Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree-Chapter 608: Cognitive Core

"This is your Limiter’s token, please keep it safe. It serves as identification and can be used as a key at certain facilities."

Duke received the badge, Spirit slightly probed it and sensed the precise authentication magic and the official aura of the Empire within.

The practicality of this reward exceeded his expectations, essentially opening many convenient doors for his activities within the Empire.

"Secondly," Director Kyle continued, pointing to another item on the tray, "This is an additional personal reward given to you by the center, in recognition of your outstanding performance. It is a specially crafted auxiliary creation that combines the Empire’s top alchemy technology and the wisdom of a Mechanical Wizard, the Thought Core·Prototype."

Duke’s gaze fell upon the item.

It is about half a palm in size, with the main body being a deep blue gemstone with multiple facets, within which liquid starlight slowly flows. The gemstone is meticulously wrapped and fixed with countless gold and silver Mithril threads thinner than hair, on a platinum base that has tiny gears silently meshing and rotating continuously.

The overall look is both like a delicate piece of art and a highly complex mystical instrument.

"The Thought Core," Kyle explained, "is an auxiliary tool that only high-level researchers or prominent individuals of the Empire are equipped with. Although what you have is a simplified prototype, its core value lies in its structure and potential.

It can securely encrypt and store vast amounts of data, including text, images, magic model structural diagrams, with efficiency far surpassing ordinary Memory Crystals.

It includes multiple sets of Empire’s basic and advanced calculation models, aiding you in complex spell calculations, alchemy formula deductions, mechanical structure analysis, and more.

Most importantly, it has limited but direct access authority, capable of wireless connection with Empire’s public information network and certain internal databases open to Limiter, for real-time data queries, information filtering, and even receiving some directed authoritative academic or mission briefs.

Its operation is entirely through Spiritual Power linking, driven by intention, making it an excellent companion to enhance research and action efficiency."

Duke picked up the Thought Core·Prototype, it felt warm and smooth in his hand with a moderate weight.

When he tried to probe a strand of Spiritual Power into it, the starlight within the deep blue gemstone slightly accelerated in its flow, and the miniature gears on the base adjusted their rotation rhythm.

A clear, concise, and mechanically aesthetic stereoscopic operation interface directly mapped onto his consciousness, feeling incredibly natural and smooth, as if a new organ of his thoughts extended outward.

"The Seville Empire indeed has its unique aspects," Duke internally praised, the value of this reward, in a certain sense, even more enticing than the Limiter identity; it directly connects to the Empire’s knowledge network, greatly assisting his future learning and research.

Director Kyle observed Duke’s expression, and added, "Regarding the unknown energy disturbance and protocol-outside events recorded by the system during the final stage of your challenge..."

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "The center’s technical team has conducted an initial investigation, confirming no system faults or external interference. Considering your Limiter identity and achieved accomplishments, management decided not to pursue, and related abnormal data has been sealed per the highest confidentiality protocol.

We respect every strong individual’s potential to possess tactics or depth that exceed conventional understanding, we only hope that you can minimize triggering similar system disorders when using the center’s facilities."

Kyle’s words carried a subtle hint of helplessness and reminder.

Duke calmly nodded, "I understand, this challenge has been fruitful, thank you for the center’s reward and understanding."

He had no intention of explaining Destiny Bell, the other’s attitude conveniently spared him the trouble.

"Then, the procedures are complete." Director Kyle displayed a slightly formal smile, "You can rest here briefly or directly exit through the internal passageway to avoid outside attention. We look forward to your next visit. Additionally, as a Limiter, you will enjoy a thirty percent discount on all expenses within this center starting today."

A moment later, Duke quietly left the still bustling training center through a quiet employee passageway. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Standing on the street of Anvil Castle as dusk fell, staring at the scene starkly different from the West Coast, he felt a sense of separation, as if the city’s hustle and bustle and light and shadow were somewhat distant from him.

...

Gear Heart Hotel, thirty-seventh floor, room 3708.

The heavy metal door silently closed behind Duke, completely isolating the noise and light and shadow from Anvil Castle’s street. The room’s constant comfortable temperature and humidity and soft lighting wrapped around him, slightly soothing his mental fatigue and tension.

He had just placed the Limiter badge and the Thought Core on the workbench, preparing to first handle the grime and virtual battle-induced spiritual tiredness on his body, when the floating auxiliary light ball in the corner lightly flew over, emitting a synthesized female voice:

"Honored guest Duke, detected your return. During your absence, the hotel management system received real-time identity information updates from the Seville Empire’s public service network."

"According to the ’Empire’s Outstanding Contributor Privilege Act’ and Gear Heart Group’s internal protocol, guests holding Limiter identity automatically enjoy a permanent seventy percent discount for consumption at all of this group’s industries, as well as privileges such as priority upgrades and late check-out.

Review of consumption record:

Original stay fee: Precision suite, 10 days, 500 standard magic stones per day, totaling 5000 magic stones.

Discount recalculation: Applicable seventy percent discount, final fee is 3500 magic stones."

Almost simultaneously as the light ball announced, the window used for meals in the room automatically returned fifteen hundred magic stones.

"Discount has been applied, refund confirmed, wishing you a pleasant stay at Gear Heart." The light ball finished broadcasting, slowly drifted back to the corner waiting.

Duke slightly nodded, saving the magic stones wasn’t a fortune, but any savings is appreciated, and the convenience brought by this privilege is tangible.

He didn’t dwell much on this little episode, his gaze quickly returned to the workbench where the two newly acquired items lay.

The dark silver Limiter badge was set aside for the moment, his attention was entirely captivated by the exquisite Thought Core·Prototype.

In the training center, he only had a rough sense, now in the quiet and private room, he truly began to carefully examine and attempt deeper linking.

He picked up this creation combining alchemy gemstone and micro-mechanics perfectly, once again gently probed a strand of calm and focused Spiritual Power into it.

The liquid starlight within the deep blue multi-faceted gemstone seemed awakened, its flow speed increased, emitting a deeper and more captivating luster.

The barely audible gear meshing sound on the platinum base became a bit clearer, the rhythm of operation seemed to be seeking resonance with Duke’s mental fluctuation.