On an uninhabited island in the Berserk Sea.
Odys had just placed the Uniqueness of the "Hermit" Pathway and a Knowledge Emperor characteristic beside the nine books. They immediately transformed into a mass of illusory liquid that emitted bright, pure radiance.
This was the potion for advancing to "Hermit."
Odys took a deep breath and drank it in one gulp.
In an instant, Odys seemed to see the Sage of a distant era walking toward him. He wore a long robe with an Eastern charm, appearing tranquil and natural as he walked while scattering pure radiance of knowledge to either side.
Odys felt himself instantly covered by the radiance of knowledge, as though the Sage of the past intended to replace his present self.
However, nine starlights suddenly flew out from within that radiance of knowledge, appearing between the Sage and Odys.
They represented Odys's nine books, leaving him momentarily unsure whether those nine books were the ritual or auxiliary materials.
In theory, a ritual protected the consciousness of the one advancing, while auxiliary materials made the characteristics being advanced gentler.
Yet the Hermit ritual would clearly allow his past self to erode his present self, while those nine auxiliary materials could protect Odys very well.
Only then did Odys realize that his circumstances were rather special. Although he had always possessed most of the Sage's memories and knowledge, he had always felt that he and the Sage were two different people.
Thus, Odys regarded the fusion between the Sage of the past and his current self as a form of erosion, while other advancing Beyonders would not see it that way. To them, it was merely two selves becoming one.
Fortunately, after the Sage and Odys remained deadlocked for a second or two, the Sage immediately transformed into pure