On the way back, Lu Yuan asked Oden a question in his mind.
"Hey, Oden. When we rescued Frey, did you see anything?"
"I did," Oden said.
"That illusory place wasn't connected to reality. Its aura did resemble the Spirit World a little, but not strongly. I'm certain I knew of no such place when I was alive, which makes a connection to the Spirit World even less likely."
"The Spirit World doesn't bewitch people or reverse their Pathways. Of course, something strange and Taboo might have arisen there. So many years have passed that even I can't be sure."
"But for now, we can confirm that the Pathway Mutation Potion's mechanism probably has little to do with Taboo Flesh or tissue." Oden's voice grew grave. "Judging by Frey's behavior, the Contamination and bewitchment she suffered came from that domain that appeared out of nowhere, not from any mutation or Contamination inherent in the potion. It was likely mental bewitchment."
"If that's the case, it'll be troublesome. The mind encompasses far too much, and no one has ever fully understood it."
"So let's leave it there for tonight. There's no point guessing. Once we get our hands on the potion, we can investigate further."
Lu Yuan had no objection.
Back at the dormitory, Lu Yuan practiced his defenses as usual, then fell into a deep sleep.
Early the next morning, Lu Yuan attended the Morning Bell Knight's training session, the last one that week.
When class ended, the Gray-White Text appeared as usual.
[Sanity IV: +1...91/140] [Knight Body Technique Basics: +0.3...1.9/10]
He had inched a little closer to mastering the basics of Knight Body Technique, but his Breath of Health still showed no progress. The breath reached the halfway point, then met what felt like a blockage.
It