[Experiment 018 with Sandworm]
[The newly birthed sandworms this time possess a toxic attack, capable of paralyzing foes. They're aggressively formidable, and best of all, incredibly cost-effective. Just a drop of any living creature's blood is enough for them to proliferate endlessly...]
[What a revolutionary transformation!]
[...]
[However, a persisting problem remains: the sandworms still attack indiscriminately.]
[How can I make the sandworms target specific individuals? Or, at the very least, ensure they don't turn on me?]
...
[Experiment 102 with Sandworm]
[Today, I ventured into the Gama Ruins. Legend has it that this was once the sacred realm of a giant deity. Alas, by the time I arrived, the ruins were in severe disrepair. No telling how many treasures the adventurers before me might have plundered.]
[I've erected a temple in the forest adjacent to the Gama Ruins.]
[This is the solution I've found.]
[I've finally discovered how to control the sandworms. I truly am a genius!]
...
Reading this, Ethan's brow furrowed deeply.
Mia expressed her frustration, "This experimenter is truly insufferable. He didn't even document the method for controlling the sandworms!"
"Don't worry, let's continue reading," Ethan reassured, sensing that the control method might not be entirely reliable.
The group continued their perusal.
[Experiment 106 with Sandworm]
[Success! For the first time, the sandworms are showing signs of obedience! I, Dilaram, truly am a genius. Those old fools should have recognized me as a Sage!]
"Sage?" Ethan muttered the word under his breath.
This wasn't his first encounter with the term "Sage".
In Victor's detailed profile, there was mention of having journeyed the Path of the Sage.
It seemed that this experimenter, Dilaram, may have had similar ambitions.
The logs started to appear more rushed and disheveled, with scattered and brief descriptions, primarily focused on the daily routines of the sandworms.
Ethan continued his examination.
Eventually, the content of the log took a dramatic turn.
[Experiment 134 with Sandworm]
[Impossible! This can't be!]
[The deity statue was a fabrication of mine, how could it possibly come to life, possess consciousness, and become a genuine creature? This defies the principles of alchemy!]
[Something is definitely amiss!]
[...]
Several lines were abruptly scratched out, then the log resumed.
[I must have lost my mind! Sandworms are inherently mindless, driven only by instinct. Controlling them is an impossibility.]
[No! It's possible!]
[I've figured it out. The sandworms can't be controlled because they lack a leader, or more precisely, a central brain to command them!]
[I can construct a temple, and by simulating the worship of a deity, bestow the sandworms with a leader.]
[It may seem blasphemous towards the deity, but it's undeniably effective.]
"What does this mean?" Ethan queried, grappling with the idea of worshipping a deity...
Furthermore, the subsequent log entries seemed utterly chaotic, not the musings of a sane individual, but rather of someone on the verge of mental collapse.
Responding to Ethan's confusion, Baal promptly elucidated.
"When believers worship a deity, they establish a connection with it. Based on what Dilaram described, he likely crafted a nonexistent deity and devised a way for the sandworms to venerate it. In doing so, he could form a link with the sandworms, thereby controlling them."
Being part of an ancient lineage, Baal was well-acquainted with such knowledge.
Ethan nodded in understanding, turning his gaze to the peculiar statue.
It became clear that it was very likely the fabricated deity Dilaram had spoken of.
Ethan then continued to peruse the log.
[It seems I've truly gone mad!]
[Haha! Is this the punishment for blaspheming against a deity?]
[I have failed! But I have also succeeded!]
[Alas, these sandworms will be entombed with me here in the Gama Ruins.]
[Adventurer, if you happen to venture to this place and encounter the sandworms, you might try delving your consciousness into that statue. Perhaps you can tame the sandworms.]
[Of course, I jest.]
[You'll be consumed by the sandworm consciousness within the statue unless your mind is powerful enough—powerful as a deity's—for inside that statue lies the genuine essence of a deity.]
"Deity!"
Finishing the final passage of the experimental log, everyone rose to their feet.
Pale Wolf shivered uncontrollably, "Inside the statue lies the consciousness of a deity? Legends say that when a deity gets enraged, they unleash an endless inferno, scorching everything in sight!"
"It's not as exaggerated as that."
