At the underground laboratory in the country of Escalar.
A man is tinkering with a holographic screen full of armor blueprints.
Joshua studied the blueprints on the holographic screen, his eyes scanning over the intricate lines and notations that he and Leo had painstakingly added over the last few days. The designs of the 'Power Knight Armor' evolved under their combined scrutiny, the child's imagination and his own strategic mind blending to create something truly formidable.
The armor was unlike any other, combining modern knowledge of power armor with ancient Qi structure. The result was a sleek, yet robust set of plating that could not only withstand the rigors of combat but also enhance the wearer's physical abilities. The Qi channels, carved into the very metal itself, allowed for the efficient flow of energy, turning the knight inside into a walking bastion of power.
Joshua had always been fascinated by the concept of power armor, but the limitations of human technology had always held him back. Now, with the integration of his Nexus's scientific capabilities, he could create something that surpassed his wildest dreams. The 'Power Knight Armor' was not just about protection; it was about augmentation.
The previous armor sets that Joshua had created were indeed a marvel of craftsmanship and Qi structure, but they had always served a more passive role in battle. Their primary function was to protect the wearer from harm, allowing them to channel their energy more efficiently. Yet, he knew that in the harsh world outside the village, mere protection would not be enough.
With the 'Power Knight Armor', he aimed to give his 'Blood Knights' an edge that would make them truly unstoppable.
"Nexus, I want you to run simulations on these new designs," Joshua instructed, handing over the holographic data to the AI.
"I want to see how it performs under various combat scenarios and find any potential weaknesses."
[Understood, Sir. Initiating simulations in the virtual arena]
This is the new improvement Nexus has made for itself. The increasing number of [Bio Chip] made Nexus able to quickly improve and create new technology for Joshua.
Of course, some such as miniature nuclear fission reactors take a long time to be made possible, but with more [Bio Chip] there are, the less time it would take to be made possible.
The virtual arena sprang to life, the 'Power Knight Armor' appearing on a digital mannequin as Nexus began to simulate various combat situations.
Joshua leaned back in his chair, watching the holographic display with a critical eye as the armor's performance metrics flashed up beside the scenes of virtual carnage.
The enhancement was indeed significant; the knights' speed and strength had increased by 5-10%, as calculated, making them even more formidable on the battlefield. But that is just from the simulations. If it is used in current situations, it may perform lower.
Not only that, there is also the problem of power sources. You can't expect my soldiers to fight with umbilical cord straps at their backs powering them.
But at least we have a starting point for power armor.
"Nexus, continue researching for improvements in power armor. Also have it added auxiliary systems."
Said Joshua as he stood up and opened a [PORTAL].
Nexus noted the command and went to work, eager to refine and optimize the 'Power Knight Armor' even further. As the AI's calculations and simulations whirred away, it couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose. It had been created to serve, to assist in the advancement of his master, and now it found itself at the forefront of an empire's birth.
But before it could fully dive into the task, Nexus had a question for its creator.
[Master, where are we heading next?]
The AI's voice was as smooth and unrushed as ever, despite the whirring of data processing in the background.
Joshua's eyes glowed, his gaze sharp.
"I need to regain my edge." He murmured to himself.
Joshua had been so absorbed in the creation and command of his 'Blood Knights' and the expansion of his forces that he had neglected his own personal cultivation. He had once been a master of martial and immortal arts, but those skills had grown rusty with disuse.
He knew that to lead his empire effectively, he must become stronger, and so he decided to take a break from his administrative duties to focus on his cultivation.
Plus, if he is lucky, he could gain more unknown knowledge that may help further the growth of his forces.
He stepped through the [PORTAL], his mind made up.
His destination, the Immortal World.
A portal opened on the hidden base on the former location of salamander's lair.
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It had been almost two years since he had last cultivated in the Immortal World, and the moment he stepped through the portal, the familiar rush of energy reinvigorated him.
The 'Noble Knights' have indeed made significant progress. The former salamander's lair had been transformed into a sprawling base, with state-of-the-art facilities that put even some advanced human military installations to shame.
The once dark and foreboding caverns were now bathed in a soft, white light that reflected off the gleaming floors and chrome surfaces.
"Nexus, give me a full report on the current geography and power distribution of the Immortal World."
[As you wish, Sir. The Immortal World is dominated by a single supercontinent, surrounded by vast oceans. Within this landmass, rivers stretch from narrow streams to colossal waterways that rival the size of seas. These mega-rivers serve as both natural barriers and lifebloods for the diverse civilizations that flourish along their banks. The power dynamics of this realm are as intricate as its landscape, with various factions vying for control and dominance.]
Nexus guided Joshua into a dimly lit chamber, the walls lined with screens and monitors displaying a myriad of data. The center of the room was dominated by a large, holographic map that shimmered with a vague outline of the country they were currently in.
The map's lack of detail was intentional; in a world where information was power, possessing a detailed map of an empire could be a death sentence for espionage.
