It's Common Sense That Astral Projection Leaves You Buck Naked
Astral projection means going naked—it's just common sense. An astral body is fundamentally a spirit form. It's a being with self-awareness in the astral realm that establishes its identity from others by forming itself from ether—put simply, there's no need for clothes.
Just like in movies or games, when a mental world's ego appears or a divine entity reveals itself, it often looks like a mannequin or a fluid shape. Spot on, alchemist! They might have a mouth to express language, but clothing is rare. If they're wearing clothes, it's just their preference. The same goes for Kim Penril, that spirit entity, donning a maid outfit, magical girl costume, or whatever—it's mimicking human form to show itself to others. Physical organs and clothes are ultimately unnecessary. That's how spirit bodies work.
But humans aren't like that.
"Unia."
[Yes, Phoenix?]
"For now, it's because I've got this blindfold forced on me, but how's it feel right now?"
[It feels like I have substance, but I don't really exist.]
Her voice comes through. More precisely, Unia is transmitting her thoughts via mana vibrations through mana. The only reason I can't see her directly is that the moment I observe her, things would turn 19+ rated.
"So, what about your clothes?"
[Ugh, hold on. Like wrapping myself in mana skin?]
Unia fumbles over her body in a panic. It's not like I can actually see it—if I tried, I could—but I know she'd react that way.
"In spirit form, it's not about wrapping in mana skin. It's about projecting the will to appear in a certain form to others."
[A certain form...]
"For example, what form does Unia want to show me?"
"Hey, you."
Evangeline yanks hard on my blindfold from behind.
"You think Unia can just put on clothes if you talk like that?!"
"That's unfair, Phoenix."
"What did I do?"
I'm innocent here.
"Whatever Unia was just thinking, it sure as hell isn't the form she wants to show me right now, right?"
"......."
"......."
[.......]
All three of us fall silent. My mental image of Unia probably matches her current state perfectly.
"What, what're you wearing? Something naughty?"
"Pretty naughty, yeah."
"Not something you can just show off."
[Uh, um, I'll figure something out quick!]
Shouldn't the ideal golden sun (or not) play the gentleman here, pretending innocence or ignorance to be considerate?
[Any hints?]
"Think of it like cloaking yourself in mana."
[Cloak myself in mana?]
"Not putting on clothes shaped like mana—wrap mana around your body."
[Like this?]
A soft rustling sound echoes. Unia must be in casuals or her uniform now.
"Yeah. Now drop that sensation."
[...Pardon?]
"In astral form, you shape mana so clothes feel like part of your body. Even the fluttering fabric has to feel like an extension of yourself. That's why I suggested a swimsuit."
Like when you're in a swimsuit underwater—it feels like one with your body.
"Layering mana-made clothes comes after. First, wrap mana thinking the swimsuit is part of your body."
[Hmm...]
"Looks like Unia needs to focus. You two have to do it eventually anyway—wanna chat while she works?"
The two who'd gone quiet jolt in surprise.
"You're still wondering why swimsuits, huh."
"Not because you wanna see us in swimsuits?"
"Close, but no."
"How so?"
"Swimsuits are okay to show others, but underwear? You don't flash that around."
Public TV can air swimsuit shots, but exposed underwear is a broadcast accident. Same coverage, same areas, but one word makes it showable or scandalous.
"Once we enter illusions, you might show different sides not just to me, but each other. Can't have you in undies for that. So we start basic."
"So..."
"Like basic gear for hunters—swimsuits are the starting point. Get used to mana flow, and you can make other clothes later."
"Hold up."
Evangeline grabs my face.
"So in illusions, if I just will it, I can make any outfit I want?"
"Theoretically, yeah?"
"...For free?"
"It costs mental energy, but it's not like cramming for finals. It's like dreaming, but moving freely and acting realistically."
"Dreams, huh. Nightmares could hurt the body..."
"Good dreams make you feel lighter, right?"
Like the Cumming Dream. If that's dream-sex antics, Seven Star Towers illusions are named-boss fights—no different.
"There's an easy way to make outfits. Want me to spill?"
Time to drop some bait as the Cumming Dream expert.
"Nothing fancy—just grab your astral body and—"
[Ah, got it!]
"......."
The blindfold comes off. I zone out for a sec seeing Unia's astral form in a totally new outfit.
[H-how's it look?]
"Wedding dress?"
[J-just copied one from a magazine!]
Unia in a pure white wedding dress places a hand on her chest and approaches.
[I-is it weird? I get the feel now, at least.]
"Classic Unia. Quick learner."
[R-right? I wanted to help with that illusion Phoenix mentioned, so I grabbed it fast!]
Unia tilts her head up proudly.
[Now we enter the illusion? I'm ready!]
"Unia might be, but these two aren't even comfy in astral form yet?"
[Oh.]
"And one more thing."
I point at Unia's neck.
"Don't talk with mana—use your real voice."
[Uh, ahem. Ahh.]
Unia clears her throat.
"Like this? Oh, it worked!"
She speaks with actual voice, not mana.
"...Huh?"
Her unconscious body speaks for her.
"Like sleep-talking."
"Uh, kinda embarrassing?"
"It's fine. We'll be alone challenging Seven Star Towers anyway."
"What if someone's watching?"
"They'd hear your sleep-talk live."
"Eek... Can't we just use mana?"
"Maybe after entering, but not yet."
Reasons: Mana chat risks Kim Penril detection. And it burns mana. Who chats in a pay-per-message game? Unless you're desperate enough to pay.
"Rydmila, Evangeline—ready to astral project?"
"Learning it is fine, but..."
"We won't end up like that, right?"
I get their worries.
"That's why swimsuits."
"Plot twist to swimsuits?"
"I pulled Unia's astral to demo, but normally, do it sleeping in a swimsuit—way easier."
Easier to manipulate minds unconsciously than awake.
"Lie down in a swimsuit, sleep. I'll pull your astral—you'll pop out suited up."
"...I see."
Rydmila nods obediently.
"Let's try. Gotta see to know."
"...Bit late to say, but."
Evangeline tilts her head cautiously.
"This is really a hero trial, right?"
"Obviously."
No lies there.
* * *
A bit later, as Team Zhuque sleeps in the room.
"Got permission. Here's the key."
Instructor Cardisha brings the magic tool to unseal the old school's library.
"One heads-up: even after accessing that 'illusion,' you still gotta write reports."
"Of course."
Cardisha taps her magic panel.
"What you studied in the library. What research. To cover tracks inside, leave traces on books you 'saw.'"
"Phoenix cadet... Isn't that harsh?"
Cardisha picks up blank parchment.
"If it's real trials, you'll fight A-rank monsters and write thesis-level reports."
"No sweat. I'm used to it..."
More than that.
"I'll phone it in."
"...Huh?"
"It's a thing."
Me in Seven Star Towers with heroines. Thesis reports? Kim Penril's job.
"Let's go."
Creeeak.
The long-sealed library door begins to open.