Sarkaz funeral services: not a single bad review

"Field mission request?"

Old Kazdel, New Camelot —as the sun illuminates this revitalized city, the new Demon Lord begins her daily work once more.

"Yes, Ms. Kal'tsit, the head of the Medical Department, went to Kazimierz to seek funding and we haven't been in contact for a long time."

Raidian, the newly appointed liaison and secretary, said this.

"Given the recent war between the Gods' People in Kazimierz, we suspect that Dr. Kal'tsit may have been affected."

Vera paused in her writing, then asked Gregor about the matter in the group chat.

"No, the timing doesn't match, but we can't rule out other unforeseen events causing the problem."

Vera took the application form and gave it a brief review:

"Logos and Outcast? Aren't they together?"

"Logos was asked by the Doctor to find Lady Kal'tsit, and also hopes to visit relatives in Banshee Valley on his way back."

Kazimierz, is the boss's friend there too?

Thinking of a certain cheese snow leopard, Vera couldn't make up her mind for a moment.

Should the aid efforts for Infected in Babel Tower and Kazimierz be coordinated?

Let's put it aside for now and wait until Kazdel stabilizes.

"Permission granted for Closure to receive the wholesale mission funds, along with Outcast?"

"No, Outcast received a letter from Laterano. It didn't explain the details, but it seemed to be in a hurry."

"Laterano..."

Vera tapped her fingers rhythmically on the table as she recalled information about Laterano.

Due to their disadvantage in the war, some members of the ancient Ancient Teekaz were dispatched to find a new home, which led them to come into contact with the "Mainframe".

Faced with this Divine Miracle creation, the reclusive Teekaz made a wish to "live".

The Mainframe then connected them, and the Teekaz lost their horns and tails, gaining halos and wings of light.

Sankta was thus born.

However, they did not return, but instead built Laterano City on the spot. The Demon King at the time did not pay any attention to it, until the army of the Gods' People suddenly arrived and destroyed Kazdel.

Throughout the Sarkaz's subsequent exile, the Sankta remained indifferent, and even gradually evolved into an adversary during conflicts and wars.

From the Sarkaz's perspective, the Sankta, as traitors, are undoubtedly more despicable than the Gods' People.

Vera, however, did not hold a grudge.

On the one hand, Sankta's return during that period would have been futile.

On the other hand, Vane filled in the gaps in her knowledge about the "Mainframe".

PCS System, short for Personality and Cognition Synchronization System.

As an experimental product born from bionics, Precivilization can reduce communication barriers and strengthen connections between individuals while preserving individual thinking abilities and characteristics.

This is what the Sankta call "empathy."

When it was created, it was given the instruction to survive, and after encountering the Teekaz, it gained the desire to live.

Rational machines don't consider emotions. After calculating that getting close to the Sarkaz would be detrimental to survival and life, the Mainframe issued the command to move away from the Sarkaz.

As it turned out, the Mainframe's calculations were correct.

In the ensuing wars, many ancient races were wiped out, but the Sankta have survived to this day.

Of course, by now, the original purpose has been almost completely forgotten.

The Sankta and Sarkaz have been long-time enemies, and their origins have been classified as a taboo subject by the Laterano government, with only a very few people knowing the truth.

So, should we call on them to return?

Vera remained expressionless.

Although she didn't hold a grudge, Vera didn't have a good impression of the Laterano government.

Putting aside everything else, there isn't a single Sankta soul in the Hall of All Souls.

In terms of racial ties, Sankta has severed them cleanly enough.

Is Outcast's return a warning from Laterano regarding the Kazdel anomaly?

Or perhaps, some of them saw the memories of the widespread presence of the All Souls.

Interesting...

Vera submitted the completed application.

Will the Sankta, having learned the truth, collectively fall from grace?

An ancient tribe has returned; how should Laterano, as a "traitor," position itself?

(Fallen Angel: When Sankta violate the Mainframe's prohibitions, such as attacking their own allies, a Fallen Angel phenomenon occurs, manifesting as their aura turning black and the growth of Sarkaz horns and tails.)

As Raidian sensed the constantly changing electrical signals on Vera's end, he swallowed hard.

I can't understand it. Is the king in a good mood or a bad mood?

"Raidian."

"Exist!"

"... Don't be so nervous. Is the Medical Department's staffing really that tight right now?"

Vera took out Closure's application form; surprisingly, the guy didn't ask for money.

"Searching for and inviting Mr. Blood? Who is that?"

"Ah, Dr. Kal'tsit said that he was a scholar who made considerable achievements in the field of blood knowledge."

"When we were short-staffed, some people offered suggestions, but Dr. Kal'tsit said she would handle it herself, but..."

