The Extra's Rise
Chapter 587 - 587: Bone Symbiote (2)

The return flight to the Ebony Tower took place in the early hours of the morning, with Jin's private jet cutting through the pre-dawn darkness while I reviewed my notes one final time. Paul's urgent message had been brief but intriguing—he wanted to discuss "additional theoretical implications" of my paper and was prepared to work through the night if necessary.

"He sounded excited," Jin observed as he scrolled through messages on his phone. "Either that, or completely unhinged. With necromantic researchers, it can be difficult to tell the difference."

I couldn't argue with that assessment. Paul's reputation for obsessive dedication to theoretical advancement was well-established, and discovering a revolutionary new approach to Ancient Undead creation had probably triggered every research instinct he possessed.

The Tower looked even more imposing in the darkness, its obsidian surface drinking in the artificial lighting from the surrounding city. Navigation lights blinked steadily along its height, a concession to modern aviation requirements that somehow made the ancient structure feel more approachable.

Paul was waiting for us in the main lobby, still wearing the same robes from our earlier meeting but with an additional energy that suggested he'd been fueled by pure academic enthusiasm for the past several hours. Master Valdris stood beside him, along with another researcher I didn't recognize.

"Arthur! Excellent timing," Paul said, striding forward to greet us. "I've asked Dr. Thorne to join us—she specializes in construct consciousness integration and dual-state magical frameworks. Her expertise will be invaluable for what you're proposing."

The introductions were brief but professional. Dr. Thorne was a middle-aged woman whose sharp eyes and precise movements suggested someone accustomed to working with dangerous materials.

"Shall we head up to the development lab?" Paul suggested. "Floor 180 has the equipment we'll need for proper theoretical modeling."

The elevator ride was conducted in anticipatory silence, with Paul occasionally glancing at the notebook I carried as if he could discern its contents through the cover. When the doors opened on the 180th floor, I was immediately struck by the difference from the archive levels we'd visited earlier.

This floor was clearly designed for active research rather than storage. Holographic projection systems occupied the center of each workspace, surrounded by arrays of magical sensors, computational matrices, and what appeared to be real-time spell modeling equipment. The fusion of magical theory and modern technology was seamlessly integrated.

"Welcome to the Tower's primary development laboratory," Paul said with obvious pride. "Every major breakthrough in necromantic theory for the past century has been refined here."

We gathered around the largest holographic projector, a sophisticated system that could apparently render three-dimensional magical constructs with enough detail to examine individual energy flow patterns. Paul activated the system with a gesture, creating a shimmering workspace in the air before us.

"Now then," he said, turning to face me with barely contained excitement, "describe this symbiotic construct concept of yours."

I opened my notebook and began explaining the bone symbiote idea, watching as Paul's expression shifted from interest to fascination to something approaching awe. Dr. Thorne leaned forward as I detailed the dual-state functionality, occasionally nodding as she followed implications I hadn't even considered.

"Extraordinary," Paul murmured when I finished. "You're essentially describing a construct that can exist in two fundamentally different magical states while maintaining coherent consciousness and purpose."

"The theoretical challenges are significant," Dr. Thorne added, but her tone suggested professional excitement rather than discouragement. "Consciousness integration for dual-state functionality would require solving problems that most researchers consider highly complex, though not impossible."

Paul was already sketching preliminary diagrams on a tablet connected to the holographic system. "The mental connection aspect should be straightforward—all necromantic summons naturally interface with their summoner's consciousness. But the physical integration component is entirely unprecedented."

What followed was perhaps the most intense theoretical discussion I'd ever witnessed. The three researchers began building on each other's ideas with a speed and complexity that made my head spin, using the holographic system to create increasingly sophisticated models of how a bone symbiote might actually function.

"Core consciousness matrix here," Dr. Thorne indicated, manipulating the holographic display to show a central nexus of swirling energy. "It needs to be stable enough to maintain identity across state changes, but flexible enough to adapt to radically different physical configurations."

"Dual-state anchor points," Paul added, highlighting specific nodes in the construct. "These would serve as transition facilitators, allowing the entity to shift between independent and integrated forms without losing coherence."

