Chapter 32: Mana Enhancer
Examining the glass vial in my hand, I noted the content within—a curious, lemon-colored fluid—the Mana Enhancer.
The chemical formula was originally developed with the purpose of increasing the potency of one's mana core beyond their innate limits for a temporary period of time.
But it turned out to be a flawed product.
Consuming the concoction would destroy the user's mana core with its incomplete chemical structure.
In this world, the mana core is like an organ in the human body. Therefore, damage to it can cause immense pain.
And, like a man's 'balls', the mana core is considered a source of 'pride.'
It's understandable why Edward is suffering mentally.
Breaking of one's mana core is like experiencing sexual assault, but amplified by hundred.
But I wasn't from this world. I don't really understand this type of logic. nove(l)bi(n.)com
Maybe my anatomy is also different from theirs?
In any case, what if a person without a mana core ingests it?
Honestly it feels like this was made for me.
"Huh!" A wry chuckle escaped me.
"He definitely is a genius, to be able to construct something like this. If given enough time, he could probably develop a proper form of mana enhancer."
"Nano, check the contents of the vial, is it harmful in anyway?"
[Confirmed]
[Initiating Molecular Spectroscopy]
As I gave the command, I could feel a tingling sensation running up my arm.
Soon, my right arm glowed green, starting from the palm of my hand, where I was holding the bottle.
The glow slowly shone and turned more vivid, as the blazing light engulfed around my entire arm.
The light moved up in a smooth and fluid motion, as if it had a life of its own.
Ensuring that not a single drop would spill, I placed my thumb over the opening and gingerly brought the rich liquid closer to my nose.
With a quick smell, its earthy scent wafted through my nostrils.
Without hesitation, I lifted my body in one fluid motion and brought the vial to my lips.
???????? ???????? ???????? !—The thick texture of the concoction coated my tongue, offering a rough, gritty sensation in my throat.
"Argh, that's diabolical!" Indeed the taste was disgusting.
Soon a strange tingle, akin to that of nerves awakening, surged through my entire body, accompanied by a sudden rush of heat from deep within.
Slowly, I began to sense a heavy presence both around and inside of me.
"My mana..." I whispered in awe, glancing down at the status bar displayed before me.
I watched as the display jumped from (G-) to (F+).
***
Somwhere in a distant Island, Marble Bay, a secluded cove nestled on a rugged, uninhabited coastline surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests.
???????????????????? 1817
"Uranium 235!" The voice was sharp and focused, the man's facial features sharpening under the sterile lab lights as he addressed the dark-robed figure before him.
"And what exactly is its use? I have never heard of this Heytler," the man asked, a clear glint in his eyes.
Heytler remained silent for a moment, his gaze locking with the other man's in an intense stare down.
The eerie atmosphere in the lab only grew thicker, the tension palpable as the stranger felt a chill creep up his spine.
"Uranium 235, my friend, has a plethora of uses," Heytler finally responded, his voice creeping out in a hushed tone.
As the conversation carried on, the man's unease only grew more and more concerning.
It was clear that Heytler was hiding something dangerous, something which he was not meant to know.
"But what I am trying to create with it can only be called as death manifested. A device which utilizes the nuclear energy of atoms to release an intense reaction capable of flattening the earth," Heytler declared with a twisted smile.
"Our goals may differ Kim, but the path we choose is the same...so you're going to help me with everything I need," Heytler commanded, his eyes flickering with an ominous intent.
Kim's thoughts raced as he nodded at Heytler's sentence. 'No, you crazy fucker! I am only doing this for my need, while you! are just sick in the mind...fucking bastard!' he thought to himself.
With a deep-seated sense of unease, Kim Du-han knew he had stepped into something much bigger than himself but it was too late to backdown.