Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 820 - 761: Mental Synchronization

Lyle thought about more than just these things; he wanted Phantom to sever ties with the past, to find themselves in Posuwa and to preserve their own existence. Lyle also needed to consider their personal emotions, realizing that he is not Phantom’s nanny, but their leader, and Phantom’s corresponding identity was not his master but his subordinates, who have their own responsibilities and duties.

Such thoughts reminded Lyle of his conversation with Frost Wanderer Ash, and how Vaul committed to his loyalty to Naslan in his own way, with what seemed to Helena as trivial actions, yet he was permitted to continue in Posuwa’s Purgatory through sheer will.

Vaul to Naslan is like the Phantom to himself. The Phantom are not weak, but their innocence makes them hesitant and timid in their actions and perspectives. Unable to resist, unable to fight, they then flee and hide. Sometimes, this is even the best solution for self-preservation. Lyle thought so, and the scales of his mind tilted with each weighted word spoken. This time, Lyle realized he was truly thinking from the perspective of a member of the Phantom.

"Old man, the Phantom should do what they desire, supported by an effective and safe plan." He could offer help subtly in corners unnoticed by both Phantom and Exiles, filtering out real dangers with the power of Lyle Butler.

[The princess, with the help of the little fairy, returned to her kingdom and lived happily ever after.]

Foreseeing such a fairy-tale ending brought joy to Lyle’s heart, and the symbiotic Nia clapped her hands joyfully, making a sound like a cheerful little seal.

The Book of Omniscience lifted its spine, and Lyle’s smile eased the old man’s mood. A sense of familiarity arose, and the compliant Phantom, pleased with the promise, suggested, "All Phantom should listen to your heart, Lyle, they will find satisfaction in your warmth."

Mental Analysis, the psychic network connecting the tribe of Phantom, Lyle had been offline for a long time because their emotions were always maintained in a warm and inclusive atmosphere, like bathing in a sickly sweet honey pool. A small taste is wonderful, but indulgence is too cloying. And most of the time, Lyle did not need this feeling; nerves buzzing with abnormality did not need to be led but suppressed.

Today’s Phantom network was gloomy and cold, like a lump of icing melting in the rain, struck hard by Lyle’s earlier words, a mood of self-doubt and dejection was spreading like a contagion in the minds. How a few words could make the Phantom collectively introverted.

Perhaps he was a bit too harsh, Lyle felt guilty, but such reproach would at most be a light shower compared to the debriefing session at the Necromancer Figure Club, with Andrey’s nurtured social skills, it was a dimension-reducing blow to the Phantom tribe.

[My caring for you made me lose my sanity, and I am sorry, my kin. After consulting with the Book of Omniscience, I have accepted his views. The Phantom tribe should extend a helping hand to anyone as much as they are able, and since Rosa Yesh has come to us for help, we cannot turn a blind eye. Stonemason, Snake, Brook Maiden, lead your friends to help the Exiles, be safe, and be careful on the way. Apologize to the frightened Miss Rosa for me.]

Lyle omitted some unfriendly details, polishing his tone in a beautifying way. This wasn’t out of vanity, but because Phantom were more receptive to happy outcomes. They always put themselves in others’ shoes, assuming everyone is friendly, inclusive, and understanding, especially their own leader. To put it bluntly, after Lyle joined the tribe of Phantom, they considered him a saint, and any unpleasantness before was but a minor setback before a saint’s great realization.

The haven came alive completely, the excited Phantom leading Rosa away, and Rosa, who did not understand the psychic network, seemed somewhat panicked by the vast simulation of the Phantom. A few Phantom stayed behind, which somewhat surprised Lyle who remained in the empty atrium.

"Everyone has their own duties," said Wall Monster and Mumu with their usual energy, just as they were the first time they met Lyle, "Our responsibility is to guard this haven and to offer every traveler who comes here an apple, or a joke."

Lyle shared their joy with ease, and his Quad-Lock ability improved. Mental Analysis originated from the tribe, and there were many ways to upgrade abilities. Strengthening the tribe’s power, enhancing the tribe’s skills, or, improving the tribe’s recognition of themselves.

Mental Analysis Enhancement: A high recognition by the Phantom granted Lyle the same psychic perception abilities as they have. Instantly penetrating an individual’s psychic network, sensing emotions and mental abnormalities. When the entire state of one’s mind is known, mental control becomes very easy, although Phantom have never intended to enslave minds.

A storm of the mind howled through the haven, the cumulus clouds in the sky still a bright warm red, but no one could feel the warmth in this gentle scene. The nature harmonized and beautified by Phantom was chilling to the bone, the abnormal mental touch was like experiencing a hallucination firsthand.

Lyle felt connections, atop his dominion of the Phantom network, there was another fragile yet tight net.

Evil God Network.

A higher divine consciousness, like a dazzling morning star in the chaotic ocean of the subconscious, calling out from afar, lonely yet conspicuous.

One dim star, buried in the tide.

One parasitic lone star, fragmented.

Beyond these two, Lyle’s consciousness was connected with Nia and Ominous, becoming the proudest existence in the entire network, transcending time and space and obstacles, they knew each other.

"Triton and Serio..." Lyle whispered.

"Fool and Thief..." Ominous spared no malice.

"Food and Food..." Nia as well.