Chapter 281

As the two tilted their heads in unison, Leah, who had anticipated this reaction, began explaining in a way that would be immediately clear.

“First, let me state the conclusion,” she said.

“Yeah, that’s probably best,” Tatsuro replied.

“Yep, that makes sense,” Ai added.

(Is it because they’re always together that even their actions and speech start to sync?) Leah wondered briefly, but she quickly pushed the irrelevant thought aside and continued.

“To put it simply—creating fusion equipment of a Magic Brain and a magical entity.”

“You mean… modifying Nana-chan!?” Ai exclaimed.

“I’m not being modified!” Nana interjected.

Since Nana had been informed of the discussion beforehand, she was quietly listening nearby but couldn’t help jumping in at this. From her reaction, Tatsuro deduced it likely didn’t involve Cardina and the others.

“So, you want us to create a new magical entity to integrate into it?”

“Yes. But this time, instead of shaping it like Nana or Cardina-san, I want to fuse it with the Magic Brain in an intangible state. If its existence is solidified, fusion probably won’t work.”

“That’s possible?”

“Well, it’s within the framework of the theories I’ve put together—so far, at least,” Leah said with a caveat.

However, having successfully created a Magic Brain and produced various equipment, Leah’s theories were hard for the two to doubt. They concluded it was likely feasible and grew enthusiastic as their understanding caught up. Naturally, they had questions.

“How does it differ from using just a Magic Brain versus fusing it with a magical entity? The Rifle Staff we’re using is already incredible, so even just upgrading the Magic Brain as the main core would be great, right?” Tatsuro asked.

“Yes. Equipping just the Magic Brain should provide significant enhancements. The jittery magic sensation you mentioned before, Big brother, should completely disappear. But fusing it with a magical entity to create higher-quality intelligent equipment offers several advantages.”

“Oh? Like what?” Ai asked eagerly.

“Well, for one, it should result in equipment with unique status and skills, one-of-a-kind within the system-installed world—at least, that’s the hypothesis.”

Leah seemed less confident about aspects tied deeply to the system.

“With just a Magic Brain, it’s like a tool that passively optimizes tasks based on the user’s demands. But by fusing a magical entity, it can think proactively and leverage the Magic Brain’s computational power to provide support.”

“So, compared to equipment with just a Magic Brain, the one fused with a magical entity is a superior weapon?” Tatsuro clarified.

“From what you’re saying, even just the Magic Brain sounds amazing,” Ai added.

Everyone present nodded at Ai’s words. The Magic Brain was the culmination of Leah’s research; it couldn’t not be impressive. Yet, her ambition to aim even higher left everyone in awe.

“But what about the magical entity? If it can think proactively, does that mean it acts on its own? Could it not be stored in the Item Box?” Tatsuro asked.

“That should be fine. It might be tricky to store in its fused state, but if you return it to Big brothers’ body first, it should work.”

“Huh, so fusion can be undone that easily?” Ai remarked.

“Think of it like a pilot in the cockpit of the Magic Brain. The pilot can’t be stored in the Item Box, but the cockpit can,” Leah explained.

“Oh, that makes sense!” Ai said.

Leah didn’t fully grasp the analogy herself, but since the two seemed to understand, she let it slide.

With the concept clear, they decided to get started.

“So, what’s first?” Tatsuro asked.

“Let’s see. Hold the Magic Brain’s main core in your hand and create a [Yin-Yang Orb], imagining it blending into the core.”

“Got it. Imagination, huh? Alright, let’s do this—”

Tatsuro activated Magic Domain Transcendence to forcibly boost his magic level.

“Next, Ai, come on!”

“Here I go!”

Ai clung to his back, activating her title effect for an additional boost, ensuring he could handle the sudden level increase.

“Here we go…”

“Please,” Leah said.

Using dragon magic infused with vast amounts of Dragon Force, Tatsuro activated the highest-level Yin-Yang Orb over the Magic Brain’s main core. Normally, he’d envision the entity’s form here, but instead, he let the orb descend, pressing it against the core in his palm.

(Imagine it blending together), he thought calmly, avoiding distractions.

The Yin-Yang Orb, which would form the magical entity’s body, was absorbed into the main core, and Tatsuro felt it settle.

“Success… I think?”

“Looks like it,” Leah confirmed.

“Whoa, it’s so pretty!” Ai said, peeking over Tatsuro’s shoulder.

