Chapter 40: Dispelling Demons and Purification

“This corrupted ‘core’ will be considered as your contribution. Several villages have already fallen to the infection; such a pristine sample could be crucial for a breakthrough in our experiments.”

Hearing that his spoils were to be ‘handed over’, Borne was naturally displeased, though he managed to keep his expression in check. Yet those subtle shifts in emotion could hardly escape the Count’s notice.

“This boy is not one to be taken advantage of so easily. He may be silent now, but who knows in what way he’ll seek retribution,” thought the Count, who had experienced Borne’s cunning firsthand—their respective shops were still engaged in a fierce rivalry.

“Of course, we won’t take your find for nothing. You’ll be compensated later, in the form of a reward.”

At his grandfather’s words, a bright smile instantly bloomed on Borne’s face.

The Count could only chuckle wryly, resisting the urge to cuff him on the spot.

…

When Borne emerged from the Mage Tower, he found himself lost in contemplation at the sight of the fiery clouds on the horizon. He had gleaned a wealth of information from his grandfather today. What seemed like idle chatter had, in fact, been laden with significance:

1. The life transition of high-level professionals.
2. The world’s consciousness and its preference.
3. The core of indigenous spirits.

These were the family’s inheritance!

The efforts of generations could not be replicated by one man in a handful of years. Strength could perhaps surpass those before him, but such vital knowledge was the fruit of accumulated exploration, smoothing the way for those who followed.

Now it was clear why, even after reaching Level 10, his attributes continued to rise without any increase in level. The display of his level had given him a false impression—that level equated to strength—so he had diligently worked to raise it, just as in a game, failing to realize that this world was not a game.

Damn it!

Borne slapped his forehead. “I’m such a fool…”

Appraisal was his own arcane art. The chip was his own creation, and the data on the attribute panel was based on his own knowledge or memories buried deep within his mind!

Everything stemmed from his own perceptions. In games, a mage could only wield a staff, and a monk couldn’t use weapons before changing class, let alone infuse ‘Qi’ into a blade. But these were merely game mechanics; reality held no such restrictions.

There were no ‘dual-classing’ rules in this world. Borne could as easily pick up a dagger and don light armor to play the “craftsman,” and few would recognize him as an arcanist.

Yet he had subconsciously ignored these distinctions, treating reality as though it were a game.

“Fortunately, it’s not too late to change course!”

Perhaps only the “world” itself knew of his status as a transmigrator, but he wasn’t the only one; if memory served, elves, dwarves, and orcs had all originally come from other worlds.

The world’s attitude toward him had shifted from “disdain” to “favorable,” but just how favorable was it, really?

Probably not much, Borne suspected…

“It’s like a twisted version of ‘Three Palaces, Six Courts, Seventy-Two Concubines’—watching the emperor’s mood replaced by watching the world’s.”

His goal was legend and beyond—he could not allow himself to stall at high rank! Since he couldn’t count on “others,” he could only strive to become stronger himself.

In the days that followed, Borne secluded himself in his small underground laboratory to conduct experiments—he was going to “transfuse” his mana!

He still only had a vague understanding of how to enhance “Qi.” The only method he knew was relentless, self-destructive training, especially exercises that tormented both body and mind for maximum effect. Another method involved casting primordial magic, allowing his spirit to approach the source web, thereby increasing his power.

The second option was almost out of reach—even with the chip’s simulations, actual experiments were essential. Without them, merely relying on the chip, a fourth-level arcane spell could take over four years to master!

(Those high mages who remain junior arcanists into their seventies and eighties would be green with envy…)

It was already extraordinary that Borne had managed to master and refine eight arcane spells in just a few years—including one at the fourth level!

Since his return to Seven-ton, Borne had been plagued by a sense of foreboding—he had to raise his power, and quickly!

It was only a matter of time before word of his advancement to mid-level arcanist spread throughout Seven-ton. Being first was a good feeling, but it inevitably bruised many egos—especially since Borne was only thirteen.

