NSLICE-00P analyzed the results of the Ritual Magic test while her monsters recovered. In summary, the technique had mixed results for her. Ritual Magic increased the complexity of the cast by requiring interface between many different mana sources in exchange for combining the mana pools of the participants. But combining mana pools was not necessary for NSLICE-00P. She already had the largest mana reserves by far among the NSLICE units, and that was before the New World increased them by a thousand. Likewise, NSLICE-00P also had the fastest mana regeneration, made even faster by the stronger connection to the Source she established while escaping from the Realm of Eternal Night. And finally, NSLICE-00P had significantly higher mana-density as well, which made her spells notably more powerful than the same spell cast by any of her subordinates. So for NSLICE-00P, Ritual Magic might actually be a downgrade, given that participating units would run out of mana before her.

There was, however, still some benefit to this exercise. While the Ritual Magic itself was not that efficient, she did note that subordinate units could contribute processing resources to forming and maintaining the magic circles via the NSLICE network. That could have benefits when NSLICE-00P needed to split her attention. In particular, with her expanded mana pool, additional processing resources could allow her to Multicast significantly more magic circles than might otherwise be possible.

And while not as useful to herself, the linked mana pool could be a powerful tool for her subordinates if they were engaging an opponent without her. It would grant them access to parts of the magical arsenal stored in the NSLICE protocol database that they lacked the mana to cast on their own.

All in all it was still a beneficial addition to the network’s capabilities, with potential if she could modify its behavior. If, for example, she could determine a way to give her subordinates access to her mana, then hypothetically the firepower of any given unit in the network would become equivalent to her own. This was not currently possible, classified documents on Ritual magic in the Imperial Library stated that the caster leading the Ritual needed mana density on par with or higher then all of the participants to avoid injury from mana overload. But it was something NSLICE-00P could investigate and iterate on. After all, mana from her core already flowed through each and every one of her subordinates without causing them harm, so it should be possible for them to access consciously.

It was certainly worth pursuing.

At that moment, Colleöne and Ateia stepped over to NSLICE-00P.

“NSLICE-00P, could we have a moment of your time? We could use your help for Ateia’s next lesson.”

“Affirmative. Command: All NSLICE units besides this unit and NSLICE-Ateia may follow personal routines and directives.”

As the monsters scattered to rest or continue training, NSLICE-00P walked with Colleöne and Ateia. Colleöne then turned and nodded at the pair.

“Thank you for joining us, NSLICE-00P. Ateia has now learned to mold her power like when the Aesdes were assisting her, she has learned to connect with the power of Elséró flowing through the world, and she has learned to focus herself within it. It is now time for her to learn how to direct that power. She has already started that process with Taog, though only in that she reached out to him and let him access a bit of the world’s mana in the process. We will now refine that technique, and as she is connected to you, you are the best option to receive her power. Are you willing to help us with this?”

“Affirmative.”

Colleöne and Ateia smiled at that. Colleöne turned to Ateia and nodded.

“Ok Ateia, like we practiced, reach out to the power of Elséró once again.”

Ateia nodded and closed her eyes. Her wings began to glow slightly as she connected to the streams of Holy mana once more. Her expression twitched a bit as memories of the cult’s ritual accosted her, but having succeeded at this task before she was able to brush them aside. The memories grew fainter each time she did this.

Colleöne smiled at the sight.

“Good. Now, direct your thoughts upon NSLICE-00P. Once you see her through the world instead of your eyes, ask that the world would support her. Choose one aspect to enhance, and envision how the world might aid her.”

Ateia nodded. NSLICE-00P’s sensors began to light up. Streams of Holy mana gradually appeared all around her, attempting to connect with her mana. As NSLICE-00P was aware of the cause, she did not attempt any resistance. The mana connected and began to pour into her.

Ateia recalled the memory of NSLICE-00P battling the Dobhar, when she casted magic across the entire battlefield. She imagined the power of the world expanding the magic circle that lit up the sky, of NSLICE-00P’s mana surging and growing.

The power of the world reacted.

You have received a Blessing of Mana! Total mana, mana regen, and mana density increased for the duration!