However, I am currently missing, and someone has to be found to fill the vacancy.

Vera nodded in understanding.

Babel Tower wants to transform into an international non-profit organization, it would be best to start with the medical field.

Regarding Oripathy, the Life Potion has been assigned to research, but progress has been slow so far. Introducing fresh blood to speed up the process would be beneficial.

[Vera: Vane, do you know who Mr. Blood is?]

[Vane: Mr. Blood... Warfarin? You've met him?]

You know them? That makes things easier.

[Vera: We're preparing to recruit. Do you have any opinions?]

[Vane: No problem. Just bring me a vial of blood, she'll come over herself.]

Blood? So that means Vampire.

Vera looked out the window at the ancient Vampire hanging on the city walls.

Hopefully, he won't be a troublesome guy...

"Then let's do as she says, the person in charge of communication is... Scar Eye?"

A familiar name came into view, Vera leaned back slightly.

She knew that Closure was constantly competing with the other party for the position of economic director, so was this a way of using her to suppress them?

"Let Closure go herself. Isn't she the new ruler of the Court of Blood? It's time to let the other Vampire get to know her."

"... And Closure's job?"

After Raidian reminded her, Vera remembered.

Although Closure was a bit greedy, her work ability was undeniable; she handled the purchasing department, Engineering Department, logistics department... plus Camelot's miscellaneous tasks.

"Yes, give her a bonus, and while you're at it, have her find a few assistants on the way."

"As for work... what is the Doctor doing now?"

Vera thought of the terrifying hooded man; with Camelot's combat power now so abundant, command and control were normally unnecessary.

The Teekaz are filled with enthusiasm for exploring the world and have taken on almost all combat missions.

The Cyclops scouts the enemy's location, while the Gargoyle blocks their retreat.

While Mind Flayer, memories are extracted.

Wendigo, Vampire, and Carrion Eater feed on flesh, blood, and the aura of death.

The Banshee sang a funeral dirge, Flame Demon burned the corpses.

A complete funeral service, handled perfectly.

If a group of Shapeshifter were still wandering around return, they can even transform into spies and launch a counterattack.

What, you're asking about Lich?

This is what they've recorded; they're currently vying with the Mind Flayer for the position of historian.

After hearing Vera's question, Raidian's face turned distressed.

"The Doctor has been locking himself in his room for a long time, going back and forth between the cafeteria and his dormitory every day."

"Isn't anyone going to try and persuade them?"

"The Doctor said very seriously that he was doing something very important, and it wasn't appropriate for us to disturb him."

"... I'll go check on him. You should rest for a while too."

"My Originium Arts tell me that your erector spinae and quadratus lumborum muscles are continuously firing. Please take care to get some rest."

Vera pushed open the door, stretched, and waved in response.

With the Crown activated, Vera, now invisible, bypassed Wis'adel, who was observing from behind a pillar, and gave him a smacked tap on the head.

"Hmm! Boss?"

[Go back to your studies. Tonight you'll have a vocabulary quiz. If you fail, you'll have to go help out at Heiyve tomorrow.]

"But!"

[Go quickly.]

With wide eyes still unable to find Vera, Wis'adel slumped his shoulders in dejection and walked away, turning back to look at her every few steps.

[Little Black.]

As Vera called out, the ground beneath her feet softened and enveloped her.

Transported directly from the steel, Vera quickly arrived at the Rhodes Island main ship.

Vera arrived at the dormitory with practiced ease and knocked on the door. A weak response came from inside.

"... who?"

"It's me. You don't sound very energetic."

After a series of scraping sounds, the door opened, and Vera raised an eyebrow after seeing the interior.

"How do you manage to do paperwork in a dark room while wearing sunglasses and a hoodie?"

"Actually, I was wearing a protective suit with protective features provided by the Engineering Department."

"So, can I turn on the light?"

"Please go ahead."

The lights were turned on, and contrary to Vera's expectations, the interior was still tidy, except that there were many more draft papers around the workbench.

"What have you been up to lately? Raidian said you haven't been out for a long time. Have you had your medical check-up at the Medical Department?"

"The person who can perform my medical examination hasn't returned yet, but that's not the point. You've come at the perfect time."

The Doctor walked to the workbench, cleared away the papers on it, and took out a notebook.

"I've deciphered one of the magic books you gave me, but since there's no template to compare it with, I'm not sure if it's correct."

"So fast?"

Vera accepted it with surprise, and at the same time called on others in the group to respond.

[Vane: Oh! No wonder he's a top linguist from the Precivilization; his efficiency is truly impressive.]

[Gregor: Is this a translation of the Victorian version? I might not understand the others...]

[Gorth: Do you have spatial magic? Or natural magic that can accelerate plant growth?]

