NOVEL WEB Chapter 100
The view beyond the Mirror Bug was quite beautiful. The Sky Ring was spewing out some writings. Fragments filled the screen as excitement bubbled through the words. I found myself staring quietly at the Mirror Bug.
Inside a room bathed in moonlight, a sorrowful woman and a determined man faced each other, radiating an unreal vibe, like they’d stepped right out of a story.
I’d seen something like this in tales of weeds. It was a story about a princess and a swordsman. The swordsman rescuing the princess from a wicked mage.
It was a pretty famous tale, one that even I knew. Of course, I found it absurd when I first heard it. Hadn’t the roles been swapped between the mage and the swordsman? I had my doubts.
But lately, my thoughts had begun to shift. A valiant swordsman slays the evil mage. What a magnificent tale! It made sense why the weeds liked it so much. Thinking about it again, it truly seemed like a wonderful story.
Of course, we were currently playing the role of that wicked mage, but still.
What we were orchestrating felt akin to a play. If things flowed like a story, they’d end on a happy note. But reality was different. I needed to let Hao know that.
As the Sky Ring calmed slightly, it spoke through the Mirror Bug. The words trembled a bit, but they were still discernible.
-Looking at that makes my heart swell. I can feel that child is truly happy, and it brings me joy as well.
“Hehe, is that so? However, we must separate them. The Sky Ring is playing the most crucial role, isn’t it?”
Mira grinned mischievously while gazing at the Mirror Bug connected to the Sky Ring. The Sky Ring, flustered, began to stammer out a response. It crackled and fragmented without expressing itself coherently. Eventually, it calmed down enough to continue its thought.
-Ah, right…. But, even such misfortune can turn into happiness, can’t it? In a way, this could also be for that child’s benefit. Then, we should further shatter it. That way, the child will be even happier!
I shook my head slightly after reading those words. Creating happiness by first fabricating misfortune—that must be what treasure-like thinking entails. I had yet to reach that point, and surely it was a realm I wouldn’t touch in my lifetime.
-In that sense, everything is prepared. I believe this will suffice.
The Sky Ring typed with a flourish, and with it, a bizarre image began to fill the screen.
It resembled either a circuit or the veins of a living creature, yet also appeared as mere dispersions of light—an oddly structured entity.
I turned my head slightly. Just gazing at it seemed to burden my mind. Mira approached it, beginning to examine the drawing slowly. Soon, she nodded and smiled.
“Very nice. Just as the Sky Ring mentioned, with this, we can surely captivate their minds.”
That would do nicely. I glanced at the drawing. As she said, it was an impeccable form. It was a high-dimensional structure created by the Sky Ring for future endeavors.
“I confirmed it. Now, let’s draft the magical circle based on this.”
Mira gently exhaled mist and enveloped my head. Being inside, I found it didn’t strain my mind even when looking at the drawing. It was as if she had made a sort of barrier. She flashed a delightful smile above me.
“Alright then, let’s get moving. I’ll be here enjoying the show with Ebron.”
I nodded quietly. My nod caused Mira’s body to sway slightly, prompting another light laugh from her. Thus, we began to check the blueprint sent by the Sky Ring.
As I examined it, I couldn’t help but be in awe. The shape created by that structure resembled a ring, akin to a replica of the Sky Ring’s body. Though it was merely a pale imitation.
I had asked the Sky Ring for this. It was a sort of vessel—a vessel for containing everything originating from the Sky Ring.
The blueprint also detailed how to manipulate its power, clearly detailing how to maintain the flow, which parts were crucial, and so on, in a manner even I found easy to comprehend.
This was solely a task the Sky Ring could perform. The knowledge contained within was undoubtedly useful for those capable of wielding that power. Surely like Hao, who stood just beyond the screen.
While Hao met Hari, the followers of the Sky Ring Church continued their gatherings and masses unabated. They moved very discretely and rapidly, cloaked by every conceivable illusion spell, to the point of not being caught by my Mirror Bug.
Moreover, within that chaos, magic was meticulously prepared for the coming descent of the Sky Ring. Since meeting Hari, Hao had become ardently involved in the task.
