Three ability branches simultaneously appeared as Ares upgraded from level 1 to level 4.
The first ability branches which Zhao Yao had to choose from were between increasing the range or increasing the upper limit of the deflective field.
Simply put, if the original deflective field was capable of withstanding the damage of a single rocket. By increasing the upper limit, the field would be capable of withstanding the damage of two combined rockets.
Even though Zhao Yao had no clue as to the original upper limit of the deflective field or how strong it could potentially become after increasing its limit, Zhao Yao did not hesitate but tap on the option.
After increasing the upper limit of the deflective field, Zhao Yao"s eyes immediately darted towards the next ability branches. The second ability branches to choose from were to either infuse the deflective field with the element of fire or ice.
This meant that opponents would either be scalded by the fire or frozen by the ice when they were in contact with the deflective field.
"Oh, this means that I will be able to inflict damage either by burning or freezing the opponent?" Zhao Yao propped his chin on his hand as he carefully weighed the options, "The power of fire would inflict greater damage, but I can better control my opponent with the power of freezing."
After a round of careful deliberation, Zhao Yao finally set his mind on the power of freezing. The deflective field in itself had the potential to bring about devastating damage with its power of expansion and contraction. By coupling it with the power of fire, it would only enhance its offensive power by a little. Furthermore, Zhao Yao had no idea how hard it was to control it.
On the other hand, the power of freezing would grant him the ability to control his opponent, thus improving the potential for this ability.
After making his second decision, Zhao Yao"s eyes finally rested on the last ability branches. Based on his experience upgrading Matcha, Elizabeth and Dust Ball, he knew that the third ability branch would endow him an extraordinarily strong power.
Zhao Yao took a glance and the options did not disappoint him.
The two ability branches could potentially grant him the power to infuse his deflective field with lightning properties or the ability to alter the deflective field"s shape and size.
The lightning properties were similar to the power of burning and freezing as any individual who made contact with his deflective field would be electrocuted by a strong surge of current.
The ability to alter the deflective field"s size and shape allowed Zhao Yao to turn it into any shape he desired as long as they stayed within 5 meters from the epicenter of the field.
Zhao Yao contemplated, "With the power of lightning, I could simultaneously attack and control my opponent. It would be significantly stronger than the power of freezing. As for the ability to alter the shape of the deflective field …"
Currently, the extent to which Zhao Yao could alter his deflective field was limited to changing its size. He could either enlarge it to form a sphere of radius 5 meters or reduce it to a size which just encapsulated his entire body. To a certain extent, Zhao Yao could already alter the deflective field"s size and shape but it was a far cry compared to what it could possibly achieve.
"If I can alter its shape, I can mold it into the shape of a s.h.i.+eld? Or a spear, or even a sword? No, I need to be even more imaginative." A glimmer of brilliance flashed across Zhao Yao"s eyes, "The innate power of deflective field could interrupt and defy the law of physics. By transforming it to any shape or size which I deem fit, the potential of its offensive and defensive powers would be limited by my imagination.
I could turn it into a saw or scissors or even a drill. This can increase the field"s destructive powers.
I could also turn it into layers of s.h.i.+eld, walls or even Gundam. This will increase the field"s defensive powers."
Relative to the lightning power, Zhao Yao was enthralled by the potential of the ability to mold the shape and size of his deflective field.
He enthusiastically pressed his finger against the option.
After a series of upgrades, there were a few significant changes to the contents of his BOOK.
book: lv4(148/5000)
Matcha: lv4 (1020/2000)
Elizabeth: lv4 (260/2000)
Dust Ball: lv5 (150/5000)
Ares: lv4 (0/2000)
Meanwhile, the other cats in the belly were staring expectantly at Ares. Their expressions were complex and convoluted. Some were worried, while others were excited. Some looked on curiously while others lowered their head in fear.
Finally, Lucifer shattered the silence by asking, "What happened? How do you feel?"
The Siamese cat, Fūjin, asked, "Boss, do you feel stronger than before?"
His brows snapped together as Ares tried his best to detect any changes in his body. However, he could not even sense a tinge of difference.
He shook his head in disappointment before c.o.c.king his head upwards and started shouting towards the heavens, "Hey, why do I feel the same as before?"
Zhao Yao curled his lips and replied, "You have already gotten stronger but you do not know it. Let me teach you how to unleash your new found strength."
As he spoke, the red glimmer of light flashed across his eyes and he took control of Ares"s body. He immediately activated Ares"s power of deflective field.
Zhao Yao ensured that the deflective field did not interrupt his power of illusion by altering the effects of the field.
Under the watchful gaze of the other supercats, an invisible strength started erupting from Ares"s body.
"Firstly, your defensive powers have improved radically. You will experience it in future fights. Next, I have infused your deflective fields with the ability of freezing. Finally, you can also alter the shape of your deflective field as long as they fall within the 5 meters radius."
Under Zhao Yao"s control, Ares reached out his paws and the deflective field had morphed into the shape of a sharp katana. The field slowly ascended from the surface of Ares"s paws.
By combing the original simple power of repulsion with its katana shape, Zhao Yao had unleashed the true potential of Ares"s power as it had evolved into an immeasurable cutting force.
With the use of his illusion, a rock appeared in front of Ares. With a gentle swipe of his paw, the invisible katana danced along to the movements and had instantly sliced the rock into pebbles as if they were tofu.
Ares stared at his power as his face lit up, "This is so cool! My offensive powers have increased by a few folds!"
"That would be an understatement. From now on, you can turn your deflective field into any shape or size which you desire. Your combat power is limited by your imagination. You will have countless weapons in your a.r.s.enal."
As he spoke, Zhao Yao had transformed Ares"s deflective field into the shape of a rope. It sprang out like a snake and had wrapped itself around Lucifer"s body in the blink of an eye. Then, it activated its freezing power.
"Quick… quick… quick… quickly let go of me!" Lucifer was s.h.i.+vering in cold and was on the verge of turning into an ice sculpture.
Finally, Zhao Yao released Lucifer and said, "Alright, it"s time for you to master your new power."
Zhao Yao had already left the belly after making his statement and had released the supercats from the influence of his illusion.
In their eyes, they were flooded by a blinding light and had once again returned to the container. Simultaneously, Zhao Yao"s voice echoed in the ears.
"Use your new power to shatter the iron wall standing in front of you, I have prepared a new place for all of you."
Zhao Yao had decided to store these supercats inside the container for good. However, it was getting a bit cramped for all eight of them to stay there.
Ares"s eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at his palms. An invisible power was constantly evolving and mutating in his hands.
The other supercats stared on in envy. All of them also wanted to receive a boost in strength.
Ares"s mouth curled into a smile when he heard Zhao Yao"s words. His paws tightened into fists as he sent a punch skyward.
"Iron Palm Wave!"
Two enormous yet invisible palms floated in mid-air. Just like the previous strike, it was not a simple attack which made use of the concept of expansion and contraction. By utilizing his ability to transform his deflective field, Ares had produced a field by combining layers and layers of it as he sent them skywards. A deafening explosion was heard as the giant palms tore the container apart. The true appearance of the extradimensional belly finally laid bare in front of the supercats" eyes.
The remaining supercats stared at the scene dumbfounded. Firstly, their expressions were filled with shock before they gradually turned into envy.
They yearned for the Essence of G.o.d. They wanted to become stronger.