Chapter 95: Genius Lost in Light (4)

Chapter 95: Genius Lost in Light (4)

Arcane was aware that someone had infiltrated his dungeon the previous night. However, he didn't care. Countless people had tried to invade the dungeon of an archmage like him, only to end up as corpses, victims of monsters or traps.

Putting aside his fleeting thoughts, Arcane refocused on his research. Recently, he had been delving into the effects of dark magic on memory. Suddenly, his writing stopped. He took off his glasses and looked towards the door as the mechanisms were being rapidly disabled. This was no ordinary intruder.

"Seems like a big catch this time."

For Arcane, who could stay holed up in his dungeon for years, intruders served as a form of entertainment. And today, it seemed like a rather interesting individual had taken the bait.

The sound of a heavy door opening echoed as Arcane glanced at his clock. Exactly 32 hours, 28 minutes, and 5 seconds. That was the time taken to dismantle the traps and reach him from the entrance.

"Are you the archmage, Viltor Arcane?"

A bloodied man stood before him. Handsome and with eyes sparkling with resolve.

"You don't seem like someone after wealth. Who are you?"

"I am Alpheas Myrhe. I had to come personally since there was no other way to meet you."

"Ah?"

Arcane's eyebrows raised in interest. Even secluded in his dungeon, he was not ignorant of the world's affairs. He had already come across Alpheas's theory of Photonics through covert channels.

"A mage of light seeking a mage of darkness. Quite an unusual event. Sit down. I'll heal you."

Arcane activated a life-sustaining device. Alpheas, submerged in a tank filled with a green liquid, quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Three hours later.

"Puhah! Haak!"

Alpheas jerked upright out of the liquid. It was a close call to suffocation. How could he have fallen asleep under these circumstances? As he turned his head, he saw Arcane writing at his desk, looking more like a scholarly academic than the continent-tormenting archmage.

"Thank you for the treatment. It's an impressive device. I'm curious about its principle."

"No need to beat around the bush. It doesn't change the fact you're an uninvited guest. Tell me why you're here."

If someone was driven by curiosity and interest, there was no need to prolong the conversation.

Alpheas got straight to the point.

"I want to learn dark magic. Please accept me as your disciple."

"Ah?"

The idea of Alpheas, the hottest topic in the world of magic, asking to be his disciple intrigued Arcane, even with his status.

"Do you have a special reason?"

"I have a wife, but she has intellectual disabilities. I've heard about your research on embedding memories using dark magic, and I want to give her my memories."

Arcane's eyes twinkled. They both thoroughly understood each other's expertise, so no extended explanations were needed.

"I've done considerable research on memory manipulation. But what you're asking for is a different dimension. There's the issue of personality, and above all, it's about transferring an entire life's memories."

"I believe it's possible. Combining the absorptive nature of dark magic with the information-transmitting capabilities of photons, couldn't we create a virtual intelligence?"

"Hmm, constructing the neural network with photon magic and then infusing it with memories?"

It was indeed a novel idea. Until now, photon magic had been as limited as time magic, but with the revelation of Photonics, Arcane anticipated it would soon excel in the field of information.

"Before examining the theory, one question. Has your wife consented to this experiment?"

Hearing of Klumph's arrival, Alpheas joined them, looking increasingly gaunt each visit.

"Thanks for coming every time."

"How's the experiment? Any progress?"

"Nearly complete. Clinical trials were a success. Next month, Erina can finally escape the disdainful glares."

"Next month? That quick?"

"What are you saying? It's been two long years. We've been working day and night with the master. You must come on that day. Bring plenty of booze instead of food."

As the month passed, everyone anxiously awaited the day of the experiment.

Erina lay on the bed, waiting. With Arcane and Alpheas busy checking equipment, Klumph kept her company, easing her tension.

"Missus, how do you feel? After today, you'll have Alpheas's memories. Even those embarrassing moments from his childhood. Be sure to check if he ever had a roving eye. Hahaha!"

Erina burst into laughter at Klumph's joke. The atmosphere was tense but positive. A day that felt like everything would go right, and the equipment was all set.

"Let's start, Erina."

Alpheas lay beside Erina, stroking her hair. He could give her his memories because he loved her. Embarrassing or shameful, it didn't matter to her.

"Thank you, honey."

"Don't mention it. I should be the one thanking you. You've been so strong. Let's be happy. Have kids too."

Alpheas wondered if his smile looked forced. Truthfully, he was incredibly nervous. Arcane approached, attaching a device to their heads. The experiment was a culmination of various fields: magical engineering, magical biology, alchemy, photonics, and human biology.

"Starting now. Relax. It will be over soon."

As Arcane activated the machine, Klumph walked to a corner, anxiously rubbing his hands. The clanking of mechanical parts filled the room, with dozens of components working and crystals lighting up chaotically.

Alpheas willingly accepted the dark magic infiltrating his mind.

The principle was simple: Alpheas's memories were absorbed through dark magic and then transmitted to Erina's memory using photon output.

"Ugh!"

Erina's eyes widened. The influx of massive information made her eyes spark. From Alpheas's earliest memory to their recent conversation, all his life's moments were being transmitted at the speed of light.

Erina faintly smiled. It felt like truly becoming one with Alpheas.

'Thank you, honey. And I love you.'

She closed her eyes, content. There were no regrets. Born into the world, she had received more love than deserved.

Meeting Alpheas... was a blessing.

The light faded, signaling the experiment's end. Arcane checked the panel. A 100% transfer rate. All memories had been perfectly conveyed.

"Honey! Honey!"

Alpheas turned to Erina. She looked pale and sweaty.

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