It was aimed at making Hari even more perfect. Thanks to Hao’s introduction, she naturally integrated among them. The Sky Ring Church revered Hari thoroughly.
Those facing her shed tears of overwhelming emotion. The living god is among us. They exclaimed as they moved even more violently than before, disregarding the other students altogether.
Observing such commotion, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Twenty people—arguably few. But that also constituted the workload of our tower’s students. If those people continued to gather and cause trouble, it was bound to escalate beyond control.
Even if I attempted to manage them through Hari, it would only be a temporary fix. They had a very clear object of faith. That being the Sky Ring.
If I were to use Hari to suppress their faith, they would likely end up experiencing a fate similar to the Sky Ring. Hao would surely suspect that Hari was possessed by a demon and would rampantly pursue the Sky Ring even more.
Ultimately, disaster was more or less a foregone conclusion. I had known it from the very beginning.
So, I flipped my perspective. We needed to create chaos first. We’d thoroughly lead their summoning ceremony ourselves.
This blueprint was a tool for that purpose. It closely resembled the methods they intended to use. By peering at the tale of the Sky Ring Church, I was able to grasp their plan as well.
Focusing power at a single point to create a form—this was the method of summoning Hao had envisioned, and that the Sky Ring Church had conceived.
I shook my head quietly. While the direction of that thought was correct, they bore glaring limits. That being their lack of skill. The magical circle they constructed was far too inefficient.
Given this, their failure was assured. However, would they just give up? Surely not. As long as their faith existed, they would continue to attempt their descent. And with it, I would only find myself increasingly burdened.
There was even the possibility that within that process, the Sky Ring might actually be summoned. In that case, the professor would definitely not leave me be.
Thus, I resolved to ensure complete success. I thought to myself.
Following the flow of the blueprint, I sketched the circuits lightly. There wasn’t much that I needed to probe. It could stand as magic all on its own.
Besides, many would be there to support this. The Sky Ring Church—they’d undoubtedly leap at the chance to take this off my hands. They’d surely be ecstatic about it.
The magical circle was completely ready a day later. I sent it off to Hari.
It was just like our previous meeting. Hari approached Hao and smiled gently. The sadness from before had vanished from her expression. Instead, it bristled with faint anticipation and happiness.
It was the result of Hao’s steady efforts to bring joy to Hari. Though it was merely Hari steering his reactions. As long as Hao was happy, that was what mattered, right?
Hari exchanged light-hearted writings with Hao. Hao, hearing her words, would burst into laughter, while his face lit up at her replies. Their gazes met in mutual affection.
For a moment, tranquility fell. The moon hid behind clouds, shrouding the room in darkness. Amidst it, Hari’s violet eyes emitted a brilliant light. Cautiously, she passed a piece of paper to Hao.
-Did I mention? I’m really happy right now. Perhaps I don’t even need a descent. Even as a doll, just being with everyone and you makes me feel content.
Hao’s expression darkened at her words. After furrowing his brow, he bowed his head slightly. He reached out, taking hold of Hari’s hand.
“Don’t say such things. I vowed to save the Sky Ring. That will objectively become my happiness. Please trust us—or rather, trust me. I will undoubtedly create a happiness greater than this.”
Hearing that, Hari nestled her head against Hao’s chest. Gripping his hand tightly, she gave a soft smile as she stroked the back of his hand. Hao’s face colored slightly.
-Thank you always. No matter what happens at the end, I will wish for your happiness.
Hao nodded, and turning to him, Hari held out a few papers. Upon seeing the thick stack, Hao’s eyes lit up.
“Is this the material you mentioned last time? The one you said would help us?”
-Yes. This is the magical circle I’ve crafted over time. I based it on what you created. I’ve detailed the structure and method carefully, so please check it directly.
Hao began gazing intently at the papers. Even through the Mirror Bug, I could clearly see tension mounting in his face. Petting my chin, I considered.
Inside lay the magical circle I had crafted based on the blueprint. Anyone glancing at it would surely understand the approach it delineated. The dangers contained therein, as well.
This vessel was rooted in the blueprint at its core—the ring itself was wildly impressive. To concentrate power and create this ring required an immense amount of elements. Simply stacking magical power alone wouldn’t suffice.
