Chapter 820: A Brand New Technique—The Association Method
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 820: A Brand New Technique—The Association Method
With the help of several senior sisters, and under the curious gazes of many onlookers, Hong Chenyi began demonstrating the method she had discovered.
Meanwhile, I observed her technique using my own specialized perspective.
In truth, after undergoing the Demonification Reshaping Rebirth Spell, a connection is established between the body and the Mana Source. Whether it was my original Interference Method or the Resonance Method used by Yi Rui and the others, both were simply ways to utilize that connection through specific traits to achieve one's goals.
Therefore… theoretically, anyone could attempt to find the method that suited them best.
It was just that some methods were more trouble than they were worth.
My original Interference Method was a classic example of "high effort, low reward," but it was also the most fundamental type. Unlike the Resonance Method, however, the Interference Method didn't require learning the advanced technique of the Micro-Operation Resonance Method.
As for Hong Chenyi’s method… after watching her attempt it for a while, I had a rough idea of what she was trying to do.
However, she was clearly unfamiliar with the process. Furthermore, this method conflicted with the Tenfold Base Resonance Method. As she tried to implement it, the connection she had built through the Resonance Method began to collapse.
Fortunately, I stabilized her foundation for her, so the attempt passed without any real danger.
To use an analogy, my Interference Method was like "1+1+1+..."—a constant, linear accumulation.
The Resonance Method, on the other hand, was a tenfold base amplification from a different dimension: "10, 20, 30... 100, 200..." and so on. This method was primarily about speed; the further you went, the faster it became.
The downside was that when focusing on a single Mana Source, the resonance connection would become strained. This flaw had to be compensated for with the Micro-Operation Resonance Method, which required constant refinement as one progressed.
One was about slowly building a foundation; the other was about scaling up first and reinforcing later.
It was hard to say which was superior. In the end, every method became difficult.
The Interference Method was a sheer grind of orders of magnitude; the difficulty lay in the potential for despair and numbness as the numbers grew. The bottleneck of the Resonance Method was the constant need to update and refine the Micro-Operation Resonance Method; if you couldn't ensure its future applicability, you might find yourself permanently stuck.
Hong Chenyi’s idea was simple… exponential growth.
Using one Mana Source as the initial core, she would then link it to two others.
"This actually seems feasible?"
I looked at my sisters and then at Hong Chenyi. Because she lacked professional theoretical grounding and practical experience—and because this was her first try—she began to lose control after associating only seven Mana Sources.
Seven sources meant three levels of progression: "1+2+4."
"Theoretically, it does seem possible. However, this kind of exponential explosion in scale is even more extreme than the Tenfold Base Resonance Method."
"Exactly. She might need a technique even more precise than the Micro-Operation Resonance Method to help her manage the Mana Sources once they're associated."
"You might be overlooking one factor," I interjected to correct them. "Her method is based on association between Mana Sources, not resonance. Therefore, its controllability is better than resonance—it's actually approaching the level of control found in the Interference Method."
"But with exponential addition… the numbers will explode."
"It’s essentially just another form of the Resonance Method, isn't it?" I shrugged, not particularly worried. "The inclination is different, but it is definitely a valid method."
"True… there's no denying it's a method. But it's still in its infancy and hasn't been standardized. It will need constant refinement, and the advanced micro-operation techniques can't be skipped either."
For a while, my sisters and I voiced our opinions. Although many doubts were raised, none of us denied the feasibility of the method. In other words, Hong Chenyi had indeed found a viable path.
Meanwhile, Hong Chenyi watched us discuss things so heatedly that she couldn't get a word in. She stood to the side, looking slightly awkward and unsure of what to do.
"Um… Sister Xiao Han?" Hong Chenyi called out tentatively.
"Hmm? Oh, I almost forgot about the person of the hour." I snapped out of it and looked at her.
"What’s going on over here?" Yi Rui walked over at that moment.
They hadn't paid much attention when they first saw people gathering, but the discussion had quickly turned intense. She had brought Tan Han along to see what the fuss was about.
"Oh? Yi Rui, you're here too?"
"Yeah. What happened? Is there an emergency?" Yi Rui asked as she stepped forward.
"It's like this: this junior discovered a unique method. It’s a technique for controlling Mana Sources that exists independently of the Interference and Resonance Methods. It's called… well, it doesn't have a name yet."
"Let's call it the Association Method," I suggested. "If Hong Chenyi wants to change the specific prefix later, she can do it herself."
"The Association Method?"
"Oh, it's like this—let me explain!" One of the more impatient sisters pulled over a data panel and began explaining the advantages, disadvantages, and application stages of the method to Yi Rui.
Yi Rui understood quickly; she was far from slow-witted.
"How fascinating. Should we consider this an unexpected windfall?"
"Indeed," I nodded.
We all tacitly agreed not to deny the value of this method. This wasn't a case where one method could simply replace another forever. As Hong Chenyi said, if this method suited her, then it would have its own audience.
Besides, wasn't the whole point of this large-scale experiment to collect these kinds of variables?
After discussing it for a while, we confirmed another decision.
For this experiment, everyone would be given the right to try and find the method that suited them best.
Of course, this was merely an encouragement, and it had its drawbacks.
Conflicts between different methods were inevitable, meaning it would consume more time, and there was a high probability that it would ultimately lead to nothing.
"Um… Sister Xiao Han, what… what should I do now?" Hong Chenyi asked me, looking anxious.
Following my advice, she had already reset her previous progress. Since her Association Method lacked systematic guidance, her situation was quite awkward.
"Don't worry, haste makes waste. Your situation is special. We'll set up a dedicated research group to use you as a subject and guide you through this stage," I said with a smile. There was a hint of schadenfreude in my tone, but overall, I truly admired her.
