Chapter 26: The First Foray into Magic Enhancement

Gleaming with a metallic sheen, a straight and chilling rod materialized in Bai Li’s hand.

To put it simply, it was nothing more than a plain iron rod.

One might question the considerable effort expended to forge what appeared to be just an iron rod. However, it was crucial to remember that Bai Li possessed a limited amount of magic power, and this creation was far from its ultimate form.

“Let me see… as expected! The magic power consumed was significantly lower than I had anticipated!”

Lin Xi meticulously checked the amount of magic power Bai Li had just expended, confirming that it was considerably less than what she herself would use when materializing objects by treating metal components as the most basic unit.

Regarding the possibility of a discrepancy arising from different users, while such a scenario was plausible, Lin Xi had previously ascertained that Bai Li’s ability system closely mirrored her own, thus rendering any minor variations essentially negligible.

“Bai Li, try bending this rod.”

“Mhm.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Bai Li followed Lin Xi’s instruction, lightly bending the iron rod in her hand; with surprising ease, it curved into a distinct U-shape.

“By the way, what material did you envision for this?”

Observing Bai Li effortlessly fold the iron rod in half, Lin Xi displayed no surprise, merely posing her question with a placid demeanor.

“Considering that ordinary steel or titanium alloy might lack sufficient strength, I opted to directly create a tungsten alloy rod.”

Bai Li playfully tossed the tungsten alloy rod, which she had already bent into a tight knot, in her hand. Despite holding a metal as dense as gold, she perceived not the slightest trace of its weight.

Given such formidable strength, it seemed she could effortlessly wield a tungsten sword, even one exceeding two meters in length and resembling a door panel, as though it were a mere toothpick.

“I see… it appears we’ve achieved an initial success.”

Lin Xi perused the formulas meticulously inscribed in her notebook, then performed a swift calculation.

“If the objective is merely to create mundane objects, then the magic power Bai Li expends is already less than my own. The next phase will involve magic power enhancement.”

To materialize an object devoid of any special function is, in truth, only the initial step. Given the existence of irrational powers like abilities in this world, mere raw materials are insufficient to sustain an ability user. Consequently, beyond utilizing unique materials that emerged following the convergence of the [Otherworld], enhancement predominantly relies on enchantments.

“Enhancements generally fall into two broad categories: ‘Energy-type Enchantment’ and ‘Engraving-type Enchantment.’ The former is straightforward: it involves simply wrapping an item with magic power or other energies to bestow basic performance enhancements or attributes, making it the most convenient method. The latter, however, is considerably more intricate, demanding the precise inscription of complete spell formulas and other limitations. In return, it offers significantly greater and more expansive power and functionalities.”

The various types of bullets Lin Xi frequently employs, such as incendiary and explosive rounds, exemplify Engraving-type Enchantments. Depending on the intricacy of the spell formulas she etches, these enchantments can even achieve effects like automatic enemy tracking, akin to a form of magical programming.

“While your computational prowess, Bai Li, would make Engraving-type Enchantments effortless, I still advocate for Energy-type Enchantments. Their versatility is simply superior, and I believe you are the type who can adeptly navigate diverse situations, making Energy-type Enchantments a perfect fit.”

Though Engraving-type Enchantments boast impressive strength and a high ceiling, their floor is equally low. Not only do they necessitate selecting distinct engravings for specific circumstances, but their energy consumption typically surpasses that of Energy-type Enchantments, which merely involve directly shrouding weapons and the body with energy.

Consequently, Energy-type Enchantments are primarily utilized by those skilled in physical combat or possessing lower energy aptitudes. Conversely, individuals proficient in crafting, magical arts, or endowed with higher energy aptitudes tend to employ Engraving-type Enchantments.

“Mhm, I understand. In essence, the goal is to create the simplest possible weapons and then directly enhance them with magic power, correct?”

“Exactly!”

To safeguard against Bai Li inadvertently damaging freshly crafted weapons, this approach represented the optimal method available at present.

The option of foregoing weapons altogether, however, remained relatively uncommon.

Exotic Beasts exhibited an endless array of abilities; even among those currently documented, many possessed corrosive physiologies or exuded effects that impacted anything drawing too close. Thus, official ability user organizations universally advocated for avoiding direct physical attacks whenever feasible.

Furthermore, the majority of materialized objects could be reclaimed and reintegrated as one’s own energy. Current research suggested that such materialization was merely a ‘mimicry,’ wherein an ability user’s energy, through means inexplicable by contemporary science, assumed the form of tangible matter, yet remained fundamentally an energetic construct.

Consequently, the net energy expenditure amounted to virtually nothing.

“Therefore, how exactly does one imbue a weapon with magic power?”

Bai Li abruptly posed the question.

“Huh? You don’t know, Bai Li?”

“Regrettably, I have never actually employed magic power.”

This was the unvarnished truth. Ever since her awakening, Bai Li had scarcely encountered a problem that couldn’t be resolved with her bare fists; actions like concealing her presence or instantaneous movement were merely extensions of her combat techniques. Thus, the recent materialization of a tungsten alloy rod marked her inaugural use of magic power.

“To materialize an object normally on her very first attempt at using magic power, and with even greater precision than me…”

Even Lin Xi, long accustomed to Bai Li’s extraordinary nature, couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. She recalled the arduous practice it had taken her to merely achieve normal materialization, yet Bai Li had effortlessly outstripped her on her very first attempt.

This realization fueled Lin Xi’s growing indignation, even as she contemplated how best to respond to Bai Li.

Magic power—or rather, the inherent energy of an ability user—was a profoundly unique force, much like one’s own physical body. One couldn’t simply mimic another’s method of bodily control and expect identical results, as individual constitutions varied greatly. Therefore, self-exploration remained the optimal path.

…Nonetheless, offering guidance was not entirely out of the question.

“Very well then, Bai Li, lie back down properly, and perhaps unfasten a bit of your clothing.”

“Hm? Why have we circled back to this particular topic?”

“Isn’t it quite obvious? Guiding magic power necessitates as much physical contact as possible, so there’s no need to dally.”

With that pronouncement, Lin Xi preemptively shed her own top, tossing it aside to reveal her chest, noticeably fuller than Bai Li’s, and a stomach that, while slender, possessed a soft pliancy.

“Alright, quickly undress.”

“…”

As Lin Xi slowly drew nearer, Bai Li suddenly felt like prey cornered by a lion. Ordinarily, she was the one who initiated such playful provocations, so why had the roles been so dramatically reversed today?

Yet, it was undeniably compelling.

“…I understand.”

As Bai Li leaned against the sofa’s armrest, realizing retreat was no longer an option, she acknowledged that she had initiated this conversation and, thus, had to accept whatever followed. Relinquishing all resistance, she allowed Lin Xi to press tightly against her.