Blood Assimilation

Chapter 362: Communicating with the Artifact Ego

Just as Randy was about to question the system regarding the lack of visible changes in the tome, he felt a sudden pulse of energy, like a heartbeat, emanating from the tome. Subsequently, the Ancient Black Tome, pulled by a mystical force, floated above his palm, shrouded in a brilliant light that caused him to squint his eyes momentarily.

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When the mystical radiance subsided, the tome gently descended back into his hand — not like an object in free fall, as though it consciously eased into his grasp, avoiding any force that might cause discomfort.

Randy realized that the tome’s smooth descent wasn’t an aftereffect of the Wisdom Scroll. The Wisdom Scroll’s energy had already dissipated the moment the tome stopped glowing, meaning the tome was now moving of its own volition.

As the system had indicated, the Ancient Black Tome appeared to have gained sentience, and its newfound intelligence was immediately apparent based on the ease with which it controlled its form. As he pondered over the changes in the Ancient Black Tome, a sound echoed in his mind, startling him, and pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Master, thank you for blessing me with complete sentience." A youthful voice spoke, expressing their gratitude.

Alerted, Randy looked around him, searching for the source of the voice. Confirming he was alone in the Safe Room, he relaxed. With a moment’s deliberation, he turned to the Ancient Black Tome in his grasp at the moment.

’Is the voice in my head... Could the tome be the source?’ The realization made Randy’s eyes widen in disbelief. Despite his astonishment, he quickly composed himself, eager to confirm his suspicions.

"You can speak?" He asked tentatively, examining the tome with rapt attention.

"Yes, Master." The tome’s ego replied, simultaneously levitating without any command or control from Randy.

From the system’s description, Randy had already known that the Wisdom Scroll could grant objects it has blessed with sentience, but he hadn’t expected the newly sentient tome to communicate so fluently immediately afterward.@@@@

Gaining sentience alone was one thing. However, gaining sentience and comprehending language and self-expression were completely different from simply possessing sentience or consciousness.

In nature, many animals exhibit intelligence or self-awareness, but their communication methods are limited and far less sophisticated compared to humans, who can use different modes of communication and myriad languages to convey complex ideas and expressions.

When he learned that the Ancient Black Tome would become sentient through the blessing of the Wisdom Scroll, Randy had assumed the tome would simply understand his intentions when commanded, perhaps turning to the desired page or transferring information directly to his mind, similar to a non-verbal artificial intelligence with magical capabilities. But, he had clearly underestimated the scope of its transformation.

Clearing his thoughts, he focused his attention on the tome.

"That... Yes, master. After reinforcing the seal, I fell into a dormant state. I was driven by instinct back then and wasn’t fully aware of my surroundings." The artifact ego explained, attempting to justify its actions.

Upon hearing this response, Randy shook his head, and the tome nervously trembled further in his grasp.

"There’s no need to overthink it or explain further. I only wanted confirmation, nothing more." Realizing his question had elicited such a reaction, Randy reassured the artifact ego.

This interaction confirmed the artifact’s extraordinary scope of intelligence and sensitivity. Its awareness extended to perceiving the emotions of others, which made it function almost like a living being with its own responses and reactions.

Randy also speculated that its perception of his emotional states as its master was likely more considerable as they were bound by contract. He surmised that it might not necessarily have the same level of discernment and perception of emotions when it came to other beings not bound to it.

"Thank you, master." The tome’s ego replied, clearly relieved. It was newly sentient and didn’t want to risk upsetting its master before fully enjoying its newfound existence.

"You can wait on the side while I continue my meditation." Randy instructed after a moment’s thought.

"Once I reach a threshold required to comprehend the tome’s content, inform me. I’ll need your assistance in mastering that knowledge." He added.

"Understood, master." The artifact ego responded, hovering gracefully to the floor beside him.

Meanwhile, Randy resumed his meditation, closing his eyes.

Moments later, a sudden voice echoed in his mind, interrupting his focus. Annoyed, Randy opened his eyes and directed a displeased look at the tome. Before he could speak, the artifact ego quickly explained.

"Master, please don’t be upset. I discovered some information in my vessel that I felt you should be aware of."

"What is it?" Randy asked curtly.

"It’s regarding the incarnations you mentioned earlier, master." The artifact ego replied hastily.

"The incarnations... What about them?" Randy asked, relaxing slightly.

"Master, it appears that the Incarnation Technique, along with many other techniques and skills within my vessel, was elevated when I gained complete sentience." The artifact ego explained, a hint of excitement evident in its tone.