A song from the Nu
Chapter 1-Section 3:
To go Beyond
As the first rays kissed the horizon, the man stood between the cold
breeze and the warm embrace of the sun.
His mind was now clearer than the water of a river. The process lingered
in his body.
He wasREBORN...
His body, once battered and broken, was now something else entirely. Stronger.
Reforged. His muscles no longer ached; instead, they pulsed with
controlled power. He flexed his fingers—precise, efficient.
Every movement felt sharper, as if his very being had been reconstructed for
a purpose greater than survival.
Yet, it wasn't just his body that had changed. It was his mind.
It moved faster—sharper—filled with knowledge that wasn't his. Memories
poured in. Concepts. Strategies. Systems of power.
Corporate empires. How men of wealth shaped entire nations without
ever raising a sword. The art of acquisition, manipulation, monopolization.
Controlling people not through brute force, but through debt, politics, and
silence. Political warfare. The illusion of choice.
How kings and presidents were nothing more than pieces on a board, their
hands tied by forces beyond their reach. Democracy? A performance. Philanthropy?
A weapon.
A slow scoff left his lips. He was born royal—to be served, not to serve.
Then came the machines of war.
Visions of towering metal beasts. Tanks. Artillery. Guns. Aircraft. Weapons
that turned entire battlefields into graves.
Compared to them, Tenria's warriors—with their steel, their magic, their
outdated notions of strength—were nothing more than animals waiting to be
culled.
A slow grin crept onto his face.
This knowledge… This power… It was his. And he knew exactly what
to do with it.
Then the visions changed.
A kingdom engulfed in flames. Banners torn, bodies piled in the streets. His
home—Grasia—burning.
Kaito's breathing slowed. The cold air pressed against his skin.
And at the center of it all—
One figure.
The one who orchestrated it.
The one who betrayed him.
The one who stole everything.
His fingers curled into fists. His heart did not race. It beat with purpose.
"The biggest mistake you've created…"
His voice was calm, steady. The fire in his mind burned cold.
"…is not ensuring my Death."
A menacing smile traced his lips.
Kaito gripped a sturdy tree branch. His mind was already processing the
flood of knowledge related to his new abilities—Particle Manipulation,
Magicology, Material Composition.
He understood the fundamental difference now: creating something from atoms
was vastly different from manipulating magitoms.
Atoms bonded into molecules, forming tangible substances, but precise control
over those structures was complex.
Magitoms, the energy-based counterpart, were easier to manipulate but required
a medium capable of stabilizing and manipulating the energy, as they were
consumed upon use, making them unreliable for permanent creations alone.
In short: Atoms created, magitoms fueled.
He needed a base material for a weapon, starting with a crossbow. The wood
had to be just right, neither too moist nor too dry. He searched, selecting a
suitable branch. Wood alone wouldn't be durable enough.
His gaze flickered toward Queen Elena's dagger, lying near her unconscious
form.
Crouching beside it, he pressed his fingers against the wooden handle.
Instantly, streams of molecular data flooded his mind—hardened fibers,
resin-infused layers, oil treatments.
He absorbed the knowledge effortlessly, yet recognized it was knowledge, not
practiced experience.
With a flick of his fingers, he directed Particle Manipulation
toward the branch in his hand.
Its molecular structure shifted, density altering, becoming identical to the
dagger's handle.
Not perfect, perhaps lacking a true craftsman's touch, but it would suffice for
now.
Next came the frame, string, and bolts.
His vision, now enhanced to be three times sharper than a typical Tenrian
warrior's, spotted his discarded old armor near a tree.
Again, invisible magi-threads extended, wrapping around the metal and pulling
it toward him.
He activated Identification, scanning the dagger's blade
this time.
Steel: a mix of iron, carbon, and nickel.
Using Particle Manipulation, he extracted those same base
elements directly from the soil beneath his feet, purifying them.
He replicated the alloy, forming a sufficient block of stainless steel in
midair—enough for his purpose.
