LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 163
Chapter 163: Heir of the Magic Tower (3)
“SSS+++? What is this!”
Najariu assumed that Theo would not gain any significant insight, even as he activated Paracelsus.
Handling Paracelsus was impossible unless one possessed exceptional knowledge even within the Magic Tower.
Or, at the very least, a tome of Belphegor’s caliber would have been required...!
- Initiating reassessment. EX rank… Additional data confirmed. Attempting upward adjustment. EX+ rank. Multiple mysterious traits confirmed. EX++, EX+++... Final assessment, R rank.
“What?!”
“That’s absurd!”
However, the subsequent mechanical voice of Paracelsus forced Najariu to leap to his feet.
Jirima was equally stunned.
For the Homunculus Project, they had gathered countless magical books and mysteries, but the highest grade ever assigned among them was only EX rank.
Even that was a singular discovery, the skull of an ancient Giant of the Dead unearthed by sheer luck in the glaciers of the North Sea.
Such a grade was achievable only by divine entities—yet, could it be? The theoretically classified R rank had appeared!
“Stop it!!”
Najariu rushed desperately toward Theo.
He had no idea what Theo intended to feed into Paracelsus.
But if that were to be integrated, Paracelsus would be utterly destroyed.
The artificial intelligence of Paracelsus was designed to complete itself using only meticulously selected and calculated data as its foundation.
What would happen if another type of data, vastly superior to what had been accumulated thus far, were to be added?
It would only lead to contamination (汚染).
“Stay seated.”
However, Najariu was forcibly restrained by Wellington, who pushed him back into his seat.
“Please! I’m begging you to stop!”
“If you continue to resist, we will have no choice but to subdue you by force.”
Even though Najariu wanted to harness his magic power, he couldn’t move an inch due to the restraints binding his hands and feet.
This only made Najariu more frantic.
“Paracelsus! As a first-class authorized user, I command you! Cease data acquisition immediately! Shut down all functions!!”
But—
『Hahaha! After coming this far, you think I’ll let that happen? Not a chance.』
The moment Lodbrok intervened, all of Najariu’s final efforts became futile.
- Command to cease functions initiated. Failed. Rebooting system disabled. Forced shutdown program executed. Failed. Investigating cause. Failed. The existing list of authorized command holders has been completely deleted.
“What...?”
Najariu’s complexion turned deathly pale.
As the ancient dragon's gene data mingled with the existing database, Lodbrok’s hacking became possible.
- Identified as a category entirely distinct from the demon’s source code. Attempted to reinterpret existing algorithms to analyze the new data. Failed. Retrying. Failed. Determined that comparison was impossible with the currently held database.
Paracelsus was now swallowing Theo’s forefinger whole.
Like a ravenous beast, it struggled desperately to devour more blood.
- Partially separated the existing algorithm system. Expanding the database by incorporating the ancient dragon's gene data to seek a new pattern. Failed. Seeking. Failed. More data required. Disassembling the command hierarchy to propose a new model...
Chiiiii!
Paracelsus twisted and writhed, while white steam wafted up from the overheated orb.
Each time this happened, Najariu tried to lunge forward somehow, but Wellington’s restraint left him powerless.
『Well, the firewalls are all down. Shall we open it up now?』
Lodbrok’s laughter, like that of someone savoring a feast, echoed, and a cascade of messages appeared on Theo’s retina.
[The ancient dragon’s gene data has been designated as a protocol.]
[Hacking successful.]
[Initiating thought reading.]
Fwoosh!
“......!”
At that moment, a flood of data surged into Theo’s mind like a tidal wave.
- Demons are beings that could not become gods.
- Cast into purgatory for failing to attain divinity, what must we do?
- How can we bring down guardians like the dragons?
- To reach the celestial pantheon...
- How should the attempts at apocalypse proceed?
- Why are we faced with such trials from the shackles of time and the prison of space?
The data was utterly chaotic, a disordered mess resembling trash, all jumbled together.
It was nearly impossible to make sense of any of it, and the sheer confusion made it hard for Theo to maintain his balance, his dizziness overwhelming.
