Chapter 91
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Chapter 91
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Magical Integration
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And if the Stele of the Oracle is real, aren't you curious what's written on it?
Am I the only one?
Anonymous (1) was a transcendent of inaction. For that reason, he knew a great deal, and even though he had reached such lofty heights, he still harbored many curiosities.
Especially about the Hero.
Anonymous (1) had shown steady interest in the Hero.
To the extent that every member of this chat room knew it, one could say he'd made it quite obvious.
Anonymous (2), as an early member, must have felt the same curiosity as I did.
I'm curious about the Stele of the Oracle too.
But... why the Hero?
And how can you be so sure a new Hero will be born?
Ever since realizing the Hero's power isn't truly their own, it's worth considering.
If it's '0', they could fully verify it.
I'm just curious. Whether we're the ones opposing it... or cooperating.
I had no intention of saying anything right then. I was grappling with the same dilemma, after all.
I couldn't tell if Anonymous (1) was curious out of hostility toward the Hero, or simply inquisitive as he claimed.
So even though I already knew, I couldn't easily reveal my own position.
But someday, it would come to light. Sooner or later.
The Hero would eventually be invited to this group chat, after all.
Anonymous (1) probably knew that '0' had no plans to answer.
That answers always required a corresponding price.
Once the Hero discussion wrapped up, I headed back to the snow mountain.
What was the reason for lingering here even after securing the stele?
It stemmed from the inexplicable familiarity emanating from this snow mountain.
'Magical integration...'
The process of aligning mind, mana, and body as one.
I drew faint inspiration from the snow mountain's indescribable familiarity.
Why did it feel so familiar? Perhaps because it felt as comfortable as a part of myself.
If so, couldn't this be viewed as a form of unification?
The unification of mind and mana, that is.
Then, how to extend that unification to the body?
The answer lay once more in the Manaphone.
This chat room already housed those who had walked that path.
Originally, I had planned to dive into training after wrapping up my business as Cedric.
But with this inspiration striking, I couldn't ignore it. Who knew when such a chance would come again?
I have something I want to ask Anonymous (2).
It's been a while since you showed up.
What is it you want to ask?
Since we'd just been chatting, Anonymous (2)'s reply came quickly.
The reason I singled out Anonymous (2) was that, as a junior of the same kind, she wouldn't hesitate to offer guidance.
Magical integration.
I have a rough sense of mind and mana's integration, but how do I align the body too?
Can you provide the answer?
You've already sensed the integration of mind and mana?
Like a familiarity with the attribute I've been handling. Not sure exactly, but I get the gist.
I hesitated briefly when using the word "familiarity."
Wondering if it was the precise term.
But Anonymous (2) seemed to grasp it right away.
...That's right.
That's the term we use when reaching deep assimilation with mana: 'familiarity.'
Looks like you've been diligently tempering yourself all this time.
How about your adaptation to the body?
Adaptation?
Yes. You received power through the openings, right? For mages, once the three openings are unlocked, that power envelops the entire body, reconstructing it.
Anonymous (4), even with your first opening—and not even knowing the nature of that power—the fact remains that your body has changed.
You need to adapt to that altered body. If you've relied only on mana and mind until now, from here on, you must work on adapting to the body.
You can't let your guard down just because it's your own flesh.
Anonymous (2) explained it patiently, as if instructing a disciple.
Though it was just text on a screen, our extended chats in this room had attuned me to her distinctive tone.
...But was adaptation really necessary?
My body's reactions had indeed quickened, and I could feel my muscles growing denser down to the fiber.
But aside from that, had anything changed significantly?
More precisely, nothing felt like it required adaptation.
Perhaps because I'd switched bodies so many times before.
For now, I replied to Anonymous (2).
Adaptation itself is no issue.
It's already complete? But you said you were focused on mind and mana integration.
I never said I was focused on that.
If anything, I'd been more focused on bodily adaptation.
A bit of exaggeration, but I'd been dashing everywhere until my feet blistered, swapping bodies, and throwing myself into battles.
Is that so?
...I see.
Perhaps reviewing our earlier exchange.
Then it's truly time for you to delve deeply into magical integration.
You're progressing incredibly fast already, but...
No, honestly it's hard to believe, but if it's you, Anonymous (4)... I can see it being possible.
I'd already mentioned becoming a 7th-circle mage, only to ascend to transcendent shortly after, and I'd candidly shared the peculiarities of my first opening.
Anonymous (4)'s trajectory since joining had strayed far from the members' common sense.
At this rate, you'll reach true magical integration before long. Just...
We have a meditation technique that can accelerate the process a bit more.
Meditation technique?
You could also call it a breathing method.
Sorry, but I can't just hand it over for free.
