Secret Cult: Transform into a Steam Treasure Hunting Ship and Upgrade Alone

Strange Object Containment Level [Fragment Level] File Code: FRAGMENT: Definition: Extraordinary items that are actively dangerous, have weak abnormal effects, or have attenuated to a negligible level. Most fragmented artifacts are fragments of larger artifacts, byproducts of failure, or relics that have gradually lost their effectiveness after long-term exposure to the natural environment. They can be safely stored in ordinary lockers without special protection. Remarks: Fragment-level strange objects account for more than 60% of the items registered by the [Arts and Science Association]. Most fragment-level strange objects will be downgraded to "inert matter" and removed from the archives after decades of containment, but there are still a large number of new fragments being continuously sent every year due to the activities of observers. [Rust Level] File Code: CORROSION: Definition: An extraordinary item that has certain abnormal effects but has a limited range of influence and will not actively spread or proliferate. The effects are usually slow and local, and will not cause irreversible damage to the human body without long-term exposure. The anomalous effect of rust-level artifacts is similar to rust - it will slowly erode certain properties of the surrounding environment (temperature, humidity, light, sound), but will not cross the containment boundary. Remarks: The rust level is the level most commonly dealt with in the daily work of the [Arts and Science Association]. Most of the observers of the Council of Arts and Sciences will bring back several rust-level items, which are regarded as "by-products of extraordinary events" - as natural as coal mining digging out gangue. But there is also a reminder marked in red ink in the file: Rust-level rare objects may undergo level jumps under certain conditions. Known triggering conditions include: a concentration exceeding a critical value, exposure to a high-intensity steam pulse, or contact with another specific oddity. [Smoldering Level] File Code: SMOULDER: Definition: A strange object that has persistent abnormal effects and will cause definite physical and mental damage to those who come into contact. The effect will not subside on its own. If not contained, it will gradually affect the surrounding environment and living creatures within days to months. The name of the smoldering strange object comes from the most dangerous stage in a fire - there is no open flame, but the temperature is rising, the smoke is gathering, and it may explode at any time. Note: The smoldering stage is a key node in the containment system. The debris and rust grades can tolerate management oversights, but the smoldering grade cannot. [Literature Council] Of the three most serious containment breaches in history, two were caused by smoldering-level artifacts that had experienced level jumps after being left unchecked for a long period of time. Therefore, the monthly inspection of smoldering-level rare objects is carried out by personnel directly dispatched from the [Literary Council] headquarters and is not subject to the jurisdiction of local branches. [Melting Level] File Code: MELT: Definition: A strange object that has the ability to actively spread or the tendency to self-proliferate, and can expand the scope of abnormal effects without external intervention. The effect of the molten grade strange object is like molten iron - it will flow, penetrate, and devour everything it comes into contact with. If it is not contained, it can theoretically expand infinitely. It can be a person, a creature, an artifact, or even a location that has been permanently altered by an anomalous effect. Note: Molten level is the last level in the containment system that still allows "research". [Liberal Science Council] There is only one thing to do with higher-level wonders: seal it up and forget about its existence. But the molten grade is still considered comprehensible - at least for the time being. There is a crossed-out comment in the appendix of the file: "■■■Our understanding of the molten stage may just be that it is cooperating with us." The identity of the writer of this paragraph has been deleted. [Black Cardinal Level] File code: BLACK CARDINAL: Definition: A transcendent existence or artifact that cannot be destroyed, cannot be disposed of harmlessly, and whose abnormal effects have some characteristics of "will" or "purpose". A transcendent being or artifact that has complete autonomous consciousness and can actively plan and execute its intentions. It is no longer a "sign of will" - it has an intelligence level that is equal to or even surpasses that of humans, and a set of action logic that is not understood by humans. The Black Cardinal will lie, wait, and make plans that last for decades. It has the ability to bribe, corrupt, or instigate containment personnel. It is locked inside the wall, but it is not always inside the wall - some Black Cardinal-level strange objects can exert non-physical effects on the outside world in a contained state, including but not limited to: teaching in the dreams of specific people, transmitting Morse code through pipe vibrations, or making what it wants to say appear randomly in all written materials within a radius of several kilometers. The name "Black Cardinal" comes from the characterization of it by the [Literary Council]: a cardinal is the highest authority under the pope, and a black cardinal is the betrayer among the cardinals - an enemy wearing a red robe and sitting next to you. It is more dangerous than any lower-level wonder, not because it kills more people, but because it makes you willingly open the door for it. Remarks: The Black Cardinal level is the highest level of "intellectual threat" in the containment system. The levels below it can be shut down, but it cannot be shut down - it can only be isolated in an information vacuum and hope that no one will listen to it. The archives contain a fragment of a memoir that has been copied over and over again, written by a certain late Black Cardinal-level Chief Warden. There is only one sentence in the whole text: "The most terrifying thing is not that it can lie. The most terrifying thing is that every sentence it says is the truth, and after listening to it, you find that you and everything you serve are lies." [Reverse Order] File code name: RETROGRADE: Reverse Order strange objects are living samples left after the rules themselves have been rewritten. Its abnormality lies not in what it does, but in what it is - it is a piece of matter that does not belong to the current flow of time, a remnant that has been uprooted from the causal chain but is still breathing. Note: The reverse order level does not interact with you, it does not do anything, it is just there, and "being there" itself is already rewriting the cause and effect under your feet. SilenceFile code name: SILENCE: No definition. All fields in the profile regarding level 7 are blank. Not because it doesn't exist, but because it was deleted. Or it was transferred. Or no one has ever dared to write it down.

