『 Main Task: Develop an alchemical product that benefits humanity and earns you fame 』
『 Reward ─ 1 Random Blueprint Gacha Privilege 』
『 Status ─ Completed 』
Before Shen Qin fully recovered from his injuries, the previous task was completed, earning him a chance to draw a random blueprint. Meanwhile, the system also issued his next task, which seemed less restrictive:
『 Main Task: Develop an entirely new category of alchemical product』
『 Immediate Unlockable Blueprint/Knowledge ─ The Traveler may request 'any' blueprint/knowledge that's related in this task 』
『 The next phase of the task will be unlocked after the host has successfully develops a new category of alchemy. As always, the system encourages the host to study diligently and strive to become Teyvat's greatest alchemist, improving the lives of its inhabitants 』
Shen Qin set aside his reward for now and turned his attention to the next invention: personal defense equipment. However, he was uncertain about the specifics.
Should he create something like the full-coverage armor in Iron Man, complete with high-tech weapons to rival Vision Bearers in combat? But wearing armor all the time wasn't practical. Without it, he'd still be just a regular, defenseless person.
Perhaps a 24/7 personal guardian robot? But robots were vulnerable to magical attacks and could only defend in one direction.
After much deliberation, Shen Qin thought of the Abyss Mages' shields. If he could generate a similar shield centered on himself, it could block both physical and magical attacks from all angles—a perfect solution.
"System, I want the technology for an all-encompassing energy shield!"
[Unlocking the following blueprints/knowledge: Energy Counterbalance Technology.]
As he absorbed the knowledge, Shen Qin exclaimed in amazement, "No way—this kind of broken technology actually exists?"
The principle of Energy Counterbalance Technology was to analyze incoming energy and convert fixed energy from a power source into an equivalent amount of negative energy. When the target energy and negative energy met, they canceled each other out, achieving defense.
In theory, this technology could indeed create a shield capable of blocking all forms of attacks.
…
…
After confirming with Barbara that he could leave, Shen Qin eagerly returned to his alchemy workshop. Yet, upon leaving the recovery ward, he felt like he'd forgotten something important but couldn't recall what.
Forget it, it's probably nothing. Researching the energy shield is what matters most now.
"I'm back!" he announced upon entering his workshop.
"Mr. Shen!"
"Big Brother Shen!"
He was warmly welcomed by Klee and Sucrose, who had practically made the workshop their daily base of operations. They'd work there after breakfast at Good Hunter—Sucrose studying the alchemical knowledge Shen Qin had taught her and Klee developing new bombs.
Shen Qin sat at his workbench and began designing the energy shield.
The core component was an energy converter capable of transforming one type of energy into any other. After running simulations, he discovered a significant drawback: countering one unit of external energy required ten units of power. The shield's energy demands were immense.
Electro Crystals, though capable of sustaining power for decades, had insufficient instantaneous energy output. While suitable for devices like hoverboards or prosthetics, they fell short for an energy shield. To meet the demand, at least ten standard Electro Crystals would need to be connected in parallel—not ideal for a portable device.
Although the energy converter could be miniaturized to just one cubic centimeter, finding a compact power source became the greatest challenge. As expected, energy supply limitations were the toughest hurdle in any field, especially with size constraints.
…
…
For days, Shen Qin focused entirely on solving the energy problem.
He even asked Sucrose if there were any small, high-density energy sources available, but she confirmed there weren't—not within the current alchemical framework.
Meanwhile, the Knights of Favonius and Dawn Winery had joined forces to inspect the ruins scattered across Mondstadt. Dawn Winery conducted preliminary explorations, calling in the Knights if Abyss Order activity was found.
Though the Abyss Order's individuals were powerful, they struggled against the organized military force of the Knights.
The operation revealed shocking results: 67 Abyss Order bases were cleared—within known ruins alone. Factoring in undiscovered sites, the true scale of their presence was unfathomable.
"I can't believe so many enemies were hiding right under our noses," Jean said gravely, studying the densely marked map of Mondstadt. "If not for Shen Qin's abduction, we'd still be in the dark."
"It's likely because Grand Master Varka took many of the Knights' elite with him that the Abyss Order grew bolder," Diluc speculated.
"That may be part of it, but I've also grown complacent, deceived by Mondstadt's surface peace," Jean admitted, guilt-ridden. "The Abyss Order's reduced activity over the years should've been a warning—they've been quietly gathering strength, plotting something big."
"Jean…" Diluc hesitated. He knew her well enough to realize comforting words wouldn't help.
"I'm fine." Jean forced herself to focus. "At least we've uncovered this now. I'll draft plans for the Knights to address this moving forward. You can leave if you're free; I need time to think."
"All right. If you need anything, you know where to find me." Diluc left her office and wandered to Shen Qin's workshop.
"Done dealing with your problems?" Shen Qin asked, knowing the others had been busy with the Abyss Order.
"For now, but it's going to be a long campaign," Diluc replied, casually finding a seat. "What are you working on?"
"Something new, but I'm stuck at the moment. If you come across any small, high-density energy sources, bring them to me."
"When research stalls, it's best to take a break. Relax somewhere—you might get inspired." Diluc handed him a ticket.
Shen Qin looked at it in confusion. "A VIP pass for a bartending competition? What's this?"
"Exactly what it says—a competition. A good place to unwind."