Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday

2025 pulled up another projection. This one showed a timeline of the Spirit Stones harvested from different Beasts over the past year.

"Through extensive analysis of Spirit Stones, I have discovered a common pattern. The longer a Beast survives, the denser its Spirit Stone becomes. However, all of the Level Six Spirit Stones found so far have come from creatures that appear to be at their peak evolutionary stage."

Grace’s brows furrowed. "Meaning?"

"There is a possibility that Spirit Stones above Level Six do not naturally exist at this time because the Beasts have not lived long enough to refine them," 2025 theorized. "In other words, Spirit Stones evolve inside a creature’s core over extended periods. The longer the Beast survives, the higher the potential for its Spirit Stone to increase in level." @@novelbin@@

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Grace’s fingers stilled against the couch.

"So you are saying that if I had let those Beasts live for another year or two, their Spirit Stones might have naturally evolved into Level Seven or higher?"

"That is a highly probable scenario." 2025 confirmed.

Silence filled the living room as everyone took their time to process this new discovery.

Finally, Grace exhaled sharply. "So, we might not see Level Seven Spirit Stones for at least another year or two."

"Correct," 2025 confirmed. "Unless…"

She lifted an eyebrow, curious to know what other information 2025 had about Spirit Stones. "Unless what?"

The hologram shifted once more, displaying a new diagram. This time, it showed two Level Three Spirit Stones fusing together to form a single Level Six Stone.

"A recent analysis suggests that Spirit Stones may not only evolve naturally over time but also through forced fusion," 2025 revealed. "For example, two Level Three Spirit Stones could theoretically be merged into a Level Six stone. Similarly, if two Level Six Spirit Stones were to be combined, the result could potentially be the first Level Twelve Spirit Stone."

Rune straightened in his seat. "You are saying we might be able to create higher Level Stones on our own?"

"It is a possibility," 2025 confirmed. "However, this is purely theoretical. There is no confirmed method for fusing Spirit Stones at this time. Further experimentation would be required."

Grace’s mind raced with the implications.

If they could find a way to merge the Spirit Stones, they wouldn’t have to wait for nature to evolve them, they could accelerate the process themselves.

It would be risky.

But if it worked?

She could create higher level Spirit Stone before the true horrors of the apocalypse even began.

She inhaled deeply, meeting the gazes of the men around her. "We need to test this. If there’s even a chance of fusing Spirit Stones, we need to figure it out now."

Rune nodded his head in agreement. "I can assist in running tests. Magic-based fusions have existed in other realms. I can cross-check potential methods."

Davian smirked slightly. "I knew you would find a way to break the rules of this world."

Dr. Kian chuckled, shaking his head. "I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified."

Grace ignored their comments and turned back to 2025. "We’ll use the lowest-level stones for the first few attempts. If fusion works, we will move on to higher levels."

"Understood," 2025 responded. "I will continue working on this one and will prepare a controlled fusion test protocol."

They talked for a few more minutes before concluding the meeting.

"You might need a lot of energy to fuse the Spirit Stone in the barrier. How about you rest now and we do it the very first thing early in the morning?" Dr. Kian suggested as if he already knew what she was thinking.

Grace knew that she could never win against these three in an argument about her well-being. Hence, she just silently nodded her head in agreement.

The four of them went to bed right after that only to wake up and head to the rooftop of the tallest building in Greenstone at five in the early morning.

The darkness was still lingering and the air was as cold as usual.

Grace stretched out her hand, summoning the Level Six Green Spirit Stone which instantly appeared in her open palm.

Its emerald glow pulsed steadily, radiating a quiet but powerful energy. This was the key to strengthening the barrier, to making it self-sustaining.

"You are sure about this?" Davian asked, watching her closely.

Grace nodded. "It’s the best option we have. If this works, the barrier will no longer rely on my energy alone. It will absorb power from the earth itself."

Rune studied the Spirit Stone, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The process won’t be easy. We’ll need to guide the infusion carefully, or the energy might destabilize."

Dr. Kian adjusted his gloves. "We’ll be monitoring you. If something feels off, stop immediately."

Grace exhaled, steadying herself. "Understood."

She extended her hands, focusing her energy into the Spirit Stone. Immediately, the gem trembled in response, as if recognizing her intent. The system chimed softly in her mind.

[Infusion Process Initiated]

The barrier around Greenstone, though invisible, reacted. A soft ripple spread through the air, almost like a whisper of power awakening.

Grace slowly pushed the Spirit Stone forward, guiding it toward the center of the rooftop. It hovered for a moment—then, as if drawn by an unseen force, it merged into the barrier.

A wave of energy surged outward. The rooftop trembled beneath their feet as the entire settlement seemed to breathe. For the briefest moment, the barrier became visible - a shimmering dome of green-tinted energy stretching over Greenstone before fading into invisibility once more.

Then, the system spoke again.

[Barrier Infusion Successful]

[Durability increased to 75%]

[Self-Sustaining Feature Activated]

Grace let out a slow breath, her fingers tingling from the energy transfer.

She turned to her men, a small but victorious smile forming on her lips. "It worked."

They welcomed her with warm and proud smiles. Only these men were really aware of how much work she had been putting into making Greenstone powerful behind close doors, and they admired her for every second of it.

"Come. Let’s enjoy some good wine to celebrate this achievement."