Among Monsters (Tensura)

Chap 19.

As James continued to ponder his theories, a new idea suddenly struck him. His thoughts drifted back to an episode from the anime where Rimuru Tempest had absorbed spirit particles and created artificial spirits to stabilize the otherworlder kids' rampant energies. The moment he recalled that, a lightbulb went off in his mind. What if he could apply this concept to his own work? Could he create an artificial spirit to stabilize his created monster's core? This could solve the problem of sustaining the monster in a more permanent way.

James thought of this process in a few key steps.

1. Gathering Spirit Particles:

James would need to find a way to collect spirit particles. If he had access to a spirit-rich environment—such as a spirit summoning site or an elemental zone—he could gather these particles passively. Alternatively, he could use a skill like Predator or another absorption technique to directly draw spirit particles into himself or a vessel. The method of collection would determine how much time and energy he'd need to invest in gathering these particles, but he was confident he could find a solution.

2. Infusing Spirit Particles into the Magic Ore:

Once James had accumulated a sufficient amount of spirit particles, the next step would be to infuse them into the magic ore he planned to use as the core for his monster. By merging the particles with the ore, he would create an "essence" within the core—one that aligned with spiritual energy. This would provide a more permanent and self-sustaining core for the monster, as it would rely not only on external magicules but also on the spirit particles within it. The infused ore would become a unique spiritual core capable of maintaining the monster's energy for much longer periods.

3. Shaping the Artificial Spirit:

Now came the tricky part—shaping the artificial spirit. James would need to form the spirit within the ore using his intent and potentially even some elemental alignments if available. He could, for example, infuse earth-aligned spirit particles for a sturdy, durable monster or wind-aligned particles for a more agile creature. Even if the spirit didn't have sentience, it would still serve as a stabilizing force—acting as the "heartbeat" of the monster's core. The artificial spirit wouldn't need to be fully developed, but it would provide enough structure to manage the magicule flow, ensuring the monster remained stable.

4. Embedding the Spirit-Core into the Monster:

Once the artificial spirit was created and infused within the magic ore, the next step would be to embed the spirit-infused ore into the monster. This core would act as the energy stabilizer, ensuring that the monster continued to function and draw power from the spirit particles. With the artificial spirit managing the core's energy flow, the monster would have a much better chance of remaining active and autonomous over time.

5. Periodic Maintenance and Environmental Support:

James knew that even the best artificial spirit might not be able to maintain itself indefinitely. If the spirit particles in the core began to deplete, he would need to replenish them. He would likely need to place the monster in a spirit-rich environment to allow the core to sustain itself. In an area lacking spirit particles, James would need to intervene and recharge the core manually. However, in an area rich with magicules and spirits, the monster could become much more self-sustaining.

By creating an artificial spirit within the core, James could essentially give his monster a stable internal energy source that would help keep it alive for a much longer time. It was a difficult and complex process, but it seemed like the most reliable method of ensuring his monster's long-term sustainability.

James rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "This could really work. I'd be creating something that doesn't rely on constant magicule regeneration from the outside. It'll be autonomous—lasting far longer and with far less upkeep. But I'll need to be careful with the spirit particles... too little, and it won't work. Too much, and it could destabilize the entire core. I'll need to find the right balance."

With a deep breath, James realized that this approach would be his best chance of creating a truly permanent monster—one that wouldn't just fade away when its magicule supply ran dry. It was risky, but it was the kind of challenge that felt right to him. A monster with a spiritual core, lasting indefinitely, would be a real achievement.

"Alright," James murmured, his determination sharpening. "This is going to work."

End of chap.