Chapter 700 Soul Splitter (5)
Ashton realised talking with Ibis about the Precursors would only confuse him more, and an unclear mind was the last thing he needed at the moment when he was negotiating with Xyrans.
So, he halted their conversation, hoping to continue it some other time, and returned to the main topic.
Ashton's curiosity about the Soul Splitter machine, a device potentially separating his soul from Astaroth's, had grown steadily. After all, it was a technology no one but the Xyran possessed, and even then, only some Xyran were aware of its existence.
"So," Ashton began, "tell me more about the Soul Splitter machine. How does it work? I would like to know that much before stepping into your trap."
"I would never dare to trick you-" Ibis tried defending herself but in vain.
"Look, despite everything that's happened, I still do not trust you," Ashton intervened. "My other half does, but then he's a simp, so his words don't mean shit."
"Simp?" Ibis quizzed. "What is that?"
"...Ask Astaroth about it when he's back." Ashton shook his head. "Now, the soul splitter, what about it?"
"The Soul Splitter is a complex piece of Xyran-Precursor hybrid technology," she explained, choosing her words carefully. "It is designed to separate the soul or, as we call it, 'Quantaflux essence'. The separated souls can be rewound to their younger versions and recombined to make the host younger.
As such, we could apply the same principle to separate the intertwined souls of two beings, much like you and Astaroth. Once done, we can store them into separate bodies by cloning the original host's body."
Ashton nodded. Strangely enough, he understood every word that came out of Ibis's mouth. Also, she wasn't lying to him, as Ashton had already confirmed using [Heartbeat Sense]. But he still had some issues with the plan.
"So you're going to clone me?" he asked, to which Ibis nodded.
"I know this is not what you want to hear," she sighed. "But cloning you will significantly increase the possibility of a successful transplant."
"Either that, or it'll give you a precious opportunity to experiment with my DNA," Ashton said with a smile.
Ibis returned his smile. "I won't lie; the opportunity is too good to pass up. But I have promised Asta that I won't let any Xyran harm you while I'm alive."
"That's... awfully generous of you," Ashton chuckled as he leaned forward, his voice deepening. "And how are you planning to clone me?"
"That should be easy to accomplish," Ibis mumbled as she slipped a tablet towards Ashton. "This is the design of the Splitter; as you can see, it has an inbuilt property to clone the host."
Ashton was impressed as he went through the blueprint of the Splitter. While he wasn't a create blacksmith like Vulcan, he had learned enough to admire the beauty in the form of the blue before him.
"I see something called the resonance. What is that?" Ashton asked Ibis before returning her tablet to her.
"I'm glad you asked. The machine uses precise resonance frequencies to disrupt the soul bond between two individuals."
Ibis continued, "The process requires exceptional precision and control. But once the bond is severed, the two souls can be housed separately. It's a delicate and intricate procedure that I specialise in."
Ashton wasn't entirely sure how a frequency could separate a 'soul', but he was about to experience it, so there wasn't a problem with it. After all, experiencing something had always been better than being told about it.
"Alright, so far, so good..." Ashton replied before getting all serious again. "Do you have a Soul Splitter machine with you?"
Ibis hesitated for a moment before responding, "Yes and no. We have one, but it was damaged during the confrontation with you.
It, along with the mothership, sustained severe damage. Some parts of the machine need to be replaced, and I don't think we'll have access to the necessary components on Earth.
Tarik, who was busy looking at the Splitter's designs, shot Ibis a look. He did not like a Xyran ridiculing the planet he had grown to love, and the look of disgust was blatantly visible in his eyes.
However, Ashton seemed undeterred by Ibis's words, and a faint smile graced his lips.
"I don't know what Astaroth told you, but nothing is impossible in New Lycania."
"What do you mean?" Ibis furrowed her brow, puzzled by his cryptic response.
"Follow me," Ashton stood, leading the way out of the room and to the outskirts.
He guided Ibis and a few Xyrans toward the Eastern Palace, where he had stashed a trove of Precursor technology.
"Take a look and see if anything is useful to you." He said as he pushed open a door that Atlas and Raven were protecting.
As they entered the palace, Ibis was awestruck. The room was filled with advanced machinery and technology that even the Xyrans had never managed to accumulate in such quantities. Precursor devices, both familiar and unknown to her, were scattered throughout the chamber.
Ibis couldn't hide her amazement. "How did you acquire all of this technology?"
"I'm a Precursor," Ashton shrugged. "That should be explanation enough."
"I guess it is..." Ibis mumbled as she entered the room behind him.
Ashton's words hung in the air, a reminder of the formidable being he was. Once again, he instructed Ibis to borrow whatever she needed to repair the damaged Soul Splitter machine, as well as any other components that might be useful to them.
Without wasting a heartbeat, Ibis and her Xyran companions began gathering the necessary components. The room was filled with activity as they worked diligently to collect materials to repair the damaged machine.
Ashton, however, had one final warning for Ibis. He stepped closer as she was busy guiding her team, his gaze unwavering.
"Ibis, remember this—no more tricks. Not from you or any of your people," he said in a low, cautionary tone. "If you do, not even Astaroth would be able to save you."
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