I admitted that since we had only just broken the ten-thousand-source mark with the Resonance Method, researching a brand-new method would certainly take a lot of time. But we didn't need to worry about the distant future yet; we just needed to get Hong Chenyi to the ten-thousand-source threshold so she could reach the stage of shaping Self-Generated Mana.
After I finished speaking, Yi Rui made another temporary announcement to the group.
"Everyone, please pause what you're doing for a moment. Something happened here just now, and after some deliberation, our team has decided to inform you all about it."
Yi Rui’s voice brought everyone to a halt. All eyes turned toward her, while some glanced at the young girl, Hong Chenyi.
They knew that whatever Teaching Assistant Yi Rui was about to say likely concerned that underclassman.
"Thank you for your cooperation. I won't beat around the bush and will get straight to the point. During these days of experimentation, you have all been exposed to the special technique known as the Resonance Method. Some of you who have progressed quickly have already mastered the Micro-Operation Resonance Method and have even begun attempting the Shaping Ritual."
"However, the Resonance Method is not the only technique for mastering Mana Sources. Before that, we had an initial version called the Interference Method, but because its efficiency was abysmally low, we temporarily set it aside."
"Just now, one of our participants discovered a third method on her own, which we have tentatively named the Association Method. Based on our theoretical analysis and preliminary practice, this method has been proven effective."
"But that isn't the key point I want to discuss, nor am I encouraging you all to try this Association Method. To be honest, this technique has only just been born. The number of associated Mana Sources at this stage is only seven, whereas the ideal number for the Shaping Ritual is closer to ten thousand."
"What I want to say is that the Resonance Method might not be perfectly suited for everyone. Perhaps we should have told you this from the start: every one of you should have the right to try the method that fits you best. The reason we didn't consider this earlier… was because developing such a method is too difficult. Without any theoretical foundation, relying solely on inspiration makes the success rate extremely worrying."
"Therefore, at this stage, we only suggest that those who are making poor progress with the Resonance Method give it a try—and even then, it is only a suggestion. One more thing to clarify: attempting a new method, including the new Association Method, will wipe your progress with the Resonance Method. So, I hope everyone chooses carefully..."
Yi Rui’s explanation was very thorough, clearly outlining the risks involved.
In truth, Yi Rui didn't have to do this.
Our team controlled the pace of the experiment. Even if we decided on a whim to set aside a month for everyone to try new methods, we could. We had the power, but we wouldn't do it.
Because that would be foolish.
As Yi Rui finished her speech, many people fell into deep thought. However, the groups with the fastest progress didn't have many concerns. Since they were progressing quickly, it meant the Resonance Method suited them well; there was no reason for them to go looking for trouble.
Soon, quite a few people crowded around to ask for specific details.
"Sister Xiao Han! Sister Xiao Han! Um… you won't just leave me hanging, right?" Hong Chenyi leaned in, looking pitiful.
"Don't worry~ We won't ignore your situation. You'll be the only person for now with an entire research group dedicated solely to serving you. Aren't you happy?"
"Huh? I… uh, ah..."
Hong Chenyi let out a series of strange, indescribable noises.
"Alright, I'm joking. Have faith in their abilities. Even if this turns out to be a dead end, we won't give up on you. You're still an underclassman; you have infinite possibilities." I comforted her.
I hadn't expected such a fascinating discovery right before I was set to leave. While it didn't mean much to me personally, it was of great significance to the research and promotion of Self-Generated Mana.
Because… from now on, everyone would have a brand-new path to choose from.
And Hong Chenyi’s name would become famous right along with the Association Method!
"Sister Xiao Han, don't talk like you're some old veteran. Aren't you about the same age as me?"
"Just listen and don't talk back or ask too many questions. Just follow the arrangements~"
"I still feel like I'd be more at ease being researched by you, Sister Xiao Han..."
"Relying on just me isn't enough~ Don't worry, they are all senior sisters with deep experience. Build good relationships with them, and your future path will be much smoother."
After reassuring Hong Chenyi and the others, Yi Rui and her team finished collecting information from the participants.
Currently, eight people were determined to start over from scratch.
Three of them didn't actually want to forge a new path; they admitted they knew their own limits. Since their progress with the Resonance Method was slow, they simply wanted to try the Association Method.
Even though Yi Rui stated that the Association Method was only in its infancy, they didn't mind. they said they were happy to progress alongside the development of the technique, as it would mean less pressure on them.
However, these people might have underestimated Yi Rui. With the theoretical and technical accumulation from the Resonance Method, the speed at which they would iterate and advance the Association Method would only be faster.
But since they had their own ideas, it was fine. A brand-new method required many people to constantly test it. Regardless of their motivations, they were contributing themselves to our cause.
"By the way, do you need me to stay and help?" I asked Yi Rui as she finally took a break.
"No need. If we could do it with the Resonance Method, we can do it with this Association Method too. So, Xiao Han, you don't need to worry too much."
"If you put it that way, I'm going to leave early to handle my own business."
"Then go ahead. I've heard you say that more than once, but you've never actually left. I know you're a bit reluctant to let go of this Self-Generated Mana project, but we hope you can trust our abilities. We aren't the helpless guinea pigs we used to be."
"Fine~ Since you're being so blunt, I really am leaving... If you run into any difficult problems, don't hesitate to come find me."
I sighed. As Yi Rui said, I was indeed a bit reluctant to leave the Self-Generated Mana experiment. After all, this project had consumed so much of my time and energy, and I truly valued it.
But in the end, I left. Because… it was time to fulfill my promise to Fool's Dream.
I hope everything goes smoothly.