Chapter 424: I Really Am a Genius
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 424: I Really Am a Genius
"This... it actually worked?"
I looked at my masterpiece before me, hardly able to believe my eyes. The Tree of Knowledge derived spell had now completely superseded the original Memory Bookshelf spellbook.
If I possessed Real Editing Technology, perhaps this would have become an independent spellbook—a brand-new sequence spell derived from the Memory Bookshelf!
Unfortunately, I didn't. Instead, the Tree of Knowledge seemed to have established a new order atop the Memory Bookshelf spellbook, replacing the original spell effects.
The lush Tree of Knowledge had taken root within my consciousness space, anchoring itself in my memories and gathering all my knowledge there.
When I spoke of success, I was referring to the linkage between the two spellbooks. It was the success of this experiment that forced me to re-evaluate the concept of "spellbooks" created through Real Editing.
The way spellbooks could complement each other's effects was truly formidable. My initial idea was merely to have the spells themselves complement one another, but these two spellbooks had established a linkage directly at the platform level.
This meant that spellbooks were far more than mere tools. Their flexibility, compatibility, and creative potential far exceeded my previous understanding. A spellbook was an entire system of spell techniques.
Even now, I hadn't fully explored the depths of how to use them.
When I first learned of the concept, its most basic function was simply "using" spells. Since then, I had moved on to "modding," then "extension," then "derivation," and now "linkage." It was a universal magic platform. Whoever created the spellbook system in the witch world was undoubtedly a genius!
Now, with the "Practical Learning" spellbook linked to the Tree of Knowledge, it was operating with unprecedented efficiency.
At this moment, I finally felt qualified to confidently tell myself: "I really am a genius!"
In the past, I had been insecure. I lacked a sufficient understanding of myself and lacked confidence in the methods I mastered. Even though I ranked at the top of the theory exams and possessed great strength, I never dared to call myself a genius. To me, it all felt like a castle in the air—I never knew when I might come crashing down.
But now, I felt I had the right to think that way, and the right to calmly accept such titles and praise.
The emergence of the Tree of Knowledge derived spellbook gave me an immediate focal point.
There are countless ways to accumulate knowledge, but improving one's ability to learn is an investment that always pays off. My work on perfecting the Tree of Knowledge was far from over.
The "linkage" between spellbooks had opened a brand-new door for me, but I knew very well that this so-called linkage wasn't a simple stacking of spellbooks. It was the construction of a deeper connection—a form of complementarity that was more a matter of serendipity than design.
Furthermore, not all spellbooks could link. At the very least, I couldn't link two spells with conflicting attributes within the Evocation department. Perhaps the concept of elemental clashing could produce even more powerful spells, but for the current me, such a thing was mere fantasy.
The current stage of the Tree of Knowledge was complete, and I immediately began planning the next phase. However, I lacked the fresh inspiration needed to support further refinements. As far as my current methods were concerned, I had already shaped the Tree of Knowledge into a state of perfection for my current level.
By that, I mean it was sufficient to meet all my current needs. It was like my old "three-step" modding plan for the Memory Bookshelf; the idea was good and it met my needs at the time, but that plan had been rendered obsolete by the "dimensional strike" of the Tree of Knowledge derivation. It simply faded away.
For now, the Tree of Knowledge was enough. However, there was still a crazy idea in the back of my mind that I hadn't dared to put into practice yet.
And that was to attempt a linkage between the "Tree of Knowledge" and the "Great Wisdom Enlightenment Art"!
It was a mad thought. I couldn't afford to gamble with either of these spellbooks. I wasn't a reckless greenhorn anymore. Back then, if I ruined a Fireball Spell while modding it, I could just get another one. But what was I playing with now?
A Tree of Knowledge derived from [Transcendent Knowledge], and the Great Wisdom Enlightenment Art which was [Transcendent Knowledge] itself. Facing these two spellbooks, I had to admit my mental fortitude wasn't quite high enough yet. I needed more practice.
While that ultimate vision remained out of reach for now, I had other ideas I wanted to test.
For instance... adding an "Artificial Intelligence" to the Tree of Knowledge to upgrade it to version 2.0, perhaps even to assist me in my research into the Transcendent.
