NOVPUBWith the cracking and peeling of the surface crystal stones of several materials, it was time for the crucial part of the process—enchanting and transforming the raw materials, using them as the cornerstone to lay out the magic circuit, and extending the magic techniques to carry a large and intricate energy network.
The entire process required the participants to be dedicated and well-coordinated to ensure success.
Lanci wielded the pen and scalpel with incredibly precise strokes, while Talia branded each rune beside him, embedding them into the circuit lines.
Texts of humans and demons interwove into a bizarre pattern, dense like a spider web, constantly squirming and extending.
The air was filled with fluctuations of magic power, causing even Cat Boss, separated by a barrier, to start feeling dizzy.
But this time, their cooperation was especially good, fully focused, oblivious to the outside world as if the flow of time had frozen.
This time, they did not work in their usual coordinated manner or pay attention to syncing with each other.
Instead, each focused on their tasks, completing what was needed by the other or proactively guiding the other when necessary.
It was just like the consensus they reached during the decisive battle in the Posen Demon Realm that night.
As the card making advanced, the trajectory of the magic power circulating within the card became clear, arrays began to take shape, and the whole structure seemed mesmerizing, yet deadly traps lurked within. If it exceeded its load limit, it could collapse at any moment, potentially unleashing catastrophic destruction.
"This time, it seems we can directly proceed to finish the cardmaking?" Lanci asked Talia, his gaze perpetually fixed on his work, an undertone of surprise in his voice.
Their practice tonight had gone unusually smooth, as if they had each found a user manual for the other.
Moreover, Talia had become more accommodating to him. Whenever he encountered difficulties, she would directly control his body, while letting him take over hers to handle slightly simpler tasks.
Previously, they had never reached this stage.
If they continued like this, it might no longer be mere practice, but actual use of Calila’s Shadow Weave Record.
"Are you sure?" Talia didn’t stop; she just responded in her mind.
In a few more steps, they would need to incorporate Calila’s Shadow Weave Record, and they couldn’t afford to fail then.
"Strike while the iron is hot. Now that we’re in good shape, we should continue," Lanci said.
"Okay," Talia responded without hesitation, following his lead.
For an ordinary cardmaker, if the magic card showed signs of instability, they might decide to stop and gather more data, checking if previous steps needed refinement.
But Lanci believed in going with the momentum when the player was in good form.
Missing out on a miracle could mean losing it forever, and he was determined to see this card through to the end, regardless of the risks.
Usually, similar signs of imminent failure appeared every time a card exploded during his previous attempts; the magic cards would often flicker ominously before fully forming, the structure trembling and tottering on the brink.
Now with Talia there, the instability of the magic card was actually much less severe compared to when Lanci used to make cards with Great Love Poet.
Based on Lanci’s judgment, the success rate was high.
No one knew better than him when a magic card would explode and when it would not.
Talia trusted Lanci and calmly moved on to the next calibration step.
Once ready, Calila’s Shadow Weave Record was introduced.
The touchingly cold, faceted orb appeared in Lanci’s hands, each facet seemingly carefully crafted by Calila herself, its pale blue hue gently transitioning. From the center to the edges, the color gradually became softer, reminiscent of ocean wave lights.
Though the two no longer spoke, they understood that the real challenge had begun.
This material was very special; it could induce hallucinations due to bursts of magic power during use.
If one of them fell into hallucination, the other had to control their body and continue the process.
Otherwise, even a momentary lapse could lead to all their efforts being wasted.
Talia, without a word, locked down the magic circuit, sealing off all avenues of retreat, well aware that this card could disintegrate in their hands at any moment.
If necessary, they would even relinquish control of their bodies, ready to manipulate the other’s body at any time.
Cat Boss was astounded; it had never seen such card-making cooperation.
Lanci and Talia seemed to not even look at each other, nor were they concerned about each other’s progress; they just communicated through their actions—
"If you’re not a dud, then in the next step, we will definitely meet at the right spot."
If Lanci’s collaboration with Great Love Poet seemed like one soul controlling two bodies, the cooperation between Lanci and Talia felt even more like two souls controlling one body.
Either person could use the body of the other, as long as it was correct.
It was as if they had transcended their physical forms, merely two souls working together.
As the minute hand circled, the brewing potency within the workshop intensified.
"Meow meow meow!" Cat Boss was so frightened its fur stood on end.
Lanci and Talia had destroyed countless cards during this period, seeming to fail repeatedly. However, each attempt was a preparation for today; they understood too well where each other might encounter problems—even guessing what might cause clashes in the incomplete steps.
This time, the fluctuation of magic power, once exploded, was unlike any before.