『You’d best keep your mind steady. The forced destruction of the algorithm has left the data in complete disarray. If you ‘misinterpret’ this mess, your brain’s neural circuits will be utterly destroyed.』
Lodbrok’s warning was delivered with a calm, detached tone.
Even someone as intelligent as her would need tremendous effort to organize all this, leaving no room to assist Theo in any way.
『I am curious about the system humans have built for the artificial intelligence of the Homunculus. I will handle the data dump, so you focus on extracting the necessary parts.』
‘Yes. Understood.’
Lodbrok and Theo divided their tasks.
While Lodbrok protected Theo’s mind from being swept away by the overwhelming data, she simultaneously organized and analyzed Paracelsus’s database and algorithms, which had intrigued her the most.
Meanwhile, Theo extracted the final chapter of Belphegor’s data, which he specifically needed.
The task was far from easy, but Theo’s prior studies of time magic enabled him to efficiently pinpoint and retrieve the required information.
- Time is relative.
- Conversely, time is also specific. If one could manipulate it according to their will, they could aim for something far greater.
- Observe time macroscopically. But analyze it microscopically. Time, once limited to the division of day and night, evolved into the concepts of hours, minutes, and seconds, allowing the mind to fragment its perception even further. If one could subdivide it into even smaller units and align it horizontally, it would become infinite (∞).
- By securing the independence of thought alone, one could gain the wisdom to overcome any adversity or disaster wisely.
An understanding of time began to stack up in Theo’s mind, layer by layer.
- If independence of the mind and will is achieved, what about the body? How could it be utilized to escape the constraints of time?
- The laws of the macroscopic world and those of the microscopic world are different. At the core of these lies light, the unit of measure.
- Photons, which are neither waves nor particles, possess absolute speed, making them the fastest medium for transmitting data.
- Then, if I could encode my information into that light—if I could embed my will, if I could contain my independent mind within it—
.
- Light is knowledge. It is the lamp that dispels the darkness of ignorance.
- If I could illuminate my path with that lamp, the journey could extend beyond hell, beyond the infinite timeline, beyond the cycle of the circle, to some transcendental place that lies beyond...
‘No, this goes beyond that. It even incorporates the knowledge of other demons and tomes.’
Within the boundless sea of information, Theo swiftly organized and extracted the necessary data before regaining his composure.
Paracelsus lay limp on Theo’s palm, emitting wisps of white smoke.
- Recovering algorithm… Designating new data as priority one… Constructing a new system… Resetting command authority… Redefining the tome…
Paracelsus muttered incomprehensible messages, making it difficult to see it as the same Paracelsus as before.
『Hahaha! The progress humans have made in magical knowledge is truly fascinating. It seems even we dragons might have to tread carefully now.』
‘What exactly did you do?’
『Oh, nothing much. Just played a tiny, adorable prank.』
Theo imagined Lodbrok in her nest, winking mischievously while wearing a sly grin.
‘A prank?’
『It wouldn’t be fun if I told you in advance. Take your time figuring it out. The thrill of discovery will be worth it. Fufufu!』
Theo couldn’t shake the ominous feeling from Lodbrok’s laughter.
Of course, he trusted that her "prank" would help rather than hinder him. But somehow, he felt it wouldn’t be easy to uncover.
“What on earth… did you do?”
“Nothing.”
Theo shrugged casually at Najariu’s question and tossed Paracelsus to him.
Najariu’s expression was filled with unease, but after inspecting Paracelsus from various angles, he found no apparent issues with its AI system.
“Just… who are you?”
R-rank data that neither the Magic Tower nor the Alchemy Guild had ever acquired.
Although Theo had fed it blood, Najariu believed that was merely a deception or a catalyst—not the true essence of R-rank data.
‘I need to uncover the identity of the data he imbued into Paracelsus. Otherwise, the project is bound to fail.’
It was clear that Ragnar harbored other secrets unknown to the world.
Although his suspicions were unnecessary, Najariu couldn’t take his eyes off Theo.
However, regardless of what Najariu thought, Theo was already experiencing a profound transformation.
[You have discovered new clues about time and successfully completed the subject’s perspective.]
[Current completion rate: 115%.]
[You have exceeded the target completion rate. Congratulations! You have uncovered the secret of regression and successfully completed Scenario Quest #6.]