The main core, now translucent and pale blue, sparkled with blue magical particles like a snow globe.

“Let’s add elemental magic factors while the skill is still active. That way, big brothers’ magic will combine with the core’s for stronger spells. Prioritize your most-used magic. Even without it, the performance should be high.”

“Hmm… Ice magic’s been my thing lately, but my main go-to is still Fire Magic’s laser. It’s got great attack power, speed, and I’m used to it.”

After confirming the core’s integration, Tatsuro reverted it to the Yin-Yang Orb state and added level 14 Fire Magic factors.

Unlike with Cardina and the others, no data transfer was needed, so he had time to add level 14 Wind Magic factors for self-flight before the Magic Domain Transcendence effect wore off.

Tatsuro considered adding another but, with time running out, decided to save it for later and returned it to the main core.

“It’s done. What next?”

“Let’s see…That’s it for big brothers’ part. Now I’ll assemble and adjust it. Please return the magical entity to your body. I can’t replenish its magic.” Leah examined the core with her blue eye, then concluded.

“Got it.”

Tatsuro stored the newly created entity within himself, figuring that if the system installation was complete, it’d be better to confirm once its body was fully formed.

“By the way, if you can return it to Tatsu, could you make another one—like one with ice as the primary attribute—and swap them out? That’d let you adapt to different situations, right?” Ai asked. (T/N: This way of saying Tatsuro by Ai is intentional not an error)

“I thought about that too, but from what I saw, the core bonds completely to one entity, and others would likely cause a rejection reaction. Swapping them out frequently doesn’t seem possible.”

“Aw, that’s a shame,” Ai said.

“Well, the performance is already plenty good, so it’s not a big deal,” Tatsuro added.

“Exactly,” Leah agreed.

Tatsuro thought it’d be convenient but, with cheat skills and upcoming cheat equipment, they didn’t need to push further.

“Could you lend me Secom-kun from your coat, big brother?”

“Sure, but are you doing something with it too?”

“Yes. I’d like to install a core in it and, if possible—”

“Attach a magical entity?” Ai guessed.

“If it works. Secom-kun’s auto-defense is excellent, but in chaotic battles, it attacks indiscriminately unless you specify lethal or non-lethal targets, and it can’t do both simultaneously. If we add a high-judgment entity to control it, wouldn’t that be interesting?”

“Sounds super useful!” Tatsuro said.

“Totally cool!” Ai added.

Currently, Secom-kun’s autopilot could accidentally target allies, requiring constant user attention.

If the modification succeeded, it could distinguish friend from foe, attack strategically, and even assist proactively, letting Tatsuro focus elsewhere.

“Here, take it. Can I keep the staff with me?” Tatsuro asked, handing over the slime-shaped Secom-kun from his Infinite Item Field.

Leah shook her head.

“There’s a final step to attach a connection terminal, so I’ll need it then. For now, focus on completing the main core.”

“Got it. Just let me know when you need it. And once Secom-kun’s core is ready, I’ll come back to make its magical entity.”

“It’s already done, so come by tomorrow.”

“That was fast!?” Tatsuro exclaimed.

“Super fast!” Ai echoed.

“Haha… I got carried away after making the first one and made two, then three, to lock in the process. I’ve got six Magic Brains now,” Leah admitted.

Creating the first one was tough, but subsequent ones became easier, and in her enthusiasm, Leah ended up with six.

“How about attaching one to big sisters’ Gem Sword? I’d like to observe ki-based data too,” Leah suggested.

“Really!? Yes, please!” Ai said excitedly.

“Would Ai need a magical entity too?” Tatsuro asked.

“Probably not,” Leah replied.

“Oh, bummer,” Ai said.

“Big brother’s magic is the base, so compatibility is 100%, amplifying power. But for others, compatibility is zero. Forcing a mechanical body is less versatile than creating a regular entity like Nana to stay nearby, so it’s less meaningful.”

“What about Cardina and the others’ equipment? Since they’re from my magic, it might work,” Tatsuro suggested.

“That’s tricky too. Though we don’t treat it that way, their existential hierarchy is like master and servant, making control smooth. But between peers, cooperation is possible, but one-sided use is difficult.”

“So, basically, it only works for Tatsu?” Ai summed up.

“Hehe, yep, that’s about right, big sister,” Leah said, smiling at Ai’s blunt interpretation.