Chapter 478 - 101: Mirage
Afterward, Levi was led to an adjacent lounge for in-depth examination and recovery.
Only Edwin, Bishop Fabian, the researchers, and Murphy, who had arrived at some point, remained in the laboratory.
Edwin pushed up his glasses, turned to Murphy, and began his report with a serious expression. "Your Excellency, based on this comparative experiment and the cumulative data from seventeen similar experiments conducted over the past month, we can draw the following preliminary conclusions."
He brought up a holographic projection from the main console. It displayed side-by-side data charts of brainwaves, Mental Force Fields, and cognitive tests under the effects of [Mechanical Mind] and [Inspiration].
"First, both can enhance cognitive performance related to ’Rationality’ in a short period, but their paths and essences are completely different. [Mechanical Mind] uses a Magic Model to directly intervene and ’overwrite’ the subject’s emotional processing centers, forcibly suppressing the emotional aspects and amplifying their logical circuits."
"Its enhancement is ’exogenous’ and ’compulsory.’ The Rationality it brings is cold and dehumanizing. It consumes the caster’s Mana and the subject’s own ’emotional reserves,’ or what you might call ’emotional energy.’ The side effects are significant, and long-term or frequent use can lead to emotional blunting or even damage to the cognitive structure."
"As for [Inspiration], the source of its power is the positive belief and willpower stimulated within the subject themself. It’s more like a ’catalyst’ that awakens and strengthens the subject’s inner potential. The Rationality it enhances is closely linked to emotion and will, making it ’endogenous’ and ’motivational.’ It primarily consumes the Priest’s Holy Power and the subject’s short-term mental vitality. The side effects are relatively minor, and it has a certain lingering effect; once a belief is ignited, a positive impact may remain even after the Divine Magic fades."
Edwin pointed to several key curves on the chart. "More importantly, in the ’Mind Furnace’s’ generation 7.5 cognitive model simulation, the changes in thought structure under the effect of [Inspiration] show greater ’elasticity’ and ’adaptability.’"
"The thought structure under [Mechanical Mind], however, tends toward ’rigidity’ and ’brittleness.’ When faced with complex, contradictory cognitive conflicts or those requiring emotional involvement, the former demonstrates superior compatibility and resolution capabilities."
Bishop Fabian added from the side, "From the perspective of both doctrine and practical pastoral experience, the path represented by [Inspiration] aligns better with the essence of the ’Path’ and ’Faith and Hope’ in the *Holy Scripture of Truth*. True power and wisdom should originate from firm belief, a pure heart, and a resonance with the way of Oriane, not from the simple stripping away or distortion of emotion."
Murphy listened quietly, his gaze sweeping over the complex data charts and comparative analyses.
"So," Murphy began slowly, his voice exceptionally clear in the quiet laboratory, "if a person’s ’Rationality’—or their ’lucid self-awareness’—needs to be anchored and reinforced, is the path represented by [Inspiration], which resonates with positive emotions and inner belief, of greater referential value and safer than the path of [Mechanical Mind], which forcibly strips away emotion?"
"Based on the current data and model projections, at least, yes, Your Excellency." Edwin nodded in confirmation. "Relying purely on external force to suppress emotion and maintain ’Rationality’ is like using ice to seal a flame. It may seem calm, but it’s fragile and fraught with hidden dangers. A ’Rationality’ that resonates with inner belief and positive emotion, however, is like building a heat-resistant barrier around the flame—it’s far more stable."
A thoughtful glint appeared in Murphy’s eyes.
’Severing the Three Corpses is no simple task.’
’Never mind where to find a method for dividing one’s consciousness; even the technology for its complete replication is far beyond reach.’
’Furthermore, a method for replicating a complete body capable of housing a consciousness is also lacking.’
’Even with the cloning of an ordinary human body, figuring out how to stably accelerate its growth is a nearly unsolvable problem.’
’The rate of cell division follows its own natural laws; it can’t be forcibly accelerated on a whim.’
’There is indeed Magic in the path of a Wizard that can accomplish this, but it’s beyond the reach of any Wizard who hasn’t yet touched the threshold of Elementalization.’
Thus, for Murphy, the Three Corpses Technique served more as an inspiration for a new direction than a concrete method.
Murphy finally instructed, "Continue in-depth research in this direction. Focus on the data for [Inspiration]-type effects under long-term, low-intensity, sustainable application, as well as their correlation with an individual’s deep-seated belief systems. The models also need further iteration to attempt simulations of changes in higher-level states of consciousness."
"Yes, Your Excellency!" Edwin nodded, accepting the command respectfully.
Bishop Fabian also gave a slight bow, indicating his full cooperation.
Murphy nodded, said no more, then turned and left C-1 Laboratory.
The heavy, airtight door closed silently behind him, sealing off the scene within.
Murphy then stepped into the corridor.
The corridor was spacious, flanked by smooth alloy walls. Bright overhead lights cast an even glow. Everything was orderly, no different from when he had arrived.
However, he had taken less than ten steps when a powerful wave of disorientation suddenly washed over him.
This time, he recovered quickly.
’It’s happening again...’
Murphy sighed to himself. The bouts of disorientation had become increasingly frequent this past month. His Dao Transformation Level had risen by another 2%, reaching 18%. He estimated a few more episodes would push it to 19%.
’That was equivalent to six years of progress.’
He took a deep breath and continued walking.
As he rounded a corner, he heard the low din of voices ahead.
Several personnel in white lab coats were gathered around a laboratory doorway, conversing in low voices.