[First Order·Mortal Body]: Definition: A normal human being who has not awakened any extraordinary abilities and relies entirely on physical functions and external tools. Ability details: No extraordinary perception or output ability to operate steam-powered equipment (such as single-board aircraft, observation mirrors, data terminals), unresponsive to fluctuations in the virtual world, and unable to sense the existence of numbered strange objects Promotion method: None. This is the starting state of all human beings. Typical examples: noodle shop owners, ordinary crew members, and low-level residents of Blackwater Street. Combat strength reference: There is almost no chance of winning against mutated creatures, and you will die if you encounter a flying giant snake. [Level 2·Awakening]: Definition: Obtaining extraordinary power for the first time and being able to display limited extraordinary abilities, but the amount is small and unstable. Ability details: Acquire a basic extraordinary ability (common types: micro-force movement, electric spark, short-term acceleration, weak self-healing). It will be exhausted after every full exertion, and it will take several hours to recover. It can be used 2-3 times a day. The influence range is extremely limited (within 3-5 meters) and the effect is weak (such as pushing a wooden box, bending an iron nail, accelerating and sprinting for three seconds). At the same time, it has a keen extraordinary perception and can be vaguely aware. The presence of nearby numbered strange objects or extraordinary creatures can easily lead to loss of control or escape when emotions fluctuate Promotion methods: Observe numbered strange objects at close range and produce stress reactions. Stay in virtual realm shock areas and survive contact with high-concentration ether residue or virtual realm relic fragments. Extremely lustful teachings of low-level flesh and blood rituals Typical examples: adventurers who have experienced contact with strange objects, low-level church apprentices, and civilians who accidentally awaken. Combat strength reference: one level stronger than ordinary people, can deal with 2-3 ordinary people at the same time, still has no chance of winning against the flying giant snake, but can use its abilities to escape or deal with it for a while. [Level 3·Revealed]: Definition: Extraordinary abilities are completely stable, from "occasionally available" to "normally available", and the magnitude is improved by one level. Ability details: A single main energy system is finalized and can be cast 5-6 times continuously before resting. The range of influence is expanded to ten meters. The effect is significantly improved (such as: pushing away half a ton of weight, generating a small-scale steam explosion, doubling the body speed for half a minute). The sensing range is expanded to hundreds of meters, and extraordinary biological species can be distinguished. The interference of emotions on abilities is significantly weakened Promotion method: Experience the virtual realm fluctuations for two or more times and survive and actively carry out "manifestation training" (each sect has basic courses) The flesh and blood stimulation of the intermediate ritual of the Extreme Desire Cult Typical examples: Ford (level of ejecting bullets), the basic combat monk of the sect. Combat strength reference: You can challenge a flying giant snake alone and win. If you face three or more, you need to retreat. [Level 4·Energy]: Definition: Extraordinary abilities are further strengthened and can continuously control a specific energy form (steam, electricity, light, flesh, metal, etc.) For a long time, changing from "exhibition" to "control". Ability details: The main energy system is solidified, and more than 2 branch usages are derived (such as metal system: control + enhancement + ejection). It can be used continuously for more than half an hour before resting. The scope of influence is expanded to 100 meters. Initial resistance to low-level virtual environment erosion (short exposure will not cause madness). Can disperse small mutant biological communities. Can sense its own "spirit". "Light" and use it to identify similar strengths Promotion method: Systematic training (completed studies at a college affiliated with the Broken Church), completed the first "blood contract" (bound to a low-level extraordinary creature), accepted single-organ level mechanical structure transformation Typical examples: formal combat monks from various churches, elite guards of the Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce. Combat strength reference: Can challenge three to five giant flying winged snakes in a single fight, and has the ability to contain young backlight whales. [Level 5·Resonance]: Definition: Deeply bound to the frequency of a certain type of virtual world, the ability is systematized, forming a complete "skill tree", no longer relying on a single skill. Ability details: The main energy system derives more than 5 different branch skills, forming a tactical combination that can drive small numbered rare objects (C1 level), and establish a temporary link with them. The virtual realm perception range is expanded to several kilometers and can briefly enter the "resonance state". The overall ability is increased by 30%. It lasts for several minutes to be initially immune to low-level virtual realm erosion. You can look directly at some virtual realm scenes without going crazy Promotion method: Complete the "Deep Resonance Ceremony" (requires the resources of a sect or independent organization) to absorb the core of an extraordinary creature (such as the crystal core of a backlight whale) and drive a V2 level or above treasure hunting ship for a long time and grow simultaneously with it Typical examples: formal priest of the Broken Church, senior instructor of the Sky Hunting Academy, Ethan on the Iron Helmet (blood pact summoning level). Combat strength reference: Can deal with dozens of flying winged giant snakes alone, can challenge and defeat young retrograde whales in a single fight. [Level 6·Control]: Definition: After stepping into the threshold of high-level transcendence, one can actively guide virtual energy to continuously interfere with reality and produce regional-level effects. Ability details: Can guide virtual energy into the environment to achieve regional effects (such as: creating short-term fog, local gravity changes, steam condensation to cover a building). A single person can suppress a V1 level treasure hunting ship. Can complete high-level