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.
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.
[Scanning...]
Nano have many abilities that I have learnt of lately.
This includes night vision, thermal vision, X-ray vision, echolocation, memory extraction, healing, regeneration, enhancement, interlink, taser, mind breaker, parallel processing, bioelectricity manipulation, electromagnetic vision, lie detection, hacking and multilingualism among many others.
Additionally, it has an alternate mode intended for combat other than [battle mode].
[Rev-gdm] or Revkr?khtnońt G?tterd?mmerung.
Something I'll never use due to its barbaric nature.
It's not meant for combat. Instead, it stems from a simulation that depicts an apocalyptic scenario designed by the most advanced singularity AI.
The simulation is of a world in ruins, a dreadful event triggering endless wars and battles that last for eons.
The singularity AI developed this scenario to reveal a blueprint or 'recipee' for dealing with what it terms 'the worst-case scenario.'
While this system was developed to nurture human evolution of survival, Nano warns me to never use it.
And that's a powerful statement, considering that it is coming from Nano itself.
Anyway, more on that later.
I settled down on my twin-sized bed, rolling around to ease my sore muscles. No playing, just relaxation.
"I had Edward do my bidding. Blackmail did the trick, or was it the trauma?" I asked.
Now he's at my beck and call, but there's a catch— he's a criminal, and as the saying goes, old habits die hard.
"I have to take him out once I'm through with him. I can't let a possible threat to my future," I gritted my teeth, thinking about this.
"Argh, it's vexing, and I can't shake the feeling that what I'm doing is reproachable. The chap doesn't deserve the axe, and I long for a more benevolent solution. But..."
[Scanning complete]
As I was lost in my thought, Nano's voice rang in my head.
"Ah? That was quick."
[The ingredients in the potion seems unharmful to human body . Swallowing this liquid may cause a slight intoxication, but it will not harm the body in any other way.]
'As expected, it only harms the manacore. Well after all it was built specifically for the manacore.'
With a swift motion, I brought the vial of 'mana enhancer' closer to my face.
I reached for the wooden cover, and with a gentle push, the lid twisted open with a satisfying—????????
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.
Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.𝘤ℴ𝑚 for the best novel reading experience