My thoughts naturally turned to the AIs hosted within the Omni-Link Main Network Trees. Unfortunately, those were more like "Artificial Retardation."
So... I planned to use the "Illusion Clone" spell to test the possibility of using my "subconscious self" to replace an "artificial idiot." A person's subconscious is truly incredible. Using the Illusion Clone spell merely to create a physical double was a waste of talent. Since the clone was, to some extent, beyond one's conscious control, it had to be put to other uses. I had previously suspected that the Illusion Clone was a form of self-contained spell, which meant it was capable of much more.
Because of these subconscious traits, it would be an "alternative AI" perfectly attuned to myself. I had already begun utilizing the Illusion Clone in this manner.
Moreover, my subconscious is still me, not a separate mind independent of myself. If I could use a spell to take that part of me which my subjective will cannot control and turn it into a driver that could manage my memories and knowledge, it would be an excellent proposition.
Besides, I would never harm myself. This wasn't split personality; it was more like... multitasking?
I didn't want to use a subconscious Illusion Clone to escape the tedious, repetitive work of the Tree of Knowledge. Rather, I wanted to extend a hand to truly control it with my will, achieving a harmony between subjective intent and subconscious instinct.
It would require constant adjustment and integration, but I was willing to become the "me" within the subconscious, because I knew very well that that was the true me!
After all, who would refuse the chance to be their true self?
* * *
The bus specifically chartered to transport Qiu Ruxin and me came to a halt. The surrounding environment was beautiful, the scenery picturesque.
The aura of nature was incredibly thick here. Not far away stood a boutique guesthouse that blended modern design with the natural world.
Normally, this guesthouse didn't provide private shuttles, nor was it restricted to a single group of guests.
However, I had simply flexed my "money power" and booked the entire place, even arranging for the private shuttle. It saved me a lot of trouble.
As soon as I stepped off the bus, my eyes were drawn to the view. After the jolts and bumps of the previous leg of our journey, the hardships of the road seemed to melt away in an instant.
The guesthouse was hidden within a valley. It didn't have much of a presence on the Plant Network, but that hadn't stopped me from finding it.
Looking at the rolling green mountains surrounding us, the setting sun dyed the mountain mists in vibrant hues. It almost felt like a hidden immortal realm, though unfortunately, this world lacked the concepts and culture associated with such a term.
"Let's go~" I called out to Qiu Ruxin and walked straight into the guesthouse.
I had declined all services. I didn't like having strangers hovering around in such an atmosphere, even if they were just waiters or other staff.
Even so, the owner of the guesthouse greeted me with a beaming smile. After all, who would turn away money?
The clearest way to communicate with a merchant is to throw money at them. Their bottom line is profit; make no mistake, most merchants are like that.
Walking into the silent, empty guesthouse, I saw meticulously arranged gardens and walkways. The soft indoor lighting wasn't jarring, and the outdoor accent lights didn't feel forced.
It provided a comfortable and relaxing sanctuary, a peaceful place to rest after a tiring journey.
I didn't plan to stay long. Tomorrow, I'd do a bit of sightseeing and check out the nearby Omni-Link Main Network Tree to see if there was anything to be gained. Although I knew the probability of finding anything was slim, the Main Network Trees had become "check-in" points for my global tour—much like unlocking teleportation anchors to reveal a map in a video game.
Pushing open the door to the guesthouse, Qiu Ruxin immediately flopped onto the soft sofa in the foyer, letting out a series of unintelligible whimpers.
For most people, traveling is a way to release stress, but it's also physically draining.
Not to mention a global trip like mine, which required a great deal of willpower. On such a journey, breathtaking scenery isn't the main theme; the majority of the time is spent in transit and waiting.
It was a test of will, and a revelation about life. No one spends their entire life receiving praise; only through long periods of accumulation can one achieve a breakthrough. In that moment, one gains a sense of accomplishment forged by all previous efforts. Only then does a person truly feel they have earned what they have.
Like before, when I relied on the superiority of my Spirit Vision to achieve things ordinary people couldn't, the resulting success was so great that even I found it hard to believe. I even felt a hint of fear toward it.
Because for me, it hadn't required much effort.
But now, this achievement—the derived Tree of Knowledge spellbook—was something I had perfected myself. Every part of it reflected my own hard work. I knew, with absolute certainty, that I deserved it.
