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Translator's note: Pretty sure why the price was 3999-- When iPhone 4 was first introduced into Chinese market, the price was 4999. BTW they didn't sell the iPhones before 4, so iPhone 4 was most Chinese user's first iPhone.
“You can call me Tom.”
“Alright, Tom.”
They exchanged a few awkward lines, with Tom half-convinced he was in a dream. He was barely able to believe that he actually had something this amazing.
He was afraid that if he stopped talking, “Hope” might vanish.
Finally reassured by the chip’s steady responses, Tom shifted to more practical questions. “Hope, what functions do you have?”
The chip transmitted the information directly into Tom’s mind as data.
Seeing each impressive function, Tom started trembling with excitement. Nervously, he asked, “Activate Calculation Assistance.”
“Calculation Assistance activated. Please specify the calculation objective and purpose.”
Tom quickly recalled the parts of the telekinesis meditation technique that had been holding him back. “For the seventh, eighth, and ninth symbols in the telekinesis meditation technique, along with the final model—show me how to construct them.”
Following his command, the chip instantly accessed the chip network database and retrieved all relevant data on the technique.
In Tom’s mind, it played back the process step-by-step, clearly explaining each part he had struggled with.
For Tom, the chip’s explanations were far easier to understand than any lesson he’d had at the academy. He could feel the answers to his old challenges falling into place.
Despite his limited aptitude, he could finally grasp concepts by replaying parts several times.
“Play that part again!”
“So that’s how it works!”
For the first time, Tom found learning truly exciting. Hours flew by as he became absorbed in the intricate design of the symbols until the chip prompted him, “Tom, your soul is entering a fatigued state. Calculation Assistance will be deactivated. You need rest.”
Reluctantly, Tom exited the program, feeling the full weight of his exhaustion. He realized he could barely keep his eyes open—it had been nearly ten hours without him noticing. “Hope, how long should I rest?”
“Your current state is as follows: Physical endurance, 4; mental power, 7; mana, 0.5; moderate soul fatigue. Estimated rest duration: seven hours.”
“Seven hours… alright. Wake me when it’s time. I’ve still got work…to do…”
*****
Tom’s experience mirrored that of apprentices all over the Mage World. After receiving their personal chips, no apprentice could resist diving into its features, each becoming deeply engrossed until they were completely drained.
Meanwhile, Adam and the entire core development team were gathered near the Origin Server for the common chips, waiting for the first twenty-four hours’ worth of data to be compiled.
Each of the seven massive Origin servers displayed streams of data flowing like waterfalls.
Master Mages from each Tower stood by, using visual enhancement spells to track the data on their respective screens.
With intense focus, they directed hundreds of quill pens to note down observations, determined to record and analyze the first day’s data manually before comparing their insights to the server’s automated analyses.
Adam thought this level of caution was unnecessary—the models he’d set up were highly robust. But he couldn’t stop this team of mages-turned-“scientists” from excitedly diving into their “new toy.”
As the magical clock struck the beginning of the second day, data from all seven servers instantly categorized and synced to the core server.
The team immediately teleported to the core server, where they used their temporary permissions to compare the detailed server-generated reports with their manual records.
“No discrepancies from the First Tower data!”
…
“No discrepancies from the Seventh Tower data!”
Each dataset matched flawlessly, and the server’s automated classification was even more thorough than the mages’ manual entries.
The reports didn’t just track each apprentice’s physical and mental states—they also detailed specific learning challenges encountered.
The Mage Council had plans to establish a dedicated department to analyze these challenges and provide targeted solutions.
This new department would gather these questions and answers, laying the foundation for a unified curriculum across all branches of magic.
This department’s work was of little concern to Adam. Once the verification was complete, he returned to the research lab.
The common chip project was essentially finished, with functions more than sufficient to meet the needs of apprentices. Any future upgrades could now be handled by other mages, freeing Adam from the need to oversee it.
Back in the lab, Adam reflected on the chip’s success, which had met his expectations perfectly.
For apprentices, especially those with limited resources and access to knowledge, the personal chip would become an indispensable tool, essential for their growth.
With just three months left in his one-year timeline, Adam was close to finalizing the design of the personal chip for full mages.
Data continued to flow into the joint database, smoothly managed by the permissions system he had set up.
The collective intelligence of mages was remarkable. While Adam had initially led the project, he now primarily served as a guide, with much of the work delegated and carried out efficiently by the team.
Even the often tricky task of patent licensing had been simplified, thanks to support from the Towers.
Mages with patents happily contributed their knowledge to the chip database, recognizing the potential for increased profits.
While the chip’s network wasn’t as advanced as the Mage Network, its practicality far exceeded it.
*****
In the final month, mages across the Mage World noticed something new: overnight, personal chip stores had appeared in the trading halls of each Tower and at the heart of major cities, displaying a large countdown timer outside each one.
The apprentice-level chips were already widely popular, and most mages were well aware of their benefits. Now, these stores hinted at something designed specifically for full mages.
Yet, those who attempted to get information from the stores were met with only silent alchemical golems stationed inside, who couldn’t answer any questions.
Curiosity spread quickly. As the countdown neared its final day, lines began forming outside every store. The lines were filled with mages, their avatars, and even slaves from various races, all eagerly waiting.
When the countdown finally hit zero, the stores’ doors swung open, and a magical array outside activated, showering the area in a dazzling display of light and sound.
Mages surged inside, bombarding the golems with questions.
“Are you kidding me? Three thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine full ether crystals? And that doesn’t even include future upgrades or database updates?”