Infinite Mage

Arcane was aware that someone had infiltrated his dungeon the previous night. However, he didn't care. Countless people had tried to invade the dungeon of an archmage like him, only to end up as corpses, victims of monsters or traps.

Putting aside his fleeting thoughts, Arcane refocused on his research. Recently, he had been delving into the effects of dark magic on memory. Suddenly, his writing stopped. He took off his glasses and looked towards the door as the mechanisms were being rapidly disabled. This was no ordinary intruder.

"Seems like a big catch this time."

For Arcane, who could stay holed up in his dungeon for years, intruders served as a form of entertainment. And today, it seemed like a rather interesting individual had taken the bait.

The sound of a heavy door opening echoed as Arcane glanced at his clock. Exactly 32 hours, 28 minutes, and 5 seconds. That was the time taken to dismantle the traps and reach him from the entrance.

"Are you the archmage, Viltor Arcane?"

A bloodied man stood before him. Handsome and with eyes sparkling with resolve.

"You don't seem like someone after wealth. Who are you?"

"I am Alpheas Myrhe. I had to come personally since there was no other way to meet you."

"Ah?"

Arcane's eyebrows raised in interest. Even secluded in his dungeon, he was not ignorant of the world's affairs. He had already come across Alpheas's theory of Photonics through covert channels.

"A mage of light seeking a mage of darkness. Quite an unusual event. Sit down. I'll heal you."

Arcane activated a life-sustaining device. Alpheas, submerged in a tank filled with a green liquid, quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Three hours later.

"Puhah! Haak!"

Alpheas jerked upright out of the liquid. It was a close call to suffocation. How could he have fallen asleep under these circumstances? As he turned his head, he saw Arcane writing at his desk, looking more like a scholarly academic than the continent-tormenting archmage.

"Thank you for the treatment. It's an impressive device. I'm curious about its principle."

"No need to beat around the bush. It doesn't change the fact you're an uninvited guest. Tell me why you're here."

If someone was driven by curiosity and interest, there was no need to prolong the conversation.

Alpheas got straight to the point.

"I want to learn dark magic. Please accept me as your disciple."

"Ah?"

The idea of Alpheas, the hottest topic in the world of magic, asking to be his disciple intrigued Arcane, even with his status.

"Do you have a special reason?"

"I have a wife, but she has intellectual disabilities. I've heard about your research on embedding memories using dark magic, and I want to give her my memories."

Arcane's eyes twinkled. They both thoroughly understood each other's expertise, so no extended explanations were needed.

"I've done considerable research on memory manipulation. But what you're asking for is a different dimension. There's the issue of personality, and above all, it's about transferring an entire life's memories."

"I believe it's possible. Combining the absorptive nature of dark magic with the information-transmitting capabilities of photons, couldn't we create a virtual intelligence?"

"Hmm, constructing the neural network with photon magic and then infusing it with memories?"

It was indeed a novel idea. Until now, photon magic had been as limited as time magic, but with the revelation of Photonics, Arcane anticipated it would soon excel in the field of information.

"Before examining the theory, one question. Has your wife consented to this experiment?"

"Not yet. But I'm sure she will agree."

"A story behind it, I presume."

Alpheas shared his story, leading up to why he sought out Arcane. Understanding his situation, Arcane found the proposal intriguing and genuinely brilliant. After a day of discussion and theoretical examination, they both agreed on the feasibility of the idea.

"Very well. If you're truly prepared to bet your life on this, I'll accept you as my disciple. But convincing your family won't be easy."

Becoming the disciple of an archmage, yet Alpheas was also from a prestigious family. It seemed unlikely he would abandon a guaranteed future at the Department of Thunder Magic and enter a dimly lit research lab.

However, Alpheas had no alternative plans. If Erina was unhappy, so was he. All he wanted was her happiness.

"Thank you. I'll bring my family here soon."

After returning home, Alpheas consulted with Erina, with Klumph also present. Alpheas emphasized the potential to treat Erina's intellectual future. Klumph immediately objected.

"Alpheas, what are you saying? Why would you go to such a person? He's a criminal!"

"Such things don't matter to a mage. What's important is that he has the deepest understanding of dark magic on the continent. He's also well-versed in human memory and brain structure. It won't be a loss."

"No, it will be. You're bewitched. Implanting memories in the human brain? Impossible!"

"Klumph, your thoughts..."