Urged by the three, Vera opened her notebook.

In addition to the neat Victorian explanations, there are also several breakdown diagrams of different magic circles.

[Vane: Hmm... This doesn't seem to be magic?]

[Gregor: This thing looks so familiar.]

[Gorth: This effect... is it a buff from a gene monster?]

While the group of four were puzzled, the Doctor began to explain.

"Unlike the magic in fairy tales currently circulating in the market, the first magic book to be deciphered does not contain any special magic."

"Beyond the most basic knowledge explanations, it's mostly about [enchantments] that provide magical enhancements."

"I have deciphered the effect described above. The order in which the magic circle is split is uncertain. I have tried it, but it may require a special energy called magic power."

"Incidentally, some unusual enchantments seem to require the power of faith."

"So? Was my interpretation wrong?"

No, perfectly accurate.

After comparing the results over a period of time, Vera and the others have determined what this so-called enchantment is.

In the game, they manifest as buffs attached to Dungeon monsters, typically used to increase the difficulty for players.

They are --

[Holy] Grants immunity to abnormal statuses and a small amount of damage reduction.

[Demon] gains significant damage reduction, but this effect is lost when encountering abnormal statuses.

[Strength] Increases body size and damage, but reduces attack speed and movement speed.

[Agility] Reduces size and damage, increases attack speed and movement speed.

[Shield] Gain Energy Shield that can withstand several ranged attacks; while active, grants immunity to instant death effects.

[Invisible] Cannot be locked on, health is halved.

[Destruction] attacks reduce the target's maximum energy.

[Reflection] When attacked, releases a shockwave to Reflection damage.

[Delay] Carriers connect with each other, forming a joint defense line of contact and significant deceleration.

[Erosion] Generates bubbles with a corrosive effect and has a toxic effect.

[Siphon] Absorbs the maximum health of surrounding enemy units.

Seeing Vera's constantly twitching eyebrows, the Doctor asked curiously:

Is there a problem?

"... I was just a little surprised."

How could you not be surprised? This kind of [enchantment] is indeed not classified as conventional magic, and no one in the Vitality Continent has ever used a similar enchantment.

Genetic monsters with this type of enchantment usually only appear in the Evil Lord's Maze or the Guardian Temple.

According to the description, it should be a modified gene, but now it has been written into a book.

[Vane: Damn it! I suspected long ago that the Evil Lord was behind this time travel! Otherwise, why would the genetic map from the Evil Lord's Maze be here?]

[Gregor: I didn't expect it to actually be decipherable. What about the other spellbooks? What's inside them?]

[Gorth: Am I the only one concerned about whether this thing will even work?]

Vera flipped through the notes and explanations in her notebook, trying to integrate her knowledge of witchcraft with it.

Why not give it a try?

Vera looked up, Doctor watched her silently.

I see, so you still have doubts...

Vera suddenly realized.

Although it demonstrated the effect of resurrection on the Doctor, it remains to be seen whether that power can truly be considered Miracle.

Since this involved the hope of a civilization's revival, the Doctor dared not be careless.

The reason I've been working tirelessly these past few days to analyze this is probably to verify the authenticity of the magic.

"Then let's try them out, Doctor. Which one would you like?"

"Me?" The Doctor was taken aback.

"After all, it's better to experience it firsthand. In the end, it has something in common with Originium Arts. Doctor, even though you don't have magic power, you should still be able to sense energy."

Vera casually sketched a magic circle based on her notes, when she suddenly remembered the existence of the Magic Crystal Ore.

The existence of Magic Stone can transform ordinary ores into Magic Originium, and high-purity Magic Crystal Ore can also corrupt other ores into low-quality magic crystals.

Does this mean that magic is corrosive?

What about Originium? Which is more corrosive Magic Originium or Terra Originium?

Can magic [infect] Originium?

Is the healing power of the Potion of Life a special manifestation of magic?

If this were possible, could Infected use it to store magical energy and use magic?

Various questions kept popping into Vera's mind, which she noted down one by one in preparation for the subsequent experiments.

At the same time, the magic circle he was drawing was also completed.

[Sacratus (Divine Addition)]

As magic surged from Vera's body into the magic circle, it shone brightly. The magic circle rotated and enveloped the Doctor, and a golden glow also appeared on the latter.

"This is... magic?"

The Doctor sensed his physical condition, the effects of [divine]... an immune system disorder?

After a brief moment of thought, the Doctor started spinning around.

"What are you doing?" Vera asked, puzzled.

"I'm trying to make myself dizzy."

Is dizziness in a physiological sense considered an abnormal condition?

"That's exactly what I was testing."

They went around and around until Vera's eyes started to blur, at which point the Doctor stopped.