The structure was predicated upon what they envisioned as the “Sky Ring.” Achieving that wasn’t through magic but pure desire—what the Sky Ring continually expressed as happiness.
Thus, to fill it completely, those twenty had to devote their happiness. All happiness originating from the power bestowed upon them.
That didn’t just refer to magical power. That was a secondary consideration. Something more fundamental—that’s right—they also had to infuse their faith into it. The mental points accumulated through faith would become entwined within.
If a perfect descent of the Sky Ring is achieved via that magical circle, then their faith would vanish. Even the memories associated with it. Naturally, the Sky Ring Church would fade away.
And that was precisely what I wanted. If troublesome issues arise, wouldn’t it be wise to uproot the source? Religion had no place in this tower. They were entities that needed to disappear.
Hmm, phrasing it like this oddly made me feel like a genuinely wicked mage. But that was merely my imagination. Where could you find a more benevolent mage than me? Everything I was doing was for their benefit.
Beyond the Mirror Bug, I caught a glimpse of Hari wearing a slightly hazy smile. She was gently stroking Hao’s hand. Hao gazed at Hari quietly.
-If I use this magical circle, I can escape. But you’ll forget me. So I’m scared. Right now, I’m so happy, but if you can’t recall me, it would be so sad. Even as I offer this, a part of me wants nothing more than to stop it all.
I tilted my head slightly. Hari’s expression seemed a tad overblown. I had instructed a steadier approach. Her words strayed slightly from my expectations.
But the response was more favorable than I anticipated. Hao shook his head at Hari’s words. Perhaps her indecisiveness solidified his resolve, as he tucked away the papers with determination evident across his face.
He knelt before Hari with a resolute face, and bowed his head towards her.
“Even if I forget the Sky Ring, you will never forget me, right? That’s good enough for me. If that’s what you desire, I will walk any road of tribulation. As you mentioned, for the sake of happiness, always.”
He clasped his hands together, drawing a massive circle across his chest. Looking upon him, Hari smiled gently, tinged with a hint of sorrow, gradually nodding in return.
They simply gazed at each other, aside from any further words exchanged. They spent their moments in silence, basking in each other’s presence.
Eventually, their meeting reached its conclusion. Hao left the tower, while Hari returned to our workshop.
Hari lightly bowed her head to us. With an expressionless face, she leaned against the wall. She pulled out a piece of paper, then began writing words full of magical intent.
Once she filled the paper, Hari closed her eyes. She began to slowly regulate her breathing, appearing to take a moment for rest. I took a quick glance at the content of the paper.
-I know of your efforts. Future tribulations will arise, so don’t allow them to confine you; endure all pain. Greater happiness will await you at the end.
I nodded quietly. Indeed, she was learning quickly. She had naturally begun drafting the strategy guide. Furthermore, her movements had become more fluid in recent times. It was as if she had completely adapted to her form.
The next day, Hao gathered the followers. My Mirror Bug managed a mere glimpse of the scene. I observed their figures from beyond the screen.
Hao shared the magical circle given by Hari with the followers, who shone with excitement upon seeing it. Hao began speaking, but the barrier obstructing sound prevented me from hearing the details.
However, the gist was clear. A discussion regarding the date for their ritual was underway. The day before the next lecture would be the aim they were targeting—the date I had subtly nudged them toward through Hari.
From that point, they delved deeply into the magic, improving it remarkably as I had wished. The magical circle grew stronger by drawing forth even more happiness.
Nodding as I received the revised versions through Hari, I recognized the sheer devotion they were pouring into refining the magical circle. The result surpassed anything I had envisaged. With this, success was bound to follow.
As they quietly persisted with their studies, conversely, the tower became increasingly chaotic. The upcoming lecture was imminent after all.
This time, the treasure to be taught was Starview. He desired the students to understand their criteria in advance. I, who had sought to amplify the tower’s commotion, agreed wholeheartedly.
Starview sought only one thing: perfection. This was reconstructed as treasure in the professor’s hands. In the process, it became imperfect, hence, it desired to be perfected.
