Noland woke up after a much-needed sleep, feeling the vitality gradually returning to his body. The day before had drained him, not in a physical sense, but more so mentally. He prided himself on his resilience, but hunting wasn’t his true passion—even if the thrill of his first successful venture had been exhilarating. The rush of adrenaline and the satisfaction of accomplishing what he set out to do had been memorable, but it was just a momentary distraction from his deeper goals.
Reflecting on his day, Noland couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. His haul had exceeded all expectations, far surpassing what the original owner could ever manage. He had successfully hunted a few wild creatures—stronger than the typical animals one might find back on Earth. Though he refrained from labeling them as ''monsters'' since they were devoid of any mana, he had learned quickly that these animals were formidable in their own right.
“Nano, is it complete?” he asked Nano, his mind racing with anticipation.
[Yes]
A thrill coursed through him. “Haha. Show me what you’ve got!”
Sitting up abruptly, Noland called upon Nano to reveal the status of their latest experiment. This was a pivotal moment for him; this wasn’t just about the hunt anymore. This was his chance to embrace a new path—one that involved not just survival, but true power. As the saying went, “only diamond can cut through diamond”; only those with mana could ever hope to overcome other mana users, known as Mages.
[Mana Particle Experiment completed]
A wave of excitement surged through him. But then, the next message sent a jolt of confusion shocking through his system.
[It is detected that Mana can be used to upgrade the Nano Machine. After the upgrade, the host can harness mana and its future applications.]
Noland paused, momentarily overwhelmed.
[Do you wish to start the upgrading?]
“Wait a minute. What? What are you even talking about?”
Noland’s heart raced as bewilderment washed over him. When had it reached this point? He hadn’t even had time to process the incredible implications when Nano pressed him to initiate the upgrade. He inhaled deeply, attempting to shake off the disorientation.
[After the successful experiment of the Mana particles, the Nano Machine can utilize it to enhance its functions and undergo an upgrade]
Noland was left astonished by the sudden emergence of an upgrade for the Nano Machine. Initially, Nano had merely been conducting experiments to explore the properties of mana and its potential applications, so the prospect of an upgrade completely caught him off guard.
“Using mana to enhance technology? It’s a fascinating concept,” Noland mused, a flicker of skepticism crossing his mind.
“But surely, it can''t be that straightforward. If I remember correctly, there’s a language known as the Runic Language in this world, capable of crafting various artifacts and only that language can be used to enhance the properties of any material. However, one must grasp the language to leverage its power effectively.”
As he pondered this, a wave of confusion washed over him. He was determined to find clarity, so he chose to directly inquire with Nano about the phenomenon.
[Upon realizing that the mana particle experiment had succeeded, Nano revealed a groundbreaking revelation: mana was not just a mystical energy source but could also serve as a substitute for the Host''s own energy. An enigmatic force had supplied this transformative information, indicating that as long as Nano absorbed mana from its surroundings, it was poised for profound evolution]
“What do you mean by an unknown force? What could this entity possibly be? Is it the will of the world itself? Or perhaps a fundamental law of this realm? Does it truly offer guidance for an upgrade without any strings attached?” Noland’s mind swirled with questions, each deeper and more perplexing than the last.
[An Unknown Wil transferring knowledge]
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[An Unknown Will providing an evolution path]
Noland read the notifications shown by Nano and his expressions became a bit solemn. The intricacies of this new world were truly mind-boggling, a realm of magic and mystery that he barely understood. Choosing to set aside these thoughts for a moment, he pressed on with another pressing question that gnawed at him.
“What will happen after the upgrade?”
[Upon completion of the upgrade, the Nano Machine will assist you in unlocking mana-related abilities, granting you access to wielding mana much like a Mage]
“Incredible! So, does that mean I’ll be able to cast spells and harness magical abilities, even before my full awakening?”
Noland''s heart raced at the implication of those words. The thrill of possibility surged within him, igniting his imagination about the adventures that lay ahead.
[Indeed. During the upgrade, the Host will also undergo an awakening process, enabling you to perform various applications that exploit the powers of mana]
As anticipation swelled within him, Noland felt a flush of exhilaration. For as long as he could remember, he had daydreamed about wielding magic like a true Mage. Now, the chance he had long craved was tantalizingly close.
