Mage Adam-Chapter "364"

Adam simulated the advanced version of the Reincarnation Spell. The original incantation gathered into a syllable, tuó. Now, on top of tuó, another syllable appeared — huā. When put together, the two syllables sounded even stranger, almost like “tua—.”

Wendy saw Adam’s lips moving, glanced around nervously, then hurriedly said:

“Don’t you dare experiment! Do you want to reincarnate into my body? I’ll kill you — and I mean the kind where you won’t even get a chance to revive!”

As she spoke, she backed a few steps away and solemnly layered chaotic energy in front of her, looking ready to strike the instant he uttered the spell.

Adam naturally had no interest in experiencing either being birthed by Wendy or being killed by her. He quickly shifted the topic:

“Wendy, you know about my next mission, don’t you?”

Wendy nodded.

“This is something of a tradition. Whenever a Third-Era super–void lifeform is discovered, exploration mages are born. But to give exploration mages some added security, once you advance to Super Dimensional , the Mage World arranges a mission like this. It lets you familiarize yourself with the Third Era’s power system, so that when you wander the deep void alone and encounter something similar, you won’t step in blindly and die without even knowing how.”

She added, “Some of the lower-ranked mages in residual worlds have already found traces, but those worlds are all under surveillance now. You’re just lucky this time — you get to explore an undeveloped world. Otherwise, it’d just be a matter of monitoring a plane and getting a taste of the life there.”

So there was such a tradition. But when he thought about it, it made sense: if there were already discovered examples, those planes would of course be put under surveillance and treated as samples for data collection. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated — that truth held everywhere.

“Because this is a new plane, your mission will be carried out as a group. You’re all familiar with the wartime regulations, so I won’t repeat them,” said an Eighth-Level Super Dimensional Mage from the United Combat Command, addressing Adam and the three other newly promoted Super Dimensional exploration mages.

“The rules are simple: you may disrupt the target plane’s social order, but you are forbidden from extinguishing their heritage. Your primary task is to observe and collect information about their power system and how they express their power. Understood?”

Wartime regulations were straightforward. In plain words: don’t stab your comrades in the back. Really, it didn’t need to be emphasized — every mage could abide by that.

“Why not just conquer that cluster of planes directly?” someone asked.

“When we first discovered these planes, we tried. But the remnants are peculiar — they’d rather self-destruct than fall under direct control. While you carry out your exploration, the War Legion will also move toward the coordinates and gradually infiltrate mages into the plane. So you don’t need to worry. This mission is special: behind you stands the entire Mage World as your support.”

“Of course, the main work still falls to you. These sample planes are precious — destroying one without absolute necessity is a huge loss.”

He then handed each of them a set of runes.

“This is the activation spell for high-level resurrection rights in the Mana Net. If you encounter an unbeatable enemy, kill yourselves before their attack lands. The Source will protect the soul data you’ve stored in the Mana Net with its full power, then synchronize your resurrection at the nearest Source unit.

Although you won’t face super–void lifeforms in this mission, remember: if you ever do encounter one, in any corner of the void, don’t harbor the slightest hope. In such situations, retreating is not cowardice.”

Everyone nodded. One of them asked:

“What exactly is their power like?”

The Eighth-Level mage said:

“True Third-Era energy samples are almost nonexistent. We only know it’s a unique energy, different from the universal energy of the Fourth Era. But in these remnant planes, the creatures still use energy you’re familiar with. The difference lies in how they handle it.

According to existing data, they condense an energy core within their bodies. The stronger and more numerous the cores, the stronger their power. It’s somewhat like a magic beast’s magic core. But unlike beasts, theirs hardly ever release energy outward — it’s nearly one-way.”

Adam frowned.

“Devouring energy? How is that different from the Abyssal race or the Devouring Dilus?”

“It’s different. The Abyssals and Dilus devour worlds and energy, but that energy is still released, still interacts with the Aetheric Void. Third-Era remnants are different: once energy enters their bodies, it becomes theirs, no longer connected to the Void. Even if you kill them and crush their cores, that energy still won’t merge back into the Void — it’s like a contamination.”

More like a virus, Adam thought silently.

“Is there no way to purify it?” another asked.

“None so far. Mages responsible for the research are working on it. If you can provide valuable intelligence or ideas, the contribution will be great.”

After thoroughly briefing them, the Eighth-Level mage distributed some supplies for free: scrolls at Super Dimensional level, Aether Crystals, and more.

“Unless absolutely necessary, don’t use any magic other than the Reincarnation Spell. They’re extremely sensitive. Contamination is mutual. From past experience, the remnant plane’s Source won’t reject you too harshly. But once you expose a different system, you’ll surely become the target of all.”

Everyone nodded. After the Eighth-Level mage departed, Adam learned the names and origins of his three companions.

“I’m Locke, from the Fourth Flesh-Refinement Tower.”

“Cass, from the Second Elemental Tower.”

“Maggie, from the Sixth Alchemy Tower. I know you — you’re Adam! Your Periodic Table of Elements helped me a great deal!”

She added eagerly, “Is your Atomic Energy Research Institute still recruiting? How about me?”

Maggie was very enthusiastic. She said that she managed to advance to Super Dimensional largely thanks to the Periodic Table. The look she gave Adam was practically worshipful.

“The Atomic Energy Research Institute is temporarily closed. But after this mission, if we recruit again, I’ll let you know.”

Cass also knew Adam. Recently, nuclear explosion magic had become a trend in the Second Elemental Tower.

Only Locke remained aloof. He didn’t say whether he belonged to the Enhancement branch or Bloodline branch. After introducing himself, he quietly went to one side, sorting his gear and reviewing information again.

But that was just how mages were — with all kinds of personalities. No one found him rude. Besides, reincarnation wouldn’t land them all in the same place anyway. Officially, it was a group mission, but before the final convergence, each of them had their own work to do.