After reviewing their training and discussing the next steps, Klaus helped Lucil design the model of the zombie he would be fighting over the coming weeks. He returned to his room and fell into a deep sleep, exhausted—not physically, but mentally. He knew that if he kept pushing for a few more days, his progress would begin to show.
Using the mind continuously for eight hours straight has a much heavier effect on the brain than one might think.
When he woke up, it was already the next day. With a refreshed and clear mind, he was ready to start day two of testing, which promised to be fun.
"Good morning, Klaus! I hope you had a good night's sleep," Lucil greeted him at the door as he stepped out of his room.
"I did," Klaus replied.
"Good! So, I stayed up all night yesterday working on the zombie for the test. Come on, let me show you what we'll be working with today." Klaus nodded and followed her. The look on her face said it all—she was proud of what she had created after their brainstorming session.
"Hi, guys," Klaus greeted Joon, Ryan, and Logan before heading to Lucil's workspace. He noticed Queenie wasn't around—not that he minded; he just wanted to get through the day so he could work on his side project.
"So, before you ask, I named it Mecha Zombie. Yes, I've added some concepts from a game I'm developing, which makes it even more exciting to see what I came up with," Lucil said, pressing a button on the tablet she was holding. A projection appeared of a grotesque figure clad in metal-like armor, wielding a terrifying dark broadsword.
"Like you suggested, I combined the Voltox Zombies and the Darkblood Demon Zombies. But I also added some extra features, like their skin armor and adaptable weapons. The sword can transform into a spear or even a dagger, depending on the situation.
"Since we're focusing on adaptability, I figured it should have a range of weapons. Besides that, it has both Ice and Fire elements, just like you. I've given it three Ice and three Fire-type skills to enhance its abilities.
"I also increased its stats to be 20% higher than usual, and Logan will ensure the learning algorithm it runs on enables it to adapt quickly to your movements and techniques.
"In other words, the longer you fight it, the faster it learns. We're not sure exactly how rapid the learning process will be, but after an hour of combat, you'll have to start going all out. It's a machine, so as it learns, it becomes more formidable.
"But for now, all you need to do is keep it engaged while we gather data on its instinctive responses." Klaus was impressed with what she cooked up.
Three hours later, the zombie started showing remarkable development. Its adaptability kicked in, and Klaus noticed its sword attack patterns becoming more refined. This prompted him to increase his own attack speed.
Beyond that, the zombie was becoming more attuned to the shifting dynamics of the battlefield. Its Overhead Stab skill had also improved; now, just before using it, it would unleash a skill called 'Lethal Flame Slash'—a fiery, destructive attack designed to break through Klaus's defenses before following up with the Overhead Stab.
But Klaus, being human, had adaptability as his natural advantage. He managed to stay a step ahead, always finding ways to counter the evolving tactics.
Another three hours passed, and the zombie's combat strength grew even more, showing significant progress. However, it still wasn't enough to overwhelm Klaus. Like the zombie, the longer Klaus fought, the more he improved.
"Okay, that's a wrap for today," Klaus said, slashing his sword diagonally, sending a sharp fire arc that sliced the zombie in half.
He sighed.
Klaus watched as the zombie tried to raise a defense but it detected his attack just a moment too late. Still, he saw the attempt, proof they were on the right track.
The day Klaus could fight toe-to-toe or even struggle against the zombie would mark the success of their plan to add realism to Oracle. As for the aura and the natural imposing will that monsters exude, Lucil had already found a fix for that.
With only hyperawareness and adaptability left to perfect, they were making solid progress.
The fire arc Klaus sent sliced the zombie cleanly in two, causing it to dissipate into nothingness. He was ejected from the console, feeling less drowsy this time.
After a quick recap with the Nerds on the day's work, Klaus headed to his room for some well-deserved sleep. Sleep was something he cherished more than anything.
A few hours later, feeling refreshed, he climbed up to the roof to catch some cool air. Enjoying the fresh weather, he began to discuss with the senior his plan to start using the Ice Lotus and Fire Dragon to absorb the golden energy from the Pentaface bead within his soul sea.
Things were progressing well, but they took an unexpected turn when another presence appeared on the roof. Queenie materialized out of thin air, catching Klaus off guard.
"Hello, Big Sister Queenie," Klaus greeted her with a small smile.