Ch- 19 "The Fusion of Abilities"

As I shorted out my rumbled brain from this hateful pain, I felt like I had had enough of these painful experiences. It was time to do something about it.

As I thought about that, I remembered a rare condition known as CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis), characterized by the inability to feel pain and temperature, along with decreased or absent sweating (anhidrosis).

CIPA, a dangerous condition for ordinary people, sparked a unique idea in my mind. In simple terms, CIPA patients don't feel pain anywhere on their body, nor do they sense temperature.

The absence of pain is both a blessing and a curse.

The absence of pain awareness in CIPA patients often results in a buildup of wounds, bruises, broken bones, and other unnoticed health issues.

However, this need not be a drawback for me, thanks to my unique Healing Factor.

While the absence of pain isn't a problem, the inability to sense temperature can pose serious issues. As I pondered this, another brilliant idea dawned on me: what if I could integrate with the pain receptors of a CIPA patient but eliminate the downside of not feeling temperature?

In doing so, I could achieve a form of pain immunity.

And that's precisely what I did. I began by searching for a CIPA patient, extracting their pain receptors from an image I found on Google, and then integrating these receptors into my own nerve system.

Honestly, throughout the entire process, I braced myself for another agonizing headache. However, what I didn't anticipate was just how smoothly the entire procedure would unfold.

A soft beep echoed in my mind as I felt the newfound sensation of pain immunity coursing through my being.

[Beep! Pain Immunity acquired.]

***

Following the successful integration of the pain immunity reactors, I took a moment to assess the changes my body had undergone.

Now, I was impervious to pain, and due to the integration, my sweat pores had become obsolete. This had the added benefit of eliminating any unpleasant sweaty odors.

However, I began to contemplate whether I should reverse this effect. It had become evident that sweat played a crucial role in regulating body temperature, and its removal might not be entirely beneficial.

"The evaporation of sweat cooling the skin and aiding grip," I contemplated these essential functions of sweat.

"Yeah, I definitely should allow my body to have the sweating ability," I concluded with conviction. With my decision made, I began the process of extracting the undesirable aspect from the pain receptors. I then released a sparkling, transparent ball of light into the air, watching it dissipate and restore my body's natural sweating capability.

***

Now that I had obtained pain immunity, I continued my spree of extractions, setting my sights on the next target from whom I planned to acquire their unique ability.

***

Pigeons were next on my list for abilities to acquire. You might wonder why pigeons? Well, it's because pigeons possess a remarkable sixth sense known as 'magnetoreception'.

Numerous migratory creatures, from salmon to sea turtles, possess the extraordinary skill of detecting Earth's magnetic field, using it as a compass to navigate vast distances.

Among avian species, few excel at this as well as pigeons, particularly domestic homing pigeons.

"Scientists have uncovered that pigeons possess magnetite-containing structures within their beaks. These structures grant the birds a heightened sense of spatial orientation, enabling them to pinpoint their precise geographical location."

Having absorbed this newfound knowledge, I embarked on the process of extracting magnetoreception and seamlessly integrating it with my own nervous system. The goal was clear - to possess an unwavering awareness of my current location and an infallible sense of direction.

After which, soft beep echoed within me, signaling the successful acquisition of magnetoreception.

[Beep! Magnetoreception acquired!]

***

"Most people are unaware of what Magnetoreception entails. It's not something they can be faulted for; after all, who in their right mind would seek something they've never had?"

{As for the essence of Magnetoreception? It's a sensory ability that enables an organism to perceive the Earth's magnetic field.

Creatures possessing this sense encompass arthropods, molluscs, and vertebrates. Its primary function lies in orientation and navigation, though it might also aid certain animals in creating mental maps of their surroundings.}

***

"In a way, it's akin to possessing a passive map that stores every minute detail of a specific region within one's mind."

"From this point forward, I'd always know where East, West, North, and South are. It's actually a rather cool ability."

"With my prior integration with Statocysts, I could already discern 'Up' from 'Down.' Now, thanks to Magnetoreception, I'd be able to distinguish among all ten directions."

"These ten directions encompass not only the traditional cardinal points of the compass, including north, south, east, and west, but also their intermediaries like northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest. Moreover, they extend to the often overlooked vertical dimensions, representing 'Up' as the zenith and 'Down' as the nadir, where diverse manifestations of Buddha reside."

***

[Beep! Statocysts and Magnetoreception reacting and merging with each other!]

[Minor migraine possible.]

[Beep! Migraine ineffective due to pain immunity.]

[Beep! Merger Complete. New skill created successfully!]

[Please name the New skill.]

***

"Hoo~ If newly integrated elements can interact and enhance each other, then the potential of my ideas has grown exponentially. The possibilities are now boundless," I mused. With renewed determination, I concentrated on finding the perfect name for this newfound ability.

"A.I. Chip, please display the description of the new ability."

[Beep! Task Established!]

[? : Host is capable of adapting to various alterations in the established Directions, such as shifts in altitude, latitude, and longitude, ensuring a composed demeanor in all directional scenarios.]

"Hmm... If my ability involves adapting and utilizing directions like a compass, then I have the perfect name for it," I thought. After condensing the complex information from the A.I. Chip, I instantly realized what the name should be.

"A.I. Chip, let's name the new ability 'Guidance,'" I declared, as it seemed to be the most fitting name for this merged skill.

***