blood contract summons, and summon aerial and sky creatures to assist in combat. The ability can last for several hours, without resting in the middle. Virtual Realm Sensing Range The radius can reach tens of kilometers, the range of influence can reach hundreds of meters to kilometers Promotion method: Survive in the virtual shock center and complete the "anchoring" installation of large-scale structures (full-body mechanical embedding) advanced flesh-and-blood fusion rituals of the Zealot Cult Typical examples: High-level priests of the Broken Church, Blood Sacrifice Priests of the Zealot Cult, Ford (the upper limit of true combat power). Combat strength reference: It can suppress a treasure hunting ship, it can single-handedly challenge the adolescent backlight whale, and it can independently guard a small island. [Seventh Level·Construct]: Definition: The body has been systematically transformed, breaking through the limits of mortal matter, becoming a semi-mechanical/semi-mutated existence, and is no longer purely human. Ability details: The steam hub, gear set, hydraulic system or mutated tentacles built into the body can be dismantled with bare hands. The steam hub defense of the V2-class treasure hunter is amazing. Conventional artillery cannot penetrate its "constructed shell". It can be exposed to extreme environments (high altitude oxygen deficiency, highly toxic fog, flames, deep sea pressure) for a long time. Its lifespan is greatly extended (more than 200 years), and virtual environment erosion can damage it. The fusion of almost ineffective extraordinary abilities and constructed limbs creates a new hybrid skill Promotion methods: The Broken Church's "Construction Sacrament" (whole-body level mechanical transformation) the Extreme Desire Cult's "flesh and blood ascension" (whole-body level mutated fusion) independent constructors assemble and successfully adapt by themselves Typical examples: the Broken Church's high-level inquisitor, the Extreme Desire Cult's blood sacrifice lord, and the independent constructed hunter. Combat strength reference: It can physically fight against adult retrograde whales, and can capture small air islands alone. A V2 treasure hunting ship poses no threat to it. [Level 8·Boundary Crossing]: Definition: Being able to briefly step into the virtual realm and pull "law fragments" from it into the real world, causing local changes in the physical rules of the area. Ability details: Can actively open the virtual realm channel and enter it for several minutes. During the period, it can pull "law fragments" when disappearing from the real world. Realization: regional time flow velocity changes (±50%), physical constant disturbances (gravity, friction, boiling point, light refraction) can trigger high-intensity "ether reactions", which are recorded as celestial changes by the observation station. Can command multiple V2~V3 level treasure hunting ships to form a tactical network. The range of the network spirit link can reach hundreds of kilometers, the range of influence can reach more than a kilometer level Promotion method: Succeed in and out of the virtual realm at least three times while maintaining the integrity of the personality. Integrate a C2-level or above numbered rare object and establish a deep binding. Serve as the "Void Realm Hub Officer" of a certain sky island for more than ten years Typical examples: High Priest of the Broken Church, Cardinal of the Gear Orthodox Church, Void Actor of the Extreme Desire Cult. Combat power reference: It can suppress the fleet of V3-level strange object vehicles alone, and can cause continuous physical abnormalities in an airspace. [Level 9·Pivot]: Definition: It has become a living anchor between the virtual world and reality. It can partially rewrite the laws of physics. Its existence itself is a "walking sky island core". Ability details: Can actively modify the laws within 100 meters around you (such as: making metal brittle, freezing flames, reversing gravity, slowing down the speed of light). Can shake up adult giant retrograde whales (100-meter level) and expel or kill them. Can cause a medium-sized sky island to have a "time repeat" phenomenon (the past scene is projected to the present). The body is almost immortal (unless it is back-bitten by the virtual realm itself). The aura covers the entire An island in the sky, synchronously sensing all movements on the island. The virtual realm passage can be opened and closed at will, without consumption Promotion method: Successfully contain a C3-level or above virtual realm relic and fuse it with it. Experience a complete "Void Realm Echo" event and survive the once-in-a-century "Cardinal Promotion Ceremony" within the sect Typical examples: the current Grand Cardinal of the Broken Church and the Mother of Flesh and Desire Cult. Combat strength reference: It can fight against a V4-level sky fortress fleet, it can make adult backlight whales actively retreat, and a medium-sized sky island can be defended by one person. [Tenth Level·Return to the Void]: Definition: An inhuman state. The individual's consciousness is deeply integrated with the virtual world and is no longer limited by the definition of "human beings" or "biological beings". It is similar to a walking natural disaster or natural phenomenon itself. Ability details: Visible reality is an "editable draft", free to reshape the laws of physics (the scope is not limited, it can take effect with just one thought), it can vaporize a giant sky island (such as the level of the adult backlight whale [high-altitude ionizing breath] in the log, but released by a humanoid existence), it can completely wipe it out Excluding or creating an airspace route does not rely on the physical body for survival, and consciousness can travel freely between the virtual world and reality. Time loses its meaning and can exist simultaneously in the past, present, and future. It is extremely difficult to be observed. Once it appears, it becomes an epic event Promotion method: No clear path. There are only a few cases recorded in history, and they are all accidental or sacrificial. It is generally believed that "complete virtual world settlement" or "world-class paradox event" is required to trigger Typical examples: the legendary "Founding Saints" of the Broken and Gear Sect, the "First Blood" of the Extreme Desire Sect, and ancient existences mentioned in the world chat log. Combat strength reference: natural disaster level. Not manpower or fleets to contend with, only to be observed, recorded, feared, and prayed to.

