Chapter 124: The Dream of Banseni

"Core, model the psychic framework of the Dream Halo into a data structure!" Lin Wei commanded the intelligent core.

"Data model conversion in progress... conversion complete."

Because during the previous data reception, the intelligent core had already conducted an optimal simulation of the Dream Halo, converting the psychic framework into a data model was simply a matter of embedding data. Thus, the process finished swiftly.

"The model construction seems remarkably fitting..." Lin Wei nodded repeatedly.

His attention was fully captured by the model; he studied various parameters while contemplating and speculating.

"According to Sherry’s account, the Dream Halo works by enticing the deepest memories within the target’s heart. The resulting illusions cannot be controlled by the caster at all..." Lin Wei was somewhat dissatisfied. "Once the target falls into the Dream Halo’s illusion, they forget everything in reality, and upon waking, they forget everything from the illusion. There are benefits, but also significant drawbacks..."

Lin Wei pondered carefully: "If I can make the target forget everything while trapped in the illusion, but not forget the dream content upon waking... would that mean I can manipulate a person’s memory?!"

"Core, is it possible to add parameters to the psychic model to allow me to control the target’s dream illusions?" Lin Wei inquired.

"Analysis underway..."

"Analysis complete: lack of high-level psychic templates and insufficient psychic energy limits parameter modification to a few."

Lin Wei nodded softly, reflecting, "Lack of high-level psychic templates... so that means I need a formal sorcerer-level subject?"

He sighed. Using a formal sorcerer as an experimental subject was utterly impossible. The only way to research high-level psychic templates was to elevate himself to the formal sorcerer rank.

However, Lin Wei also received an unexpected insight from the core’s analysis: the limitation in parameter modification was due to the absence of high-level psychic templates. Conversely, if his psychic energy could increase in quality and quantity, the number of adjustable parameters could grow.

"Core, if my psychic energy continues to increase, will I gradually gain greater control over the psychic model?" Lin Wei hastened to confirm.

"Affirmative."

The core’s mechanical response sounded rigid, but to Lin Wei’s ears, it was music to his soul.

If so, theoretically, once Lin Wei’s psychic energy reaches a critical threshold, he could manipulate a person’s memories! Moreover, since the Dream Halo’s data model is embedded, parameters can be continuously altered, meaning this sorcery has evolved into a form of growth-based magic through the intelligent core’s data refinement.

Compared to Lin Wei’s previous spells, the Darkened Eye and Star Dark Quicksand, which only slightly improved as his strength grew, their inherent limitations meant that upon reaching formal sorcerer status, their effectiveness would diminish. Especially the Star Dark Quicksand, a physical-type spell, would eventually become merely an auxiliary means.

But this optimized Dream Halo could strengthen continuously alongside Lin Wei’s psychic energy—an unexpected windfall.

"Then... let’s begin..."

Lin Wei immediately initiated the construction of the psychic framework.

He reined in his breath, calmed his mind, and followed the psychic model on his retina to build the Dream Halo’s psychic structure, adjusting it according to the added parameters.

Time ticked by.

Half an hour later.

Lin Wei suddenly opened his eyes, a trace of joy shining within.

Dream Halo—completed!

Although, under the intelligent core’s optimization, the Dream Halo was theoretically formidable, at its core it remained merely a second-rank sorcerer apprentice’s model, so mastering it was not difficult for Lin Wei.

"I don’t yet have a third-rank apprentice-level spell model, so my combat options are somewhat limited..." Lin Wei considered his situation. "But for now, I have no chance to acquire a spell model. Even exchanging points means waiting at least a year..."

He rubbed his temples. "If I could still conduct hybrid creature experiments, I could create a batch of lethal insects or small creatures to get through this transitional phase... but now..."

"I’ll have to find another way..." Lin Wei shook his head. "Could I possibly obtain the Hedgerow Ice Crystal earlier by other means? But there’s no path..."

Just as Lin Wei was brooding, the door opened.

Bansaini entered, looking relaxed, but froze when he saw Lin Wei.

"Lin Wei, your task is complete?" Bansaini asked in surprise.

Lin Wei nodded, suddenly struck by an idea.

"What about the task you were assigned?" he asked casually.

At this, a reluctant smile crept onto Bansaini’s face. "Thanks to you, Lord Saniel assigned me a safe task with plenty of points."

Lin Wei hummed in acknowledgment, then turned to Bansaini. "Senior, do you feel any drowsiness?"

"Drowsiness?" Bansaini looked puzzled, but the next moment, his consciousness began to blur.

Whoosh!

When Bansaini opened his eyes again, he was stunned.

"This is... the Shadow Forest?!"

He stared at his hands, then touched his face, disbelief etched across his features.

"Impossible! I’m seventeen here?!"

Shaking uncontrollably, Bansaini muttered, "I..."

Suddenly, a sharp pain struck his mind.

When Bansaini regained clarity, the confusion was gone, replaced by urgent anxiety.

"No! I have to submit my experimental paper quickly! Otherwise, my advisor will rank me last in this exam again!"

The young Bansaini sprinted away, the Shadow Forest Academy’s emblem on his sorcerer robe dragging on the ground. Around him, fellow apprentices looked on with disdain.

Yet none noticed that where Bansaini had just stood, a shadowy figure now lingered.

The figure simply stood there, yet none of the passing apprentices perceived him; he was like a phantom, some even walked through his form.

"Is this Bansaini’s dream?" Lin Wei’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.