Schwi was not the first to try and analyze a Spirit Crystal.
In the world of WorldEnd (Suka-Suka), with the help of the Earth God Ebon Candle, the great sage Suowong Kandel used himself as a test subject to comprehend the essence of the Spirit Crystal's power and the forging technology behind it.
Although Tohka Yatogami did not directly participate in their experiment, when she returned to the First Floating Island and entered the consciousness space of the now-deceased Swan, the great sage transmitted the prototype refining method he had analyzed into her mind via memory transfer.
Later, Ebon Candle made a series of adjustments and optimizations to this method, which eventually resulted in a perfected refining process for the Stellar God Soul Fragments, thereby creating the Soul Crystal.
And now, the prototype refining method for the Stellar God Soul Fragments, along with the critical data and knowledge obtained through this research, still resided within Origami Tobiichi mind.
"I can't tell you the specific source of this data and knowledge," Origami Tobiichi said. "But I can guarantee its reliability. That said, there are some parts that can't be explained or don't logically make sense, so you don't need to replicate it word for word."
"Schwi understands."
Schwi had no intention of prying into Origami secrecy.
All she wanted was experimental data.
As for how that data had been obtained, she didn't care.
"I'll go ask Couronne for some paper and a pen, then write everything down. It'll take some time."
"That's too inefficient. You can directly input the data into Schwi intelligence brain."
Just as Origami stood up, preparing to look for writing tools, Schwi stopped her.
The two power cords trailing behind Schwi began to attract the ambient Elemental Particles from the atmosphere. As a spell formation activated, a light-blue screen appeared in front of Origami Tobiichi.
It looked somewhat familiar—like a system interface.
Compared to pen and paper, this was undoubtedly more convenient.
So Origami sat back down and began using the touchable light screen to input the knowledge she had retained.
As lines of data, formulas, and theories were entered, Schwi intelligent brain began running at high speed.
Combining it with the Ex-Machina's knowledge accumulated over tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of years, a complex series of calculations unfolded one after another.
After two hours, the computation finally came to a halt.
"As you said, much of the knowledge you provided cannot be interpreted with the current understanding of the Ex-Machina."
After completing her analysis, Schwi thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. Instead, she had become even more curious about Origami.
"Although most of the content has been deciphered, several core elements are built upon entirely new theories that the Ex-Machina have never encountered before. They even contradict this world's common knowledge. It feels as though…"
Schwi narrowed her mechanical amber eyes.
After hesitating briefly, she finally gave her assessment:
"As though this knowledge originated from another world."
Hearing this, Origami Tobiichi showed no reaction.
So what if she had guessed correctly?
After all, her side mission in this world didn't require her to hide her identity as an interdimensional traveler. Even if Schwi had suspicions, there was nothing to lose.
"Are you capable of reconstructing those conflicting core components using the logic and knowledge native to this world?"
Origami continued as though she hadn't heard Schwi question. "If possible, I'd like you to develop a brand-new refining method—one that uses this world's Elemental Particles to create a replica of the Spirit Crystal."
"Schwi can do that. The probability of success is not low."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"But... what is the purpose?" Schwi asked. "Setting aside the few contradictory core elements, similar enchantment techniques exist in other races as well. Even if we really do succeed in creating a replica Spirit Crystal, it won't have much meaning to you or me."
From Schwi perspective, this refining method was a typical case of something "chicken-rib"—technically useful, but practically insignificant.
And in truth, it was.
In the WorldEnd, Suowong Kandel and Ebon Candle sought to create Soul Crystals so that Werebeast—who lacked magic—could wield it. It was meant to give the floating archipelagos the power to reclaim the surface.
But in this world, almost all intelligent races could already use magic.
They had no need for Spirit Crystals.
"Because my goal in creating a replica Spirit Crystal is to give humans power," Origami replied. "This refining method may be useless to you and me—but if humans can fuse with Spirit Crystals, then they'll finally have the confidence to stand against other races."
Ultimately, the reason Riku had been stalling for the past two weeks was simple: he lacked confidence.
Humans were too weak. If they truly tied the fate of their entire tribe to outsiders, they'd be walking a path of no return.
Once they got involved in the God War, even a small misstep could lead to the annihilation of their tribe, with no way to resist.
That was why Origami had handed over the experimental data from Swan and Ebon Candle's work on the Spirit Crystal, and the refining method derived from it.
If they could successfully produce a replica Spirit Crystal—allowing this world's humans to manipulate elemental magic—Riku might finally have the courage he needed.
And once she told them this power came from Mio Takamiya, their faith in her would become stronger than ever.
However, Schwi shot her plan down.
"If your goal is for humans to use Spirit Crystals, then I'm afraid that's impossible," Schwi said. "Because Elemental Particles and Stellar God Soul Fragments are fundamentally different. One is a living organism, the other is merely a condensed form of energy. The Dwarves, for example, have similar forging techniques that imbue weapons with Elemental Particles to create magical tools—but even so, humans who lack elemental affinity still can't use them."
Upon hearing this, Origami fell silent.
It seemed she had oversimplified things.
Deep down, she still equated Elemental Particles to magic power—but they were far more than that.
They were truly living beings—not just energy—and couldn't be wielded like raw power.
Even high-level species had to rely on carefully constructed spell formulas to draw in either atmospheric or internal Elemental Particles to cast magic.
Even if Elemental Particles could be refined into Spirit Crystals, to humans with no affinity, it would be like giving a caveman high-tech weapons—they'd just use them as rocks.
Elemental Particles simply did not favor humans.
Without resolving this issue, humans in this world would never gain true power.
As she continued thinking, a spark flashed in Origami eyes.
"If living Elemental Particles can't be used…"
Origami slowly asked:
"Then—what about the dead ones?"