For this, he required instruments capable of filling the gaps; thus, his requirements were distinctly outlined. He wanted upper-tier students—the most competent, the most exceptional, the most powerful individuals in the tower.
They weren’t attached to their own dwindling powers. Instead, they wanted that strength to be perfected by the hands of those stronger. Even a small shard of fulfillment would ultimately benefit them.
Word of Starview’s criteria spread like wildfire among the students. The strongest thirty would receive that power. In other words, only the top-tier students from the 3rd-floor area would gain that power according to his standards.
Upon hearing that, duels erupted throughout the tower. An intense struggle for rankings commenced. They unleashed magical energies towards each other with no hesitation, and many fell.
Amidst such commotion, the Sky Ring Church was entirely forgotten. They moved much more freely, preparing magic with diligence.
In this way, the third lecture drew near. Tomorrow, Starview would dispense the power.
Separately, today was precisely the day the Sky Ring Church had been waiting for. A time I too had longed for.
The followers of the Sky Ring Church stepped against the flow of students heading upwards and made their way down. They descended to the first floor, heading toward the very room where they typically held their masses.
Thus, twenty members of the Sky Ring Church gathered. At the center of them, Hari stood quietly, her eyes closed. The followers clasped their hands together, drawing a circular motion over their hearts.
“Let’s prepare.”
Hao spoke as he stood next to Hari. The followers scattered in response to his words. They calmly, yet swiftly, began drawing circuits infused with power.
The circuits carried a bizarre flow. Layer upon layer, they accumulated, forming one colossal magical circle. The circle did not merely inhabit the ground. It flourished beautifully as it drew circuits in the air.
It took approximately two hours to draw the entire magical circle. From within it, a strange energy emanated. This energy did not remain confined to the room but began to spread towards the first floor.
None among the students noticed it, for they were all heading upwards for the fights. Naturally, we were privy to the happenings, yet we didn’t intend to intervene.
“Hehe, what do you suppose happens if they fail?”
Mira leaned against me, grinning. I shook my head firmly. There was no way they would fail. We’d prepared thoroughly for today. Upon seeing my reaction, Mira wore a deflated expression, clinging to my arm.
The Sky Ring produced frantic writings. However, they splintered, leaving them utterly illegible. They seemed to radiate excitement abundantly.
Through the Mirror Bug, I could see Hao positioning himself. In the center of the magical circle, Hari stood. Hao smiled at her from the designated spot, the heart of the magical circle.
In recent times, his mental points had skyrocketed. He had even reached the fabled hundred points.
One hundred points, I had assumed I would only ever see from Kashian. Her talent was exceptional, and her physique, nurtured by Mira and me, was the epitome of excellence.
Yet, Hao had made it there solely through belief. It was quite remarkable. Arguably another innate talent. Naturally, that score would vanish through this ritual.
The followers, like Hao, stood in their respective places. Hao gazed at them with flashing eyes. A peculiar light flickered within his gaze, shimmering like a massive circle swirling inside.
Hao opened his mouth.
“Today, we shall liberate the Sky Ring.”
With that, the followers nodded heavily. The circuits forming the magical circle wriggled, pulsating with dense magical energy. The magic flowing through the tower was pooling slowly along the circuits.
Thus, the magical circle began to subtly writhe. Hao quietly gathered his hands in front of his chest to draw a circle. The followers followed suit. Hari, gazing at their movements, drew her own circle as well.
They started to emit their magical energy quietly. This energy flowed through the circuits, triggering the magical circle properly. With that, the energies within began to surge like a tempest.
The magical circle writhed as if it were alive. The circuits originating from it burrowed into the bodies of the followers. Yet, they emitted not a single sound of anguish. They merely exchanged silent glances.
Hao, positioned at the core of the magical circle, was even more entangled than the others. His entire being was pierced by the circuits; it was difficult to find a bare spot on him. Yet, he appeared utterly tranquil.
He continued to look quietly at Hari. Then he opened his mouth softly. The circuits scattered along his throat rendered his voice faint. Yet, it reverberated throughout the room as if imbued with unwavering will.
“It was the first saying of the Sky Ring. ‘I am aware of your罪, so you shall only dream of happiness.’ Under that guidance, we’ve discovered happiness.”