[Evaluation: S+]
[You have acquired the ■■Regression ability as a reward.]
[As an additional reward, you have obtained the Clockwork Reinforcement ability.]
[Details about these abilities must be understood on your own.]
‘The ■■Regression ability...’
Theo had a vague idea of the contents of the censored message.
By recalling how this quest had originated, he could roughly deduce its implications.
‘It seems to be related to the chronograph the Magic Empress used.’
If the ability to revive the ghosts of the Spirit Mausoleum Blade could also manifest in reality, it would prove to be an incredible power.
However, confirming the ability wasn’t something he could do immediately.
Bang!
Just then, the door to their room was flung wide open.
“Theo Ragnar!”
It was Kleve.
She had forced her way in, dealing with both Selperd and Arin, who had been futilely trying to block her path with unnecessary words.
Selperd, who arrived a beat later, shook his head at Theo, signaling that this was as far as he could manage.
Theo responded with a nod of gratitude before giving Kleve a slight bow.
“It’s been a while, Kleve. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
“You...!”
“You seem out of breath from rushing here. How about calming yourself with a cup of tea?”
Seeing Theo’s calm, smiling face made Kleve’s insides boil.
But she soon regained her composure and surveyed the room with cold eyes.
Inside, Najariu and Jirima—her original targets—were seated, simply bound without any signs of interrogation or torture.
Relieved, Kleve gestured to Theo with her chin, signaling him to follow her outside.
“Let’s have a word.”
* * *
A room with only Kleve and Theo.
Kleve surrounded the space with her aura to ensure no sound could escape before speaking coldly.
“What exactly are you thinking?”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb.”
Theo gave a faint smile.
“To be honest, I wasn’t intending to disrupt Black Snow.”
“Then?”
“There was something I was personally searching for. As it turned out, it was in the possession of the Little Tower Lord’s party from the Magic Tower.”
“So it was a coincidence?”
“Yes.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
“You may find it hard to believe, but it’s the truth. My business is finished, so now Black Snow can take the Little Tower Lord’s party back if you wish.”
One of Kleve’s eyebrows twitched.
“Your business is done, so you’re washing your hands of it... But Black Snow suffered significant losses because of this. What do you propose we do about that?”
“It seems that what Black Snow needed wasn’t the custody of the Little Tower Lord after all.”
“That’s…”
Kleve stopped mid-sentence, furrowing her brow.
“I almost made a slip of the tongue.”
“What a pity. I could have heard something interesting.”
Kleve could only let out a hollow laugh.
The sight of Theo casually trying to pry into their affairs, even after ruining them, was both audacious and cheeky.
It reminded her of the very reason she had come to recognize Theo in the past.
But meeting him as a rival, rather than an ally, was nothing short of troublesome.
“Then let me ask you directly. Why is Black Snow pursuing the Little Tower Lord’s party from the Magic Tower?”
“Why do you want to know?”
“It could be a matter of reference for me and the White Armored Dragon Cavalry in our future activities.”
Even though the capture had been unusually easy, the Little Tower Lord of the Magic Tower carried significant political influence.
If someone of that stature had been wandering so openly within Ragnar’s territory and got caught, there had to be a reason behind it.
“The Little Tower Lord of the Magic Tower has requested a meeting with the highest-ranking authority on our side. As if they knew exactly ‘who would come here.’”
Theo didn’t miss the slight hardening of Kleve’s expression.
“They came to meet Soaring Dragon, didn’t they? Am I wrong?”
“……!”
“But Soaring Dragon has rarely engaged in external activities over the past few decades. They likely have little to no connection with the Magic Tower. So, there must be someone even higher up. In that case, there’s only one possible conclusion.”
“You’d do well not to speak that name.”
For the first time, Kleve issued a warning.
It was a clear indication that if Theo continued to reveal the truth, even he wouldn’t walk away unscathed.
But Theo paid no heed and drove his point home.
“The former head of the family, Hilda Ragnar.”
“You really…!”
“So, it was indeed her that the Magic Tower was attempting to contact.”
Theo’s eyes turned cold.
“What I still fail to understand is why the Little Tower Lord made such a conspicuous show of exposing themselves, instead of quietly arranging the meeting.”