In Gregory Blackwell’s office.
“Sorry, I was delayed due to an urgent meeting,” Gregory Blackwell explained to Blaze Morrow and his companion, having arrived a bit late. “We just received news that a new demon god was born in the Abyss, but don’t worry, it’s been handled.”
The two Battle Chiefs stood like students in front of him. Blaze Morrow respectfully said, “Professor Gregory, if you’re busy, we can come back another day. My condition isn’t serious; it’s not urgent.”
“It’s fine, you’re already here, I wouldn’t want you to have made the trip for nothing.”
Gregory Blackwell turned to Bob, “You’re Bob Emberclad, right? If I remember correctly, you were the second one in your class to become a Battle Chief.”
Bob Emberclad blushed and nodded, “Professor Gregory, you remembered correctly.”
Being remembered by Professor Gregory was an honor. In fact, Professor Gregory remembered the name of every student.
Bob Emberclad covered up the chief badge on his clothing, feeling utterly embarrassed.
He had embarrassed himself in front of Professor Gregory! It must have been Blaze Morrow’s bad influence!
Bob thought to himself that he should keep his distance from Blaze Morrow in the future, feeling that his friend’s mind wasn’t quite right, as if it had been damaged.
“You were injured back then, and I’ve studied your medical records. Unfortunately, my abilities weren’t enough to help, but thankfully, the source of life was available.” Professor Gregory sighed with a hint of relief, “It seems the source of life worked well. You should get a comprehensive check-up when you have the chance.
We’re studying the ongoing effects of the source of life and how to manufacture it.”
Bob Emberclad nodded continuously, “Definitely, definitely!”
“Blaze’s issue might be related to the soul, I need you to step out for a moment.”
“Okay.”
Bob Emberclad left the office, closing the door behind him.
Gregory Blackwell sat down and gestured for Blaze Morrow to do the same. “First, fill out this questionnaire, and after that, I have some questions for you.”
Blaze Morrow quickly filled out the form and handed it back to Gregory Blackwell.
As Gregory reviewed the form, he asked, “Besides the headache, do you have any other symptoms?”
“No.”
“Have you ever heard of the side effects of [Memory Seal]?”
Blaze Morrow honestly answered, “No.” What was a Memory Seal?
“The side effects of [Memory Seal] can include a decrease in intelligence, mental haziness, lack of concentration, and memory decline.”
“I’m hearing about this for the first time,” Blaze Morrow said, puzzled. “Professor Gregory, what does this have to do with me?”
“Don’t misunderstand, the diagnostic method for soul-related issues is by exclusion. I’m not suggesting that your memory has definitely been sealed. Sealing the memory of a peak Battle Chief would be difficult even for a Battle Lord.”
Blaze Morrow nodded slowly; Gregory Blackwell was right. With his strength, very few in the world could seal his memory without him noticing!
Gregory Blackwell confirmed again, “So, you don’t have any of the symptoms I mentioned, right?”
“Right.”
Trying to phrase his words carefully, Gregory Blackwell ventured, “Did you know, there’s a curse that, once cast, can automatically seal memories related to the side effects of [Memory Seal]?”
“What?”
Blaze Morrow didn’t understand Gregory Blackwell’s point at first.
After a few more explanations, Blaze Morrow finally got it. “Sheesh—That’s terrifying! So, you’re saying that someone whose memory has been sealed wouldn’t even know they’ve experienced side effects because that part of their memory would be sealed too?”
“Correct.”
After receiving Gregory Blackwell’s confirmation, Blaze Morrow sighed, “It’s tough for those whose memories are sealed. Professor Gregory, let’s talk about my headache.”
The headache wasn’t a side effect of memory sealing, so Blaze Morrow felt reassured.
Gregory Blackwell nodded solemnly, “Alright.”
…
The two talked for over ten minutes. Gregory Blackwell asked many soul-related questions, and Blaze Morrow answered truthfully.
“I have a clear understanding of your situation now. You might have suffered a recent severe head injury, possibly an intermittent concussion.”
Gregory Blackwell pulled out a medical record, pointing to a line, “It says here you were injured on duty, so related medical expenses are waived.”
Blaze Morrow looked a bit embarrassed and at a loss for words, “This…”
“I understand.”
Gregory Blackwell didn’t press further but set all the documents aside.
“This isn’t something a soul element strongman can solve, but it’s also not a big issue.”
With those words from Professor Gregory, Blaze Morrow felt much relieved.
Gregory Blackwell continued, “If you’re willing to leave Florida and change your environment, your headache symptoms might lessen significantly, even disappear.”
Blaze Morrow hesitated, probing, “So, you’re saying I’m not sick, right?”
He wasn’t planning on changing his environment anytime soon. Even if he wasn’t watching over Mike, he needed to look after his granddaughter.
The front lines were tense, and Blaze Morrow’s combat abilities were not at their peak; he needed some time to recover. Soon, he might not even have the chance to stay on Earth.
Gregory Blackwell was precise in his wording, “You can understand it that way; you’re not sick, and you don’t need medication. But I still recommend you move to another city.”
“I’m going to the Abyssal Plane soon, so I don’t plan to leave Florida for now. But with your words, I’m relieved to know I’m not sick, thank you so much!”
Blaze Morrow felt a weight lifted off his shoulders and was about to leave.
Before he could depart, Gregory Blackwell casually remarked, “If you’re not planning to change environments soon, I suggest you strengthen yourself as much as possible. Be ready for battle at any moment. After all, nowhere is safe right now, and a crisis could happen at any time.”
“Understood!”
“And…”
Gregory Blackwell hesitated, then added, “Be kind to the young people around you; they are the future of Earth.”
“Yes!”
As Blaze Morrow’s figure disappeared, Gregory Blackwell began to write his report.
“Repeated memory seals significantly affect a peak Battle Chief’s intelligence and comprehension abilities…”
“Intelligence might not consistently decline but can fluctuate within a small range, showing peaks of high-level intelligence in certain situations…”
“The significant side effects are likely due to the sudden and irregular nature of [Memory Seal]. If done regularly and on schedule, the side effects could be reduced or even eliminated, pending further experiments and observations…”
“If subjected to multiple memory seals, one might develop a certain resistance to soul element skills.”
…
Training gym.
After finishing a day’s lessons, Mike and Cain followed Kaelum.
“Senior, where are you taking us?”
“You’ll see when we get there!”
After several twists and turns, Kaelum led them to a metal door.
A sign next to the door read: [Mechanical Element Equipment Storage]
“Here we are!”
Standing in front of the equipment storage, Kaelum’s eyes sparkled, “Mike, whether you can stay or I can successfully advance depends on this guy!”
He pushed open the metal door, revealing hundreds of shelves filled with an array of mechanical element equipment.
“Mike, pick a couple that suit you; we’ll take them to the Tower of Truth for some practice today.”
Kaelum pointed to the equipment in the warehouse, “According to the combat rules, you can choose mechanical equipment for assistance. You can’t carry energy ores, and there are a few other restrictions. Anyway, with these guys’ help, your strength will definitely improve a lot!”
As they approached the warehouse, Cain began searching for mechanical equipment that suited him.
Mike’s gaze, however, settled on a Big Bertha.
Very imposing, and Mike liked it.
There was just one small issue:
“If I bring this thing to the fight, won’t the instructor get mad?”