Fantasia Library

Under Aizen's control, Ser-Veresta reverted to its activator form, its blade dissolving away.

Feeling the faint weakness emanating from the weapon, Aizen sighed.

"You were too reckless, Ser-Veresta."

He hadn't expected this. A simple complaint about his insufficient prana had prompted Ser-Veresta to sacrifice its own strength for his sake.

It was… utterly reckless.

Though a personal weapon bonded through his authority could integrate with his body and recover even if damaged, the extent of the damage determined how long it would take to fully restore itself.

In the case of Ser-Veresta, the depletion of its power wasn't merely routine consumption. If it were completely drained or exhausted, recovering its energy would be far more complex.

This recovery time was also linked to Aizen's own capabilities. The stronger he was and the more energy he possessed, the faster the weapon could regenerate. Conversely, the weaker he was, the slower the process would be.

Given Aizen's current power level, completely draining Ser-Veresta would likely result in an indefinite recovery period.

"Zing…"

The crimson Urm Manadyte on Ser-Veresta's activator glimmered faintly as if in response to Aizen's reprimand.

Through the bond they shared, Aizen sensed its intent.

She—yes, Ser-Veresta felt distinctly feminine—seemed irritated by his interference.

"You're unbelievable…"

Aizen didn't know whether to laugh or scold.

Every Orga Lux had its own independent consciousness.

With that consciousness came personality.

Some Orga Lux were amicable, while others had difficult, even nasty temperaments. It was fair to consider them as a kind of lifeform in their own right.

Fortunately, Ser-Veresta belonged to the more reasonable category.

While her personality was somewhat unpredictable and occasionally stubborn, she didn't interfere with humans excessively. Unless truly provoked, she was unlikely to retaliate, even if someone inadvertently offended her.

For example, back in the Equipment Division's underground lab, Ser-Veresta had recognized Aizen's mediocre capabilities and their low compatibility—barely even 10%. Yet, she hadn't reacted negatively, allowing him to wield her without protest.

Unless someone tried to dominate or disrespect her, Ser-Veresta generally chose indifference over aggression.

Compared to the temperamental and hostile personalities of some Orga Lux, she was remarkably reasonable.

That said, her unpredictability and stubbornness often made her difficult to handle.

She didn't seek reverence or trust from her wielders. Instead, she demanded something simpler—neutrality.

In her view, she was merely a sword, a tool meant for battle and service.

This perspective had driven her to recklessly sacrifice her power when she sensed Aizen's desire to grow stronger.

Had it been any other wielder, Ser-Veresta wouldn't have gone to such extremes. To her, those wielders were temporary; as a weapon, she could change hands at any moment.

But Aizen was different.

Ser-Veresta understood that she was now permanently bound to him. They were inseparable.

She was now his exclusive weapon, belonging solely to him for the rest of her existence.

If Aizen were to die, as his bonded weapon, Ser-Veresta would shatter alongside him, sharing his fate.

They would grow together, fight together, face every enemy together—and ultimately, meet their end together.

To Ser-Veresta, that left no room for hesitation. As a sword, her purpose was to serve. If sacrificing herself fulfilled that purpose, so be it.

Aizen could feel this resolute will through their bond.

But…

"If I want to grow stronger, I can train myself or find other methods. Sacrifice isn't necessary."

Aizen had his own beliefs and principles.

"You're my first personal weapon. You'll be fighting alongside me for a long time, so there's no way I'd let you bow out this early."

Ser-Veresta was powerful, her abilities unique and invaluable in battle.

Losing her for a mere boost in strength would be a waste. Aizen would rather maintain their current status quo than risk such a loss.

"From now on, without my permission, you're not allowed to do this again. Understood?"

Aizen didn't want to rely on force to control Ser-Veresta. He wanted them to fight as partners.

Thus, his words were firm and earnest.

"———"

The crimson Urm Manadyte dimmed, its glow fading.

She seemed to be sulking.

Aizen chuckled softly.

But he was confident Ser-Veresta had taken his words to heart and wouldn't act recklessly again.

After stowing her activator, Aizen fell into deep thought.

"If I can't absorb power from Ser-Veresta, what about other sources?"

That's right.

While he wouldn't drain Ser-Veresta's strength, there were other options to consider.

"If Ser-Veresta can release mana from her Urm Manadyte to enhance my abilities as a Genestella, couldn't other Urm Manadytes do the same?"

"Even if I can't get my hands on other Orga Lux or Urm Manadytes, there are still ordinary Lux and Manadytes."

"Those… should work similarly, right?"

Without needing to bond through authority, Aizen's mastery over weapons should allow him to release the mana stored within any Lux or Manadyte.

By doing so, he could replicate the method Ser-Veresta had used to enhance his power.

Even if he lacked the knowledge to manipulate mana to boost his Genestella abilities, Ser-Veresta could guide the process.

Draining her power was out of the question, but using her to channel external mana to augment his strength? That was entirely feasible.

"Let's give it a try."

Eager, Aizen retrieved a Lux activator he had previously used.

"Ser-Veresta, help me out."

Holding the Lux activator in one hand and Ser-Veresta's activator in the other, Aizen focused on the former, extending his awareness into its Manadyte and extracting its energy.

"Zing!"

Though still sulking, Ser-Veresta complied, emitting a crimson glow from her core. She guided the released mana, channeling it into Aizen's body through their bond.

Moments later, the mana stone shattered in Aizen's hand.

Aizen, however, grinned.

His physical capabilities and prana had increased once again.

The boost wasn't as significant as the one Ser-Veresta had provided earlier, but this had come from a standard mana stone.

While Urm Manadytes were rare and precious, Manadytes were far more abundant—readily distributed among students in all six academies.

"Looks like I'll need a steady supply of Manadytes."

But how?

Getting a few was easy enough, but acquiring them in large quantities would undoubtedly raise suspicions.

Even if the academy permitted it, they would likely demand an explanation.

And Aizen had no intention of revealing his secrets.

After much deliberation, Aizen was still unable to devise a perfect plan.

"No choice…"

He would have to ask for help.

....

High School Division, Student Council Office

"You need a large supply of Manadytes?"

Sitting behind her desk, Claudia looked up in surprise.

"Yes."

Standing before her, Aizen nodded earnestly.

Naturally, Claudia's curiosity was piqued.