Utopian System
Chapter 78: Chapter 78: System's Synthesis

Elio observed the formulas dancing in his mind, fragments of knowledge from the Genesis Book taking on new life in the face of desperation. He closed his eyes, concentrating:

3O* + 3H* + Ni* + Mana → Ni(OH)₂ · H2​O (??????)

He* + C* + ??????? Mana ????? (Barrier)

2Ni* + 3H* + C* + Mana → Ni₂C(H₃)* (Advanced Magnetism)

The first formula had been the easiest to remember. Oxygen, hydrogen, nickel... the elements he already controlled. Could it be useful? He couldn't recall the strange name or what it meant, nor was he level 10, but perhaps a less advanced version could still work.

Elio recalled the book stating that at level 10, one could use all formulas, and these were just a few. But perhaps he had misinterpreted the need to be level 10 to start experimenting with them.

With no time to lose, Elio closed his eyes, concentrating intensely. He visualized the three parts of magic he had used before. With a fluid gesture of his hand, he attempted to combine them, channeling his mana to catalyze the reaction.

Mana: 7.998.

His attempt took a mana point from him.

Nothing happened.

The carbon walls continued growing, dangerously approaching. The space reduced with each passing second. Elio grunted in frustration but refused to give up.

"Come on," he muttered through gritted teeth, "work!"

Closing his eyes again, Elio delved deeper into his understanding of the elements. This time, instead of forcing the combination, he tried to feel the natural affinities between the powers and attempted to maintain the 3/3/1 ratio.

Suddenly, he felt a change in the air. He opened his eyes to see a brilliant liquid materializing before him. It was similar to water, but green... with an ethereal glow suggesting properties beyond the ordinary.

Mana: 6.996.

Without wasting time, Elio hurled it against the carbon barrier.

The effect was instant and astonishing. Where the liquid touched, the carbon disintegrated with a hiss, vapor rising into the air. A large hole opened in the wall, the liquid continuing its relentless advance.

Elio watched, fascinated, as the liquid continued its path, melting layer after layer without dispersing upon impact. It was as if it had a will of its own, determined to press on until its mass was exhausted.

As he observed its extraordinary power, Elio combated dizziness and fatigue by breathing pure oxygen.

Mana: 6.995, 6.994, 6.993.

But the victory was ephemeral. The liquid's mass was soon depleted. New layers of carbon quickly replaced the destroyed ones, the elephant seemingly having an endless supply of material.

Elio's initial euphoria soon gave way to concern. Despite its effectiveness, the liquid wasn't enough. The carbon layers were too numerous, and his mana limited. He needed another solution.

His mind stopped on the third formula. Advanced Magnetism. "Interesting, but..." he murmured, an idea forming in his mind. "It needs carbon."

A smile spread across his face. "Oh, friend," he said, imagining the hidden elephant, "you've just made a big mistake."

The advanced magnetism must be something similar to what he had already practiced. Perhaps...

Elio extended his hand to take remnants of the barrier material. It was strange, different from the metal he was accustomed to, but the basic principles should be the same.

Elio closed his eyes once more, this time focusing on the familiar sensation of magnetism. But instead of simply manipulating the metal, he tried to delve into the very structure of the magic, seeking to amplify its magnetic properties.

Mana: 5.986.

To his surprise, the sensation came faster than he expected. It was as if his body remembered something that his mind didn't yet fully comprehend.

With a fluid motion, Elio propelled his lance towards the carbon barriers.

The lance shot out like lightning, its amplified magnetic power allowing it to pierce through several layers of carbon. Not only that, almost imperceptibly, the outer layers of the barrier began to tremble.

But still, it wasn't enough. The lance stopped long before reaching the elephant, trapped in the endless succession of barriers.

Elio growled in frustration. He was close, he could feel it, but something was still missing.

And then, like a bolt of clarity amidst the storm, it occurred to him.

"Am I an idiot?" he muttered. "Why not combine them?"

It was risky. He had only 5 mana points left, and each attempt cost him precious resources. But he had no other choice. The carbon walls kept closing in, the space around him diminishing with each passing second.

With a cry of determination, Elio channeled 2 mana points into his next attempt. He visualized the corrosive liquid forming around his lance while simultaneously amplifying its magnetic properties.

Mana: 3.983.

The first attempt failed. The combination was unstable, the liquid and magnetism fighting each other instead of working together. Elio cursed under his breath, aware that he now had only 3 mana points left.

The carbon walls were now inches from him, threatening to crush him at any moment. Panic threatened to overtake him, but Elio suppressed it with iron determination. He hadn't come this far to give up now.

With a cry that was both a challenge and a prayer, Elio spent 2 more mana points.

Mana: 1.981.

This time, instead of trying to control every aspect of the combination, he let himself be guided by instinct. He felt the corrosive liquid form, saw in his mind how it intertwined with the lance's magnetic field.

Without wasting time, Elio began weaving his most complex magic yet. Oxygen, hydrogen, and nickel combined to form the corrosive liquid. But this time, instead of simply launching it, he imbued it with magnetic properties, using the elephant's carbon as a catalyst.

And then, as if the universe itself responded to his desperation, everything fell into place.

The lance was covered with a brilliant layer of the corrosive liquid, while an aura of magnetic energy pulsed around it. Without losing an instant, Elio threw it with all his might.

The effect was spectacular. The lance tore through the carbon barriers as if they were paper, the corrosive liquid instantly dissolving any resistance while the amplified magnetism propelled it forward with an unstoppable force.

Where it touched, the carbon not only dissolved but was magnetically attracted, creating a tunnel that expanded as it advanced.

Elio held his breath, watching as his creation advanced relentlessly towards the elephant. Layer after layer of carbon vanished before its passage, finally revealing the massive figure of the creature.

And then, suddenly, he saw it. The elephant's core, glowing with an ethereal light at the center of the beast.