Chapter 58: Gauge Symmetry (3)
6HUArmin recalled the time.qp5fh2
uRfaX6EIn the midst of darkness, space is not defined. As space disappeared, so did time. Then I came to the realization that the existence of me already broke away from the concept of time. That is the secret to the omnipotence of using the Stop spell.7gAA
GOSDgShirones heart thumped loudly after hearing the key factor to succeeding with the Stop spell that countless mages had failed to conquer.XIl
EksTBut Is it okay to tell me something important like this?W5tR
C1BN88fYes, its all right. Ive only told you so that I can help you understand, but the bottom of it is actually quite complicated.cYwqQo8
lxoCOf course it is.A9G7m
EEhD2xAnd Stop isnt a particularly transcendent spell. It can only be performed within the radius of the Spirit Zone, and its biggest limitation is that it cannot affect the world.3vL7oZ
6ChzArmin looked back at Siena.iakzxd
arZrLcShes a good sister, and a soft-hearted child. Dont you think so, Shirone?r55sm
rRHCMHaha! Im not so sure about the soft part, but one thing thats certain is shes really strong. She is a certified Grade 6.IxyGgfG
RR51PtYes. She is indeed a certified Grade 6 mage. But time has stopped. As such, can we harm the powerful Siena?nDs7
JistuAh.1FtGw
PJuShirone turned to his friends.Uo9
ipoqtdwNo matter how it was looked at, they were beyond physical force boundaries.px8Nb
HojSWhen time stops, energy cannot move. Its impossible to exchange force.hNJ
mnmvfYes. The incident itself cannot flow. Lets say we draw the sequence of explosions on pieces of paper. What if we dont have a next page? The explosion is kept frozen on the last page.BfAIp4U
SnUvdZArmin smiled.mKfUob
YVvThat is the essence of Stop magic. Time and space are inseparable. It is the same for acceleration and gravity. The mages omnipotence senses the super-light speed within the Spirit Zone of the Stop magic. We have talked for a bit right now, but in reality, less than 0.1 seconds have passed. Relatively speaking, we are moving at the speed of light while having a conversation.5ld
Mw9E0kTSpeed of light.5nn
Bd8mShirone looked back at Nade again.fQuxj4
eETASo thats why we cant interfere with Nade since our current mass is zero.cqTx
o2RtJA matter with mass could not reach the super-light speed.C0y
7ThKcWith omniscience, yes. Thats how it is. Of course, as this is magic, it would have to be combined with omnipotence. It is the mystery of time and space that takes place within the Spirit Zone.9rO
KDkWhyFeGCG
XNtShirone suddenly had a question.rUmJSH
GCfpWhy are you telling me this?.9SfAm
bfcuIt is because of that doubt, Shirone.S9cCR
XRtXArmin pulled the strip of cloth tightly around his eyes again.JLKP
0QZYou asked how I knew you would notice, right? It is simple. It is because I experienced the same thing you experienced. We both know each other.Zkpf8
ywOicBy the same experience, you meanK4N4exv
XoUHgwYes. The Immortal Function.0xnG2
ptwxlShirones heart thumped widely.4DqglZ
J4jThere was a person in front of him who experienced the Immortal Function, something no one was able to help with. And he was the greatest time mage, no less.BM95IU
GQyjThe Immortal Function is the realization of the whole. Since the whole is also one, the wavelengths between you and me resonate. That thing is called the Mourning Sensation. Just as you feel from me Shirone, I also feel from you.0TZ
eGRcnBu…What is the Immortal Function?JivKKy
HUFYou can say it is the gateway to infinity, and you, Shirone, opened that gate. In the mage society, these people are called Unlockers.ECyH
1ijShirone, who was thinking for a moment, looked up.IA5lN
Ft80xWhat will happen to me?6eVT
tnePuIt will be all right. If Shirone still values the world, there is nothing to worry about. However Did you feel your ego being scattered when you opened Immortal Function?2ID2qSS
91eiM3DYes, I did! I really thought I was going to disappear.OQj
SSJm0If you had decided to let it, then it wouldve happened. As the Spirit Zone expands to infinity, the mind ceases to exist. It is important for Unlockers to hold that spot. If the mind expands, the power increases, but if you go beyond the point of self-control your ego will be lost in the midst of the uncontrollable sense of freedom. Be sure to bear this in mind. If that happens, there is no turning back.vbtM4f0
MCBShirone gulped loudly.ZSHGa9
VARUAlso, Unlockers always have to keep in mind the size of their Spirit Zone, in other words, their limit. Do not think you have no limit. Limits exist because we are beings that will eventually die.FCSK
nP1GFShirone mused over his words and asked.gD6
0YIMJKsBut other than that, there is another issue. Every night, I see the universe in my dreams. The Mourning Sensation I felt when I met you keeps on coming back without rest. And its not like there were any other Unlockers around.rLdY6
ycRcArmin eased Shirone with a smile.cyS