Paul was working on what appeared to be the magical framework itself. "The binding system would need to be modified from traditional approaches—standard necromantic bindings are designed for static relationships between summoner and construct. This requires dynamic integration capabilities."

"Material requirements," Valdris noted, consulting something on his phone. "Nine-star components would be essential for the core matrix. Probably Void Beast essence for dimensional stability, plus adaptive materials that can shift between solid and ethereal states."

I watched the discussion with growing amazement as theoretical concepts I'd barely understood began taking concrete shape in the holographic display. The construct they were designing was far more sophisticated than anything I'd originally envisioned.

"Integration protocols," Dr. Thorne continued, adding new elements to the display. "The symbiote would need to interface with Arthur's magical and physical systems without disrupting his existing capabilities. That means compatibility with his Sword Heart, his mana core, and his enhanced Ascendant-rank physiology."

"And fail-safes," Professor Kellwick emphasized, highlighting emergency disconnection systems. "If something goes wrong during integration, we need multiple methods for rapid separation."

The theoretical work continued for hours, with the team gradually building a comprehensive framework for creating something that had never existed before. Coffee and energy supplements appeared periodically, delivered by Tower staff who seemed accustomed to researchers working through the night.

"Structural design," Dr. Thorne said as dawn light began filtering through the laboratory's windows. "In independent form, what should this construct actually look like?"

I considered the question carefully. "Something optimized for close combat that complements my fighting style. Humanoid form for tactical coordination, but with adaptations that provide capabilities I don't possess."

"Enhanced strength, improved defensive options, weapon manifestation abilities," Paul listed, adding these features to the holographic model. "But designed to work alongside you rather than replacing your capabilities."

"In merged form," Dr. Thorne continued, "it would need to enhance rather than override your existing abilities. Adaptive armor that responds to threats, weapon extensions that integrate with your sword work, enhanced physical capabilities that scale with your own development."

The construct taking shape in the holographic display was beginning to look like something genuinely extraordinary—a skeletal framework that seemed to exist partially outside normal space, with energy patterns that shifted and flowed like living light.

"This is ambitious beyond anything we've attempted," Paul said, studying the completed theoretical model. "But I believe it's feasible given the resources available and Arthur's unique approach to energy manipulation."

"What kind of timeline are we looking at?" Jin asked.

Valdris consulted his tablet, apparently running calculations based on the theoretical framework they'd developed. "Material acquisition and preparation, perhaps one week. Actual construction and integration, another one to two weeks. Testing and refinement could take additional time depending on complications."

"Four weeks minimum," Paul summarized. "Possibly longer if we encounter unexpected challenges."

I studied the holographic model one final time, trying to process the sheer complexity of what they were proposing to create. This was far beyond anything I'd originally conceived—a true fusion of cutting-edge magical theory and innovative necromantic techniques.

"There's one more consideration," Dr. Thorne said quietly. "Success with this project would fundamentally change necromantic summoning theory. We're not just creating a unique construct—we're establishing an entirely new category of magical entity."

"The implications for the field would be revolutionary," Paul agreed. "Other researchers would want to understand and replicate these techniques."

Paul nodded solemnly. "Which means we need to document everything carefully. This isn't just about Arthur's capabilities—it's about advancing the entire discipline."

I felt the weight of that responsibility settling around me like a familiar burden. Creating something unprecedented came with obligations that extended far beyond personal advancement.

"Are you prepared for that level of scrutiny?" Paul asked me directly. "Success with this project would make you a figure of significant interest in the necromantic research community."

I looked around at the assembled researchers, at Jin's supportive expression, at the holographic model of something that could change everything.

"Let's begin," I said firmly.

Paul's grin was brilliant in the morning light. "Excellent. Master Valdris, please begin material acquisition. Dr. Thorne, start developing the consciousness integration protocols for dual-state functionality. We have four weeks to create something that will redefine what's possible in necromantic summoning."

As the team began dispersing to their respective tasks, Jin placed a hand on my shoulder. "You realize you've just committed to the most complex magical project attempted in recent history?"

"I'm beginning to understand that," I replied, watching Paul and his colleagues dive into their work with obvious enthusiasm.

"Well," Jin said with characteristic dry humor, "at least it won't be boring."

Looking at the holographic model of my future bone symbiote, I had to agree with that assessment.