The fourth-generation runic arrays he had previously updated to were not particularly large, with the smallest one being the size of a ping pong ball and the largest the size of a round disk.

In other words, the size of these arrays directly determined the upper limit of the energy they could contain.

And when the upper limit of energy is constrained, it means theres a limit to the power that the runes can unleash.

So, what Su Hao needs to do next for the fifth-generation runic arrays isnt just to crudely enlarge the arrays size to gain more powerful rune effects. Instead, hes looking for the optimal solution for converting blood energy into power.

Increasing the arrays size can indeed provide more power, but it comes at the cost of longer activation times and a reduction in the number of runes that can be inscribed on a set of armor or a weapon.

In the end, its not worth it.

In Su Haos vision, the optimal solution for blood energy conversion is to improve the efficiency of this conversion and slightly increase the overall power of the runes to the level he desires.

Take a simple rune like Barrier as an analogy.

The mechanism behind the Barrier is similar to the principles of non-Newtonian fluids. When activated, the runes generate a significant amount of red substance that surrounds the body. When subjected to intense impacts, this substance starts moving vigorously, greatly increasing friction and forming a protective barrier effect.

While this barrier effect is powerful, it also has its defense limits. Faced with attacks that exceed these limits, the barrier is no tougher than a sheet of paper.

As Su Haos battles become increasingly intense, this Barrier is no longer sufficient to keep him safe.

Its similar to his past battle with the King of Humans. He maintained the Barrier effect almost throughout the battle, but the King of Humans still broke through it with a single strike.

Its not just the Barrier effect; most of the rune effects on his hands are no longer satisfying Su Haos ever-growing desire for combat or rather, his craving for intense battles!

Su Hao doesnt actively seek out battles; he doesnt fight for the sake of fighting.

Battles are merely means to achieve a goal. And the stronger these means are, the smoother Su Haos progress towards his goals will be.

So, Su Hao needs to ensure that his combat capabilities match what he intends to do; otherwise, hell face destruction.

In other words, true justice is only justice when accompanied by sufficient power.

So, once hes sure about the desired effects, the thought process for updating the array begins.

The Barrier should be so resilient that even with all his might, Su Hao cant break it. Thats the benchmark for a qualified Second-Level Barrier. Then, he can further enhance it based on this benchmark.

The Strong Electric Current should deliver a lightning-like effect, ideally capable of instantly killing a person. It also deserves a name change to Second-Level Strong Electric Current.

If theres room for further optimization and enhancement in the future, it can be upgraded to Third-Level and Fourth-Level, and then based on his desired effects, he can choose runes of different levels.

Once the thought process is clear, Su Hao immerses himself in his own world.

First, its about the power, not about having as much blood energy input as possible, but maintaining overall coordination.

In places where more blood energy is needed, the rune structure can be made more robust to achieve greater strength. In places where simple effects suffice, the structure can be made finer, requiring only a bit of blood energy.

In the past, he only had the Golden Silkworms/Planaria, all of which were the same size, and he didnt pay much attention to these details. But now that he can freely create runes, its time to explore some intricate aspects.

If all the details about runes are fine-tuned, the power of the runes wont be just a minor improvement; it will undergo a true transformation, and the size of rune power can be controlled.

A month later, Su Hao completed the update of most of the runes.

He began conducting experiments in his laboratory.

The effect of Second-Level Barrier has undergone a transformation. Even at my current full strength, I cant break through this barrier with two powerful strikes. And Second-Level Sturdy has almost achieved the effect that the King of Humans originally displayed. Even a knife enhanced with Penetration, Sharpness, and Erosion at the first level cant penetrate Second-Level Sturdy.'

And what hes most satisfied with is Second-Level Deflection. When a knife strikes the Second-Level Deflection effect, it hardly exerts any force; it simply glides through. With these three layers of defense, his safety is greatly enhanced. He has no need to fear other high-level anomalies, no matter if theyre fifth-level anomalies or kings. He can stand still, and who can touch a hair on his head?

Su Hao has a strong sense of confidence and premonition. This time, he is undoubtedly destined for a long life and invincibility.

But thats not all. Su Hao also conducted a major update on the runes for the attack direction.

Second-Level Penetration can pierce through the Second-Level Barrier effect, Second-Level Sharpness can break through Second-Level Sturdiness, and they counter each other. Second-Level Coordination can directly neutralize the Second-Level Deflection effect, while Second-Level Erosion inflicts chemical damage, and Second-Level Rotation produces explosive and twisted damage.

Also, Strong Electric Current had its power significantly increased, so Su Hao simply renamed it Second-Level Lightning.

Overall, the rune effects on the attack side triumph over those on the defense side.

For Su Hao, this isnt necessarily a good thing. He still wishes that the defense effects were stronger. If they could reach a level where even he couldnt harm himself, wouldnt he be invincible?

In addition, inspired by Drill Rat, Su Hao developed many interesting gadgets.

For example, the tracking Bombs, which have the effect of missiles. They can track targets with precision guidance, although Su Hao needs to control them personally.

Then theres Second-Level Thunder Beads. Su Hao uses bone generation to create a large number of bone spheres, each inscribed with a Second-Level Lightning rune. When facing fast-moving enemies, he can generate thousands of tiny bone spheres and release them into the sky, creating a massive electric web.

Faced with such shameless area attacks, will speed be of any use? The faster you run, the more electrifying it gets.

When Su Hao left the laboratory, Yashan had already prepared a meal.

At the dining table, Su Hao said directly to Yashan, Yashan, Ive updated some of the runes recently, and they are much stronger than before. After dinner, Ill update your bone armor.

Yashans eyes lit up, and he responded with joy, Thank you, Boss Wei!

Then Yashan added, Boss Wei, Ive noticed that having rune abilities makes me practically invincible among the same level of Demons!

Su Hao smiled, How do you come to that conclusion?

Yashan replied, Some time ago, that kid Mong Chuan evolved into a Night Demon, right? I often spar with him, and hes hardly my match. I can only chase him, and in the end, he can only hide underground or fly into the sky to escape.

Su Hao said , Having one more rune is like having one more powerful skill. Strength is a given. When I inscribe the new runes for you, youll understand what it means to be godlike. I reckon even some fifth-level anomalies wont be your match.

Yashan nodded in agreement and then hesitated, saying, But, Boss Wei, I have a question. When a Night Demon hides underground or flies into the sky, how should we Bone Demons respond? We cant just let him escape, can we?

Su Hao asked, Have you mastered the Bone Control ability?

Yashan scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. Its too difficult, Boss Wei. I have no sense of control! What I generate is just bone spurs, and theyre driving me crazy.

Then Yashan cautiously asked, Boss Wei, I mean, are there any other methods besides Bone Control? In case we encounter such a situation in the future, Id like to have some means of dealing with it.

Su Hao contemplated it, and Yashan had a point. It might be a good idea to provide him with some additional attack methods.

After a moment of thought, Su Hao said, How about this: Ill customize a special sniper cannon for you as an additional means of attack. But Im not sure if itll work, so dont get your hopes up too high.

Yashan was confused, thinking, A sniper cannon? Whats that? It doesnt sound very impressive.

(End of this chapter)