Embedded prominently in the center of the brass helmet was a striking crystal, which gave the helmet the appearance of having been struck by an arrow...
This crystal served as the resonance node for the Spirituality within the array. If the crystal lit up, it would indicate that the test subject's brainwaves were not synchronized with the spiritual fluctuations.
At the start of the experiment, since the crystal did not light up, it meant the middle-aged man's brainwaves could synchronize with the spiritual fluctuations within the helmet, allowing the infusion process to complete instantly.
The phantom light flashed by, and the experiment concluded in just one second. After a brief moment of confusion, the middle-aged test subject's expression shifted to astonishment as he sensed the new knowledge he had acquired.
Odis grasped the man's hand, while simultaneously activating his Spirit Vision to observe the subject's Spirit Body, Body of Heart and Mind, and Astral Body.
He then gently stimulated the man's spiritual circulation with his own Spirituality and smiled, saying, "The experiment was a success."
This was a method he had invented based on his research and utilizing Extraordinary abilities to verify experimental results. This method was far more effective than any detection instrument in the current world.
Next, Odis conducted the experiment on the other two subjects. The elderly man's brainwaves failed to synchronize with the spiritual fluctuations in the helmet, so Odis forcibly proceeded with the infusion.
After the infusion, the man displayed clear signs of distress, but within three minutes, he had largely recovered and successfully completed the process.
Odis carried all three test subjects into the heptagram formation, retrieved a handful of pitch-black powder from another ceramic jar, and sprinkled it at their feet.
This was a spiritually charged mystical powder. By utilizing the residual aura of Samensael from the summoning array, it could briefly open a gateway between the Underworld and the material world.
Samensael, who had been waiting in the Underworld, immediately seized the three test subjects who could only express their terror through tearful and wide-eyed stares but were utterly unable to scream as they were dragged away.
Odis carefully placed the helmet on the workbench. His face broke into a satisfied grin and cheered, "Heh heh heh, success. It worked!"
Bernadette, who had been observing the entire time, finally spoke up, "If I'm not mistaken, you just infused those three test subjects with a certain amount of knowledge, correct?"
This process wasn't unfamiliar to her. Within 'Element Dawn', a significant portion of members were Beyonders of the 'Mystery Pryer' Pathway. Bernadette had often witnessed the process of the 'Hidden Sage' forcibly imparting Knowledge to them.
Of course, Odis's invention couldn't compare to the Hidden Sage's infusions, but the underlying principle seemed somewhat similar.
"Exactly," Odis replied with a smile, "I infused them with the Beyonder knowledge and combat techniques contained within the 'Melee Scholar' characteristic."
Though she had guessed the outcome, Bernadette was still taken aback, "No wonder you called this an invention that could change the future. If it can infuse knowledge from Beyonder characteristics, does that mean it can also infuse other types of knowledge?"
"Not yet. To achieve that, I'd need further modifications," Odis said, gazing proudly at his creation, "If we can find a suitable medium for storing knowledge, then theoretically, any knowledge could be infused."
"...It's somewhat similar to the language or knowledge-based charms created by the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom... except those charms are single-use, whereas my invention can be reused repeatedly. With regular maintenance, it should last for years."
One key difference Odis didn't mention was that the Church's charms required at least an Angel's divine blessing to function effectively.
His invention, however, didn't need to trouble any deities.
This reminded him of the "brain-computer interface" technology from his past life... something that had still been science fiction back then but had now been realized through mystical means.
Bernadette's tone grew serious as she warned Odis, "This technology must never be made public. It's best if no one else learns how it operates."
"I know," Odis replied calmly, "I've already given this considerable thought and understand your concerns. The ability to infuse knowledge also means the ability to infuse memories... Which can potentially alter a person drastically."
"...And that change might not be for the better. Those with ulterior motives could use it to manipulate others."
"Hmm." The Queen Mystic's voice echoed softly in the air, "It's good that you understand."
"To be precise, I have no plans to research this further," Odis admitted, "Because there's no practical use in continuing."
Bernadette's tone relaxed slightly, "Have you thought of a name for this helmet-like prototype?"
"Not yet." Naming things was one of Odis's least favorite tasks.
"How about... 'Helmet of Wisdom'?" Bernadette suggested.
Odis agreed readily, "Sure."
Bernadette then raised another question about the summoning array, "The Samensael you summoned earlier seemed to possess demigod-level power. How could such an entity obey your commands?"
"I mentioned it in the summoning chant," Odis explained, "We have a 'mutual assistance' relationship. He's eager to visit the material world. But with his own power alone, leaving the Underworld is difficult. My summoning gives him a chance to stretch his legs. While carrying out my orders, he can openly manifest in the material world without too many restrictions."
"...And no undead being can resist my offerings. That powder was made from spiritual materials like red spider lily and ghost grass. It is equivalent to a delicious cake in our eyes, a favorite of undead creatures. The Underworld has no 'dessert shops'. Malevolent spirits trapped in the Spirit World can only taste such delicacies through me."
He paused, then added with a hint of pain, "Preparing that jar of powder cost me over 80 pounds..."
'Still, it was worth it... 80 pounds for three test subjects.' he mused.
Bernadette pressed further, "I suspect your summoning wasn't just about simple command over him."
Odis chuckled but didn't elaborate.
There were other purposes of course. Odis had once held a deep conversation with Samensael. When the time came, they would collaborate further.
But that was one of his trump cards. Even if Bernadette had her suspicions, he wouldn't spell it out...
"Alright," Odis clapped his hands together, "Time to prepare myself a proper meal. Would you like to–"
Just then, his pocket watch suddenly glowed...
It was a signal from the 'Mysticism Research Society' indicating an emergency, typically a member seeking help at the gathering site.
Odis's face fell as he grumbled, "Why now of all times?"
He was starving...
He then addressed Bernadette, "Apologies, something has come up. I'll have to cut our chat short."
"What is it?"
"No idea," he said, hastily covering the Helmet of Wisdom and removing his lab coat to prepare for his return.
Bernadette suddenly spoke up, "I'll send you there."