But once again his mind momentarily flickered with doubt. “But… I’m not at the typical age to experience this awakening. Why would I be able to awaken early?”
[There is no information concerning the reason for this premature awakening. The answer can only be discovered post-upgrade]
Frustrated but undeterred, Noland snapped back with resolve, “Then what are we waiting for? Start the upgrade now!”
The decision crystallized within him—there was no room for hesitation or second-guessing. Driven by an insatiable longing for the power and potential that awaited, he embraced the moment. As he prepared for the transformation that lay ahead, Noland felt the weight of destiny upon him, a thrilling promise of unknown magic yearning to be unleashed.
[Nano Machine will go into hibernation along with the host.]
A flicker of uncertainty danced at the edge of his mind, but he quickly pushed it aside.
[Starting the Upgrade]
As the world around him began to fade and the familiar sensation of energy enveloped him, he could barely make out the final message. That last fleeting thought lingered unspoken on his lips, a mere whisper, before darkness enveloped him entirely.
Noland fell back into unconsciousness, knowing that a monumental transformation awaited him. He could only hope the change would be worth it. At the same time, the mana from the surrounding started to rush toward his body entering through the pores of the skin and then flowing through the body to vanish right into his very core, SOUL.
…
[Absorbing surrounding mana…1%]
…..
Noland woke up once again, but this time felt fundamentally different from his usual slumbers. It was as if he had been reborn; an unexplainable essence coursed through him, hinting that something had profoundly changed. As he sat upright, a surge of vitality enveloped him, breathing life into his senses with an intensity, much better than what he had experienced before.
He felt that within him, an awakening had occurred—his inner self was transformed, revitalized. Just then, a jolt of recognition electrified his mind, pulling him back into the present moment.
“Nano?” he called out, an instinctive thought sent spiraling into the recesses of his consciousness.
[Yes]
“How long have I been unconscious?” he asked, a sense of relief washing over him.
[It has been 7 days since the upgrade began. You have been in a state of unconsciousness the entire time.]
“What the…? Seven days? Isn’t that a bit excessive? So, I’m awake now—does that mean the upgrade is complete?” The knot of anxiety in his stomach tightened as he processed this alarming information.
[NPIH-Model 001 → NPIH-Model 002]
[Time taken for Upgrade: 7 Days]
Noland''s heart raced with anticipation. “So, what are the new functions after this upgrade? Can I use mana now?” His voice quivered slightly; the mention of mana stirred a long-held dream within him. He had always been fascinated by the mages of his town—those who wielded elemental forces like artisans molding clay—though he had never witnessed such magic for himself.
[After extensive experimentation, Nano has successfully integrated mana into its system. During the upgrade process, Nano absorbed ambient mana from your surroundings, utilizing your body as a conduit. All functions have been significantly enhanced]
As Nano elaborated, Noland listened intently, not wanting to miss a single detail. He couldn’t shake a peculiar sensation; the tone of Nano’s voice seemed to have shifted. Previously characterized by a sterile, machine-like quality, it now resonated with a hint of warmth and personality that was unfamiliar yet strangely comforting. Yet, he brushed aside these thoughts, focusing instead on the thrilling potential that lay ahead.
He summoned the notification panel that Nano had mentioned, eager to all the details that his cheat went through during his long slumber.
[An unknown Will detected]
[Unknown Will trying to connect to Nano Machine]
[Connection Successful]
[Nao Machine Upgrading Process]
-Step 1: Absorption of Mana
-Step 2: Evolutionary Upgrade
[Step 1 initiating]
[Absorbing surrounding mana…1%]
…
[Absorbing surrounding mana… 100%]
[Step 1 Complete]
[Step 2 Initiating]
[Nano Machine Upgrading…1%]
…
[Nano Machine Upgrading…100%]
[Step 2 Complete]
…
[An unknown Will performing awakening of the Host]
[Awakening Ceremony Beginning]
[Awakening Complete]
[Error]
[Error]
…
[Connection to the Unknown Will cut off]
[It is detected that the part of unknown will has been left behind]
[Assimilating the Unknown Will]
[Assimilation Complete]