[Ashes Candidate] V1: 15-30 meters long, required crew of 3-8 people, canvas skin, no weapons, consumables, can be attached. [Cast Iron Retinue] V2: 30-60 meters long, required crew of 25-50 people, riveted armor, harpoon cannon, diversionary combat power. [Forged Fire Attendant] V3: 60-100 meters long, 100-160 crew required, one-piece forged keel, door-breaking hammer cannon, rough selection workshop. [Molten Priest] V4: 100-150 meters long, required crew of 180-300 people, constant-burning boiler, slag cannon, and on-board refinery. [Iron Bishop] V5: 150-200 meters long, required crew of 350-500 people, statue of Our Lady of Mines, chant array, intelligence center. [Golden Cardinal] V6: 200-280 meters long, required crew of 600-1000 people, golden armor, gravity anchor, cardinal meeting. [Supreme Crown] V7: 280-380 meters long, 1500-2500 crew required, cathedral shape, iron angel, floating city. UnfinishedV8: 600+ meters long, unknown crew, blank file, always patrolling, not responding to any calls.

You are a ship, not a human being, why are you even afraid of an ordinary person?

Okay, it was quite tense. After looking at it, I feel that the characters are quite vivid. However, there seem to be many related words such as and and if, so the ones used should be correct. Okay, it's all good, pretty good. The fight was fierce and there was indeed a sense of adventure.

What a pity! The main force cannot upgrade itself

Come on ^ω^ By the way, how can the author delete comments? I haven't read it yet, the author is bad 😭

There are a lot of typos, and the gags are a bit out of place. Is it really okay to talk about cross talk instead of confrontation?