At that very moment, Yuuki discovered an entirely new path.
And compared to evolving a three-leaf clover grimoire into a four-leaf clover, this path was far more tempting.
"No wonder that elven clan leader failed—and no wonder the Witch Queen had no interest in it at all."
A look of sudden realization appeared on Yuuki's face.
Seen from this angle, the later form of Wizard King Julius—after fusing four different magics into one—was likely a process very similar to the so-called Apotheosis Ritual.
The key to Julius's success lay in fusion—melding four different magics into a single whole and triggering a qualitative transformation.
As for the elven clan leader's failure, it wasn't just because he lacked the crucial step of fusion. More importantly, he attempted to force ten different mana origins into his body all at once.
If that didn't kill him, who would it kill?
Yuuki had already conducted experiments himself.
For a normal mage, the human body can only accommodate two mana origins. The moment a third is introduced, the soul collapses instantly. Even if elves possess stronger souls than humans, there was no way they could endure ten mana origins.
As for Yuuki—
Whether it was because he was the holder of Replication Magic, or because he was a transmigrator, his soul was fundamentally different. He could effortlessly withstand any number of mana origins.
Thinking of this, Yuuki was reminded once again of Julius's case. Seen this way, Julius's ability to fuse four mana origins in the later stages made sense.
After all, Julius was a dual-soul existence.
Of course, it was also possible that Julius possessed some unique forbidden technique, special spell formula, or even assistance from a devil.
Yuuki set Julius's case aside.
What he needed to focus on now was the feasibility of the Apotheosis Ritual itself.
The ritual had two critical requirements:
Multiple mana originsFusion
He already satisfied the first condition.
As for the second, the elven clan leader had left behind no relevant records.
Which was understandable.
That clan leader hadn't even survived the burden of ten mana origins, let alone reached the stage of figuring out how to link and fuse them.
"The missing condition is actually the most important one for me."
Yuuki picked up the ritual diagram resembling the Kabbalah Tree of Life again, frowning slightly.
From the very beginning, his purpose in coming to the Witch's Forest had been to integrate the mana origins within his body. Now, although he had discovered a new path, the core problem remained unchanged.
Apart from the Tree of Life diagram, the materials were filled with dense magical script. Yuuki could barely decipher even a tiny fraction of it.
Shaking his head, he withdrew his gaze.
He was eager to find answers—but he knew full well that he wouldn't find them in spell formulas he couldn't even read.
"Come to think of it, the Kabbalah Tree of Life symbol truly holds extraordinary significance in this world…"
Yuuki murmured softly.
The ten highest-ranking devils of the underworld corresponded to the Kabbalah Tree of Life.
The stone monument used in the elves' reincarnation ritual was engraved with the Kabbalah Tree of Life.
The Apotheosis Ritual before him also took the shape of the Tree of Life.
Even the ten magic stones represented the ten spheres of the Tree.
Yuuki pondered deeply.
Three pillars.
Ten sephiroth.
Four worlds.
Twenty-two paths.
These four elements together formed the complete Kabbalah Tree of Life system.
"If the ten magic stones correspond to the ten spheres in the ritual, then what's missing must be the twenty-two paths that connect those spheres."
Yuuki lowered his head again, staring at the ritual diagram in the documents.
The three pillars themselves were simply the three vertical lines formed by the interconnected paths. As for the four worlds, they didn't actually belong to the Tree of Life itself…
Yuuki's eyes narrowed.
"That's right. The three pillars, ten sephiroth, four worlds, and twenty-two paths describe the entire Kabbalah Tree of Life framework."
"In the myths of my previous life, what's called 'Kabbalah' actually refers to the ten spheres, while the structure connecting them is what's truly called the Tree of Life."
"Tree of Life… tree…"
Suddenly, a dazzling light erupted in Yuuki's eyes.
"World Tree Magic!!"
Only after a long moment did Yuuki finally suppress the surging excitement in his heart.
He didn't know whether this hypothesis was correct—but it was the only answer he could think of.
No matter what, it was something he had to try.
Yuuki's gaze hardened. Even without all of this, World Tree Magic had always been one of the magics he planned to replicate anyway.
"If my guess is correct, then the only remaining problem is the sheer number of mana origins inside my body."
Thinking of the more than seventy mana origins he possessed, Yuuki felt an immediate headache coming on.
The Kabbalah Tree of Life connected ten spheres.
The elven clan leader's ritual was also built around ten spheres.
Yuuki didn't know much about mythology, but he knew one thing well: numbers mentioned in myths always carried special meaning.
Especially when this Apotheosis Ritual itself was structured around the number ten.
Yuuki didn't understand the deeper significance—but he did understand one thing clearly.
He wasn't capable of modifying the ritual.
Not him—and given how ancient this ritual was, probably no one in the Four Great Kingdoms had the ability to alter it.
Which meant that if the ritual were to be followed as designed, he would have to discard the excess mana origins, leaving only ten behind.
At that thought, Yuuki naturally felt reluctant.
Most of the magics he had replicated had unique uses. Abandoning any one of them would be a loss.
"If only there were a kind of magic that could devour other magics…"
That thought flashed through Yuuki's mind—and immediately, a candidate appeared.
Key Magic.
"The former Wizard King, Conrad, was sealed away for over ten years. Under the effects of Time Magic… he might not even be dead yet."
Yuuki frowned slightly as the thought crossed his mind.
A moment later, his expression returned to calm.
He stood up, carefully returned the books and materials on the elves to their proper places, and headed outside.
Now that he had his answer, it was time to leave.
"Not even three full days yet. Earlier than expected."
Yuuki stepped out of the archive, quickly calculating the time.
Originally, his plan had been simple: if he found no answers within three days in the Witch's Forest, there would be no reason to stay.
Now, it seemed his luck had been rather good.
Hm?
Yuuki paused.
Standing outside the entrance was Giselle, as if she had been waiting there for some time.
Divination?
That thought flashed through Yuuki's mind.
(End of Chapter)
Sorry about Yesterday. Some crazy stuff was up.
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