Each primary profession possesses a distinct skill tree: the Mechanical branch features a Mechanical Knowledge tree, the Martial Arts branch employs a Qi Manipulation Techniques tree, the Psionic branch utilises a Genetic tree, the Magical branch utilises a Magical Knowledge tree, and the Psychic branch employs a Mental Cultivation tree.
Martial Arts centres on Qi power and combat techniques, cultivating profound Qi manipulation skills. [Disembodied Wave] grants Martial Artists mid-range attack capabilities, making Qi projectiles a reality, while [Flash Qi] enables instantaneous burst-Qi evasion. Beyond granting new abilities, Qi manipulation skills offer passive effects: enhancing physical strength, amplifying Qi's potency, speed, and explosive force, among others.
Across the cosmos, myriad martial traditions exist among diverse races—sword arts, blade techniques, combat disciplines, and more. For martial artists, the Qi Manipulation skill tree forms the foundation, while these traditions represent secondary creations by practitioners. Each lineage offers distinct skills, branching into paths specialising in agility, strength, defence, and beyond.
Psionics rely on unique, bizarre abilities for combat. The genetic chain determines an ability's potency. Upgrading the gene tree enhances power, control, endurance... and unlocks new applications. Quality trumps quantity—for instance, Magneto initially controlled mere coins, later commanded entire stadiums, and upon further advancement could manipulate planetary magnetic fields. Continued development might even enable direct control over human biomagnetism, enabling precise, large-scale extermination of lifeforms.
Abilities possess varying developmental potentials. Take electrical manipulation: one practitioner might project attacks and summon storms, while another remains confined to surface-bound power, becoming a human battery. Such disparities are naturally graded under the EDCBA classification system.
These professional fundamentals flashed through Xiao's mind as his attention was seized by the final entry.
'Mechanical Branch Advancement: Advanced Material Synthesis'
Advanced knowledge for the Mechanical branch!
Star Dragon possessed only one advanced mechanical knowledge, but that was more than sufficient!
With this advanced knowledge acquired, dealing with Star Dragon would become far easier. Stay or leave—it was entirely up to him!
Xiao activated 'Advanced Material Synthesis,' and countless profound mechanical theories and diagrams appeared before his eyes—knowledge incomprehensible to ordinary mechanics.
[Detected Mechanical Knowledge: [Advanced Material Synthesis]. Use 2 Potential Points to learn?]
'Learn!'
Xiao's head suddenly throbbed as vast knowledge flooded in.
[Learning in progress. Do not interrupt... 1%... 12%... 34%...]
Xiao felt the seconds drag on like years. Suddenly, his mind cleared as the new knowledge became indelibly imprinted upon his thoughts.
[Learning Successful! You have mastered [Advanced Material Synthesis]! Advanced Weaponry Branch unlocked!]
[Level 20 Advanced Quest Completed! Detected that [Mechanical Novice] job change requirements are fulfilled. Please select one of the following three paths: Gunner, Mechanic, or Mechanical Warrior]
The Mechanic path offers three specialisations, irrevocable once chosen. The Gunner specialises in long-range heavy firearms combat, carrying countless compressed heavy artillery weapons. The advanced profession [War Fortress] possesses terrifying firepower, favouring long-range suppressive fire. A saying circulated in the PvP arenas of his past life: distance determines a Gunner's strength.
Should you encounter an Artillery Specialist within a hundred metres, do not hesitate—strike him down.
Within a thousand metres, proceed with caution.
Within three thousand metres, victory hangs by a thread.
If spotted beyond three thousand metres, my friend, I shall await you at the resurrection point.
The Mech Warrior blends martial arts with machinery, centred around specialised close-quarters mechanical weaponry (not cold steel). They cultivate corresponding martial techniques while artificially enhancing physical attributes through mechanical means—such as nanotechnology, cybernetic augmentation, or neural-controlled exoskeletons. This path may unlock the alternative class: [Mech Pilot]. piloting bespoke armoured suits across the cosmos. In interstellar conflicts dominated by warship artillery, these mech warriors serve as elite assault squads (or deathpool), undertaking boarding operations to decapitate enemy command structures.
However, both paths forsake the mechanical discipline's essence—manufacturing. The Mechanic path requires 80% of blueprints as prerequisites. Choosing Gunner or Mechanised Warrior forfeits numerous potent blueprints; while short-term combat prowess increases, it amounts to sacrificing the greater for the lesser. Those formidable machines, mechs, warships, spacecraft, and heavy artillery are all crafted by the Mechanic. The equipment wielded by Gunner and Mech Warriors originates from the Mechanic.
These two paths serve as complementary enhancements to the Mechanics class's combat capabilities. After all, not every player relishes the tedious crafting work of a Mechanic; most seek the thrill of combat. Consequently, truly skilled Mechanics in the wild are exceedingly rare. Players first recognised the Mechanic's formidable strength during Season Three, in the 3.0 version.
Xiao's main character had been a Mechanic, and having experimented with the other two paths, he understood their strengths and weaknesses intimately. His choice required no deliberation whatsoever.
[Advancement Successful! You have acquired the new profession [Mechanic Apprentice lv1], gaining +30 Stamina, +1 Agility, +1 Endurance, +3 Intelligence, 3 Free Attribute Points, and 1 Potential Point.]
[You have completed your first Mechanical Advancement, enhancing your Endurance bonus: 1 Endurance = 15 Health Points, 1 Endurance = 18 Stamina Points.]
Newfound power emerged from the void. Xiao sensed earth-shattering changes within his body. The Qi energy, previously dormant within his cells, began to pulsate, creating a swelling sensation akin to rising tides.
Xiao felt as though he were a balloon, poised to burst at any moment.
Yet to the observing Gu Hui, nothing seemed amiss. All transformations unfolded silently within Xiao's body.
Simultaneously, a flood of information appeared on the interface.
[Your Qi Attribute has changed. Current Attribute: Magnetic]
[You have acquired the Specialisation - [Geometric Thinking]]
[You have mastered the Skill [Qi Refinement Method]!]
[You have mastered the Skill [Intermediate Mechanical Affinity]!]
[You have mastered the Skill [Sliding Rapid Fire]!]
[You have mastered the Blueprint [Titanium Platinum Alloy]!]
Xiao felt as though he'd been reborn. Things he'd never noticed before flooded his senses.
He could see the minute skin textures on his palms, the fine dust hidden in keyboard crevices. He could hear the hum of electrical currents from the switchboard hardware behind the blast-proof glass, the hiss of air travelling through his windpipe.
'It worked!'
Xiao Han felt refreshed as he checked his attribute panel.