164: Chapter 0164 In-laws' Gathering

Converts attack to Light attribute, dealing an additional 2.4 Demonic Energy Light attribute damage, with a 50% damage bonus against Necromancy System and negative energy creatures.

Next is the 'Shotgun' Rune:

The rune splits into three intertwining rings, causing a secondary explosion upon hitting the target, covering an area of 5㎡, with an explosion energy level equal to 70% of the base attack.

When the 'Sharpness' Rune was optimized, its edges became even keener, inflicting a negative effect of -4 Defense Energy Level on the target.

After the 'Scorching' Rune was optimized, red flame patterns emerged on its surface, raising the warhead's explosion temperature to 2400 degrees, dealing an extra 4 Demonic Energy Fire damage.

When the 'Stun' Rune was optimized, a rotating vortex appeared in its center, stunning targets with Mental Energy below 9 for 3 seconds; the higher the Mental Energy, the shorter the stun duration.

After the 'Hurricane' Rune was optimized, a miniature wind field formed around it, capable of generating a 3.6 Demonic Energy Wind energy burst, continuously pushing the target away for 1 second, achieving a wind speed of 120 meters/second in an unconstrained environment.

After the 'Grease' Rune was optimized, its surface became sticky: it generated a sticky environment with an energy level of 2 Demonic Energy, increasing to 3 Demonic Energy when ignited.

Finally, the 'Sturdiness' Rune: after optimization, the rune became heavier, capable of increasing the main body material's maximumEnergy level limit by 6 levels, and durability increased by 30%.

Excited, Li Size called Violet to his Laboratory.

He couldn't wait to share his massive progress and joy with her, demonstrating the new rune matrix structures and sample effects to her one by one.

Violet watched the flames, whose color had mutated to blue-white, and she knew the temperature had already exceeded 2400 degrees. Her eyes were filled with adoration:

"Brother-in-law, you are amazing! Once I learn these, will I also be able to craft powerful sorcery items like you?"

Li Size stroked her head:

"Of course. As long as you persist in practicing Mechanical Alchemy, you will definitely surpass me in the future.

First, thoroughly grasp the design schematics for 'winds kiss'.

Next week, I will teach you how to fabricate winds kiss, and afterward, we will build an automated production line sorcery machine tool for it together."

The Demonic Energy lamps in the Laboratory gradually dimmed, and the moonlight from outside streamed through the glass, falling upon the two of them.

Li Size gazed at Violet's focused profile, his heart filled with anticipation—

With the optimized skills and runes, he was one step closer to creating sorcery items that surpassed the era.

And Violet's growth would also become an important part of his future plans.

Just as the Demonic Energy lamps in the Laboratory extinguished, the First Ring flying message on Li Size's waist suddenly vibrated—

On the silver metal casing, the name 'Payne' flickered with a faint blue light.

It was his father-in-law calling again; this doting-son-in-law maniac always harassed him from time to time.

He picked up the flying message, his fingertip sliding across the screen. His father-in-law's familiar voice came through with a hint of heartiness:

"Li Size kid, there's news about the comprehensive promotion of the little sorcerer donkey to the Patrol Officers!

Tomorrow, I will ride the 'Defender' you built for me to Gray Mist Mountain to see my in-law, and at the same time, represent the Police Department to discuss cooperation regarding the little sorcerer donkey—

Oh, and Christine is coming with me too. This is the first official meeting between both sets of parents, so you better prepare in advance!"

Li Size's heartbeat suddenly accelerated. The hand holding the flying message was sweating slightly:

Recently, this old man had been clamoring about coming over to see his son-in-law and father-in-law. Before, Gelia had always used the excuse of being too busy recently to postpone it.

But today, Old Payne finally found a suitable reason:

This matter concerned a commercial negotiation task arranged by the Police Department, so Li Size and Gelia could no longer refuse.

Although he was slightly nervous, he immediately replied:

"Rest assured, Father-in-law!

I will arrange for a chef to prepare dinner in advance and guarantee that you and Auntie will be satisfied!"

The next evening, the mist of Gray Mist Mountain shrouded the small town like a thin veil. Smoke puffed from the factory chimneys in a light gray color, interweaving with the sunset glow to form a warm orange halo.

Suddenly, a low roar of a Demonic Energy engine shattered the tranquility—

A black witchcraft motorcycle, the 'Defender,' broke through the mist and drove in. The rune matrices on the bike shimmered with a dark gold light, and the cyan wind flames from the propulsion thrusters pierced the darkness like daggers.

In the motorcycle's driver's seat, Payne wore the special crimson uniform of the Police Department; the silver insignia on his shoulder strap reflected the setting sun.

His face was flushed from the wind, but his gaze remained as sharp as an eagle's.

Christine, in the back seat, wore a cream-white dress, her golden curls slightly disheveled by the wind.

In her hand, she held a silk scarf embroidered with silver thread, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"Li Size!"

Payne jumped off the bike and patted its casing:

"Your 'Defender' is truly excellent!

It's faster than my old witch box, and the stability of the rune matrix is impeccable—

Worthy of being my son-in-law!"

Christine also stepped off the bike. Her gaze swept over Li Size's factory, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes:

"This is the Gray Mist Mountain factory you mentioned?

It looks even more impressive than many machine factories in Glen City!"

Li Size hurried to greet them, followed by Pativ—

His father wore a shirt washed pale, and his hands were still stained with a bit of black demonic iron powder.

He had been working in the blacksmith shop an hour ago. Seeing Payne, his hands clenched involuntarily, and his voice trembled slightly:

"Lord Payne...

You... you have arrived? Please come in quickly! The dining hall has dinner prepared!"

Payne laughed heartily and stepped forward to clap Pativ on the shoulder:

"No need to be so formal, In-law!

I'm just an ordinary police officer, not some big shot—besides, Size is my son-in-law, so we are already family!"

His gesture was rough but sincere, and Pativ's tense shoulders immediately relaxed considerably, a simple and honest smile appearing on his face.

Dinner was set up in the reception room on the second floor of the factory's dining hall—

The long table was laden with Gray Mist Mountain specialties: roast demonic pork, stewed pufferfish (which Li Size had specifically asked the kitchen to prepare), and fresh vegetables cultivated with sorcery.

Pativ sat opposite Payne, his hands resting on his knees, not daring to look up at him until Payne proactively poured him wine. Only then did he hurriedly lift his glass:

"Lord Payne...

I... I toast you! Thank you for taking care of Size and Gelia!"

Payne accepted the glass and clinked it with his:

"In-law, just call me Payne!

Li Size is a very outstanding young man, and I am at ease with Gelia following him—

Moreover, the little sorcerer donkey has helped the Police Department greatly, so I must thank you for raising such a fine son!"

Christine also added with a smile:

"Yes, Mr. Pativ, Li Size's inventions are truly remarkable. Gelia praises him every day at home!"

The atmosphere at dinner gradually grew warmer. Pativ shed his restraint and began sharing amusing stories about Li Size's childhood:

"Li Size loved taking things apart since he was little...

One time, he almost dismantled my blacksmith furnace, saying he wanted to build a 'machine that could forge iron by itself'!

I scolded him then for being foolish, but I never expected that he would actually create so many amazing sorcery items now!"