zfd4That is also a natural step. When the door to the Immortal Function was opened, you reached the realm of infinity. You were the entirety of the universe for a brief moment. There, you became aware of something outside of sensation, cognition, and intellect. But your ego is in shock because it cannot interpret what that something is. Once you become aware of what that something is, the feeling will disappear.IPJ
Af5z7c8How do I become aware of what that is?o3Dj6
JmTHyfIt will come naturally. I do not know when that time will come. It could be quick, but it could take a lifetime. Do not worry. You already have it, Shirone. It is just in a state that cant be named.LRU
WpOButhAksTOk
NUfH9TwArmin was reminded of his past self as he watched Shirone worry.9U58R
T4wcFine, Ill give you a hint. Whatever you become aware of, whatever you realize, it will have something to do with the Gauge Symmetry.mpk
Eu91DjGauge Symmetry?LMb6uN
oAuOg0iHumans think that they themselves are living in a perfectly symmetrical world. As a matter of fact, of course we do. Is there anyone who thinks that having two arms is abnormal, and instead it is normal to have three? Having two arms does not mean that it is absolutely normal, but that is the direction of our existence. However, the universe we are living in is unknown. We do not know the norms of the universe. Perhaps, we humans may never even be able to understand it with our human senses, butauul
7kocnaIt seems that I reached that unknown. Through something that cannot be named under any of our human senses.4h999
4rGArmin patted Shirone on the head. Sienas student was indeed an outstanding talent.c1a0
Mb3x2ACThat is why you have no need to worry. Im not saying to do nothing, but in the end, you merely existing will bring out the identity of the Mourning Sensation. Everything will become clear. You will be able to understand me then.P1AqfZd
GmbShirone nodded his head bravely.LUj
TMkgHis thoughts were in disarray, but he knew todays event would be a huge turning point for his future.xbSoiW5
o400Thank you so much. If I didnt meet you, I would have fallen into Overflow like Ms. Siena said. We actually had a small argument a while back. Now, I feel sorry.lAWnlR
rS5ZgArmin surmised what had happened.tqfx
fuHJ7baPlease do understand. She must have been very anxious as she experienced those things in her childhood. In fact, she isnt a child whos at all cold and stubborn. Youll understand when you experience it.uJ5IyZ1
JkcxcEiOf course. I know since I always receive her help. She is a really good person.EDtXbVC
c8KdU* * *Rn79uR
pC7u* * *Bknu6
W5p…Is that so?e9JOVA
5RRArmin looked back at the canvas with a relieved smile.di7g
06ukakLets slowly leave the room. If I keep the time field for too long, I will lose my concentration and may not be able to finish the drawing before my wife returns. I really want to complete it.BJeo
fAGNaTOh, come to think of it, you said today was your last day, right?4nCsL
07nz2Yes. I may have grandiose nicknames, but I am an artist first and foremost. I plan to pack everything up and leave as soon as possible. I wont be able to see Siena for a while.StolB
yBuquJ4Rather, why dont you revealOG6
x5LArmin shook his head.GmmdWx
wvUumSiena is still feeling guilty about it. And though I havent given up on magic, it does not mean the two eyes Ive lost have come back. Besides, Im already wedded. I want to help Siena live her life.pmj
29gWtBHe did not want to see his precious sister, who he cared for more than his life, tied to the past.nrrc
99aOkay, then Ill keep it a secret too. Thank you so much for today.TOVLOi
p41KBJeI also enjoyed today, Shirone.lsbJh
NLCVArmin sat in front of the canvas once again, and Shirone returned to his seat.C92GT
GYG8Time started to flow again.jZyoeWK
cbVGHe heard Nade and Yiruki breathing, and the brightness in Sienas smile had returned.aZ1K
y6dCNShirone felt like he just woke up from a dream. He still couldnt believe he had a conversation with Armin.wEB
68M1Time passed by in a blur, and Armin showed Siena the finished artwork.v3uwY
ehj4pMMHow is it? Did it come out well?mSVB
eAmKbpYes, its pretty.7uU
wjJThank you for all this time. It was an honor to draw you.IHcjlY
9bHq8JgYou speak as if were strangersCFYt29
AlPQA flash of sadness passed by Sienas eyes. Then, when she heard the sound of footsteps downstairs, she stood up in surprise and started to leave without even saying a proper goodbye.wDf
KnpOhIs his wife already home?WbsHo4W
RO4f3rVShe arrived faster than usual, but Siena didnt have the time to think deeply about it.22TX47c
FsMxThen Ill be on my way. You guys as well, come on.02Ode
CEuWatching Siena leave as if she was running away, Shirone and his friends couldnt help but be upset.Ui5ZI69
5f8o9u4To be frightened just because Armins wife was coming was tantamount to revealing her true feelings.0OcO
KfoC3Just as Siena was about to grab the doorknob, the door opened. Armins wifes face poked through the crack.lZH