With practiced precision, born more from the uploaded knowledge than
experience, he carved the crossbow frame, shaping it seamlessly.
Then came the bolts—sharp, aerodynamic, lethal.
For the string, he wove magi-threads together, forming an invisible force—a
construct of pure energy that would only materialize when mana was supplied
according to the embedded commands.
Using Magicology, Kaito engraved intricate rune patterns onto
the crossbow's base.
The moment it was touched by a Level 5 or higher mana core, the magical
string would activate.
Now, the test.
As he pointed the crossbow towards a tall Rosewood tree, the rune patterns
glowed—not a blinding light, but still visible against the brightness of the
sunlight.
As he pulled the trigger, white light dashed toward the tree.
Wooosssssk...
It was a success.
A fleeting sense of accomplishment passed through Kaito as the crossbow bolt
struck true. The weapon was functional, a necessary first step.
But his reforged mind, operating with enhanced speed and parallel
processing, didn't linger on the success. Complacency was death.
He needed a broader assessment of their situation.
Closing his eyes for only a fraction of a second, he focused inward,
activating the Navigation skill. His consciousness expanded,
the crude clearing replaced by a detailed, three-dimensional map projected
directly into his mind.
The map resolved, showing terrain, elevation, and energy signatures within
his 10km detection radius.
He pushed the range outward, the effort requiring a subtle but distinct
thread of concentration.
Then, signatures appeared. Westward. 9.8 kilometers away,
bearing 4 degrees southwest. Organized movement. Adventurers,
heading out to hunt magical creatures. Potential threats. He mentally tagged
their vector.
This location wasn't safe for long. They needed to get deeper into the
forest, putting more distance between them and any potential pursuit by heading
towards the vast, untamed Einhala Forest.
The map also confirmed their current position: seventy-two kilometers
southeast of the Grasia Kingdom border – the ruins of his home
lay far to the northwest.
The immediate danger and the long-term goal solidified the need for action.
First, secure their meager resources. Storage was
essential.
His gaze flickered towards Queen Elena, still unconscious nearby. Leaving
potential supplies behind was unthinkable; carrying them openly was suicidal.
The knowledge integrated into his mind presented the solution: spatial
storage. A pocket dimension. Maintaining it, however,
required constant mana, and efficiency was now paramount.
He needed a catalyst artifact.
His eyes landed briefly on the simple necklace Elena wore. Diamonds,
his mind supplied instantly via Identification, exceptional
mana storage.
Magicology knowledge provided the theory, but practical
application benefited from a reference. The necklace served as a useful guide
for his own creation.
Turning his attention to the ground, Kaito activated Investigation
and Identification again. His enhanced senses mapped the
subterranean layers. Zircon, topaz, opal... Gold, silver... Sulfur.
An unusual mix, but the pathways formed instantly in his thoughts.
With focused Particle Manipulation, he drew the required
elements forth—no upheaval, just precise extraction.
Gemstones—a brilliant 60-carat zircon, numerous smaller
diamonds—materialized, hovering silently. Purified gold, silver, and sulfur
particles coalesced nearby.
A smirk touched Kaito's lips as he began the intricate work, merging the
metals and sulfur, forging the flexible alloy for the bracelet.
He embedded the zircon, surrounded it with the diamonds.
Now for the runes. Absolute focus settled on his physical actions, yet his
mind continued its parallel processing.
His fingers traced unseen patterns in the air above the bracelet, guiding Particle
Manipulation with precise control.
Intricate runes began to etch themselves onto the alloy – channels for mana
absorption, stabilization matrices anchored by the zircon. Each line had to be
flawless.
Even as his fingers guided the delicate engraving, his inner senses
expanded, processing the strategic implications.
The detected adventurers underscored the urgency.
The vast distance to the Grasia border, the even vaster
expanse of the Einhala Forest ahead... Defeating the
FimmDrekk empire, avenging Grasia's fall – that required overwhelming
power: weapons, resources, an army, a flawless strategy...
The knowledge contained the blueprints. The potential was immense, waiting
to be unleashed.