Listening to that, the followers infused their circular designs with magical energy, bowing their heads. Hari did the same. Magic began to flow through the circle.
This magical energy did not remain confined to that one circle. It flowed through the connected circuits, passing among each of their circles. Within that flow, their energies began to meld into one.
As it seeped through one another’s circles during their crossings, the energy lost its inherent colors. It simply clumped together, cycling as a single entity.
Hao spoke again. Here, at the center of the circular flow, he felt the magical energy pressing against his body fiercely, intensively. Likely it must be an excruciating ordeal. Yet, there was no change in his expression.
“It was the second saying of the Sky Ring. ‘Happiness is buried in misfortune. If you overcome despair, you shall find the brightest light within it. This is the happiness I grant you.’ Under that guidance, we’ve conquered misfortune.”
As he spoke, an added layer of magic cascaded forth. It began to weave through the circuits entwined with their bodies. Gradually, the circuits brightened and dimmed, emitting their distinct colors.
The circular bonds connecting their bodies began to radiate light. Within, the magical power grew heavier still. The external energies marched in, flowing along the circuits, stacking upon one another.
“It was the third saying of the Sky Ring. ‘I shall see your struggles and be with you, never departing or abandoning you. So, place your faith in me. Wherever you go, I shall be with you.’ Under that guidance, we’ve found happiness eternally.”
Hao declared. Then, from within his chest, an intense force began to overflow. This wasn’t just magical energy but felt as though it was a tangible life force burning forth. Surely, that would be the happiness they spoke of.
As this occurred, a glimmer of light began to drip from the ring fragment hovering above Hao’s head. The same occurred for the followers.
“It was the fourth saying of the Sky Ring…”
Hao raised his voice. As it amplified, the magical circle underwent another transformation. The narratives continued in the same fashion. As his voice rose, the light emanating from their ring fragments also grew robust.
These energies began to connect in the flow of magic and that unknown energy. Thus, the magic drew circles, as did the energies, and the light traced circles too.
The three circles flowed through the magical circle they had created as one entity. At the heart of that flow, Hao squinted his eyes open, a distinct ring manifesting within them.
Gazing up, Hao looked straight at the Mirror Bug, meeting my eyes. He seemed to be peering beyond it, into the screen where we watched. He opened his mouth while watching us.
“It was the twenty-fifth saying of the Sky Ring. ‘Bear me, and let me manifest in the world. I am your happiness.’ Under that guidance, we gather here in this moment.”
-Oh, I don’t recall ever saying such words.
I glanced at the Sky Ring. It seemed to be sifting through the guide I’d assembled, recalling words for quite some time. As it had stated. That was indeed not something the Sky Ring had spoken. I had consolidated twenty-four sayings in total.
Squinting, I looked at the Mirror Bug. Hao directed his gaze back at Hari, who stood at the center of the circle.
Upon concluding his words, the followers bowed their heads. The ring fragments overhead began to throb intensely. They didn’t just glow with light.
Alongside the light, something began to ripple forth. That was memory. A blend of happiness and magical essence. In a way, one could even call it their souls.
The magical circle embraced it within the circuits, flowing as it represented a circle. The magical circle began to radiate brighter light.
They continued swirling within the magical circle. The circles gradually began converging into one point, centered within the magical circle itself.
The gathering of light, pooling magical energy, along with the flowing happiness, coalesced into the form of a single ring. Perhaps their energies were slightly lacking, as it bore a few cracks and appeared skewed.
Nevertheless, it possessed an allure bright enough to dazzle merely by sight. The ring settled peacefully atop Hari’s head.
Hari then closed her eyes. Along with that, the ring released a deep vibration. A wave of light spilled forth, engulfing the room entirely.
Within that light, the fragments of the followers began resonating. Within that resonance, the cracks in the ring softly began to mend. However, inversely, the followers’ rings gradually dimmed. Their contained power dwindled instantaneously.
A doll delicately opened its eyes. It gazed upon the followers. A faint smile graced its face. With the light, everything from the followers began to be drawn into the ring.
One follower who fervently poured magical energy collapsed into the flow. The fragment atop his head lost all its shine, reverting to the first state of power bestowal.
