In short, it is something absolutely unscientific.
From early on, Scholars resisted and discriminated against anything outside the Current Circumstances due to the dangers of the Abyss, focusing solely on the knowledge present in the world of the living.
As for the world of the dead, that was for exploration after death, thereby compelling them to ignore the Disaster Miracles so eagerly sought by Alchemists.
Even Scholars themselves would occasionally fight tooth and nail over certain laws; how much more so with Alchemists?
Mutual disdain was common, to the point where they would often pretend not to see each other.
Being able to exchange a greeting, aside from their contractual obligations, was already a sign of respect for the esteemed title of Creator.
"That's not necessary," Shah's projection waved nonchalantly. "Between myself and your revered teacher Garandor, there's a two-generation gap. There's no need to be so formal." He glanced down at the data displayed on the Spirituality Mirror and sighed softly. "Using the Coral Legacy for Metamorphosis is quick, but it inevitably restricts one to the sea. It seems that no matter how much is supplemented later, interference from the source will still have a certain impact on the consequences of fusing with the Divine Body."
"The sea is the cradle of life, but it ultimately has its limits. If it were a terrestrial creature, it would surely be more convenient, right?"
Hydra glanced at its rapidly repairing body. "I will continue to supplement this aspect, but the specifics of the life framework will be up to you."
"That's a matter of course; it goes without saying."
Shah tapped on the tablet in his hands. Instantly, a myriad of complex data sprang forth: hormones, blood pressure, bone composition, blood components, even Blueprints for organ primordia... Guided by those few fingers, the Giant Beast's structure was disassembled into hundreds of thousands of different components, which, after delicate fine-tuning, were recombined.
Though it appeared largely unchanged on the surface, internally, it was almost an entirely different entity. Perfectly formed by its very nature.
In an instant, based on the current Hydra, a monstrous beast that didn't exist in reality was created.
From the deepest genetic and cellular structures to the design of the sixteen auxiliary brains, everything seemed as if it had been perfected over tens of millions of years—flawless.
If Hydra were a race car, then the current Shah was its designer, its Maintenance Craftsman, and even its chief tuner, with every detail firmly in his grasp.
"This adjustment uses a brand-new framework. Although it's a bit radical and risky, it shouldn't be a problem for you now."
In just a few short minutes, Shah clapped his hands, task completed. "I've specifically left six additional auxiliary brains in your Alchemy Matrix, along with special glands that can convert your blood qi into Source Substance in a short time to replenish your expenditure... After much consideration, I concluded that resilience and adaptability are indeed paramount. Now, in a battle of attrition, you'll hardly find an equal."
Hydra said, "Good."
As Shah's proxy, the Alchemist Gru had no objection to this.
Ultimately, he knew all too well that he would likely end up as a mere tool in this exploration. Still, tempted by the profound secrets hidden within the Witch's Night, he had chosen to come.
Being a tool for once was like paying tuition, wasn't it? Effort yields reward; this was already a precious Blessing. Anyone with further complaints shouldn't have come in the first place.
Coming would have been pointless anyway.
Therefore, when Shah proposed cooperation, he ignored his stance as an Alchemist and agreed immediately.
Shah's expression grew serious. "There's another matter I need to inform you."
"Regarding the hypothesis of the Destructive Element · Eternal Beast, it is correct."
All nine of Gru's heads lifted.
As if frowning.