The final rune settled into place. His focus coalesced as he imprinted the
absolute rules: Level 6 activation, owner-only access.
As Kaito slipped the newly crafted bracelet onto his wrist, it automatically
adjusted, settling snugly against his skin. He sent a pulse of mana into it. A
faint shimmer—access granted.
Storage capacity: a stable 60-meter diameter sphere.
He tested it—stone, wood, metal shards vanishing and reappearing flawlessly.
Flawless. One problem solved.
But the intense crafting, layered with constant mental processing, had drawn
on his reserves. He checked his internal status.
Mana: 8,580 / 20,000. A significant dip.
Particle Manipulation, especially layered with other
skills, was costly. He needed a more efficient way to replenish his power...
The mana deficit was problematic. The number itself—nearly 60% depletion
from just two artifacts—was less concerning than the rate of recovery.
Efficiency was key to survival, and his current regeneration, relying purely on
ambient magicules and his core's natural function, felt sluggish, inadequate
for sustained, high-level Particle Manipulation, let alone
combat.
His mind, already processing multiple solutions via Parallel Thought,
cycled through possibilities drawn from the vast archives of implanted
knowledge. A secondary mana core? The theory was sound, a fascinating concept
combining Magicology and biological manipulation. It promised
a substantial boost but required incredible finesse—a sustained output nearing
1,000 mana per second. Could he manage it? His Level 10
capacity was immense here, a peak few in Tenria ever reached. Yet, the data was
uncompromisingly clear: this was his current apex. Progression beyond seemed
locked, an inherent limiter he couldn't yet fathom or break. A flicker of
annoyance, sharp and cold—so much power, yet still constrained. Tch.
Dwelling on limitations was wasted energy. Alternative paths existed.
If internal generation was capped, external absorption must be enhanced.
Kaito focused, visualizing another artifact—a conduit, designed solely to draw
in the world's ambient energy and funnel it directly to him. A necklace.
Once more, Particle Manipulation flared, less demanding
this time, guided by refined calculations. Tendrils of unseen energy reached
into the earth, coaxing forth shimmering dusts of gold and silver.
He fused them, watching the molten alloy swirl and cool into the familiar,
lustrous metal used for the bracelet—strong, conductive, aesthetically
pleasing. Magi-threads, thinner than spider-silk, wove
themselves into an intricate chain. More diamonds, like
captured starlight, and another flawless zircon floated into
position.
His focus sharpened as he applied Magicology. This was
delicate work. Runes, far more complex than those on the
bracelet, were meticulously layered onto the pendant setting. Lines of power,
designed to resonate with ambient magicules, drawing them in, purifying them,
and channeling them smoothly into his core. The zircon pulsed
gently, a stabilizing heart, while the diamonds glittered,
ready to buffer the flow. The finished necklace didn't just
shimmer; it seemed to breathe with contained energy, its aura potent enough to
make any Tenrian mage weep with envy. A divine treasure, forged in minutes from
dirt and calculation.
Kaito clasped the necklace around his neck. The cool metal
settled against his skin, and then—connection. It wasn't a violent surge, but a
smooth, powerful influx, like opening a dam. Ambient mana, previously a
trickling stream, now flowed into him six times faster, a steady river
replenishing his reserves. He could feel the hollowness receding, replaced by a
comforting fullness. Excellent. This constant, enhanced supply would
drastically improve his operational efficiency.
With mana replenishment optimized and storage secured, his thoughts turned
outward again. Weapon, check. Storage, check.
Power source, check. The next necessity was glaringly obvious:
shelter. Exposure in this wilderness, especially with
potential threats nearby and Elena unconscious, was unacceptable. He needed a
secure, portable base.
His mind raced, Thought Acceleration kicking in as Parallel
Thought processed layouts and material requirements based on Earthling
architectural principles blended with Tenrian materials and Magicology.
A simple, efficient structure, defensible yet easily deployable from his
spatial storage.