gzUicHoney, are you drawing?bIGkf
FgM7lContrary to the expectation that Armins wife would be as calm as he was, she was a bubbly woman in her early 20s.p7OT
qH5She looked surprised when she made eye contact with Siena.t93
kpIAvOh, Ms. Siena? Right! Today was the day you were coming.nQ4UyMt
FCzHy0Hello, Ms. Keira. Its been a long time.8fslJ
RxNvM3It indeed has Why is it so hard to see your face? Perhaps you are avoiding me on purpose? Hohoho!NJE
VyGzTPzSiena tried to hold on to her currently dizzying mind.iv0h
dAtG8Ah, Im done working with my brother. I was just about to head out.yvnp2
VqwgsYoure already here, no need to leave so hurriedly. Have dinner with us.jkqR
CDp9hI appreciate it, but I have plansnX9EEhr
c6PGmwHmm Somethings suspicious. Honey, did you do anything weird with Ms. Siena while I was away?gwVxOTO
wkfcyRKeira, watch what youre saying.eKf
vTuArmin shot back with a cold tone, but Keira just shrugged it off.faeusp
glf373As for Siena, her face was flushed red. She left the room while putting on her coat quickly. One of her arms was still outside of the coat.8PB0
g6F0EShirone and the other two glimpsed at Keira then followed after Siena.BXG
aRnWzSWhether she was tactless or simply daring, Keira smiled with her eyes and waved her hand.XsRg47
iPeCTwBye, kidsO28Vv
gxNJOf course, there wasn’t any response back, and Keira tilted her head at their cold attitude.MIswP
0rAaAs0Oh my, did I do something wrong? Whats wrong with their expressions? Honey, you really didnt do anything weird, did you?GCo5
2rojStop with your jokes and come down. I want to at least say goodbye properly.crlAxp6
e2it3eHmph. When it comes to your sister, you cant do anything.59yH5i
PgMvysArmin technically ran down the stairs.K5OAQ1P
nq92hIm sorry Siena. Shes a bit unruly.dO7
yp7Its okay. I dont know when well meet again, so write me letters. And dont forget to take care of yourself.GaWuz
VvUK6kyAlright, you work hard, too. Still, seeing as how you are getting along well with your students, I feel relieved. To be honest, I was skeptical about you being a teacher. Hahaha!HNs
LeChkSiena smirked.WiEZ
KEeWtGArmin was the only one who could treat her like a child. After all, he was the only one who knew her during her immature days.BDGZ8M5
0B1Shirone watched their touching moment.5b7t
FB4YwaNow he could see why Siena decided to become an instructor, why she was so obsessed with Overflow, and why she tended to stay away from men.ow2r
caYThen Im really leaving. Take care.XVzqX
6Nk9BJIll contact you when things are set. Shirone, Nade, Yiruki. Do your best. Ill keep an ear out so I can listen to the day I hear your names associated with greatness.i7wO
mX2ZKYes, and Im sorry again for today.pJcbtx
epmnShirone and his friends expressed their sincerest gratitude. If it werent for Armins consideration, things wouldnt have ended this peacefully.74uYkHb
8o5a6rzArmin watched until the end as the figures of Siena and her student disappeared into the distance.uGb3XZU
Hc9rKmvBehind him, Keira was leaning against the door with her arms folded.Utbnip
p1sB1MShe spoke with a hard expression on her face.9JU
PfLq9BArmin, snap out of it. We dont know what will happen if those above see you this emotionally immersed.pZJL
ynEbArmin turned around and glowered.8iHgI2
l2zmPn4They lived under the guise of a married couple for the past three years, but she really was a woman he found off-putting.NVY5
9CqI feel whatever I want to feel. Its up to me and not to you. You just care about your reports. Are you done with the investigation?S1tGsL
Bhu9CtWent flawlessly. Theres nothing more to see in Creas. We have to get to Calvera in 15 days, after all. Though, Im sure it wont be an issue for Armin of the Eye of Light, right?4Lm9vi
FppmXE5There is no need to talk more than necessary. Ill keep my promise.gTW
N5RsKeira could not relax.QGRt3B
R16She didnt doubt his skills. She was just wary of Armin because he wasnt someone you could let your guard down against.YhGs7
zZJfYou didnt tell Siena, did you?3Wi4
pilCIt was a natural suspicion for someone who could stop time, but Armin kept his mouth shut.krZ
WypiTmKeira continued after hearing no response.vEn
8AzzOqI dont want to harm you. Hell, its not like I can do anything to the Eternal Cintana. But even so, youre only human. The moment you betray the organization, everyone you love will experience hell. That includes Siena Olifer.6iYlVu
6DIzIcuIt was a terrifying threat, and Keiras organization had more than enough strength, power, and brutality to be able to do so.SYDRuLW
s7ewebArmin was going to protect Siena no matter what.G9N8
iPPIn that sense, he was lucky to meet Shirone. Although he couldnt stand by her side, it was reassuring to know that she had an Unlocker with a great personality by her side.rvoAn
zkRNo need to worry.szK
5PJ7hbDArmin smiled as he remembered Shirones face.ZJBAdw
GkW9gkSiena does not know anything.XgHy
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