Chapter 246 - Infinite Mage

"Cough! Cough!" Shirone and his companions emerged from the door leading to the seventh level, coughing violently. The stench from the landfill was imprinted in their minds, leaving them with the haunting feeling that the smell lingered still. However, the situation here wasn't any better. Shirone and his group stood frozen at the entrance, dazed expressions on their faces. Corpses with shattered heads littered the plaza. People were plummeting from rooftops as if it were raining bodies. In one corner, citizens were engaged in brutal fights, beating each other with murderous intent. Even if this wasn’t reality, such a horrific sight was utterly unprecedented for any of them. Armin observed the scene seriously, his face grave. If the actions of the projections had escalated to such extremes, it meant the Xeno Core’s constriction was tightening its grip more swiftly than anticipated. Watching his world crumble with sorrowful eyes, Shirone's expression suddenly turned fierce. He mischievously pulled Amy’s hair, who stood before him. "Ouch!" Amy turned around, perplexed. "What’s your problem?" "You're blocking my view. I can’t see." Amy pouted her lips. She didn’t understand why Shirone, who was kind to everyone as if it were reality, behaved this way solely towards her. Though her instinct was to hit him, she calmed her mind, remembering what she had resolved before meeting the spirit. "Alright, alright, I’m sorry, okay." As Amy shrugged her shoulders and turned away, Shirone was thrown into confusion. She was a good person and an ally. Yet, why did he feel so unpleasant? "Why did you come to save me?" Amy flinched at the question that flew at her back. After a brief moment of silence, without turning around, she offered a short answer. "Because we're friends." From that response, Shirone dredged up memories of reality. Frightening memories, akin to nightmares. The world had turned upside down, and his body felt as if it was burning with pain. Across from him, Amy was cocooned against the wall. While he couldn’t piece together the situation, he felt an intense repulsion. "But you... you couldn’t save me." Amy lowered her head with a sorrowful face. Was that it? Was Shirone repulsed by his own weakness, unable to act? "Shirone, that’s..." As Amy turned to explain, Egoist suddenly loomed before her. She hurriedly stepped back, and Armin and Reina also distanced themselves. The projectiles with shattered heads began transforming into Egoists, surrounding Shirone like a rising wall. Reina glanced towards Armin and asked. "What’s happening here?" "Get back!" Amy, hugging Reina’s waist, launched them towards the exit of the seventh level. Reina, turning her head, saw a rain of arrows filling the sky. Armin used the Flicker spell to move out of range. A wave of Egoists charged toward Shirone. Confirming this, Amy closed the door. Thud! Thud! Dozens of arrows thudded into the door, making her palm, which gripped the handle, tingle from the impact. As soon as the arrow storm stopped, she opened the door and checked on Shirone. The Egoists clustered together like a sphere, were pierced by an astonishing number of arrows. "Shirone! Are you alright?" As the Egoists separated and scattered away like a receding tide, there stood Shirone in the same position as before. Numerous more Egoists approached him in a menacing formation to guard him. Reassured, Amy exhaled a sigh of relief and turned her gaze towards where Shirone was looking. A tide of military forces was advancing. As the archer units split on both sides, the heavy cavalry emerged at the forefront. "What on earth is that army?" "They're likely the Antithesis. While the Egoists rationalize the self, the Antithesis criticizes. The stronger Shirone's super-ego, the more significant the moral constraints; thus, his Antithesis would be formidable. Stay vigilant." Amy was startled to see the cavalry commander. The man, bearing a massive axe on his back, had a scarred face that, despite being larger and heavier-set, bore an uncanny resemblance to Vincent, as if he was in disguise. "Vincent, is that you?" The commander's appearance was so strikingly similar to Vincent, it was convincing enough to believe so but for the few differences. "I am Ignite, the ruler of this city!" Ignite’s roar reverberated through the plaza. Even the citizens, whose nerves were frayed, turned to him with almost snapping clarity. Holding a massive axe horizontally, far heavier than his own body weight, Ignite pointed at Shirone and bellowed, "Shirone! Everyone suffers because of your selfishness. As a commoner, what do you dare to dream of? You didn't earn your power through effort! It's only right to yield it to others! I'll end all suffering with your death!" Amy turned toward Arius, incredulous. "Is that supposed to be Shirone’s critical consciousness? That sounds like just a sore loser’s argument!" "Indeed. It seems Arius tampered with the super-ego. Humans possess a strong yearning for death just as they do for life. It appears we are seriously in a bind." "Shirone! Respond! Are your actions just? Will you continue to live despite birthing untold pain?" When humans face extreme fear or pain, thoughts of seeking death can arise. Utilizing this, Arius could easily manipulate Ignite, exploiting the notion that in Shirone's world, anything could be a sign of rot. At each word from Ignite, Shirone trembled. For the Ego, a message from the super-ego resonated as profoundly as scripture might for a devout