In Nether, adulthood wasn’t recognized until sixteen.

Even on Earth, his previous world, cyberbullying and revenge were rampant—how much more so in this world of the extraordinary?

One had to remember that elements possessed ‘consciousness’. As individuals absorbed them through meditation, the mana elements in turn subtly influenced one’s temperament and emotions.

Most cases were harmless, but necromancers were another matter. Prolonged contact with negative energy twisted both body and mind.

In short: perversion!

Some might see Borne’s unique potential and want to turn him into an undead—or offer him up as a sacrifice to a ‘dark god’.

Such incidents were hardly rare—at least one or two occurred every year!

On his second day back, Borne received a stack of invitations, some even for granddaughters’ coming-of-age ceremonies.

“Beasts!” he muttered inwardly.

A gaggle of scheming old men, plotting against this tender flower—no, this sapling! It was simply despicable!

…

After comprehending [Qi Strike], Borne could now project his ‘Qi’ externally. When he combined both powers, he discovered that the two energies would “clash” within him.

If mana was akin to the spiritual energy of novels, absorbed from the outside, then ‘Qi’ was more like inner strength, the essence of life itself.

This led Borne to discover another trait of ‘Qi’:

It could dispel magic!

The two forces normally coexisted peacefully within him; only when he manipulated mana did ‘Qi’ begin to erode it, ever so slightly—almost imperceptibly, but Borne’s acute spiritual sense could detect it.

Eventually, he realized that ‘Qi’ wasn’t just weakening mana—it was purging the useless portions.

This reminded him of his initial “enlightenment,” when he entered the source space and “saw” mana elements.

Those elements had appeared as tiny figures—some large, some small, some clever, some dull.

Later, in discussions with the Count, he learned that this was merely his subconscious at work; rare, but not unheard of.

Each person’s vision was different—some saw lavish feasts, others bizarre creatures, endlessly varied.

This only occurred the first time one sensed mana; afterwards, meditation brought no such visions.

Yet Borne always suspected there was more to it—that it held some meaning. Only when his advanced ‘Qi’ began to dispel his mana did he understand:

Mana was impure!

‘Qi’ was pure, the power drawn from his own cells, whereas mana, though abundant in the world, varied in activity from region to region.

Like the difference between smog in the city and fresh air in the forest.

He was now using ‘Qi’ to filter and refine the mana within him!

When Borne gathered his mana and sent a surge of ‘Qi’ through it, it felt as if he’d been struck by a train. Blood spurted from his mouth, and he collapsed to the floor.

His head felt as though it had been caved in, his organs battered.

He could only curse himself, “Seems I’ve grown too accustomed to smooth sailing—experimenting recklessly within my own body, without simulation or verification, acting on a mere hunch… I’ve become arrogant.”

Fortunately, his self-destructive act triggered his body’s instinctive responses; at the moment of impact, his ‘Qi’ dispersed.

Had he broken through completely, he might have exploded on the spot!

Lying on the ground, Borne breathed shallowly, guiding his ‘Qi’ to heal his organs. It was not until noon the next day that he could finally struggle to his feet.

But his reckless gamble had at least confirmed his theory; his method was simply flawed.

Borne silently summoned his attribute panel.

Name: Borne Iolum
Nethereal Human
Mage 8 / Arcanist 6 / Monk 4
Level: 10
Base Attributes: Strength 2.3 (↓3), Agility 2 (2.5), Constitution 3 (↓2), Intelligence 14 (↑1), Perception 6
Status: Gravely Injured! Organ displacement, minor arterial rupture… (Suggested treatments: 1. Divine healing, 2. Medication. Recipe: …)

“At least the injury wasn’t in vain. My intelligence actually went up a notch.”

Glancing at his pitiful attribute panel, Borne could only muster a wry smile. “Looks like I won’t be leaving the house for several days…”

…

(P.S. Many thanks to Black Rabbit with Three Nos and I’m So Nervous for their generous rewards, and to everyone for your recommendation votes! I’m feeling more motivated than ever!)