Leybound Assimilation. It was the same method Lucien used to reach the First Stage of the Metamorphosis Realm. His version was crude because he was not a slime, but the principle worked. (Chapter 178 for reference)
Lucien explained the principle to the others, "It allows slimes to bond with the world itself through resonance. A symbiotic tether to a leyline."
He pointed at the glowing veins beneath the projected map.
"To the invisible veins through which the world's energy flows."
The pressure-bearing lock markers pulsed faintly.
"They do not need to rip the fragments out. That would be the mistake the Keepers are waiting for us to make."
Marie nodded slowly.
"The world is gripping the wound."
"And the fragment has become part of that grip," Lucien said. "So the slime does not pull. It listens."
Marina understood.
"It matches the leyline's rhythm."
Kaia's eyes brightened.
"Then separates the world's pulse from the lock's command."