religious follower. "That's right! This world is this way because of Shirone!" "Only Shirone's death can restore peace!" "Kill him! Kill Shirone!" The projectiles of the plaza rallied behind Ignite, raising the banner of rebellion. Every one of them was the Antithesis, and as their numbers grew, Shirone’s spirit weakened further. "Prepare yourselves! They’re coming this way!" As Armin shouted, the heavily-armored infantry charged, causing the ground to quake. Archers drew their bows from the plaza's flanks, and the citizens also surged as an enraged mob. "If you’re gone, everything will be easier!" A citizen gripping a club took a full-swing stance in front of Shirone. Simultaneously, an Egoist grabbed him, throwing him to the ground. Transforming its entire body into teeth, it gnawed voraciously, tearing the Antithesis apart with its screams echoing as they were shredded to pieces. Yet, Ignite's subordinates were not so easily subdued. With immense strength that overwhelmed the Egoists, they swung their weapons with lethal force. Egoists, overwhelmed by the Antithesis, disintegrated with a deflating sound, scattering like shattered glass. "Kill Shirone! Everyone, charge at Shirone!" The fallen projectiles transformed into Egoists to fight in Shirone’s defense, whereas the citizens had all become the Antithesis. Desire and reason collided at the heart of the plaza. The sheer force and determination making a compelling difference in this narrow contest came undoubtedly from Ignite's presence. He was stronger than any Egoist and far surpassed the other Antithesis in sheer force. With each swing of his massive axe, Egoists exploded into dust-like particles. "Shirone! This isn’t yours! Release it now!" Armin, observing the battle, was dumbfounded. 'How can this be?' Reason was overcoming desire. While this suggested a strong conviction, considering the situation, its strength was bewilderingly overwhelming. Even soldiers willing to die for their country, in life-threatening scenarios, typically had a stronger yearning for survival. 'Is desire truly losing? Heads are rolling in reality, and yet this is supposed to be the mind of an eighteen-year-old?' Even Arius likely didn’t anticipate a victory for the Antithesis. If Ignite were to capture Shirone, they wouldn’t be able to secure Ataraxia either. Shirone’s conviction transcended typical human limits. Like prophets from history, Shirone was someone willing to die for his beliefs. “This can’t continue. Let’s join the battle.” Armin cast the Flicker spell, infiltrating the battlefield. Right now, saving Shirone was the highest priority. If the spirit fell, they would lose any chance of catching up to Arius. Amy cast Fire Mist to defend herself and summoned a Firewall. As she drove the wall of fire along the boundary between Egoists and the Antithesis, the crowd parted in two. Concentrating, she made the Firewall rise higher. The heavily-armored soldiers, unable to remove their heated armor, howled in agony. Reina climbed onto the rooftops and sniped at the archer unit. The arrows she had procured from the projection were many times more penetrative than reality, easily piercing through two or three people with one shot. “Move aside! I'll deal with this myself!” Ignite’s voice echoed beyond the flaming barrier of the Firewall. He soon appeared, parting the wall of fire. Carrying his massive axe on his shoulder, he assumed a swinging stance, targeting Amy first. Despite numerous Egoists attacking him, they scattered with a single swing of his axe. “Amy! Watch out!” From her quiver strapped to her thigh, Reina swiftly drew four arrows and positioned them between her fingers. She released a rapid volley of four arrows, each targeting different points—shoulder, wrist, thigh, heart. Ignite, without diverting his gaze from Amy, sensed the arrows out of his focus and grasped the axe with both hands, swinging it around. An unimaginable wind gust filled the air. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Despite the arrows' potent penetrative power, when they met the axe blade, they didn’t simply deflect. However, the arrows bent at ninety degrees, lost force, and tumbled to the ground. “Foolish girl!” Ignite pursued his charge, swinging the massive axe with practiced precision. As he swung it beyond Amy’s field of vision, he flipped the axehead behind him. As his upper body straightened, Amy felt as though a wall had risen before her. There was no time to cancel the Firewall and cast another spell. The Ruler of Consciousness (3) “Desist from endangering our peace!” The axe's descent aimed for her crown was blisteringly fast, almost too swift for the eye to track. In that fleeting second, Amy realized this was her end. ‘Goodbye, Shirone...’ It seemed a tragic end. Yet, part of her thought this wasn't such a bad conclusion. This was, after all, Shirone’s mind. To end eternally in his embrace. “Raaaah!” Amy’s senses were jolted awake by a ferocious roar in her ears. Something black flashed across her vision simultaneously. When she regained her bearings, Ignite was airborne, flung ten meters away. Amy felt a presence behind her and turned around. But to truly inspect it, she had to crane her neck skyward. Standing before her was an Egoist covered entirely in thorn-like protrusions. Standing over six meters tall, it lingered in a hunched posture that suggested a blend of quadrupedal and bipedal qualities, its gaze fixed ahead. The Egoist manifested using the spirit's desire, taking on a distinctive form. This process was incomplete, as all the Egoists in the plaza turned into black smoke and were absorbed into it. Though its height didn't increase, the spikes on its body extended absurdly long. “Roooaaaarrrr!” Egoist-Rage. The massive shadowy beast leaped over Amy, continuing its fearsome charge. With the obstructing entity gone, Shirone, wearing a fierce expression, came into view. 