Among Monsters (Tensura)

Chap 18.

James sat cross-legged on the ground of his Sovereign's Amphitheater, staring thoughtfully at the pile of Magic Ore before him. The first theory had been promising, but as he mulled over it, a new idea began to take shape. What if there was another way—one that didn't just rely on ambient magicules or his own energy to sustain the monster, but something more dynamic, more... alive?

What if he could use a spirit as the core?

The more he thought about it, the more the idea seemed to make sense, He had seen spirits in the anime before. They were not just ethereal entities, but magical beings in their own right, often tied to specific places or objects. If he could bind a spirit to a Magic Ore, could he create a permanent core that would sustain his monsters for much longer than simple magicules alone?

James could see the benefits of this method almost immediately. Spirits, especially higher-tier ones, were inherently magical. They possessed their own supply of magicules, which meant that by binding one to an ore, he would create a core that could keep the monster alive without requiring constant recharging. The spirit would function as a living battery, continuously fueling the core, giving the monster a self-sustaining energy source.

His thoughts raced ahead, outlining the potential of this idea.

"First, a spirit as a magicule source…" James murmured aloud, his voice barely a whisper in the stillness of his amphitheater. Spirits weren't just energy sources—they were energy managers, constantly channeling and maintaining the magic around them. If he could bind one to an ore, he could give the ore its own internal flow of magicules, ensuring the monster's core wouldn't deplete over time.

This could potentially make his creations more permanent, more self-sufficient. The spirit wouldn't need to be recharged like a typical battery, because it was already an active participant in the energy process.

He stood up and began pacing as he formulated the next step in his mind.

"The binding process," he continued, his thoughts moving rapidly. To bind a spirit to the ore, James knew he would need some form of magic that could forge a connection between the two. He would need to either summon the spirit, or find a way to reach an agreement with one. The idea of summoning and binding spirits was not new to him; it was a concept he had seen ramiris do in the anime However, binding a spirit to an object—especially something as complex as a Magic Ore—was a different challenge entirely.

James wasn't entirely sure how to approach this. It would require knowledge in spirit summoning or specific binding rituals. The process might involve a magic circle, enchantments, or even negotiation. He could try using his Sovereign's Sanctuary as a base to form a pact with the spirit, convincing it to remain within the ore. He could even attempt simpler enchantments, but he knew that without the right expertise, this method might backfire.

"The compatibility of the ore," James said as he paused in his pacing. For this plan to work, he would need to use a powerful Magic Ore—one that could not only withstand the spirit's energy but also channel it effectively. He considered the ores before him. Some of them were fairly common, but others, like Magisteel or a Spirit Stone (if he could find one), would be ideal. These ores had strong magical affinities and were durable enough to hold a spirit's energy without disintegrating over time.

But, of course, those ores weren't easy to find. They would require a great deal of effort, and even if he found one, there was no guarantee it would work as he intended. It was a challenge, but the potential rewards could be immense.

James could feel the excitement bubbling within him as he thought about the next part.

"Maintaining the spirit's cooperation…" Spirits were not like simple tools that could be used and discarded. They were sentient beings, often with their own wills and desires. If James wanted to bind one to an ore, he would need to ensure that the spirit wanted to stay there. This wasn't just a matter of power; it was about mutual respect and understanding.

Perhaps he could offer the spirit a task or a purpose—something that would keep it tied to the core. Maybe he could promise it a form of protection or companionship, or simply negotiate with it to make sure it agreed to remain. Spirits often thrived on purpose, so James would need to figure out what that purpose would be. He could assign the spirit the task of maintaining the monster's form, ensuring its energy supply was stable.

James shuddered slightly as he thought about the negotiations that might be required. Spirits could be capricious, tricky, and unpredictable, but with the right approach, he believed he could form a bond with one.

Once he had the spirit bound to the ore, there was the matter of stabilizing the core. Spirits were not only energy sources; they were also excellent managers of magic. The spirit could help stabilize the magicules within the ore, ensuring a steady, balanced flow. If the spirit maintained control over the magicules, the core would be far more stable, and the monster could operate independently without the risk of energy fluctuations.

James smiled as he pictured it—his monster, powered by the spirit's energy, running without the need for constant monitoring or intervention. It would be like a living machine, with its own internal systems working in harmony.

Of course, this wouldn't be without challenges. He'd need to keep the spirit happy, ensure it wasn't dissatisfied with the arrangement. If the spirit grew restless or the core degraded over time, it could result in the loss of the monster, or worse, the complete dissolution of the core. But James felt confident that with proper care and attention, he could make this approach work.

"Long-term sustainability…" James murmured, focusing on the bigger picture. A monster sustained by a spirit-powered core would have incredible longevity. As long as he kept the spirit's needs met and maintained the core's integrity, the monster could stay active for an indefinite period of time. It would be a permanent creation, one that wouldn't simply fade away with time.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement rising within him as he realized the potential of this theory. By binding a spirit to a Magic Ore core, James could create a semi-permanent or even permanent monster—something that would stay with him, powered by a self-sustaining energy source.

This method would be akin to how golems or other powerful constructs were often created in Tensura, with the core acting as both the energy source and the controlling center of the creature. It was a solid plan, but he would need to test it carefully.

"Alright," James said, a determined smile crossing his face. "It's time to start figuring this out."

End of chap.