Thus one by one, they began to topple over. As they did, the ring atop Hari’s head grew increasingly vibrant and clear. Watching it, I couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction.
The ring would complete itself within that magical circle. And a ring thus perfected would ultimately recognize Hari as its master. After all, those in the Sky Ring Church had revered her as the Sky Ring all along.
This was my fourth rationale for taking on this task. To normalize the tower, acquire the treasure, earn points, and gain newfound powers. Yes, that was my doll. Therefore, this power would effectively belong to me.
With that, the ring began to consume every skerrick of their spirit. In a sense, this might be viewed as a form of washing away. Eliminating faith—maintaining elements which never should have existed in the first place.
The radiance emanating from the ring amplified significantly. As it intensified, the followers fell all the faster—their numbers reaching nineteen.
The remaining individual, twice struggling to stay upright, was none other than Hao. His fragment sparkled dimly still.
But he too appeared unlikely to resist much longer. The vivid ring shimmering in his eyes had vanished entirely, replaced now by a veil of vague intention. His consciousness waned, visibly deteriorating.
Hao locked eyes with Hari, who returned his gaze. Hari extended her arm towards Hao, who hesitantly clasped it with a trembling hand.
“Sky Ring, are you happy?”
Hao asked, smiling faintly. Hari cast a steady gaze at him and nodded softly.
“That’s a relief. Your happiness… is my happiness.”
As he said that, Hao quietly closed his eyes. He collapsed into Hari, his fragment losing all color as it fell away. Hari gently embraced him.
It was splendid. Impressively successful. Just as I reflected upon this, it was then that the ring above Hari’s head started spilling forth a powerful light. It overflowed with even more brilliance than before. Not even the Mirror Bug could withstand it, and soon the screen turned pitch black.
Was something wrong? I thought, hastily seeking to send another Mirror Bug to the Shadow Tree for confirmation.
And then I sensed it.
My face stiffened unconsciously. My body felt the same. As if she’d noticed my odd behavior, Mira looked up at me, head cocked slightly.
“Is everything alright?”
Mira inquired. I stared at her blankly for a moment. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“The connection with Hari… has vanished.”
In my heart, the star that previously adorned the Shadow Tree in relation to Hari could no longer be found. It simply disappeared as if it had never existed in the first place. There was no sense of loss, nor any sense of the alien.
I turned to look at the Sky Ring. Could it truly have played tricks on me? But that seemed impossible. I had scrutinized the layout thoroughly.
-Ah, I’m just as confused.
The Sky Ring quickly denied so, conveying a sense of panic. Its words jumbled and trembling on the screen.
Mirror Bugs hovering nearby shot toward the site. Shadow Dolls followed suit. Perhaps sensing the potent magical flow, students began gathering outside the room gradually.
Quickly, the Shadow Dolls moved to regulate the students. Meanwhile, the Mirror Bugs surged into the room. The situation within remained unchanged.
The magical circle lay firm, solid, stripped of power, with the followers sprawled out unconscious. Hao suffered the same fate, arms crossed over his chest and lying stiff in position.
However, there was no sign of Hari anywhere. I even scoured through the first floor, wondering if she might have slipped out, but found nothing. The doll with violet eyes eluded me entirely. A situation perplexing in nature.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath before stepping out of the workshop.
First things first, I had to stabilize the situation. I relocated the akerned followers—no, those students—to the infirmary. I then conducted a brief cleaning on them.
During that cleaning, they swiftly returned to their original state. Glancing at their scores through the Mirror Bug, the mental points they held prior to joining the Sky Ring Church displayed clearly.
Hao’s were similar. Ninety points—his original mental score. There wasn’t a trace of the Sky Ring to be found.
Letting out a sigh of relief, I recognized that the magic itself hadn’t failed. I had successfully washed away their beliefs from their minds.
As I looked at Hao, a question rested on my lips. He was the last one to see Hari. The magical energy in the infirmary gently pulled him back to consciousness. Others began stirring as they held their heads in pain.
Hao flinched, awakening to a dazed state. His eyes quickly sought me, still quite unfocused. I waved a hand, smiling back at him.