[Sir, we are currently at the border of the Gilan Empire, adjacent to the treacherous Beast Forest.]
The holographic map zoomed in, revealing a dense network of towns and cities sprawled out like a web around the perimeter of the Beast Forest.
Joshua's gaze lingered on the cluster of lights that marked the village where he had first arrived in the Immortal World. It had been the site of his first arrival, where he had lived and learned alongside the villagers.
"Why are there so many settlements near the Beast Forest?" he mused aloud.
"Surely the danger it poses is too great for such proximity."
Nexus's voice filled the room, a soothing contrast to the stark information on the screens.
[The Beast Forest is indeed perilous, but it is also one of the lifeblood of the Gilan Empire. It is a source of immense wealth and resources that cannot be ignored. The forest is teeming with demon beasts and rare herbs that are highly valued for their medicinal and mystical properties. The empire has established a delicate balance, allowing for controlled culling and resource gathering. A few of the key places are guarded by stationed soldiers, and hunters who hunt and bring them back to sell.]
Joshua nodded thoughtfully at how the Empire is farming the Beast Forest's resources without causing havoc to the natural balance. The knowledge of the Immortal World's geography and politics was crucial to his future plans.
He turned to Nexus.
"Give me the report on our forces," he said in a firm tone.
Nexus's data streamed before Joshua's eyes, detailing the deployments of his 'Noble Knights'.
He had sent 80 of them into the Immortal World, over half of his current number, leaving the rest to guard the Hidden Village and manage his operations in Escalar.
The decision had not been made lightly; the Immortal World was a place where strength was paramount, and secrecy was key.
He fears that the local powerhouse may harbor spells capable of invading the sanctity of his knights' minds, unearthing their true nature as his creations, or worse, enslaving them to another's will.
Thus, he was careful not to integrate them into the local societies openly. The 'Noble Knights' remained hidden, their presence known only to a select few who had proven their loyalty and discretion.
He had chosen to take a discreet approach in his recruitment, selecting only fifty orphans who had undergone thorough scrutiny. These children, once lost and forgotten in the chaos of the Immortal World, had become the foundation of his new army.
Their backgrounds were as diverse as the lands he had stepped on, but they shared one common trait: a clean background.
Nexus had spread his forces across the land in case this place was compromised, believing that only the ones that stayed would be eliminated.
The first group of five were sent to the most influential family clans across the empire. They were disguised as talented youngsters, their true nature hidden beneath the veneer of charm and wit. Their mission was to infiltrate, learn the inner workings of the empire's elite, and gain their trust. These knights had to blend in seamlessly, their aloofness and strength setting them apart from the other young prodigies that sought power within the clan's walls.
The second group of ten had been enrolled in three different sects, each known for their unique contributions to the cultivation world.
One sect focused on the manipulation of the elements and unique immortal spells, another on the art of healing and alchemy, and the last on the ancient craft of enhancing the body with Qi and crafting things.
By placing them in these diverse institutions, Joshua aimed to broaden their combat abilities and uncover the secrets that could give him an edge in the ever-shifting tides of power. These sects were the cradles of the empire's strongest warriors and the guardians of ancient knowledge.
The Shengti Gonyi Sect were known for their rigorous physical training, pushing the limits of the human body through a combination of martial arts and mystical Qi manipulation. Their disciples were often recognized by their robust physiques and the deep, resonant sound of their Qi as it pulsed through their veins.
Joshua, eager to improve, threw himself into the training regimen with the fervor of a man seeking redemption.
Every day, he would rise before dawn and train alongside his knights, their combined breaths fogging up the crisp morning air. The exercises were grueling, focusing on building the foundation of their strength, endurance, and agility.
His muscles ached and his bones creaked under the new pressure, but he pushed through, driven by his ambition.
Under the tutelage of the Shengti Gonyi Sect's masters through his clones, he learned to harness the power of the elements, feeling the flow of Qi as it coursed through his body. Each punch, each kick, was imbued with the might of the earth itself, shaking the ground beneath his feet. His skin grew tough as iron, his movements as swift as the wind, and his strikes as sharp as lightning.
He was no longer the mere mortal he once was; he was becoming something more, a fusion of man and the essence of the natural world.
In the quiet moments between training sessions, Joshua found himself drawn to the Wuxing Sect's teachings on soul cultivation.
Their methods were more introspective, requiring patience and a deep understanding of the self. He would sit cross-legged for hours, eyes closed, as he sought to commune with the five elements within his own soul.
The masters spoke of a realm where one's spirit could become one with the universe, granting them untold power and wisdom. This path was a stark contrast to the brutal physical training he endured daily, but it intrigued him.
The dual cultivation of body and soul was a delicate dance that few could master. But with Nexus's help and his physique, Joshua found it easy to facilitate the integration of both disciplines.
The chip's vast computational capabilities allowed him to understand the complex interplay between the mortal body and soul, accelerating his progress in ways that would have taken decades for other cultivators.
