Bernadette, who had not entered the overlay state in a long time, lightly tossed out a vivid yet unreal ball of yarn with her right hand. As it rolled into the void, a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes.
This was not her first time using the Fairy Tale Magic known as Ariadne's Thread Ball, nor was it her first time entering an overlay state with Sno. Yet this time, the experience was completely different.
The last time their Mythical Creature forms had merged, it had been filled with all manner of interference. They had needed external contamination and her own will to balance it, barely achieving a stable state. But now, she found it far easier to maintain than she had imagined, and both the effectiveness and consumption of her Fairy Tale Magic had received a positive boost.
"Because I'm half a paradox now." Sno's voice flowed through Bernadette's consciousness as he said in a subtle tone,
"The authority of paradox carries descriptions such as 'the reflection of knowledge' and 'the reverse side of truth.' It has a relationship with the Hermit Pathway, which represents the hidden side of knowledge, that is both mutually supportive and mutually restraining. If last time we used spiritual synchronization to achieve a temporary fusion, then this time, I have actually entered the shadow of the knowledge called Bernadette. We are two sides of the same whole, so naturally it brings no burden. I can even assist you in casting spells. I have to say, paradox and knowledge really are a perfect fit!"
"..." Bernadette's thoughts fell into slight disarray before quickly settling again. Following the loose end left by the yarn ball, she wandered through the spirit world and arrived at the edge of the nameless island.
With the assistance of authority