'Shirone...?' Shirone had always been one where reason prevailed over desire. Yet, this present form of the Egoist radiated a strength of an entirely different scale. 'Could it be trying to save me?' Knowing the animosity Shirone's spirit held, Amy hesitated to reach a hasty conclusion. However, she couldn’t help but feel a poignant warmth. Because it was always like that. In perilous situations, Shirone would invariably protect her. The Egoist (Rage) was still brimming with power despite tearing through hundreds of Antithesis. Even Ignite’s armored troops were sent flying with a single kick. "Shirone! Do you dream of a petty life until the end?" Ignite, coughing up blood, grasped his massive axe and charged the monster. He leaped high, swinging the axe overhead. As he arched back like a bow, he sprung forward like a coiled spring, crashing the axe down. The Egoist's head split in two from the impact. Ignite's lips curled into a smile, yet the scream he anticipated did not come. Through the axe's handle, he could feel the Egoist's state—it remained furious, seething, and on the brink of explosion. As his expression turned serious, Rage swiped at Ignite's face with its clawed hand. His face partially obliterated, Ignite plummeted to the ground, only to be stamped on by legs thicker than pillars. Boom! The ground shook, marking the end of the battle. "Run! Run away!" The Antithesis, shocked and dismayed, scattered in all directions. The Egoist roared, chasing after them to annihilate as many as it could. The plaza, left only with Shirone’s group, was cleared of any corpses. Amy, who had nearly faced death, collapsed to her knees. Shirone approached her. Turning her head, Amy's heart pounded as she realized Shirone had come to her. Had his anger subsided? Had he returned to his previous kind self? "Shirone, thank you. If it weren’t for you..." "You're angry." Shirone spoke, looking at the ground, avoiding eye contact. "I'm really angry." He then turned away coldly and began to walk off. Even now, he didn’t understand why he saved Amy. Just as the massive axe was about to cleave her head, a powerful impulse had gripped him. From then on, overcome with wrath, he could recall nothing. Amy lowered her head, crestfallen. Reina, who secretly hoped the two would reconcile, patted her shoulder. "Don't be too disappointed. Once we save Shirone, all misunderstandings will..." Before Reina could finish, Amy snapped her head up. Contrary to what was expected, she wore a bright expression, a look of unexpected relief on her face. "It’s okay. Shirone saved me, after all. He probably doesn’t hate me to the core. That’s enough, right? Haha!" Even though she said so, Reina could imagine how deep Amy’s sense of loss must be. She was holding on desperately, solely to save Shirone. "Yeah, let's hang in there a little longer." Reina turned to Armin. Having been disrupting the enemy deep within the Antithesis ranks, his clothes were drenched in sweat. “Are the Antithesis gone now?” “They haven’t disappeared. But there shouldn’t be any more manipulated Antithesis. Don't let your guard down, though. They're still fundamentally spirits that criticize Shirone.” After a brief rest in the plaza, they followed Shirone into the castle. Ignite had been there only moments before, but no more projectiles were visible. Shirone headed to the basement, navigating the winding, maze-like paths without hesitation. Opening a door to another set of descending stairs, they followed him down. Armin drew a torch before advancing with Shirone. Then, stopping in front of an old wooden door, he turned to address the group. “Beyond this door lies the world of dreams, the Realm of REM. Before entering, there are some things I must convey. While everyone’s likely experienced dreams, note that different physical laws apply here. Simply put, it’s a matter of Focus.” “Like concentration?” “Similar. Reality is a series of focus and relaxation. In day-to-day life, relaxation overwhelmingly prevails. But in dreams, only focus exists. It's akin to following a dramatic play. You see only what you wish, and nothing else exists. Lose your focus, and you lose yourself. We call this ‘Relpin.’” Armin held up five fingers. “Relpin consists of five components. First, a floating sensation. Second, meaningless muttering. Third, repeating sequences. Fourth, perspective detachment. Fifth, actualization of anxiety.” Amy realized she knew what this implied. These were experiences she encountered often in dreams. “Dreams mimic gravity, but it’s not truly present. Continuously verify that your feet are grounded. A floating sensation will lead you skyward endlessly. Avoid speaking uncertainly.” “Our dialogue needs focus, like a play's script.” “Exactly. Habitual slang is out, too. Lose focus in language, and you’ll repeat meaningless words.” “Is the repetition of sequences spatial focus, then?” “Yes. Don’t thoughtlessly look back or choose flight. The focus vanishes, and you end up repeating the same segment. Fourth, concentrating too much on your surroundings will disengage you, trapping you as a mere observer. Finally, avoid anxious thoughts.”