7 Chapter -7 [Epitome of Mana]

<p>Chapter-7.<br/><br/>The discomfort from the heat was so intense that it seemed like my entire body was melting.<br/><br/>Though I tried to remain calm and focused, I had to clench my teeth in order to do so and fortunately, none of these actions had an adverse effect on the mana flow as the mana, which had changed into a fluid, has at this point claimed control of the whole circulatory system within the organism. <br/><br/>At first, I could tell the difference between mana and my blood; however, there was no way to tell what was what right now, and on top of that, the energy was burning me as if it intended to alter something inside of me.<br/> <br/><< Mana fusion has been completed, and the host should brace himself for the substantial effect that mana circles will bring >><br/> <br/>I had originally believed that mana circles would awaken on their own, but after hearing what nano had to say, I realized that the mana fusion seemed to be the key.<br/> <br/>bang...<br/> <br/>As I pondered about mana fusion, oblivious to Nano's warning, the impact it had mentioned arrived quite suddenly.<br/> <br/>It was far more intense than the burning feeling I had earlier. This time, it seemed as though tens of thousands of needles were attempting to etch something into my heart.<br/> <br/>My heart, which appeared normal and was surrounded by bright red threads, began to glow in a crimson light as each second passed.<br/> <br/>thump...<br/> <br/>thump...<br/> <br/>Using the technique Nano had imparted on me, I was able to hear my heartbeat at first like a melodic play, but this time it seemed to be echoing in the shadowy alleyway and felt like I was hearing a loud drum.<br/> <br/><< The first mana circle has merged with the host's consciousness, increasing and refining the flow of mana >><br/> <br/>I concentrated on the mana heart while devouring the numbing sensation of the piercing needles. I observed that a fine white line circulated around it; however, the more I concentrated on it, the more it felt like a vacuum trying to lure me inside.<br/><br/>'There's no need to rush; let's be patient.' I thought, pulling my focus away from the mana circle, but to hell with that thought. Because, despite having tested the wrath of lightning, the pain of those crazy needles seemed more unbearable because there was no continuation of pain in lightning, yet here they felt like a vital component of life that could not be tossed away.<br/><br/>The mana circles began to manifest one after the other and, from there, began to merge with my consciousness, and I was able to feel the surge of unknown power with the agony that the thousands of needles were inflicting on me.<br/><br/>However, Nano's ethereal voice echoed in my ears as the fifth mana circle started to materialize.<br/><br/><< Beginning a physical scan to ensure the stability of further transcendence >><br/>.<br/>..<br/>…<br/><< Threat detected, initiating physical modification with consideration of Mana input >><br/><br/><< Host authorization requires, Administrative permission [Temporary] >><br/><br/>'what? What kind of threat am I up against? And what exactly do you mean by 'host authorization?' After hearing the prompts, I thought as calmly as I could.<br/><br/>The last prompt seemed to come out of left field because I had no idea what this Nano would do with my body if I gave it the host's permission, unlike the first two prompts, which seemed like it wanted to alter something within my body to increase the stability.<br/><br/><< Due to the host body's still-underdeveloped state and the awakening of the sixth and seventh circles of mana, which are the epitome of their existence, the host may be in danger of death >><br/><br/><< Additionally, Nano's purpose is to support the host in becoming great, not to steal his body and labor like those unappreciative AI's that you are presuming I am >> <br/><br/>'In any case, as an AI you're not supposed to have emotions, so that's not helping, bro.' Hearing nano's criticism, I thought, but since I was determined to complete this process without any backlash, I asked nano in my mind, who at this point seemed to be watching everything unfold like it was a damn movie, 'can't you do that modification stuff with just verbal confirmation while living administrative authorization aside?'<br/><br/><< I can do that; however, after a certain period of time, the host will lose consciousness due to the pain that physical modification will cause, and if I did some required stuff without your permission, the host may accuse me of something I never wanted to do without permission >></p>