I walked into the guesthouse with a calm expression, not reacting to Qiu Ruxin's excitement.
If it were the old me, I would have been looking around restlessly, using a "broadening my horizons" gaze to mask the emptiness in my heart. But now, I was used to such things.
I knew this place was here to serve me. I didn't need to be overly polite; it was their honor to host my arrival.
"Alright, Qiu Ruxin, don't just lie on the sofa the moment we get here. Put your things..."
I pulled our luggage out of my storage equipment. Having storage gear made traveling so much lighter.
However, as I pulled the items out and reflexively looked up at Qiu Ruxin, my words caught in my throat, and my body froze.
Qiu Ruxin was no longer sprawled ungracefully on the sofa. Instead, she was resting her head, looking somewhat cramped and awkward, on a pair of thighs clad in exquisite stockings.
My gaze then shifted to the group of people—no, the group of witches—who had inexplicably appeared and filled the sofa...
"Oh~ look what we have here. Did we just find a wild prospective witch in an unknown, tiny little world?" A slightly playful, laughing voice broke the awkward silence.
"Correction: two of them," another Witch Mentor added with a smile. "There's another one on your lap."
"Mentors, Dean... please, stop teasing me..." I forced a wry smile, my eyes scanning the dozen or so Transcendent Witches present.
I recognized a few mentors I had met once before, but the majority were strangers. I didn't even know which one was the Academy Dean, as there was more than just Dean Mei Lind.
In just a single encounter, I had already become a source of amusement for these Witch Mentors. Their eyes flickered with curiosity as they sized me up.
Mostly, though, they seemed to be enjoying my slightly bewildered expression.
I knew that since things had reached this point, there wasn't much need for me to explain.
I had originally thought the Void exploration team from the Witch Academy, led by the Dean, would descend upon this world in some earth-shattering manner, breaking through the world barrier. I had planned to track their location via the Plant Network and go out to meet them.
I never imagined they would arrive so silently!
And I was in such a remote location. It couldn't be that they just happened to be here the moment they arrived...
I didn't believe that for a second.
"Quite the feat. To have self-generated mana before even reaching the Transcendent level... you must be the 'Xiao Han' they were talking about, right?"
"Um, yes, Teacher." My awkwardness and nervousness flashed for a moment before I responded in a level tone.
They were all mentors from the Witch Academy; they shouldn't mean me any harm. Besides, the fact that they had gathered here to prank me suggested they were well-disposed toward me. Otherwise, they would have just snatched me up for questioning.
"Very good. Though, I'd prefer it if you called me 'Lord Dean.' Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Bev Alanna. You may also call me Lord Bev." Dean Bev Alanna had a playful curl to her lips, as if she were looking at a particularly exquisite piece of art.
"Of course, Lord Dean. You didn't give any notice of your arrival. I was planning to come and welcome you and the mentors..."
"It's fine, it's fine. We don't need a welcoming committee. As long as you don't mind us staying here tonight." Dean Bev said with a beaming smile. Clearly, my use of "Lord Dean" had pleased her, and the smile on her face deepened.
"Of course! It is an honor for this place to host you all." Before I could even finish my sentence, the witches stood up and went about their business without further ceremony. Not all of them were interested in a girl who wasn't even a Transcendent Witch yet; at most, they were just surprised I had arrived here ahead of them.
Meanwhile, things weren't looking so good for Qiu Ruxin.
Her heart was practically pounding out of her chest. After a long day of travel, she had finally found a comfortable sofa, only to be met by these witches after just a few seconds of rest. She didn't understand what was happening. She wanted to speak but couldn't find her voice; she didn't even have the will to resist. She could only lie there, forced into a lap pillow by that witch. However, as a hand stroked through her hair, she found her fear mysteriously dissolving.
"Um, Teacher... could you let Qiu Ruxin go?" I stepped forward and asked the mentor cautiously.
"Oh? Is this lovely child named Qiu Ruxin? I find her quite charming. But she looks like she's enjoying herself. It's fine, let me 'communicate' with her a bit longer~" The witch smiled, showing no intention of letting go.
"Alright then." I gave Qiu Ruxin a 'you're on your own' look and turned away.