Magic Chronicles : Fallen Race

Understanding balance is simple.

It's just basic addition and subtraction.

For example, if the total energy in the Philosopher's Stone is 1, it also represents that the limit of world line fluctuations cannot exceed 1; otherwise, he would be stuck in this past forever.

Modifying history is subtraction.

Recreating the plot is addition.

The greater the impact caused by the modification, the larger the number subtracted. This can be certain.

Changing the hero's name to Reji directly dimmed the Philosopher's Stone by half. If quantified, it was equivalent to doing a substantial -0.5 subtraction with just this one change.

As for how to make the "recreation" of the plot increase the number...

Reji thought there were two aspects.

First, what was the "weight" of the plot in the past?

In other words, was it important or not? Was it an insignificant minor plot or a crucial key point?

Second, what was his "restoration degree"?

Like in the battle with the Black Lion mercenary group just now, Reji had the complete ability to wipe out the entire mercenary group, but in order to "recreate" the past plot as closely as possible, he allowed the other mercenaries to escape and only killed the leader.

Judging from the brightness restored in the Philosopher's Stone now, Reji estimated that it was roughly +0.1 energy.

In other words... He needed to recreate the plot at least four more times like this to make up for the energy loss caused by modifying his name, or in other words, the world line fluctuation.

Reji believed that the reversal mystery of the Philosopher's Stone was definitely far more complex than this.

What he had deduced might only be the tip of the iceberg.

But in any case, at least he had a general direction.

Rather than further analysis, it was better to truly explore through practice.

With this in mind, Reji immediately acted on his thoughts and eagerly recalled in his mind what the next scene of the main storyline should be.

Although this was a very early plot in the game...

Even the Stone Sword Town they were in now was a newbie village map.

But for a hardcore player, Reji easily found the corresponding memory.

Whether it was the subsequent development of the main storyline or the entire map of Stone Sword Town and the distribution of various forces, Reji remembered it all clearly.

After all, back then, in order to flip those hidden chests, collect items, and complete hidden quests, he had explored every map thoroughly, leaving no corner untouched and got the perfect clearance.

So now that he was replaying the first playthrough, he wasn't just a Lv99 hero. The experience in his mind was sometimes even more important and useful than levels.

For example...

"Freya, I remember during my coma, there seemed to be two other voices besides you, right? Are they your companions? Where are they now?"

Being asked this by Reji, the Saintess finally came back to her senses from the shock of Reji's powerful combat ability just now.

Defeating the powerful Black Lion mercenary group with just a tree branch?

If it were anyone else, Freya would never believe it, but if it was the Hero...

Freya became even more convinced of Reji's identity. At the same time, because of Reji's words, her heart, which had just relaxed, immediately became anxious again.

"Right! Lord Hero, I have two accompanying guards. They are called Matthew and Tabor. I sent one of them to chop wood and the other to be a lookout on the perimeter, but... but now..."

Seeing Freya's worried and anxious expression, Reji secretly nodded.

According to the past development, although they had repelled the Black Lion mercenary group, the Saintess still couldn't just leave her two missing guards behind and set off alone with him.

So before leaving, Freya pleaded with him to assist her in finding the two missing guards first.

In order to accumulate energy for the Philosopher's Stone, Reji definitely had to follow this plot.

However...

"Leave it to me, Freya." Reji didn't wait for Freya to speak and directly took on the task in a concise manner.

"Really? But... but..."

The Saintes's eyes lit up at first, but she quickly struggled. In fact, it was difficult for her to ask because Reji was still wanted by the Earl, and they should leave as soon as possible, but...

"It's nothing. They are all your important companions, right? If so, you can't abandon your companions. Moreover, you saved me back then, so now I'm repaying the favor."

"I... I understand! Thank you! Lord Hero! I thank you on behalf of Matthew and Tabor for your assistance!"

The delighted Freya kept bowing to Reji.

Those who knew she was the Saintess wouldn't think she was some village girl with a pure heart, completely devoid of any airs.

