Chapter 22: The System Chip Initiative

What is information? Information can take the form of words, images, objects, or even sensations. Messages received through the senses are transmitted via nerves to the brain, forming memories.

In terms of memory, it can be divided into instantaneous, short-term, and long-term memory. They are akin to RAM and hard drives, controlling the storage of information through real-time physiological changes in the brain's structure. Yet, before messages reach the brain, most are already filtered out. The signals that remain and enter the cerebral cortex are temporarily stored in the hippocampus, lingering from a few seconds to several weeks—this is short-term memory. The most significant sensory data may then be transferred via the hippocampus to the long-term memory region. The hippocampus, playing a crucial role in long-term memory, is located in the temporal lobe of the brain, closely linked to the limbic system—the gateway to the emotional world. The anterior temporal lobe contains areas responsible for short-term memory, while the so-called reticular structure lies between the brain and spinal cord, tasked with maintaining wakefulness and attention, which is vital for both active and passive learning as well as vivid recall.

Memory is a fundamental cornerstone of human intelligence. From the moment of birth—perhaps even earlier—memory tirelessly records, categorizes, and manages even the most trivial information worthy of storage.

But what, then, influences the brain? After crossing worlds, Borne found an answer—soul! Or a consciousness akin to a soul.

After transmigration, his memories of his previous life became hazy, but as his mental power grew and his thoughts sharpened, and after several "stimulations," those memories gradually resurfaced. During his first reading of the Nether scroll, he unlocked the mage rune and gained the ability of "Identification." Identification means discerning and distinguishing. The human brain can store vast amounts of information, but most is "forgotten," actually buried in the deepest recesses of memory. Borne called this implicit memory.

Through this spell, he could organize and summarize information contained within implicit memory. Normal "Appraisal" spells could only target items and materials, but combined with Borne's "Identification" rune, it worked on living beings, functioning much like a property panel.

With the advantages of the property panel, Borne advanced to mid-level mage in just four years! The gap between the beginner and intermediate levels was not vast—though it was harder to progress as an arcanist, it was relatively easy for a mage. With a bit of talent and dedication to meditation, learning all the academy's spells, one could reach the intermediate level; almost all graduating students could become mid-level mages.

But the advanced level was entirely different. The upper and lower bounds within the advanced rank were enormous.

In D&D's framework, only those above level 20 were legendary! Borne, through his property panel's deduction, estimated levels 1–5 as beginner, 6–10 as intermediate, and 11–20 as advanced. He guessed the Earl ranked at eighteen or nineteen, and was an advanced arcanist!

The Earl's feats included single-handedly facing a dozen advanced spellcasters and warriors, not only winning but counter-killing several! His achievements were utterly ferocious!

...

Earl Iolum frowned as he looked at Borne's private laboratory.

Mages, after all, engaged in long-term experiments and research, often developing peculiar habits.

He had known his grandson lacked a sense of security, hoping it would improve with age, but it only worsened. Unexpectedly, Borne displayed remarkable business acumen; shortly after enrolling, he used a hundred thousand gold coins to lease a barren coastal plot until graduation. The academy had never encountered such a situation, but the headmaster approved it.

Borne promptly moved out of the living quarters and dug a hole by the coast to live in. This became the laughingstock of the entire academy, and Borne Iolum was once again the campus "hot topic."

The Earl felt his reputation tarnished—so much money, he could have rented a luxurious laboratory in the mage tower for five or six years, so why choose to live in a hole?

Repeated persuasion failed; in frustration, he cut off Borne's financial sources.

Unexpectedly, Borne didn't fall into despair. Using several ingenious methods, he acquired substantial wealth and points, surpassing the top of his grade by the second year, and no one laughed at him anymore.

In the third year, he unseated the chief in an unofficial duel, even dealt with a team of enforcers, and no one troubled him again.

In the following two years, the chief of Giles Academy became a joke.

Privately, even the headmaster praised him, and from then on, the Earl no longer interfered.

Yet he could not accept the style of this underground laboratory. They were mages—powerful arcanists. If memory served, Borne had a quarter elven blood; why did he lack artistic talent?

Nevertheless, every spellcaster walks a different path, and excessive interference can be counterproductive.

The Earl produced a massive scroll and handed it to Borne.

"What is this?" Borne asked, puzzled.

"This is the craftsmanship for the 'Ion Stone' you requested," replied Earl Iolum.

"The process for crafting an Ion Stone is intricate and complex. Many rare materials must be used in a tiny gemstone, then inscribed with runes and magic circles using mental power. Any slight error leads to failure, even explosion! Many mid-level spellcasters have failed and died, or suffered severe mental damage, stalling their progress. Are you prepared for this?"

"I am ready, Grandfather! I promise I'll succeed," Borne replied.

"Excellent. Such conviction is needed on the path to truth!" The Earl handed him the scroll.

"Remember, you have only one month to memorize it—no recording on paper. The Ion Stone's craftsmanship is a Nether secret and must not be revealed."

"I understand, Grandfather," Borne said, nodding firmly.

"Alright, I'll be off now. When it's time for the experiment, come to me for a microscope."

With a flash of white light, he teleported away.

"Such a convenient ability," Borne thought, envious.

Yet his hands did not pause; he eagerly spread the scroll across the table.

After quickly scanning the entire scroll, Borne grew more excited, muttering, "Yes, it can be done; this is the right approach!"

He was nearly jumping with excitement, then forced himself to calm down, pacing and breathing deeply.

The "Ion Stone" was Borne Contennio's first magic item! It was crafted under the guidance of the "Earth Prophet" Asindo, and the concept indeed came from the elves' "Epic Gem."

Each Ion Stone had a unique effect; magic stones could float above their owner's head, granting special powers. The Earl's stone enhanced longevity!

After twenty days, Borne had thoroughly absorbed all the techniques on the scroll.

He approached the laboratory bench and activated all the basement's protective switches.

There was a hidden compartment at the lowest part of the bench, guarded by a mechanism—opening it incorrectly would destroy its contents.

Borne retrieved its contents.

A "Creation" scroll and an "Animation" scroll!

A box of fine sand and an orange rhombic gemstone.

He picked up two stones nearby—a cracked blue crystal and amber.

These two items were acquired in the trading district two years ago and could now retire in peace.

With Appraisal spells, Borne frequented the trading district, finding many treasures, but these two were the most valuable!

The amber was a mind flayer's portable auxiliary brain.

The crystal was a psychic crystal servant.

Through long-term research and reverse engineering some of their functions and technology, Borne felt as if he had struck gold.

Yet he was not satisfied with merely organizing memories; that simply repeated the steps of predecessors, turning into a spell copier at best.

Such a path would only take him as far as the advanced rank.

At this moment, a bold idea emerged in his mind!

It was crazy, but highly feasible!

Borne had prepared for this plan for two years.

The System Chip Project!

To create a system chip version of the Ion Stone!

...