Chapter 1157: Mother Seed Cells
Hearing his question, Mira furrowed her brows, surprised that he would start with such a complex topic. Still, it wasn't beyond her capability to explain.
"To understand how Vylkr energy is naturally produced in our bodies, we need to examine it on a cellular level. Within us, there are cells called Mother Seed Cells, or 'MSCs.' These are unlike any regular cells and are typically clustered near vital organs, particularly around the heart and nervous system," Mira explained.
She paused, unboxing and turned to face Orion and Fifi. "... I'll share a secret. These unique cells don't produce Vylkr energy out of thin air. Instead, they act as conduits for energy transformation, harnessing a particular type of powerful energy from the environment and converting it into Vylkr energy."
Orion's expression became thoughtful as he processed her words. He had been right; the residents' ability to produce Vylkr energy wasn't as natural as it appeared. However, in a way, it wasn't entirely unnatural either-just more complex than expected.
"I know this is different from what I initially told you, but you wouldn't have understood if I had started this way," Mira added before continuing her work. "Vylkr energy is extremely fierce and dangerous, so for our bodies to naturally produce it from thin air, we need to possess a powerful constitution, but we don't."
"The structure of the MSC is unique, with a nucleus containing an unknown fragment wrapped in a protein we call 'strangikyn.' All we know about this fragment is that it acts as a miniature reactor. There's also a specialised mitochondrion called the 'Vylkr mitochondrion' and a cytosol with a high concentration of proteins called 'Vylkr enzymes,' which act as catalysts for energy conversion."
"This unknown energy is first absorbed by the Vylkr enzymes, then passes through the unique nucleus, where it's amplified and infused with properties of the unknown fragments, and into the Vylkr mitochondrion, which synthesises it into raw Vylkr energy."
"The energy is then released into the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body and enhancing the overall constitution. That's how we can produce Vylkr energy naturally," Mira added.
"As for how we eventually transform into Tainteds... Remember when I said that we don't have the right constitution to support the production of Vylkr energy?" Mira continued, "When the Mother Seed Cells produce too much Vylkr energy, the unknown fragment in the nucleus becomes unstable, leading to the unstable replication of cells, which creates Tainted cells."
"The Tainted cells are infectious-once they spread into the bloodstream, they infect healthy cells, turning them into more Tainted cells and generating chaotic Vylkr energy. Though the MSCs are safe from corruption, it doesn't matter because the body starts undergoing physiological and molecular changes, eventually transforming into a Tainted."
"The Void Heart not only serves as a regulator but also as a filter and stabiliser. It purifies the cells, and Vylkr energy neutralises its chaotic elements, preventing further mutation of the Tainted cells and reducing the risk of corruption. That's all we've discovered with our equipment," Mira said, her expression serious.
Ten minutes later, Mira had explained everything she knew about the Tainteds and the Void Heart.
"Is the cell only capable of utilising that unknown, powerful energy?" Orion asked curiously. "No. It can utilise nature energy and others, but the conversion is ineffective compared to this powerful energy. That's why it's preferred. I think I kept it here somewhere," Mira responded.
"Have you discovered how those on the verge of becoming Tainted can enter the Mirror Realm?" Orion asked.
Contrary to his expectations, Mira shook her head and responded, "We haven't been able to observe such a phenomenon with our equipment." She added, "Ah, here it is. It took considerable effort for us to collect such a small sample." She handed Orion a small vial from a sealed metallic case.
"Please, be careful with it," Mira said lightly.
Orion accepted the vial curiously, but upon grasping the container tightly, he couldn't sense anything inside, causing him to frown.
"It's sealed with a powerful barrier to prevent anything from escaping. Since we sacrificed so much to obtain it, we had to ensure it wouldn't be lost," Mira explained as if sensing Orion's thoughts after noticing his silence.
A look of realisation appeared on Orion's face. "Can you help us open it then? If I can sense it, I may be able to tell if it's one of the top-ranked energies and help you identify it," he asked, fixing his gaze on Mira.
Troublesome! He couldn't even imagine it.
"Are you done sensing it?" Mira asked, her voice tinged with anxiety as the tiny milky wisp of
divine energy slowly dissipated.
"I'm done. You can seal it back," Orion responded with a nod.
Without responding, Mira quickly resealed the vial and returned it to its box. She raised her
head and looked at Orion and Fifi. "So, can you sense what kind of energy it is?" Her voice was
filled with anticipation.
"Yes, we're very familiar with it," Orion replied with a firm nod.
"Really? You are not joking, right?" Mira's eyes widened in shock, and her body trembled with
excitement.
"I wouldn't dare joke about something like this. It's called divine energy, one of the highest energy ranks," Orion explained. "Once everything is settled and the Bastion of Wailing Gnarled is prepared to move to Paradise, I'll ensure you have as many wisp of divine energy as
you need for your research."
Mira froze, her expression shifting into disbelief. "This... is divine energy?" she asked, her voice quivering, her hands trembling as she stared wide-eyed at the box in her hand. Who would have thought that the powerful energy responsible for producing Vylkr energy,
the one the Bastion of Wailing Gnarled had been researching for countless years to unlock its secrets, was of divine nature? The very energy used only by the gods since ancient times!
Mira's mind stopped as she processed the rest of Orion's words.
"What do you mean by moving to 'Paradise'?" she asked.
She knew that Paradise was the name of the land they came from, but she was surprised and
confused about why they would be moving there.
...
Please read the author's note!