568 Physical Transformation
Hearing the introduction of the final reward for this trial, Adam was rendered absolutely speechless.
"Rumored to... extend one's life?!" He said with an expression full of disbelief.
He looked at the crystal-like liquid he had dipped his finger in with shock. The water's surface shimmered with a faint light, reflecting the potent magical energy contained within.
It felt cool, refreshing, and pure, as though it was untouched by time or corruption.
Adam withdrew his hand, planning to taste the water coating his finger. However, he was stunned when he realized the water had magically disappeared.
His eyes narrowed and he ventured a guess, "Could it be that the founder didn't want anyone to take this liquid away?"
To confirm his guess, he repeated his action and found the same result.
He stood there before the basin, deep in thought, Damn it!
Only if I could take this sacred water away from here, I would have been able to concoct that potion...
In the memories of the experts from the greater universe, Adam had learned about the existence of a potion so rare and magical that powerful organizations would go to war over it.
Moreover, Herbalists who could concoct these potions were held in extremely high regard. They were treated no differently than deities.
Of course, the recipe for this particular potion was rare, and the Herbalists who cold brew it were rarer still.
The Potion of Longevity!
It was a mystical potion that reduced the drinker's age by several years, essentially extending their lifespan.
Although 'several' years may seem like a small quantity, they were actually very crucial.
For example, suppose a powerful Magus on his last breath who has been stuck at a bottleneck of a certain rank drank this potion, they will have received the blessing of gaining a few more years in order to advance to the next rank.
Those few years could decide the fate of not only that particular Magus but everything and everyone they were connected to.
Thus, this potion was highly sought after by the power players of the greater universe!
However, repeated use of Potions of Longevity was highly dangerous. After each subsequent use, not only did the potion's utility decrease but there was also a great risk that the potion would instead increase the drinker's age. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Regardless, it was already miraculous to be able to come across such a potion. However, even if a Herbalist did manage to get their hands on this recipe, it would still depend on whether they could find the main ingredient.
The Sacred Waters of Lustrum was this main ingredient!
Although it went by different names in the greater universe, Adam could tell that this was the real deal. However, the liquid before him was far less potent than the ones in 'his' memories.
It couldn't be helped. After all, the quality and quantity of mana found in Tron paled in comparison to the ones found in the myriad planets of the greater universe.
This liquid could only be formed by accumulating the concentrated essence of mana in a particular place for an extremely long period of time.
"Perhaps, this has something to do with my mind thinking that I've been without food and water for more than a year," he added.
"The mind-body connection is truly something!"
His body was gaunt and skeletal, barely able to carry his weight. Then, he slowly entered the basin, the cool water immediately enveloping his thin legs.
The sensation of the water was both calming and rejuvenating, causing Adam to let out an involuntary moan.
As the magical liquid rose to cover more of his naked body, his dry and cracked skin began to drink in the life-giving energy.
Once fully submerged inside the basin, the Sacred Waters of Lustrum started to work its magic.
Adam's breathing became steadier, and his hollow chest began to rise and fall with deeper breaths. Strangely enough, he was able to breathe underwater just fine.
The water glowed more intensely, beginning to slowly swirl around his frail body as though responding to his need for nourishment.
His tanned, sunken skin and that tightly stretched against his bones began to regain color. Muscles and flesh slowly began to knit themselves together beneath his skin.
Finally, Adam began to revolve the Astral Tyrant Manual!
The water swirled faster and faster, creating a subtle whirlpool around him.
His brittle hair started falling out in clumps before they began to regrow—long and flowing, shining with a healthy luster. It was the same for his beard. They fell out before regrowing with full vibrance.
The deep lines of exhaustion on his face softened. The exhaustion and starvation smoothed out, restoring a youthful glow to his features.
His limbs once skeletal, now appeared more robust. His skeletal frame cracked and elongated, increasing his height. His muscles and tendons repaired themselves, altering his physique to near perfection.
The weakness was slowly driven away from Adam's being, replaced by a growing power surging within him.
After what felt like forever, the magical waters in the basin had finally depleted, all absorbed by the young man standing in the center.
Adam's body, once emaciated and frail, was now fully restored.
He stood at a little more than two meters now. He appeared not only healed, but transformed—stronger, sharper, and younger!
The aura of life and power surrounding him was palpable. He was no longer as muscular as he was before participating in this trial. He was much leaner now.
However, the muscles in his body pulsed with strength that he never had before.
The most drastic change about him, however, was his youthful appearance. Adam, now, looked no different than a youth who was in his late teenage years or early twenties!
His very presence commanded the attention in the room, embodying the strength and vitality bestowed upon him by the Sacred Waters of Lustrum.
He slowly raised his hands and tightly clenched his fists, feeling the raw power couring through his veins. Apart from the miraculous transformation, there was yet another surpise for him.
"I can feel it," he said confidently.
"The Mana Vortex Rank is not far!"