Particle Manipulation surged again, drawing materials from
the immediate surroundings. Earth and clay compacted under immense pressure,
forming a sturdy, 15-meter-wide circular foundation. Walls rose swiftly, shaped
from reinforced earthen composites, smooth and seamless, incorporating
precisely placed openings for windows – clear, transparent barriers formed from
silicate particles, harder than glass. A durable, slightly angled roof, crafted
from hardened clay tiles fused together, completed the basic structure within
minutes. It was utilitarian, stark compared to Grasian
palaces, but perfectly functional.
Next, the interior. His magi-threads brushed against the
fur lining of Elena's discarded robe nearby – analyzing its atomic structure
took only an instant. Gathering leaves, grasses, soft mosses, and flower petals
with Particle Manipulation, he broke them down and
reconstructed their fibers, replicating the softness and resilience of the fur,
shaping the material into a thick mattress and two plump pillows. A touch of
warmth was infused using basic thermal runes. Modern conveniences, adapted
through magic, followed. Using Magicology, he embedded
rune-circuits into the structure itself. Faucets and a showerhead formed on one
wall, linked to runes designed to draw, purify, and heat ambient moisture,
providing a near-limitless water source. Simple kitchen countertops integrated
smoothly into another section. Small, glowing orbs materialized near the
ceiling, embedded within rune clusters – a mana-fueled lighting system
mimicking the function, if not the exact form, of Earth's technology. Tenria
was primitive; he would introduce practicality where he could.
With the interior functional, he gently levitated Queen Elena
using near-invisible magi-threads, moving her from the rough
ground outside onto the newly crafted bed within the structure.
Finally, security. Kaito focused on the ceiling's interior structure. Particle
Manipulation guided the shimmering Petrovskaite alloy
into fine lines, forming the distinct six-pointed star shape of a hexagram,
embedding the central zircon and the six corner diamonds
seamlessly within the hardened clay itself, almost invisible unless mana flowed
through it. Opal circles materialized, linking the points in a
delicate, surrounding pattern. Then, applying Magicology with
utmost precision, he etched intricate rune patterns directly onto the hexagram
structure using pure gold sulfide. This formed the rune array
– the core command system for the house's defense. With a final pulse of mana
channeled through the completed array, a near-invisible, transparent sphere of
pure magicules shimmered into existence around the house – the
defensive barrier. Its sophisticated design pushed the limits, but its output
was capped at Level 10, reflecting Kaito's own current mana
capacity. The defensive commands embedded in the rune array were specific: the
barrier allowed only his own mana signature, and by extension Elena whom he
designated, to pass freely. Any unauthorized entity attempting to breach the
dome would be met with a potent electrocution. As a secondary function, the array
subtly influenced the ambient mana within the dome, passively increasing any
occupant's natural absorption rate up to three times – a stable resonance
achievable with this specific array configuration. A fortress disguised as a
simple earthen home, now complete with automated defenses and a restorative
atmosphere.
He surveyed his work. The sun, climbing steadily towards its zenith,
indicated the morning was advancing rapidly towards noon. His essential
preparations were complete, forged with unnatural speed. His own physical
needs, suppressed during the intense work, now asserted themselves. Three days
had passed since... before. He hadn't consumed anything since his reforging.
Sustenance was now required, both for himself and eventually for the Queen. He
turned towards the wilderness.
"It's time to hunt."
Twilight painted the sky in deepening shades of violet and orange as
Kaito reappeared at the edge of the clearing, moving silently through the
trees.
The hunt had been successful, the necessary sustenance secured within his
spatial bracelet. The air was cooling rapidly, yet the newly constructed house
stood as a silent refuge, its potent defenses barely visible in a faint
shimmering barrier.
Stepping across the invisible threshold of the barrier, Kaito entered the
structure. Inside, the lights glowed softly, illuminating the space with a
gentle warmth.
With a flick of his wrist—a silent command to the bracelet—the large forest
deer carcass materialized directly onto the kitchen counter, accompanied by a
small pile of selected herbs and edible roots.