Ethan shook his head, continuing, "Even among deities, there are variations in power. The consciousness inside that statue is probably of the weakest kind, otherwise, we'd already be dead."
"That sounds right."
Sherry wholly agreed.
"But, no matter how you look at it, this still involves a deity!"
Pale Wolf's voice was tinged with trepidation.
Ethan's gaze settled on the peculiar statue, a wild idea germinating within him.
Should he try?
After being enhanced by the red jade, Ethan wasn't sure where his power ranked.
At least, he hadn't yet encountered an adversary he couldn't defeat.
And this was such a rare opportunity.
If he could tame this fragment of deity consciousness, perhaps he'd unlock the secret to entering the divine realm.
As Ethan pondered, Sherry seemed to have sensed his intention and directly asked, "Ethan, you're not seriously considering this perilous course of action, are you?"
"I want to try," Ethan answered honestly.
"No!"
Mia and Sherry exclaimed in unison.
"Lord Ethan, this is too dangerous. You mustn't take the risk!" Mia implored.
Sherry voiced her own reservations: "It's a treacherous move. And judging from that experimental log, Dilaram went mad by the end. We can't be sure if what he wrote is the truth or mere ramblings."
The objections from Mia and Sherry left Ethan torn.
It was indeed a gamble, but there were certain things worth risking.
As the group stood at an impasse, Little Fairy Baal spoke up once more: "Ethan, why don't I go in and take a look? The statue has a magic circle set around it, keeping the deity's consciousness contained. But such a circle can't hold me."
"Are you certain you'll be alright?"
Ethan hesitated.
Since Baal had awakened, she seemed to have changed significantly.
Not only had her abilities enhanced, but she also effortlessly dispensed knowledge.
It was vastly different from their initial encounter when she seemed to know next to nothing.
"Has her Bloodline Heritage awakened?"
Ethan wondered.
Being of the Golden Divine Dragon Bloodline, he had experienced such moments himself.
But little Baal's awakening of Bloodline Heritage knowledge seemed to have been triggered by drinking, and it was Victor who had enticed her to do so.
Ethan was almost certain it was intentional on Victor's part.
"That guy probably did it on purpose. He might have seen through little Baal's true nature from the beginning."
"It's a pity we didn't bring Victor along. With his intellect, he might have come up with some solution."
Lost in his thoughts, Ethan finally nodded, addressing Baal, "Alright then, go ahead and take a look. But no matter what, ensure nothing happens to you!"
"Don't worry, Ethan, I'll be fine!" Baal assured with confidence.
Under the watchful eyes of the group, Baal flew towards the peculiar statue.
As she approached, something strange occurred.
Baal's figure became ethereal, almost transparent, as if she were phasing directly into the statue.
Sherry and Pale Wolf were visibly startled.
Yet, to Ethan and Mia, who knew of Baal's ancient lineage as a Shadow Fairy, it seemed perfectly natural.
This might very well be Baal's true talent.
After all, being able to traverse spaces and bypass seals was no minor feat.
"Woah, that gave me a scare!"
Suddenly, Baal's voice echoed out.
Her figure solidified as she emerged from the statue, her face pale.
"Baal, what happened?"
Ethan asked with concern.
Baal patted her chest, taking deep breaths, and said, "Ethan, the being inside... it's hideous! And it's currently weak. Even I can overpower it, so you have nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure?"
Ethan expressed doubt.
It wasn't the weakness of the deity's consciousness within the statue he questioned, but rather Baal's ability to overcome it.
After all, he was intimately aware of Baal's actual strength.
"Ethan, what's with that look?"
Baal, noticing the skepticism in Ethan's eyes, stomped her foot in frustration, then grudgingly admitted, "Alright, that ugly creature might be stronger than me, but it's definitely no match for you, Ethan."
"Given that, I'll give it a try. You all keep an eye on the sandworms outside,"
Ethan decided, instructing the others.
"No problem!"
Sherry nodded.
Mia, however, was still concerned, "Lord Ethan, please be careful."
After everyone had spoken, Ethan approached the statue, extending his consciousness towards it.
Instantly, he felt a brilliant radiance pulling him in, and he was then confronted with the unsightly being Baal had described.
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