Chapter 528: Sandbox Identification, Passing the Buck

The 【Identify】 spell is a very special spell. In Xia Duo's understanding, it is actually quite similar to a sandbox used when testing software or programs, capable of simulating the usage conditions of a Magic Item from the bottom layer.

In other words, only a Mage who can cast a 3rd Circle 【Identify】 spell can identify a Magic Item containing a 3rd Circle Spell. If the spell contained in the Magic Item is higher than 3rd Circle, then the 3rd Circle 【Identify】 will not be effective.

Because there is no "full coverage."

Of course, just as sandbox testing cannot see the source code of the program being tested, 【Identify】 can only identify the relevant functions of a Magic Item. As for the specific details of the spell, they cannot be obtained directly.

However, sometimes once the function is known, one can actually research the specific spell details themselves; it is similar to knowing the functions of a piece of software, after which imitation becomes very easy.

Xia Duo not only needs to know the "lock" on this Spellbook, but also the content inside, as well as some details regarding its manufacture. At this time, the role 【Identify】 can play is very limited.

Not to mention that it is still an 【Identify】 spell that only goes up to the 5th Circle at most.

……

Comparing it with the Spell Notes, Xia Duo performed a spellcasting that was not very proficient. Almost the instant he finished casting, a ball of light, a "sandbox," wrapped around the Spellbook.

In Xia Duo's Perception, this ball of light was constantly infiltrating the Spellbook, while at the same time seeming to operate certain energy circulation routes. It was just that because it lacked the parts above the 5th Circle, it was like an incomplete program running in a sandbox, leaving Xia Duo completely confused.

Likewise, even an incomplete program can still find a trace of the overall structure from the lowest-level machine language. This identification also allowed Xia Duo to understand part of the energy circulation below the 5th Circle level.

Taking out a Blank Notebook, Xia Duo recorded the results of the first identification to facilitate communication with Niya.

Cracking a Magic Item is a very complex systems engineering project. Theoretically, even if linked to the ninth layer of the Magic Net, Xia Duo and Niya could complete the cracking by themselves.

It is just that the greater the difference between the level of the Magic Net one is in contact with and the level of the Magic Net the Magic Item is linked to, the greater the difficulty of cracking. This is not just a difficulty in theoretical depth, but even more so a difficulty in workload.

Xia Duo has already prepared himself for a protracted war.

Of course, in the process of cracking, Xia Duo can also start preparing his own Spellbook design. Comparing the two, they can promote each other.

Similar to designing while learning, and learning while improving.

……

Just as Xia Duo was recording the results of the second 【Identify】, Niya returned to the Laboratory with an Orc who was tall and sturdy but moved somewhat stiffly.

Seeming to see Xia Duo's puzzled look, Niya explained: "These Orcs have all had control Magic cast on them by the Mages of Giles Tower, so they look a bit inflexible."

"Are there still many Orcs here in Seventon?" Xia Duo asked.

"Not many. There are rarely large-scale Orc tides in the Inner Land anymore, but the Elven Kingdom of Akaola in the Listar Forest to the east implements a closed-door policy and rarely participates in clearing out Orcs. Further to the southeast is Cormanthor; they only clear out the Orcs on their side and sometimes even drive the Orcs into Netheril. Therefore, every year, quite a few Orcs cross the Eri River and sneak into Netheril!"

Speaking of this, Niya glanced at the Orc, "These Orcs cannot pose much of a threat to the Inner Land, but because Orcs have thick skin and are difficult to tame, they have become the best dangerous experimental subjects for every Mage Tower."

"Is that so!" Xia Duo nodded and did not delve into this issue. If they really wanted to discuss it, they wouldn't finish in a day and a night. However, he was quite disdainful of Cormanthor's practice of passing the buck.

Perhaps this is what is called international relations: talking about good-neighborly friendship and playing at cooperation with one hand, while stabbing with the other. It is truly quite unscrupulous.

Stabbing directly—how could that be as wonderful as a soft knife? It's a pity the Elves are supposed to be the ones who play at art.

Taking another look at this stiff-moving Orc, Xia Duo said directly: "Prepare for the experiment. Can you control this Orc?"

"I can. The Tower Spirit has already transferred the control Permission Level of this Orc to me. However, the Orc might have deviations in understanding the Netherese language. Just now, when I was applying, the Tower Spirit also warned not to conduct overly complex experiments."

After finishing, Niya gave the order directly: "Pick up the book in front of you!"

The Orc raised its arm, but finally put it back down. A trace of confusion was revealed on its seemingly fierce face. Niya did not expect that the Orc could not even understand such a simple command.

So she switched to a simpler command and pointed at the Spellbook with her finger: "Pick it up!"

This time the Orc's reaction was correct, but just as the Orc was about to grab the lead box directly, Niya hurriedly called a halt. She first poured the Spellbook out of the lead box and then issued the command again.

This time it was finally no problem. When the Spellbook was held in the Orc's grayish-white, rough palm without any incidents occurring, Xia Duo and Niya breathed a sigh of relief in unison.

The fact that this Spellbook was fine in Padike's hands does not mean it would be fine in others'. Especially after seeing Padike's son Xiao En awaken his bloodline, Xia Duo and Niya both had guesses about this Spellbook.

Perhaps it is related to bloodline.

For example, it cannot be used if one is not a descendant of Mage Feierde, or it cannot be used if one has not awakened their bloodline, and so on.

Actually, a safer approach would be to let Xiao En come over to crack and analyze it after he becomes a Mage, but Xia Duo cannot wait that long. He will do it himself and be self-sufficient.

Afterwards, Niya repeatedly tested touching experiments under various conditions, none of which triggered any Spell. Xia Duo felt like trying it himself. If Feierde had specifically set it so that only Orcs would not trigger the Spells on the Spellbook, then he would truly be impressed.

Taking advantage of the fact that the Protective Spell was still active, Xia Duo reached out directly. It felt completely different from holding it with the lead box; it was much lighter than he expected, even lighter than an ordinary Parchment book.

It should have a weight-reduction Spell permanently fixed on it.

Xia Duo tried to open it, but this Spellbook was as if it were not a book, but a whole piece of stone carved into the shape of a Spellbook, without the slightest sign of being able to be opened.

Trying to this extent was enough. He did not dare to use too much force; otherwise, given his strength, he might be judged as damaging the Spellbook, and perhaps the Spell would be triggered at that moment.

"You try it." Xia Duo handed the Spellbook to Niya. Niya also tried to open it, but she could not succeed either.

It seems that opening the Spellbook has nothing to do with gender.

"Sigh—"

Xia Duo looked at the Spellbook, which was as unresponsive as a block of wood, and couldn't help but sigh, "It seems we can only go to the final step!"

Niya nodded, "It is indeed a bit of a pity."

Wanting to open this Spellbook without any damage at all, judging by the current situation, seems to be a dead end.

For an intact Magic Item, even a little bit of damage will greatly discount its value.

Of course, the value of a Magic Item like a Spellbook sometimes does not lie in its use, but in the Knowledge contained within. If one can really gain something, even if it is completely destroyed, it can be considered to have "died for a worthy cause."