At the same time, Anfa retrieved a large box from her baggage. Inside was a low-power-level prosthetic body that resembled the red-haired Elf Girl who currently looked like Sio.
This was intended to be the āvesselā for Sio to use Spirit Energy later, essentially serving as an alternative identity prosthetic.
Though seemingly like trafficking elves, the Dragon Blood made it more appropriate, and as Sio rubbed her face, she quickly altered her prostheticās height a bit taller, becoming white-haired and blue-eyed. At first glance, she looked ninety percent similar to Ian, but her expression lacked that little bit of aloofness, being slightly too warm and approachable.
Ian pointed out some improvements, and finding that it was hard to change, he gave up. Sio just couldnāt act so cold, he sighed and said, "Anyway, just minimize your presence, to outsiders, Iām naturally reticent, avoid when encountering a fight."
After finishing, Ian noticed everyone was heedless to his warnings; they all bore curious looks, gazing at him intently as if awaiting something.
"Iāve never seen your Mahdi form before, Ian!"
Yisen Gard spoke up, enlightening Ian, the blond-haired youth eager yet trying to play it cool, while Anfa, who hadnāt seen it either, nodded repeatedly, clearly not caring about being reservedāSio, having seen it a few times, loved to join the fun, especially since she had little sense of decorum.
"...Whatās there to see?"
Ian sighed, raising his hand, brushing across his face, and pulling his hair back.