How are you feeling?

"Very good, it seems the physiological dizziness is also in an abnormal state."

After pondering for a while with his head down, the Doctor walked outside.

"I want to ask Pith and the others for a spell test, would you like to come along?"

"... Isn't it unnecessary to test it yourself?" Vera followed helplessly.

"Your physical condition... what if something happens to you?"

"No, I have to experience that for myself."

The Doctor's firm refusal raises the question: is magic merely an ordinary spell, or a true Miracle?

He wanted to confirm it himself.

"Do you really want me to use magic on you?" Pith asked, looking reluctant.

"Please, this is very important to me."

"... This is a spell that can affect a person's vision. I will try my best to minimize the damage."

"Thanks."

The Doctor thanked him earnestly and waited for a long time.

"Aren't we going to start?"

"No, it's over." Pith put down his staff, looking doubtful.

"Don't you really feel anything?"

"No."

"... I need to increase the power."

Pith raised his staff, and the Doctor looked solemnly at the light above.

Nothing happened...

"Okay, Doctor, is this a magical shield set up by Logos?"

Pith sighed; it was indeed disheartening that his prized spells had no effect whatsoever.

"Hmm... you can think of it as a spell cast by the person next to me."

"The king?"

Pith glanced at Vera; losing to a powerful being capable of destroying Catastrophe wasn't shameful.

After saying goodbye to Pith, the two attracted a lot of attention on their way back.

"Can't this golden glowing effect be turned off? The receptor should be the physical body, so why is it on the clothes too?"

"Isn't that a good thing? Maybe tomorrow we'll hear things like, 'The Doctor is the sun of Rhodes Island.'"

"What kind of title is that...?"

As he responded, the Doctor felt the flow of energy within his body.

Similar to Originium Arts, the casting of magic also seems to rely on certain rules and techniques.

How the magic circle is drawn, and which runes the magic should be prioritized for filling, are all crucial factors that can affect the success of the spell.

However, just like the laws of physics, the power of Originium Arts comes from decompression within the internalized universe.

Where does the power of magic come from?

He couldn't understand the underlying principles, but that's precisely why the Doctor felt increasingly at ease.

Those comrades in the Sarcophagus could not enter the internalized universe; only their physical bodies remained in time.

But if it's through this Miracle called magic...

"Speaking of which, Doctor." Vera's voice startled the Doctor from his reverie.

"The Originium Project was a joint effort between you and the Priestess. Was the emergence of Oripathy something you anticipated?"

"No, that option wasn't in the plan." The Doctor shook his head.

The erosion of living organisms and their compression into information was something that was completely outside the scope of the plan.

Originium is the seed of hope, a beacon of civilization, propelling a new civilization into the next stage—this is the path he desired.

The Priestess Originium of Hope assimilates everything, converging it all into the Sea of Information.

"Didn't the Priestess tell you the details of her plan?"

The Doctor shook his head.

"We walk different paths, each convinced that we are right. She is my like-minded partner, but when it comes to the survival of civilization, we cannot agree."

"Judging solely from the plan, I did indeed betray her. Watching those diverse forms of life roaming the Daichi, I couldn't make any choice other than what I hoped for..."

"That sounds like something a jerk would say."

"Cough cough!"

The Doctor choked and coughed, and Vera noted that the cough was not an abnormal condition.

"Speaking of which, you are clearly one of the creators of Originium, yet you don't understand your own creation?"

"... Originium is like a seed. We can predict its potential growth, but what kind of fruit it will eventually bear is still unknown."

"So, do you consider Oripathy infection to be an abnormal condition?" Vera asked, glancing at the Originium crystals on the passing operator.

"Or rather, can [divine] healing be achieved?"

"The triggering effect of this immunity is still unclear, but if the Originium that lives in symbiosis with the body suddenly disappears... it's more like murder than a cure."

The Doctor sighed. What was supposed to be a gift left to the Terra civilization had instead given rise to such suffering.

Vera patted the Doctor on the shoulder.

"Looks like we have another experiment to do. Let's work together!"

"... Thanks."

"Thank you too early. Did I tell you that Closure was going out?"

The Doctor cast a puzzled look at her, Vera shrugged.

"There's no other way; there are too few people who can handle these things. I can only ask you for help."

The Doctor said quietly, "... I remember someone saying before that I could do whatever I wanted."

Vera paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"You're joking with me... Can I take that as a sign we've really become friends?"

(Precivilization language)

"... What did you say?"

"My name."

Vera raised an eyebrow and then said her other name.

"So you've been using code names all along? Doesn't that show a lack of trust in your friends?" the Doctor joked.

"You have no right to speak ill of others, Prophet."