"Command confirmed. Initializing Matrix. Scanning host identity… Creating profile database… Ding. Host identity confirmed. Do you wish to bind?"
After a while, the cold electronic female voice echoed once again in Merlin's mind.
"Bind!"
Merlin didn't hesitate. He knew that once Matrix was bound, it would be exclusive to him, undetectable by others. This state-of-the-art quantum computer had been injected into his bloodstream as liquid metal, merging with his body in a way that made it indestructible.
"Binding in progress… Blood sample collected… Binding complete! Accessing profile… Ding. Previous profile invalid. Creating new profile… Please name the new profile."
"A new profile?" Merlin's gaze steadied. He then responded firmly, "Name the profile Merlin."
"Profile named Merlin created successfully. Welcome, Mr. Merlin, to the Matrix Quantum Computer!"
The voice had become smoother and more pleasant, radiating a warm, welcoming tone.
Sitting still on the high-backed wooden chair, Merlin's expression remained calm, but his eyes flickered, revealing his excitement. For a spellcaster, crafting a suitable spell model could take decades of calculations, and even then, many would find their results unsatisfactory. Constructing a spell model drained countless hours and resources, yet now, with Matrix, representing the pinnacle of his previous world's technology, Merlin saw a chance to avoid the time-consuming struggles.
"First things first, let's see if 'Matrix' can really assist with these spell models."
Though excited, Merlin remained rational and focused. He knew that his priority was to put Matrix to the test by running it on the spell models.
"Matrix, create a Fireball spell database."
Matrix began scanning immediately, recording the dozen or so Fireball spell models Aita had spent years perfecting into its database.
"Fireball database created successfully."
"Analyze these spell models!" Merlin commanded.
Matrix began its calculations. Its processing speed was unimaginable, quickly generating over ten thousand potential models based on Aita's work, with the number steadily increasing.
"Ding. Analysis complete. A total of 186,519 models constructed."
Merlin was taken aback. Over 180,000 spell models had been generated from Aita's original few—Matrix's sheer computational power was astounding. Such an exhaustive analysis and output were beyond any human mind's capabilities.
Merlin knew that not all these models would suit him; he needed to filter out the most stable and effective models.
He considered his priorities: stability first, then spell power. Stability would ensure his model was less likely to collapse in his mind, making it the best choice as a foundation.
Merlin closed his eyes and, with a steady rhythm, tapped his fingers on the desk, a habit he had whenever contemplating a decision.
After some thought, he reopened his eyes and instructed, "Matrix, filter the spell models in the database, selecting only those with stability ratings surpassing Model One."
Model One was the highly stable version Aita had created—a model designed to minimize the risk of mental collapse by emphasizing stability.
Matrix responded, "Filtering complete… Ding. A total of 138 models surpass Model One in stability."
Merlin was astonished. There were 138 models with greater stability than Aita's best model, constructed in mere seconds.
"Now, let's test for power," Merlin said, determined. "From the 138 models, select the one with explosive potential closest to Model Thirteen."
Model Thirteen was the most powerful of Aita's designs, though unstable and prone to collapse, which is why Aita had repeatedly warned against using it.
"Ding. No models meet the specified criteria."
Merlin frowned, slightly disappointed. Finding a model that combined both stability and extreme power was clearly a tall order. Realizing this, he revised his strategy.
"Filter for the model with the highest explosive power among the 138 options."
In his mind's eye, a highly intricate spell model emerged—the model Matrix had identified as the most suitable.
Satisfied, Merlin inquired further, "How does this model's power compare to Model Thirteen?"
"The projected power output of this model is approximately seventy percent of Model Thirteen."
"Seventy percent? That's good enough," Merlin thought, feeling a sense of relief. Aita's Model One paled in comparison.
Merlin closed his eyes and began examining the final model selected by Matrix. Not only did it offer impressive stability, but it also held a respectable level of power, balancing both attributes far better than Aita's models. With Matrix's assistance, Merlin now had a spell model optimized for his needs.
With the model chosen, the final task was to imprint it in his mind using mental energy. This step required unwavering focus and resilience, as any lapse could lead to failure.
Merlin steadied himself, knowing that Aita's notes mentioned his potential for mental strength. But to truly become a spellcaster, he had to complete this last step.
Closing his eyes, Merlin gathered his mental strength, beginning to replicate the Fireball spell model in his consciousness.
The Matrix-enhanced model was incredibly complex, with intersecting lines and curves. Replicating it mentally required an immense toll on his mental energy. As he attempted the mental simulation, he quickly felt the strain, a clear sign of his mental capacity being pushed to its limits.
One hour passed. Then another…
Outside, the first snowflakes began to fall, blanketing the surroundings in silence. Merlin remained focused, unaware of the cold creeping into his limbs as he continued to simulate the model in his mind.
Finally, after hours of concentrated effort, Merlin sensed a change.
Within his mental sphere, the spell model had taken shape, settling into his consciousness like a completed puzzle.
"It's done…"
Merlin opened his eyes, his voice trembling with excitement.
After three hours of intense focus, he had successfully imprinted the Fireball spell model in his mind.
As soon as the model solidified, Merlin felt a surge of warmth, as though a hidden energy was circulating around him.
With his eyes closed, he could visualize the Fireball model in his mental realm, spinning slowly and drawing faint embers of fiery energy toward it.
These fiery sparks reminded Merlin of the fire elementals he had once heard of.
Merlin recalled his conversation with his sister, where she had explained that fire elements could not be sensed without a fire affinity. Now, however, with the Fireball model imprinted, he could feel a constant stream of fire elements gravitating toward him, drawn into the spell model like a magnet in his mind, feeding it with boundless energy.