Chapter 12 - Rex Trinity
About half a year has passed since my failure with[Sensory Sync].
Since then, I almost died several times.
Oh, no joke, I thought I really was going to die. The modification of my chest cavity was incredibly dangerous.
I successfully connected the magical conduit extended from my head and neck to my heart (magic heart), and activated it.
At first, it started to flow out slowly, and I could feel the magic filling my core. I thought, “Oh, this feels kinda good,”.
However, gradually, the flow of magic increased, and it overflowed from the core. The torrent of magic violently expanded and started to overwhelm my body.
At this point, it was no longer about pain. The pain caused by my magic overflowing my body became too overwhelming, it makes my heart and lungs to stop functioning properly.
My lungs were unable to inflate easily, and my heart was restricted in its movement, leading to a condition known as magic cardiac tamponade[1], which is extremely dangerous.
Even Ai seemed panicked at this point.
However, the overflow from my magic core wasn’t something that could be easily stopped. I experienced cardiac arrest and shock multiple times, teetering on the brink of death.
After surviving this dangerous modification of my chest cavity, I entered another extended adjustment period. During this time, I was essentially bedridden, and I became acutely aware of the unnatural way I perceived things.
Hey, can I ask for an additional enhancement of the magic eye?
《Right now?》
Yeah, if possible. You see, color is more closely related to appetite than I initially thought. I can’t just keep getting to breastfeed forever, so can we do something about it?
《To be honest, it’s not recommended at this stage. 》
Why is that? I’d like to know the reason.
《The development of your visual cortex is progressing well overall, but it will take a few more years to reach its developmental limit. 》
Can you explain that in more detail?
《What humans “see” is not the image captured by the eyeballs themselves. The brain’s processing plays a significant role in modifying it.》
I had heard this before, but I wanted a more detailed explanation.
Visual stimuli sent to the brain are aggregated, integrated, and modified in the brain’s visual cortex, then projected onto a ‘virtual screen within the brain’ as a ‘processed image’.
This information processing occurs in stages, encompassing various aspects such as object recognition, shape perception, color and texture, static and dynamic appearance, pattern recognition, positional information, motor control, long-term memory integration, and the combination with input from other senses.
Continuous exposure to visual stimuli from birth stimulates the development and growth of the brain’s visual cortex. Typically, adult-level vision is reached around the age of 6, and development ceases at that point.
Given this deadline, age becomes very important.
《The formation of a magic eye begins by transforming the dominant physical eye into a dominant ethereal eye. The conventional visual material, which is subordinate to the physical body, is replaced with pseudo-visual material that responds to magic essence and energy. This involves reconstructing the eye as an ethereal organ and bringing the brain’s information processing system under control.》
As the visual cortex develops further, the resolution and visual acuity of the magic eye improve dramatically, making it easier to live with and providing a unique form of vision that is unique to this world.
However, this way of seeing is unique to magic eyes and differs from the normal field of vision.
To align it with the conventional way of seeing, it’s not as simple as just manipulating the eyeball.
In the immature state of development, switching visual stimuli may inhibit the normal development of the visual cortex.
Huh? So, wouldn’t borrowing someone else’s eyes through [Sensory Sync] also be problematic?
《With [Sensory Sync], since the already processed image is projected directly onto the brain’s, there are generally no issues.》
I see. It’s just like reading an already processed-complete image. If there are no problems, I’d like to try it again, but after the previous commotion, it seems challenging to borrow someone else’s eyes, especially with humans.
Is there any other way?
《Once the Koshiki【Luciola】 is cultivated, you can safely perform 【Sensory Sync】》
Koshiki? What’s that? I’ve never heard of it.
《Currently, the one responsible for excavation work is the first symbiotic-evolved Kogen【Araneola】. In addition, there are two more dormant 【Coccoon Orbs】. If you develop one of them as a Koshiki, you can use it as a some sort of clone.》
Oh, I see. You can do something like that.
In fact, my body houses an extraordinary entity called Rex Trinity 【Logic Insect】.
In this world, insects are generally small creatures, and 【Logic Insects】 are highly evolved life forms among them that can significantly enhance the abilities of their hosts.
【Logic Insects】 consist of three form, each sealed in a 【Coccoon Orb】, and I can hatch them individually for specific purposes.
Currently, one of the insect, the Kogen, is currently progressively remodeling my body, digging away every day to build magic conduits and paths. That’s the explanation I received.
I currently have two【Logic Insects】left.
Would it be okay to hatch the other one now, so that I won’t face any difficulties later?
《Using it as a Koshiki seems reasonable. However, the allocation of 【Logic Source】, which is required for the activity of 【Logic Insects】, is limited and subject to constant change. Currently, almost all the 【Logic Source】 is being used by the Kogen. To cultivate a clone, you will need to allocate some 【Logic Source】to the Koshiki.》
Hmm. If Ai thinks it’s reasonable, then it’s probably fine. Having a clone for 【Sensory Sync】could be very useful.
Can a clone move separately from the host? And how much mobility does the clone have?
《Once it has matured to a certain extent, it can. However, as it moves further away from the host, the ability to act under control becomes limited due to the inverse relationship between distance and coordination strength.》
I see. That sounds interesting; maybe I should give it a try.
《Do you want to hatch a clone?》
Yes.
《I will confirm with the Kogen. Please wait for a while.》
…Is it still not done? It’s been quite some time since she asked me to wait. Hasn’t the confirmation finished yet?
《I apologize. The negotiation is taking longer than expected.》
Negotiation? Is the Kogen, uh, 【Araneola】, reluctant to create a clone?
《It’s not that it’s against creating a clone; it just wants to finish the construction of the conduits first. They believe that it’s better to clarify the hierarchy and then bring up a new【Coccoon Orb】to minimize the potential conflict between the form.》
Huh? Can they actually have disputes among themselves?
《The 【Logic Insects】 consist of three form, and each one carries an individual will. Without a clear hierarchy, there’s a potential for competition for 【Logic Source】 and other issues may arise.》
Really? It’s like they have three heads. Is it like the guardian of hell or something? Then, it’s best to avoid internal conflicts if possible.
So, regarding the clone, I’ll wait for a better time. In the meantime… it can’t be helped. I’ll have to get used to the magical vision.
It’s a matter of changing my ingrained perceptions and beliefs from my past life. It’s not easy, but if I put my mind to it, I might adapt more quickly.
Ai, I’m sorry for being so demanding. I’ll skip this one for now.
《Constantly thinking about your desires and goals is by no means selfish. Life is built on thoughts, and this act is essential for future success.》
Ai, your words are always wise.
I hadn’t noticed, but was I getting too reckless?
But I’m glad I listened. I now have a better idea of the near future. My life is still at its beginning stages, and there’s a long road ahead.
Rather than rushing and missing something, let’s approach it with cautions and the best possible preparations.
[1] Compression of the heart caused by fluid collecting in the sac surrounding the heart, but in this case it was caused by magic? I don’t know, I’m not a doctor and definitely not a mage.