Even among our kind, it's a rare technique passed down to only a select few.
A meditation technique...
Something akin to a mana cultivation method?
If so, it made sense why she wouldn't part with it easily.
I knew well how noble houses guarded their proprietary mana cultivation methods across generations, treating them as the foundation of their lineages.
Coming from insular elves—no, transcendents—it was easy to gauge its value.
'Yeah, I was being too greedy.'
I'd either have to seek out another breathing method myself or attain enlightenment on my own.
As I prepared to let it go...
I'll collect payment later.
I mulled over the meaning for a moment.
You're going to teach me?
Once magical integration occurs, you'll wield power far beyond Probe Rank. There'll be a place where you need to put that strength to use.
So, payment on delivery, then.
Exactly.
That's when Anonymous (1) jumped in.
You two trading is fine and all...
But if Anonymous (2) posts that breathing method here, won't everyone see it?
I stared at the chat window, pondering.
Anonymous (1) wasn't wrong. This room lacked private messaging.
Adding it wouldn't be hard, but I had no plans to.
Implementing it would let Anonymous (1), (2), and (3) message each other privately.
That would upset the balance of this room.
'Guess we'll have to resort to physical delivery...'
As various alternatives swirled in my mind, Anonymous (2) replied without a hint of concern.
No need to charge the others.
They've already surpassed the realm of magical integration. Even if they knew, they couldn't use it.
Still, there's no guarantee we won't blab about it elsewhere.
Why even say that?
You won't.
How do you know?
Haven't we already accepted that we're apostles of '0'?
No reason to harm each other.
Besides, Anonymous (1), you have no one to tell anyway.
What're you talking about?
Your actions so far make it clear.
That the only ones who'll listen closely to you are the people in this chat.
I don't get why you're being so snide about it.
?
Anonymous (2)'s words ring more convincingly.
Well, if you want, I could share our race's unique breathing method too.
Of course, like Anonymous (2), I'd expect payment later.
You haven't forgotten, have you?
Arcana Bloom, that is.
I already had the Arcana Bloom in my possession.
But it merely purified the body and enhanced mana quality—hardly a game-changer for a transcendent.
Its true potential emerged only when fused with mermaid heart essence to create the elixir known as Oblivion.
That mermaid heart essence.
Anonymous (3), the sea's king who commanded the deep-sea mermaids, had handed over the Arcana Bloom but withheld the heart essence.
He'd said he'd collect payment once I became a transcendent.
So I was holding off on that deal. I'd craft Oblivion someday, but I had no desire to owe the same person twice.
To begin with, an elf breathing method seemed more compatible with humans than a deep-sea race's.
Besides, it was said to be exceedingly rare even among elves.
Can I know the payment details in advance?
It won't be a tough request.
Especially not something unreasonable like fighting a powerful foe.
This was the very tactic I'd employed myself...
Withholding specifics while assuring it wouldn't be overly burdensome.
A way to leave wiggle room in the deal's terms.
Not always meant to deceive—sometimes it was simply too complex to explain everything upfront.
Given Anonymous (2)'s circumstances, it was likely tied to an oath. Speaking rashly now could lead to unforeseen issues later.
Of course, I wasn't expecting a freebie.
The right to know the details always existed.
With a total stranger, I'd have pressed relentlessly, but Anonymous (2) had proven trustworthy thus far.
Understood.
I wanted Anonymous (2)'s breathing method, and as if she'd been waiting, she began posting a lengthy message step by step.
The chat scrolled endlessly—a volume fit for an entire book.
It was called the Silver Listening breathing method.
An advanced conscious training regimen to unify mind, mana, and body.
'Listen to silver?'
A somewhat esoteric name. Nothing distinctive stood out from the title alone.
While Anonymous (2)'s message stretched on, the chat fell unusually silent.
No one else chimed in.
I was absorbed in reading the tome-like text, but the thought of Anonymous (1) and (3) waiting patiently was almost amusing.
Well, the solemn Anonymous (3) made sense, but Anonymous (1) holding back was unexpected.
At last, the lengthy post concluded, and Anonymous (3) spoke up.
It's quite different from the breathing methods we have.
But... authentic.
This isn't something you can learn just anywhere.
Anonymous (4) ought to be grateful.
I promised to collect payment, so no need for thanks.
Thanks anyway.
Is it safe to try it out now?
If you run into trouble, feel free to say so.
I'll help however I can.
I set the Manaphone aside.
Placed it down and stepped into the heart of the snow mountain.
For now, I was modulating the natural mana to ward off the worst of the chill, but I'd soon release that control.
To properly sense the mana.
Snowflakes that had oddly veered away began piling steadily on my shoulders. And my head too.
As the frigid air seeped into my skin, my entire body's senses gradually awakened.
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