"Yes! I'm dumb! Not as smart or genius as you! But even I know this: you're throwing away a stroke of luck. Associating with him might even cancel your entry into Thunder. What about your family? They'll surely disown you!"

Alpheas was aware of these risks but had already made his decision.

"It doesn't matter. Those things can't determine my life. Thunder, family, I don't need them. As long as Erina is happy, I can be much happier than now."

Erina pondered. But Alpheas's final words had essentially made the decision. If her husband was happy, so was she.

"Honey, I'll do it."

"Missus! This is something that needs careful consideration."

"I will do it because I trust my husband. Alpheas will make me happy."

"Of course! Who am I? A mage who won the Gold Circle. And my master is an archmage. Together, we can easily fix any weakness of yours."

Despite Klumph's daily attempts to persuade Alpheas, the couple's determination was unshakable. Eventually, Alpheas settled all his affairs and entered Arcane's dungeon with Erina.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Viltor Arcane."

"Hello, my husband has been indebted to you."

Erina greeted him politely. Now that her husband's mentor was here, she couldn't afford to act carelessly.

Arcane, however, reassured her in a nonchalant manner.

"Don't worry too much. I've been delving into this field for decades. You've made a big decision. If successful, many with mental illnesses can be cured. Your husband will gain a reputation unparalleled by his work in Thunder."

Becoming the disciple of an archmage meant regaining everything Alpheas had sacrificed. Erina considered it worthwhile, seeing the potential reward.

For two years, Alpheas stayed in the dungeon, working on transferring memories to Erina. Arcane, adept at experimental work, provided rational care, allowing Erina to stay in the dungeon without significant discomfort.

"Hey, Missus. How are you feeling?"

Klumph visited weekly, bringing food. The busy couple, especially Erina, couldn't be expected to endure poor meals.

"I'm fine. The experiment is almost over. Soon, my husband can return to the world."

Klumph laughed heartily. Despite the hardship of the past two years, Erina had borne it well. Yet, it was bittersweet; her lower intelligence didn't diminish the value of her heart, which sacrificed for her husband.

Hearing of Klumph's arrival, Alpheas joined them, looking increasingly gaunt each visit.

"Thanks for coming every time."

"How's the experiment? Any progress?"

"Nearly complete. Clinical trials were a success. Next month, Erina can finally escape the disdainful glares."

"Next month? That quick?"

"What are you saying? It's been two long years. We've been working day and night with the master. You must come on that day. Bring plenty of booze instead of food."

As the month passed, everyone anxiously awaited the day of the experiment.

Erina lay on the bed, waiting. With Arcane and Alpheas busy checking equipment, Klumph kept her company, easing her tension.

"Missus, how do you feel? After today, you'll have Alpheas's memories. Even those embarrassing moments from his childhood. Be sure to check if he ever had a roving eye. Hahaha!"

Erina burst into laughter at Klumph's joke. The atmosphere was tense but positive. A day that felt like everything would go right, and the equipment was all set.

"Let's start, Erina."

Alpheas lay beside Erina, stroking her hair. He could give her his memories because he loved her. Embarrassing or shameful, it didn't matter to her.

"Thank you, honey."

"Don't mention it. I should be the one thanking you. You've been so strong. Let's be happy. Have kids too."

Alpheas wondered if his smile looked forced. Truthfully, he was incredibly nervous. Arcane approached, attaching a device to their heads. The experiment was a culmination of various fields: magical engineering, magical biology, alchemy, photonics, and human biology.

"Starting now. Relax. It will be over soon."

As Arcane activated the machine, Klumph walked to a corner, anxiously rubbing his hands. The clanking of mechanical parts filled the room, with dozens of components working and crystals lighting up chaotically.

Alpheas willingly accepted the dark magic infiltrating his mind.

The principle was simple: Alpheas's memories were absorbed through dark magic and then transmitted to Erina's memory using photon output.

"Ugh!"

Erina's eyes widened. The influx of massive information made her eyes spark. From Alpheas's earliest memory to their recent conversation, all his life's moments were being transmitted at the speed of light.

Erina faintly smiled. It felt like truly becoming one with Alpheas.

'Thank you, honey. And I love you.'

She closed her eyes, content. There were no regrets. Born into the world, she had received more love than deserved.

Meeting Alpheas... was a blessing.

The light faded, signaling the experiment's end. Arcane checked the panel. A 100% transfer rate. All memories had been perfectly conveyed.

"Honey! Honey!"

Alpheas turned to Erina. She looked pale and sweaty.

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