Chapter 322: Skill Fusion: Flame Continuous Punch

Chapter 322: Chapter 322: Skill Fusion: Flame Continuous Punch

Seraphina Sullivan’s thoughts stirred, and she focused on the Energy Core between her eyebrows.

She took out a mirror, reflecting her current appearance.

Just as she thought.

In the very center of her forehead was a small, exquisite, and sharply defined mark in the shape of a Crimson Gemstone. Inside it, a galaxy seemed to swirl.

It was currently emitting a barely perceptible, lustrous glow, adding a touch of mystery and splendor to her cool features.

’The mark is pretty... but isn’t it a little too conspicuous?’ Seraphina Sullivan furrowed her brow slightly.

In an environment fraught with danger, any unique or eye-catching feature could attract unnecessary trouble.

She didn’t want people staring at her forehead everywhere she went.

’If only it could be hidden...’

The moment the thought arose...

...Seraphina Sullivan felt a faint warmth between her brows.

The brilliant Crimson Gemstone mark seemed to come alive as its light rapidly receded and its color faded.

Its sharp edges softened in an instant, and it finally seemed to melt into her skin, slowly vanishing until only her smooth forehead remained.

Seraphina Sullivan touched her forehead while looking in the mirror. It was as smooth as before, with nothing out of the ordinary.

But she could clearly sense that the Energy Core was still there. It had simply transformed from a visible "mark" into a hidden "energy node," buried deep beneath the skin of her brow.

It could reappear at any time with a mere thought.

’Perfect!’

She could call upon its Power at any time while still keeping a low profile.

Feeling the new Power surging through her body and the wellspring of Energy between her brows, Seraphina Sullivan’s confidence soared.

The gains from this period of seclusion had far exceeded her expectations.

Next, it was time to deal with her other rewards and plan her pets’ growth to prepare more thoroughly for the even greater challenges ahead.

Seraphina Sullivan took out three cards.

’Three Skill Upgrade Cards... which Skills should I use them on?’

Faced with this pleasant dilemma, Seraphina Sullivan began to weigh her options carefully.

The Scavenger’s Farm was her foundation and one of her biggest trump cards. Upgrading it was undoubtedly the highest priority, so it would definitely get one card.

So, what about the remaining two?

Her list of Skills was now quite extensive.

For combat, she had [Scorching Hand], [Continuous Punches], and [Magic Scissors].

For control and support, she had [Anesthetic], [Quick Sewing], [Sweet Fragrance], [Clean Bubble], [Flower Therapy], and [Singing].

For utility, she had [Bounce], [Butcher’s Skill], and [Bird Manipulation Technique]... Each one had its own unique value.

’What if... I use them all on the Scavenger’s Farm? Make the Space bigger and its functions more complete?’ The idea was incredibly tempting. After all, the Space was her most important logistical support and strategic retreat.

But Seraphina Sullivan also felt that strengthening certain other Skills could lead to a more immediate boost in combat effectiveness.

After careful consideration, Seraphina Sullivan finally made her decision.

’I should aim for balanced development. Of the three upgrade cards, two will go to the Scavenger’s Farm to increase the Space’s capacity and improve its internal environment, laying the groundwork for future stockpiling. The last one... goes to Sweet Fragrance!’

Seraphina Sullivan recalled the Skill’s outstanding performance in the Aberrant Radiation dungeon.

Whether for controlling monsters or distracting enemies, it had proven its strategic value.

It was mainly because of what Seraphina Sullivan had seen The Woman with the Red Umbrella do.

Being able to control others for her own purposes was a valid strategy.

If she could increase its range of Control, its intensity, or the chance of it being resisted, it would undoubtedly allow Seraphina Sullivan to be more composed in future battles.

Having made her decision, Seraphina Sullivan took the three cards and some necessary items and left the Scavenger’s Space.

With a thought, three shimmering Skill Upgrade Cards materialized in her hand and transformed into three streaks of light.

Almost simultaneously, a system notification sounded.

[DING! Upgrade initiated for the Talent "Scavenger’s Farm." The Space will be temporarily sealed and inaccessible during the upgrade process. Estimated duration: 24 hours.]

[DING! The Skill "Sweet Fragrance" has been successfully upgraded! Area of Effect increased by 30%. Scent penetration and mental interference intensity have been slightly increased.]

’So upgrading the Scavenger’s Farm means another 24 hours on the outside?’ Seraphina Sullivan understood.

After dealing with the upgrade cards, another card, this one swirling with strange runes, appeared in her hand.

[Skill Fusion Card]

’I have quite a few Skills now. Some of their functions might overlap, or maybe combining them would produce a better Effect. I might as well test the waters with this card and see what new tricks I can come up with.’

Seraphina Sullivan’s curiosity was piqued.

Her gaze swept over her list of Skills, finally locking onto two of them.

[Continuous Punches] and [Scorching Hand]

’One provides speed and frequency, the other provides an elemental property and extra damage... In theory, they should complement each other. Let’s use these two for an experiment!’

The main reason was that Seraphina Sullivan had been treating one of the two Skills as a utility for daily life, while the other she had only just acquired from River Sterling.

She selected her targets and activated the [Skill Fusion Card].

The card dissolved into a soft halo of light, enveloping the two Skills she had chosen.

[DING! The Skills "Continuous Punches" and "Scorching Hand" have been selected. The Skill Fusion Card is activating... Analyzing Skill cores... Attempting compatibility fusion...]

[DING! Fusion successful! Congratulations on obtaining the new Skill—Flame Continuous Punch!]

An essential summary of the new Skill immediately appeared in Seraphina Sullivan’s mind.

[Flame Continuous Punch]: Highly compress and concentrate scorching-hot Flame Energy into both fists, allowing for a swift barrage of fiery punches, as ferocious as a raging storm, to be unleashed in an extremely short period.

’Flame Continuous Punch... That sounds awesome!’ A flicker of excitement flashed in Seraphina Sullivan’s eyes.

This was no longer a simple physical attack with added Flame damage; it was a deep fusion of Flame Energy and high-speed punching techniques, resulting in a qualitative transformation!

This undoubtedly enhanced her close-range burst damage and her effectiveness against specific types of enemies.

Suddenly, a voice called out from outside the vehicle.

"Is... Is Doctor Sullivan there? Doctor Sullivan?"

Seraphina Sullivan composed her expression and opened the door.

Standing outside was an elderly woman with graying hair and a haggard face.

She wore a thick, padded coat and tightly clutched a small bundle that was carefully wrapped in old cloth.

When she saw Seraphina Sullivan open the door, a glimmer of hope instantly lit up her clouded eyes, but it was overshadowed by a greater sense of unease.

"I’m Seraphina Sullivan. Can I help you with something?" Seraphina Sullivan asked in a calm voice.

The old woman, whose name was Michelle Morgan, hurriedly offered the small bundle in her hands.

Her voice trembled with desperation. "Doctor Sullivan, I... I don’t have anything valuable left at home, just this... It’s an old heirloom from my side of the family. Please, take it! All I ask is that you find it in your heart to help my son, to treat him!"

Seraphina Sullivan looked at the old cloth bundle, then at the frail, elderly mother before her, who was willing to give up what might be her last memento for her son’s sake. A complex mix of emotions stirred within her.