Eternal Variable? Eternity and variability—two utterly contradictory terms.
Yet, the moment Kiyama Harumi saw Samuel, she understood. Words couldn't describe it, nor could she fully grasp it.
"Hello, Kiyama-sensei. You've caused me quite a bit of trouble lately!"
"Trouble for Academy City's ace? Guess I'm a big deal then!"
"Ace? You mean me? An ace is also a joker, a clown, right? Maybe to some beings, I'm just a clown. Still, it's amusing… Did the cardmakers ever think the joker could be the ace, delivering the critical blow?"
"You're overthinking it. I was just complimenting you."
"Hahaha, sorry, that's just me! So, what do you think of my distorted world?"
Magic is the key to twisting reality, interpreting the world. When the unknown becomes known, it can be manipulated or negated. The 103,000 grimoires contain nearly all worldly knowledge.
Samuel converted these grimoires into an "esper ability," twisting reality through the power of the AIM Diffusion Field.
The AIM Diffusion Field, a byproduct of esper powers manipulated by mental will, is conceptually akin to mana.
If mana can fuel magic, then an AIM Diffusion Field can drive abilities.
Since abilities are a form of magic, converting magic into abilities is feasible.
A normal body can't handle the conflict between magic and esper systems, causing harm. But Samuel's body, a fusion of matter and concept, is immune.
His "human" form, blending matter and concept, follows the principle that stronger mysteries subdue weaker ones. The conflict between magic and abilities can't harm him.
Thus, Samuel's ability: World Distortion.
Through computational power, he manipulates AIM Diffusion Fields to break, twist, and alter reality's rules.
Theoretically, Samuel could rival a Magic God—provided he had their "quantity."
In "quality," he matches a Magic God. But in "quantity," Magic Gods are "infinite," while Samuel is "finite."
"It's like using an anti-aircraft cannon on a mosquito… and I'm the mosquito?"
Kiyama scanned her surroundings. Her Level Upper aggregated the abilities of nearly ten thousand people, faintly resembling Samuel's power.
A cheap, knockoff, bottom-tier version, but similar nonetheless.
So, Kiyama glimpsed a fragment of the truth, like peering through a narrow lens.
"Surrender. You're valuable. Stop Level Upper now, and I'll lend you Tree Diagram."
"…Rationally, I should surrender. Fighting you, I'd lose miserably. But…"
Kiyama's eyes flashed white, telekinetic force pressing toward Samuel.
"I don't trust Academy City's ways anymore! You… the higher-ups—I trust none of you!"
Like bandits facing a nation, even knowing defeat is certain, few would surrender their last weapon.
Hand over your weapon, and you're at their mercy, promises be damned!
"Is that so? Maybe you need to see the gap between us."
Samuel snapped his fingers. Kiyama's eyes returned to normal, a barrier forming in her mind, blocking her ability's "switch."
Spiritual Tripping!
Aleister's signature magic. Samuel, using Psychological Mastery and the grimoires' knowledge, derived an "ability" version.
With a snap, he planted a mental wall, preventing Kiyama from recalling how to activate her powers.
Samuel pulled out a portable music player.
Click.
A song played.
"Level Upper?!"
Kiyama's eyes narrowed, staring at Samuel, baffled. Why play Level Upper now?
Suddenly, a new unit connected to the Level Upper network.
"It's him? Extract!"
Confused but seizing the chance, Kiyama drew computational power and abilities from Samuel's mind…
"Ah—Aaahhh!"
Like an overclocked processor, Kiyama's brain crashed. A flood of unfamiliar knowledge—strange scripts—surged in.
She could no longer sense Level Upper. The knowledge overwhelmed her, swelling her head with pain.
All ability "switches" forgotten, she collapsed, writhing in agony, eyes bulging, saliva dripping as her mouth opened instinctively.
The knowledge gave her a sense she could rule the world, warping all things.
But it was like running a blockbuster game on a washing machine—impossible to load.
Now, Kiyama realized her supposed "high estimation" of Samuel was a gross underestimation, bordering on contempt.
"If you could master this, you could save those kids and destroy Academy City, venting all your frustration. But… given the chance, you can't handle it!"
Samuel severed the Level Upper connection. The knowledge etched in Kiyama's mind vanished silently, leaving nothing.
Kiyama collapsed, relief washing over her, too weak to lift a finger.
"Too terrifying…"
Instinctively, she feared Samuel.
Zzt zzt zzt~
"Aaahhh—"
Something erupted from Kiyama's body. AIM Diffusion Fields formed a twisted, irregular embryo, a halo-like ring glowing above it.
"Oh? The corruption birthed this monster?"
The mental pollution and malice of nearly ten thousand people formed this creature.
It reached for Samuel, emitting eerie sounds. "Give it… give us…"
A monster born from their resentment, craving power, found what they sought in Samuel.
To rule the world, to warp all things!
***
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