There was no need for a fire or elaborate preparation. Applying Particle
Manipulation with practiced ease, he swiftly processed the meat. He
preserved the bulk within his spatial bracelet's stasis field, keeping only a
few choice cuts aside.
He seared these quickly over a magically generated heat source on the
countertop until they were barely cooked; sustenance reduced to its most basic
function. Efficiency dictated everything.
After wiping the counter clean with a thought, he gave his crossbow a
cursory inspection before setting it within easy reach. A brief mental check
via Navigation confirmed that the adventurers remained distant
and preoccupied. Good.
The grime and scent of the hunt needed removal.
Kaito stepped into the bathing area and activated the runic shower.
Magically heated water streamed down as he washed methodically—quickly, with
the act purely functional. He was not here to relax; he was here to maintain
his body and erase any traces of his passage through the woods.
Clean and changed back into his somewhat restored garments, Kaito sat on one
of the simple earthen platforms that served as seating. The air inside the dome
felt different—charged, almost vibrant. The passive effect of the ceiling
hexagram array enriched the ambient mana.
He observed the still form of Queen Elena on the bed across
the small room. Her breathing was even—less shallow than before, undoubtedly
aided by the enhanced environment. Pragmatically, her recovery was essential
for their journey.
Kaito felt no personal attachment—only a cold, calculating assessment of
variables. His energy reserves were steadily replenishing thanks to the
necklace; the earlier deficit had been significantly reduced.
He closed his eyes briefly, accessing the implanted knowledge and running
strategic simulations for their journey south.
Hours melted away in quiet solitude. The only sounds were the distant, alien
calls of nocturnal forest creatures, their voices muffled by the barrier.
Deep into the night, a soft sound broke the silence—Elena stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open, clouded with sleep and lingering exhaustion. She
blinked, adjusting to the soft interior light, her gaze slowly taking in the
smooth walls, the strange glowing orbs, and the impossible cleanliness and
order of the structure.
Her hand went to her chest, perhaps registering the absence of the crushing
mana fatigue that had plagued her. Then, her eyes found Kaito, who watched her
impassively from across the room.
A flicker of disorientation, then wary recognition, crossed her features.
Clutching the blanket, she pushed herself up slowly.
Kaito gave no sign of welcome. Instead, he stated in a flat tone,
"You're awake."
He gestured toward the cooked meat left on the counter.
"The food is ready."
His tone remained unchanging and detached as he added,
"It wasn't made by kingdom chefs, but it's edible. You need
strength."
Elena looked from him to the food—a complex mix of suspicion, exhaustion,
and perhaps a grudging need. After a long moment, hunger won out over confusion
and fear. Cautiously, she moved toward the counter, taking a piece of the meat
and eating with hesitant, forced slowness.
Kaito waited until she finished the small portion before standing. Without a
word, he raised a hand. Mana flowed, and the translucent map shimmered back
into existence above the counter, displaying the forest in intricate detail.
Elena's breath caught, and her eyes widened at the display. It was unlike
any map she had ever seen—precise, detailed, showing rivers, terrain, and even
faint energy signatures beyond their sight.
"Our current position," Kaito stated flatly,
pointing at a glowing dot on the map. "Seventy-two kilometers
southeast of the Grasia Kingdom border."
He let the implication hang—they were fugitives, far from the ruins of their
home.
Tracing a path on the map, he added,
"The Einhala Forest is vast. We head this way."
His tone was commanding, not suggestive. Looking directly at her, his
golden-red eyes held no warmth, only unyielding purpose.
"We move at dawn."
He deactivated the map, plunging the room back into the soft glow of the
ceiling lights.
Elena stared at him, and the reality of her situation—captive, refugee,
reliant on this changed, formidable prince—crashed down upon her. The silence
stretched, thick with unspoken questions and the chilling certainty that the
Kaito she once knew was truly gone, replaced by something far more dangerous
and unpredictable.
Outside, the seven moons continued their silent watch as the final hours of
night ticked away toward the dawn of a new, uncertain day.