Although the entity was right beside him, Alistair wasn't panicked, as it was most likely his 'second body.' Based on the confused visual perspective from before, he estimated this 'second body' was about six feet two inches tall (around 188 cm). Since he was slightly over five feet six inches (around 170 cm) and the perspective was higher, six feet two inches was likely.
Alistair closed his eyes, intending to test if he could attach his primary senses to the 'second body.' If it was an ability he had awakened, it should be easier to perceive.
A flash of light seemed to appear before his eyes. Alistair didn't open them, but his visual perspective had changed to a higher vantage point. He lowered his head and looked forward. Standing right in front of the 'second body' was his own 'frail' body, standing motionless.
Whether it was an illusion or his senses were genuinely heightened when attached to the 'second body,' Alistair now felt he could perceive the vital rhythms of his main body: the rise and fall of his breathing, the flow of blood, the beating of his heart... all clearly discernible.
Furthermore, Alistair could roughly sense that the strength of this 'second body' far surpassed his main body. Smashing steel and shattering iron would probably be effortless. Its strength was also much greater than his body's. It could easily trash his main body if the latter wasn't using the Ox Talisman.
Most importantly, this 'second body' did not have to appear only in a physical state. It could also assume a soul-form, or perhaps that was its original manifestation.
Whoosh!
Alistair commanded the 'second body' to punch hard into the empty air, generating a whooshing sound that broke the stillness.
Incredibly strong physique.
Alistair marveled at the body's condition.
By the way, what does this body look like? A robot or some kind of tin man?
Alistair looked at his hand. It was covered in what seemed to be iron armor. Parts of the outer arm were gold, and on the hand was a circular 'emblem' resembling a clock face but with only one hand. His fingers were also covered in armor-like casings, or were they metallic fingers?
Alistair was still examining the 'second body' when a wave of dizziness swept over his mind. Immediately, his primary consciousness returned to his main body. The dizziness did not subside, forcing Alistair to remain still, otherwise, he would easily collapse.
Damn it! Based on that speed, I should have lasted about three minutes! This is barely half the time! Why am I so drained already?
Alistair felt the confusion in his brain, cursing internally. This situation was entirely unexpected. While his estimate might be imprecise, it should have been closer to three minutes. It had barely been a little over a minute, and he was nearly depleted. That was truly a rip-off.
As Alistair's mental strength was rapidly drained, the 'second body' dissipated into the air. However, after the 'second body' vanished, a warm sensation flowed out of his body and into Alistair's brain.
Mmm, that's much better.
Alistair rubbed his temples. The dizziness felt significantly relieved, and he finally dared to move. At least he had enough stability to balance himself.
However, this doesn't feel like my ability.
Alistair felt his mental strength gradually recovering under the influx of that warm energy, raising a question in his mind. This energy wasn't from his own ability; it must be provided by the entity that erased his memories. But why? If the lost memory contained the entity's identity, there was no need to leave him with recovery energy after the erasure. He wouldn't know otherwise. Could it be some kind of conscience?
Alistair examined his entire body. There were no visible markings that would give any clue. If the entity wanted to harm him, they wouldn't need this kind of mockery. This playful way of dealing with him was truly irritating, but the power gap made him feel helpless. What benefit is there to mocking me?
Alistair didn't understand the purpose of that entity's actions, or maybe those entities, acting like a cat playing with a mouse...
Cat playing with a mouse? That implies toying with the prey. So, I'm the 'prey.' But is there anything special about me?
Alistair pondered, glancing at the ring on his hand. He thought this was the most likely target, but then dismissed it. If they were after the ring, with their ability, they could simply cut it off and take it. This ring didn't have any 'old grandpas' popping out to help him; it was just the reuse of a demon's remains.
So, what is their purpose?
Alistair thought while opening the door and walking out. Although his mind had recovered significantly, his stomach needed to be appeased; he couldn't just stay in the room thinking aimlessly.
Chiaki had already gone to school, but she left some food in the microwave, which was quite thoughtful.
Alistair ate breakfast, planning to rest for a bit and then study his 'second body.' Alistair vaguely sensed that the 'second body' shouldn't just be physically strong. If he could study it more thoroughly, it would also make it easier to deal with enemies using mental abilities later.
Although the 'second body' wasn't currently materialized, some of its abilities could still be felt. It was akin to having a partly scribbled-out instruction manual stuffed into his brain: information was there, but sparse.
What excited Alistair the most was the mental judgment mechanism brought about by this 'second body.'
When someone attempts to use mental abilities or artifacts to modify Alistair's soul (including deleting/altering memories, changing beliefs, etc.), a mental check occurs. As long as the opponent's 'value' is not vastly greater than Alistair's soul 'value,' the attack will be converted into an equivalent mental attack, which the 'second body' endures.
Simply put, it turns a state-affecting ability used against Alistair into a damage-dealing ability, causing 'physical damage' in the mental realm. Based on the strength of the 'body' Alistair felt, the opponent's output would likely need to be 1.5 times greater than his soul's 'value' to cause noticeable damage. In other words, as long as the opponent isn't some super powerful boss, they won't be able to modify Alistair's soul, especially since his soul strength is at least double that of an average person due to the fusion.
If those entities from last night returned, he would at least have some means of resistance. Of course, if the opponent is a 'stat monster' that can crush him, he'll just have to accept defeat. What else can you do when you run into such a BOSS early in the game?
I give up~ I give up~ I surrender~ I surrender~