"It's alright. Also, next time, don't use 'you' anymore, and don't call me 'Lord Hero.' You know my name now, right? Just call me directly."

Seeing the silly Saintess thanking him like this, perhaps because he was used to being the Demon King in the second playthrough, Reji subconsciously included Freya as a subordinate apostle and reached out to pat her head.

Freya's hair was very soft, feeling like cotton candy at first touch. After stroking it a few more times, it felt like the finest silk, gentle and comfortable.

Being suddenly hit with a head pat, Freya was stunned for a moment, not quite reacting. After a full two or three seconds, she let out an "ah," her face turning red with embarrassment, and quickly took half a step back from Reji, creating some distance.

"Sorry, sorry. I have a younger sister about your age, so I acted on instinct for a moment." Reji explained.

"It's... it's okay, Lord Hero. But you said you have a younger sister?"

Regarding the issue of how to address him, it seemed that Freya still had difficulty changing, and Reji didn't force it since they weren't close yet.

However, seeing that Freya seemed so interested in his younger sister, Reji shook his head and said, "Yes, her name is Eileen. She's as beautiful as you, but... she's not by my side right now. Many of my other family members have also gone far away. Everything I'm doing now is so that one day, I can find her, find everyone, and reunite with them."

As Reji spoke, his gaze towards the distance somehow seemed to touch something deep within Freya's heart.

Freya didn't know what it was. She only felt that her heart was being tugged along with Reji's words, also feeling pain and sadness. Moreover, she vaguely sensed a kind of loneliness from Reji.

As if he was out of place with this world.

Some blurry images flashed quickly through Freya's mind. They seemed like prophecies, or perhaps something else, images from a more "distant" place.

Suddenly... Freya felt her mind heat up. She suddenly took a step forward, approaching Reji again, and grasped Reji's hand with her two fair and delicate hands.

"Freya?"

Facing Reji's puzzled gaze, Freya didn't avoid it this time, nor did she blush. Instead, with a serious expression, she looked directly into Reji's eyes and spoke with a firm tone:

"Lord Hero, you... you are not alone! You... are not by yourself! Whether it's saving the world or... finding your lost family members, Freya will do her utmost to help you.

I... I... I will always be by your side!!"

"..."

That's right.

I wasn't fighting alone.

In fact, bearing so much, although Reji appeared calm on the surface, deep down, he was still afraid and fearful. What if he made a wrong step somewhere, what if he failed somewhere? After all, the consequences were something he couldn't bear.

But now with Freya's somewhat pure and foolish words, Reji felt that the previous negative emotions instantly vanished.

He became more confident, and of course, he was especially doting towards the youthful version of Freya in front of him.

"Thank you. Since you've said that, hmm! It's decided. From now on, Freya, you are also one of my important family members!"

"Ah!? Fa... family..."

Before Freya could react, Reji's sturdy palm once again patted her head with a smile.

There was no helping it.

The reason why the Saintess was called the Saintess was because she was fragrant and soft, like a small animal. Who could resist petting a cat?

However, this time, although Freya's face was still as red as an apple after being hit with a head pat, she didn't take half a step back like she did at the beginning.

She just lowered her head, her fingers intertwined at the hem of her skirt, and said in a mosquito-like voice, "I have been in the temple's isolation room since childhood and has never had a family. I... I don't know what family members are supposed to be like..."

"Haha, it's okay. As we spend time together in the future, you'll understand everything. However, hmm, when the time comes, Freya, just don't fight with them."

Reji thought about that scene and still added a reminder in advance.

As a result, the Saintess opposite him seemed to be a little angry.

For the first time, Freya refuted Reji.

"Ah!? How could that be! They are the family members that Lord Hero cherishes. I would never do such a thing! Hmph!"

Freya, who had been a little shy just now, became flustered by Reji's words, puffing up her cheeks as if she felt that her image as the Saintess had been seriously slandered.

After all... Fight?

With a name like Eileen, which clearly indicated that she would definitely be a very cute younger sister, II, as the older sister, would dote on her, let alone fight!