After returning to Mondstadt, Shen Qin bid farewell to the Knights of Favonius with Albedo, Sucrose, and Klee, heading back to his alchemy workshop. This time, they were determined to complete the defensive bracelet once and for all.
With the help of Albedo's Geo powers, they dismantled the entire structure of the Chaos Core and obtained its heart—a fingernail-sized yellow crystal emitting a faint glow.
"I can't determine its composition, nor have I heard of any similar material in Teyvat. It might be a synthetic material created by Khaenri'ah using a special process, but that technology has been lost to time," Albedo said regretfully, shaking his head at Shen Qin.
Shen Qin also felt a pang of disappointment. If they could replicate this mysterious crystal, their future energy problems would be solved.
Aside from the crystal, the rest of the Chaos Core's physical structure could be replicated using their existing alchemical knowledge.
Shen Qin and Albedo reassembled the Chaos Core's structure, incorporating an Electro Crystal to create an energy bracelet identical in shape to the defensive bracelet. It retained all the functions of the Chaos Core and, thanks to the embedded Electro Crystal, its charging speed was ten times faster!
To put it simply, a single day's charge could power the defensive bracelet at full capacity (with all three modes active while continuously enduring attacks from elite monsters) for half an hour. Moreover, it could store up to three days' worth of energy!
And since monster attacks weren't continuous in actual combat, the defensive bracelet's shield could last even longer in practice!
Shen Qin added a magnetic attachment feature to both the energy bracelet and the defensive bracelet. When worn on the wrist, they would automatically snap together, with the energy bracelet supplying power to the defensive bracelet through contact points.
Albedo also contributed some technical optimizations, such as using the air as its negative electrode. At this point, the defensive bracelet's final form was complete. Shen Qin tested it, and all functions worked perfectly.
"It's a shame, the 'Force' bracelet is limited by the Chaos Core's material and can't be mass-produced. How about this—I'll go hunt a few more Ruin Guards, and you help us make a few more bracelets?" Albedo seemed quite fond of the little gadget.
"Actually, the energy bracelet isn't a necessity for the defensive bracelet—it's a necessity for us ordinary people!" Shen Qin said with a laugh. "For those of you with Visions, you, yourselves are the best energy source!"
Albedo and Sucrose's eyes lit up. That was true—Shen Qin couldn't manipulate elemental energy, so he had to rely on an external power source. But they could directly channel elemental energy to power the defensive bracelet!
"Come on, let's spend a few more days redesigning the energy bracelet for Vision holders. I also have a new idea to add to it—let's see how it works."
Albedo and the others eagerly dove back into research.
Finally, after three days, eleven brand-new defensive bracelets were completed.
Perhaps it was more appropriate to call them smart bracelets now—Shen Qin had originally left an empty slot in the defensive bracelet for an energy source. With the energy now externalized, he installed a micro-terminal in that space instead.
The terminal had four functions: photography, memos, a database, and material analysis. When the bracelet was raised to eye level, it projected a virtual screen above it, allowing voice commands or text input.
The photography and memo functions were self-explanatory.
The database was provided by Albedo and contained information on alchemy, flora and fauna, materials, environments, and artificial constructs. Users could search and browse the database at any time or scan objects to pull up detailed entries.
Material analysis was particularly impressive—it could roughly assess a plant's growth state or an animal's physical condition after scanning. It could also break down simple synthetic materials into their base components.
If an unknown material was scanned, it could compare it to structurally similar known materials in the database, using calculations to predict the unknown material's properties and data.
To keep the terminal running, Shen Qin also embedded an Electro Crystal in the energy bracelet.
Additionally, he added a binding function to the bracelet's smart system, similar to the bionic prosthetics. Once worn by a person, it would permanently lock to their identity, making it unusable by anyone else.
Albedo tested the bracelet's various functions, his eyes brimming with amazement. Originally, it had only offered simple defensive capabilities, but after Shen Qin's modifications, it had become a versatile tool that provided countless conveniences for daily life and work.
Sucrose and Klee, meanwhile, was adored by its photography feature.
"Sister Sucrose, let me take a pretty picture of you! Then you can take one of me later!"
'As expected, girls just couldn't resist taking photos!' Shen Qin watched them with a smile and added, "When two bracelets are within ten meters of each other, they can exchange data. That means you can send the photos you take to each other's bracelets!"
The girls were delighted by the photo-sharing feature, while Albedo immediately saw its potential for alchemy—experimental notes and alchemical diagrams could now be recorded and shared effortlessly.
"You've elevated the bracelet's practicality by several levels," Albedo marveled at Shen Qin's innovative design. "But I can tell it has even more room for growth in the future. You already have plans, don't you?"
Shen Qin glanced at him in surprise. As expected of the Knights' Chief Alchemist—his insight was extraordinary.
The smart bracelet's future was meant to be a personal terminal that could connect everyone under a single network, much like a smartphone from Earth. However, achieving that goal would require massive advancements in Mondstadt's infrastructure—technology Shen Qin hadn't yet acquired.
"I do have plans, but given current conditions, this is its limit for now," Shen Qin sighed, then looked at the pile of smart bracelets on the table. "But if you come up with any ideas or inspirations while using it, I can try adding new features."
Albedo nodded. "If you run into difficulties during development, feel free to come to me anytime. Now that the bracelets are done, I should head to the Knights—Acting Grand Master Jean and the others are waiting for me."
"Take their bracelets with you!" Shen Qin called out as Albedo turned to leave.
"Such valuable gifts should be delivered by your own hand," Albedo said, glancing back. "Oh, and Sucrose no longer needs to assist me at my alchemy workshop. Let her stay here with you full-time."
"Eh? Mr. Albedo, why…?" Sucrose, who had been playing with Klee, was startled. "Did I not do well in my work?"
"Not at all. You're an outstanding alchemist, and your assistance has been impeccable. It's just… I think you'd be happier here, wouldn't you?" Albedo winked at her from an angle Shen Qin couldn't see, then left. "Goodbye, everyone. I truly enjoyed working with you on the smart bracelet. I hope we get to collaborate again in the future."