Chapter 38: Arcane Circuits!

[Gospel Points: -210]

When Cherub Type-I brought the silver fruit before Xia Xiu, the [Gospel Points] recorded in the red book automatically deducted the required cost.

"You, must, right here, right now, consume it," Number Two said, holding the fruit out toward Xia Xiu.

"Understood." Xia Xiu took the fruit from Number Two's hand.

The [Fruit of Light Servant Wisdom] was shaped like an apple, but its color was silver rather than red. After receiving it, Xia Xiu consumed it on the spot.

[Thaumaturgy-Class Meme detected—]
[Reading initiated—]
[Reading progress... 25%... 30%... 35%...]
[Reading complete!]
[Loading Thaumaturgy-Class—]
[Thaumaturgic Circuits generating—]

The lineage within Xia Xiu’s body automatically began reading the pheromones of the Wisdom Fruit he had just ingested. As the pheromones were processed, silver [Thaumaturgic Circuits] began to manifest across the surface of his spirit body.

As mentioned before, standard lineages cannot directly grant "Entries" (Traits). Therefore, various lineages and families, in order for their factions and descendants to inherit their powers perfectly, devised the special product known as [Thaumaturgic Circuits].

A [Thaumaturgic Circuit] is a conversion loop formed within a thaumaturge's body. It can draw EVE particles from the external environment and release them instantly, much like an Entry.

[Thaumaturgic Circuits] are similar to magic circles and possess the four fundamental elements of circle theory: Source Structure, Shaper Structure, Utility Structure, and Feedback Compensation. Through these four elements, [Thaumaturgic Circuits] can achieve mimetic "Entry-fication."

First is the initial stage: the [Source] required for the thaumaturgy is pre-etched. The pitch of the source usually matches the target, and they are set based on the principle that "like produces like."

Next is the second stage: the [Shaper]. This guides the EVE particles to the desired hue and intensity to achieve the target effect. It is similar to a "magic circle," but it is by no means limited to that single form.

Then comes the third stage: the [Target]. This is the effect the thaumaturge wishes to achieve; whether it can be done depends on their own skill.

Finally, there is the [Sink]: guiding the thermal feedback into a harmless state.

Source → Shaper → Target → Sink—this is the operational flow and function of a Thaumaturgic Circuit.

Furthermore, [Thaumaturgic Circuits] possess the following characteristics:

One: They are detachable. Once a circuit is transplanted into the body, it can be removed and replaced, which means it can be passed down as an inheritance. The standard practice for most lineages is to have their juniors transplant [Thaumaturgic Circuits], and once they have mastered them and achieved "Entry-fication," they have them removed to make room for new ones.

Two: They are similar to Entries. A [Thaumaturgic Circuit] etched onto a thaumaturge functions like an Entry, possessing instant-cast capabilities, and can still be activated even when detached from the lineage.

Three: They have high adaptability. [Thaumaturgic Circuits] can be transplanted not only into humans but also into alchemical beings, magical beasts, and anomalies.

Through these three points, the value of [Thaumaturgic Circuits] is clear. In Terra, a vast number of valuable circuits are held by the major lineages, and the ones possessed by the Kingdom of Heaven are the greatest in all of Terra.

...

[Thaumaturgic Circuits fully loaded—]

Xia Xiu looked at the circuits covering his limbs and clenched his fists with satisfaction. Feeling the boost provided by the Light Servant circuits, he opened the red book to check the [Thaumaturgic Circuit] templates.

[Class: Light Servant (Light is the bond)]
[Light Servant - Thaumaturgic Circuit (Type I - Limbs)]
[Effect: Through the circuits etched on the limbs, the hands and feet are imbued with the [Light Particle State]. Under this state, casting light-based thaumaturgy grants bonuses.
([Light Particle State]: Converts one's own EVE particles into light particles)
(Bonus: ① Light-based thaumaturgy consumption reduced by 50%. ② Light-based thaumaturgy casting time reduced by 50%.]

[Light Servant - Thaumaturgic Circuit (Type II - Limbs - Speed Form)]
[Effect: The circuit enters a high-speed operational mode. In this state, agility is multiplied, and thaumaturgy casting speed is doubled. (This state stacks with Type I)]

[Light Servant - Thaumaturgic Circuit (Type III - Limbs - Power Form)]
[Effect: The circuit enters a high-frequency operational mode. In this state, muscles are reinforced, and overall strength and defense are multiplied several times over. Thus, this form possesses the highest attack and defense capabilities. (This state stacks with Type I)]

[Meta-Field: Locked! (Currently unable to use this circuit)]

Excellent. The start is much better than in my previous life. I have all three forms of the Light Servant, plus a Field circuit. Next, I just need to find a way to turn these three states into [Entries].

The three [Thaumaturgic Circuits] of the Light Servant that Xia Xiu now possesses combine into a [Module] called [Light Body]. This is why he chose the path of the Light Servant. After all, he was given the [Module] required for the second stage right from the start; as long as his rank improves, he will have a ready-made [Module] to utilize.

"You, have, finished, implantation, you can, go," Number Two interrupted, spoiling the mood as he issued an eviction order to the jubilant Xia Xiu.

"What's the rush? Hold on. Once the expulsion timer hits, I'll return to the current world automatically. Let me familiarize myself with the Light Servant's circuits first," Xia Xiu refused point-blank.

Are you kidding? In a place like the [Tree of Wisdom], where EVE particles are dense and the environment is safe—an Aetheric Land—it is the perfect place for thaumaturgic training. You think I'm going to leave just because you say so? Impossible.

The face on the front of Number Two revealed an expression of speechlessness, and he flew to the side. He didn't want to chat with this guy anymore.

"Whew-whew—" Xia Xiu whistled happily.

*Whoosh—*

The wings behind Xia Xiu unfurled, and he soared forward at high speed. Halfway through his flight, he activated his circuits, entering [Type II - Speed Form].

Azure-colored circuits covered Xia Xiu's hands and feet. Under his control, he felt his body become lighter, and the wings behind him beat with even greater force.

*Bang—*

A sonic boom echoed, and Xia Xiu surged forward a great distance. He even let out a "Woo-hoo!" in mid-air, causing Number Two, who was watching him, to inadvertently unfurl his own wings, beneath which circular apertures began to emerge.

Just as Number Two was telling himself to stay calm, he saw Xia Xiu, who had flown into the clouds, toss out two silver rings of light. The rings crossed and struck a white cloud.

*Eighty-fold Light Ring...*

Number Two could no longer hold back. He teleported behind Xia Xiu, grabbed his spirit body, opened the [Bifrost], and threw him directly inside.

[Connection to [Tree of Wisdom] severed—]
[You have been kicked out of the [Aetheric Ocean]—]

Xia Xiu was swallowed whole by the [Bifrost].

——————

Anderson Dormitory, Room 404.

"Hiss—so petty..."

Xia Xiu, having tumbled off the sofa, clutched his waist in silence. He expressed his strong condemnation of Number Two's practice of forcibly pulling the plug.