"Of course, but that doesn't mean there are no other meanings. The intertwining of flesh and souls is extremely profound knowledge in alchemy. You should know that our Rosicrucian Order focuses on alchemical techniques. When I was reading the documents and materials left behind by the Cult, I once saw a Fifth Epoch Alchemist comment on that saying."
Hope spoke very slowly, so Shade heard her clearly:
"Emotions are the ropes that connect two different individuals. Though emotions themselves are not tangible, souls are not tangible either. Deep enough emotions can allow two souls to form a bond across space, a connection that no distance, however great, can sever."
"Souls? I haven't studied that much. Still, I do know that emotions can affect the results of spellcasting."
Shade said, and Hope nodded:
"That alchemical notebook even mentioned that she had researched a method of temporarily and harmlessly merging two souls, turning two people into one."
"What? Did she succeed?"
"Of course not. According to the Cult's records, that Fifth Epoch master of alchemy created a terrifying fused undead creature. The disaster it caused was ultimately suppressed and settled only after a Witch Emperor of that era personally intervened. Records of the incident can still be found in the library archives of The Church of the Sun Church and Peace Church. Our Cult preserved that dangerous information to warn later generations not to meddle with souls lightly. I imagine that is also why the Orthodox Churches of our era strictly forbid all knowledge related to soul trafficking and soul modification."
After learning a little about Soul Fusion from Hope, Shade took her authorization slip and finally went to find Upton.
This gentleman had been described as eccentric by the Follen Brothers, Hope, and Richard, so Shade was prepared to be given