Mage Adam

In reality, users didn't need to interact directly with the operating system; it managed the computer's hardware resources and allocated them based on application requests.

However, those functions might not fit well in the Mage World. There was no internet or software companies offering application downloads, so the operating system had to include features that catered to most mages. Otherwise, no one would want to implant a useless foreign object into their body or soul.

So, Adam needed to integrate practical functions directly into the operating system, like energy quantification, language translation, combat power detection, calculation assistance, and material analysis.

Once implemented, these features would greatly benefit mages. Yet, Adam believed the most crucial aspect wasn't these functions but big data.

The Mage World had its own network---the Mage Network---but only formal mages could connect, and access required permissions. Despite its many restrictions, it was undeniably the largest database in the entire ether void.

Mages might not understand the concept of big data, but over their hundreds of thousands of years of development, they have been engaging in similar activities.

The Mage Network stored vast amounts of data, including knowledge necessary for mages to advance and construct spells, as well as the history of mages, their understanding of the void, and explorations of other planes.

This enormous amount of data quietly resided in the Mage Network. Accessing it required appropriate permissions and meticulous searching, which was undeniably inefficient.

Adam aimed to create a product that could enhance this efficiency significantly.

He wanted to collaborate with the Mage Network to compile and categorize knowledge. Mages could use a search engine built into the chip to easily find the information they needed, potentially advancing to cloud computing.

If these ideas succeeded, they would greatly improve the lives and combat capabilities of mages. For apprentices, it would serve as an incredibly powerful tool, almost like a cheat code. It was likely that the limitations of talent would shrink, making it easier for all apprentices to advance to full mages.

This would be Adam's first real step towards changing the world.

For the next five days, Adam immersed himself in his research. The foundation of all his ideas depended on having at least one finished product, which he could use to persuade His Holiness and the Mage Council.

The chip would inevitably blur existing permission mechanisms, so it needed to demonstrate real value to be accepted by those in power.

Just then, Priscilla approached Adam.

"Since I became a transdimensional mage, I've been in charge of the Trials of War for the Fifth Tower, and this time is no exception." Priscilla handed a drink to Adam and continued, "Although the trials aren't starting yet, the frequent ether tides have sped up the apprentices' advancement. So, the Tower decided to hold the trials early."

"So, you're here to ask me something?" Adam replied.

"I need you to join the command center for this Trials of War and manage everything before and after the event."

Adam frowned, reluctant to take on what felt like a trivial task compared to his research.

"This time, we need to merge ten islands, and it's too vast for just level-three mages to handle. I know it seems excessive, but the Tower is short-staffed. Most level-four mages are tied up with the plane wars, so we need your help," Priscilla explained.

"What about the Joint Research Institute?"

"That can wait; it's only a few months."

Sighing internally, Adam realized he couldn't escape this task. "What do you need me to do?"

"Work with other level-four mages to merge the islands and capture all level-three and above anti-mages hiding there. If we finish quickly, we can move the trial date up."

Adam narrowed his eyes. "What if they resist?"

"Then eliminate them."

...

The next day, in the Tower's mission hall, Adam met the other partners for the task. Seven level-four mages were present, all eager to get started.

"I was ready to join the fight against the Devouring Diluses. What bad luck to be delayed," one mage complained. "Let's exchange communicator numbers. We need to coordinate to finish quickly."

"Wait, Adam? The one who discovered the Devouring Diluses?" the first mage exclaimed as they exchanged numbers.

Adam nodded.

The group's mood shifted to enthusiasm. They crowded around him, asking about the Diluses and the war, with a few eager to share valuable information.

One calm mage stopped the chatter and pulled out a sea chart. "We can discuss intel after the mission. Right now, we need to merge islands and catch the anti-mages. The merging center is Island One. Any thoughts?"

The group gathered around the map, noting the ten islands. Their distances made resolving everything at once impossible.

"We'll have to split up. Let's catch the anti-mages first; otherwise, it'll get complicated," one mage suggested, pointing to a larger island. "I'll take Island Five."

With the seven mages dividing the remaining nine islands, two were left vacant. After a moment of thought, Adam said, "I'll take Islands Eight, Nine, and Ten."

There was no doubt among the group; no one thought this task would be dangerous. They were glad to let someone else handle the trouble.

The first mage said, "If anyone finishes quickly, go support Adam." He handed each person a pocket-sized cage. "The captured anti-mages can be kept here temporarily; the Tower will handle them after the trials. Any questions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Then let's get moving. The sooner we finish, the sooner we're done." He stepped onto the teleportation array and vanished.

Adam followed him onto the array, and in an instant, he found himself hovering over the ocean. Before him lay an island even larger than Ceylon Island.

Dark, swirling negative energy hovered above and around it, creating an eerie atmosphere.