“Hao, are you alright?”
“…Where am I? Ugh, my head.”
As he attempted to rise, he cradled his head because of the rush of mental fatigue weighing him down. The magical energy in the infirmary soothed him gradually. I could see his expression settling some.
“You’re in the infirmary. Do you recall the time you used the Tooth Necklace? Similar circumstances returned, with everyone suffering from contamination due to overuse of power. We treated it. Do you remember anything?”
I observed his face as I spoke. He appeared to be contemplating, chewing over the memories blurrily. He bore the expression of someone slightly dazed, unmistakably. It was the version of Hao before he fell into the religion.
After scrunching up his nose in thought, he rubbed his forehead. Then he slightly shook his head.
“I vaguely remember something about creating a religion-like structure. But after that, it’s all a blank.”
I nodded quietly. Patting his shoulder gently, I said, “Yes, that’s due to the contamination impact. You all cast a single magic amidst that contamination. Don’t you recall?”
Hao furrowed his brow. He seemed to be attempting to latch onto something. But soon, he shook his head again.
“No, nothing comes to mind.”
“Then you wouldn’t recall the name Sky Ring either? Or the doll with violet eyes and hair?”
I asked quietly. Hao flinched at my query, visibly trembling. In that shiver, he shook his head. But a single tear trickled down his cheek. He silently gazed at it, lifting his hand to wipe it away.
“Why am I crying? It feels like something important slipped away…”
He murmured. I clicked my tongue slightly. It seemed Hao also wasn’t aware of Hari’s fate. Thus, there was no reason to spend time here any longer. I inclined my head slightly.
“It’s merely a sensation of confusion stemming from returning to your original state of mind. Please, take a moment to rest. I need to take my leave now, as I must prepare for tomorrow’s lecture.”
Turning away, I exited the infirmary. I dispatched Shadow Dolls across the entire tower, scouring every area. The same went for outside the tower as well.
Thus, the third lecture commenced. The selection process under Starview was quite keen. He carefully sifted through students, choosing only those special ones.
He had endowed them with star power—the strength contained within that lake of power. This power infused itself into the students’ magic, thickening their flow. Additionally, the spirits within that force obeyed their will.
The recipients displayed looks of utter satisfaction.
A week passed in such a manner. I continued searching for Hari, but she was nowhere to be found.
Could she have burst from the ring’s power? I thought, still mulling when a peculiar message appeared on the student bulletin board. The author was Hao. He mentioned encountering a girl adorned with a small ring on her head while passing the first floor, inviting her to join the Sky Ring Church.
He stated that once he nodded, his memories vanished. Apparently, his mental points had drastically dropped as well.
This served as a remnant of the mind’s anguish. Consequently, unless he undergoes cleaning through the infirmary, recovery takes an exceedingly protracted course. Eventually, similar events began happening to others, those tales filtering onto the bulletin board as well.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the posts. Perhaps we’d unwittingly created a new deity. One that grew by devouring human consciousness. And that deity was still wandering within our tower.
I too could distinctly sense its existence. Occasionally, I felt a slight tremor at the spot once inhabited by Hari within the Shadow Tree. It was undeniably present, faint echoes of magical energy lingering ever so subtly.
Thus, the tower’s second rule was forged.
-Ebron: A Safe Tower Usage Manual for Students
Hello, everyone. How’s everyone managing in Professor Ilian’s tower?
I thought it best to leave this notice to prevent any unfortunate incidents arising while utilizing the treasures’ powers.
Further guidelines will be built, so please read and familiarize yourselves with this manual carefully. Any incidents stemming from your negligence will be your responsibility, so do exercise caution.
1. The first floor of our tower hosts many statues.
If you find these statues becoming cute, beautiful, or alluring, please come see me. We will perform a simple consultation and conduct “cleansing” in the infirmary.
2. Occasionally, a girl with violet eyes and hair might appear on the first floor to evangelize.
However, the Sky Ring Church she speaks of is a religion absent from our tower, so refrain from responding or following her unnecessarily. Should any consequent issues arise, please come see me.
Once again, a simple consultation and “cleansing” will occur in the infirmary.