Ten minutes passed, and Daniel noticed that someone had entered the observation room. It was Christopher, who was still in a patient gown but had regained consciousness. His gaze fixed on his right arm stump, where the prosthetic port was located.
"I suggest you try the standard model first," Daniel pointed to the prosthetic arm labeled 'Standard' on a nearby stand.
Christopher approached the stand, picked up the prosthetic arm, and examined the port at its base. The prosthetic arm felt remarkably similar to a human arm, with every mechanical part and synthetic muscle derived from magic and Atlantean artifice technology meticulously replicating the nuances of a real limb.
He inspected the prosthetic port on his arm stump before carefully attaching the prosthetic arm.
Click...
A satisfying click echoed as the mechanical components of the arm and the port seamlessly connected, the automatic lock securing them in place. The sensation of his once-lost arm returned, albeit with slight differences. Nonetheless, it surpassed any prosthetic available on the market today.
"Try moving it. I may need to make some adjustments," Daniel said, his focus on the screen as he typed on his notebook. Christopher began moving his right arm, gradually increasing the intensity. At first, there was a slight inconsistency in feeling, but with each adjustment, the prosthetic arm became more and more responsive, eventually matching the familiarity of his original limb.
"Incredible," Christopher uttered, awe-struck by the marvel of this technology.
Daniel pressed enter, loading the latest adjustments into his notebook to fine-tune the performance of Christopher's prosthetic.
"Now, try moving it at the speed and intensity you would use in battle or when you attempted to shishkebab me back then," Daniel said, injecting a hint of humor.
Annoyed by the mention of their previous battle, Christopher repeatedly punched the air, channeling his faith energy into the prosthetic. The sensation felt reminiscent of his former arm, gradually increasing in speed. However, at maximum velocity, he sensed a slight discrepancy and noticed a decrease in power behind his punches.
Daniel took note of the feedback and began adjusting the performance based on the test results, entering a new formula to fine-tune the prosthetic arm once again.
"Now, try again," Daniel instructed.
Without hesitation, Christopher exerted his full strength and unleashed a punch at the nearby wall.
Boom!
His fist slammed into the wall, penetrating through to the other side and into the hallway. It felt stronger and faster than intended, but Christopher was pleased with the result.
"Are you satisfied?" Daniel asked, a knowing smile on his face, as he observed Christopher's bewildered expression.
"Yeah... very," Christopher nodded with a deranged smile. He had been filled with pessimism after losing his right arm, fearing that he might have to settle for a role as an instructor at the Vatican, training new paladins. However, with the performance of this prosthetic arm surpassing even his original limb, he now harbored a dangerous confidence in his ability to return to the battlefield as a Grand Paladin.
Christopher's gaze fixated on the two models displayed on the stand—one designed for durability, the other specifically crafted for combat. If the standard model impressed him this much, he couldn't help but imagine the sheer potential of the more intensive and combat-oriented designs. The mere thought sent an exhilarating thrill coursing through his veins.
Daniel, keenly aware of Christopher's growing excitement as he examined the two other models, swiftly intervened to prevent any potential mishaps that could arise if Christopher decided to test them out prematurely.
"By the way, you must use the standard model exclusively for at least two weeks before attempting the other two. I still require data from your everyday life to further fine-tune those models. Otherwise, their power output could potentially sever your nerves from your spine," Daniel warned the ecstatic Grand Paladin.
As if doused in icy water, Christopher's excitement evaporated instantly, replaced by a stern gaze directed at Daniel as he sought clarification.
"Do I need to come here regularly to provide data on how the arm is performing and report any issues?" Christopher asked, his attempts to move his prosthetic arm serving as a gauge of its functionality.
"No, there's no need for regular visits. I can gather the data remotely as the arm will send a data package to me every 24 hours. However, if you encounter any mishaps, such as joint malfunction or damage from external attacks, you'll need to come to me for repairs. Furthermore, after two weeks, I'll provide you with a new standard model. The one you're currently using is a prototype designed for gathering usage data, and I'll include the other two models along with it," Daniel explained, his focus still fixed on the numbers displayed on his notebook screen.
"That's good to know. I think I'll stay here for about a month before returning to the Vatican," Christopher declared.
As Christopher turned to leave the room, he abruptly halted, his gaze fixed upon Daniel, who remained engrossed in his notebook.
"Do you still desire to kill Lucian Blackscar?" the Grand Paladin inquired.
Daniel's hand froze, his gaze slowly rising to meet Christopher's eyes. The Grand Paladin wore a maniacal smile, as if awaiting an answer from Daniel that could set the world ablaze. Within those eyes, a hidden fervor and deep-seated bloodlust lurked, eagerly anticipating the flow of their mutual enemy's blood.
"What did you say?" Daniel's response lacked any semblance of civility or lightheartedness, such as his usual humorous or joking demeanor when interacting with Christopher. His eyes turned cold, devoid of emotion.
"I asked if you still wanted to kill that bastard, Lucian Blackscar. I've heard he did quite a number on you and your witch girlfriend, albeit indirectly," Christopher repeated, emphasizing the intense conflict between Daniel and Lucian.
Daniel ceased his focus on the notebook, raising his head to lock eyes with Christopher directly.
"Do you know where that bastard is hiding? Be warned, I have an extremely low tolerance for bullshitters, particularly when it comes to this topic," Daniel inquired, his eyes cold and devoid of feeling, as deep-seated resentment and a silent bloodlust seeped through the unfeeling facade he had donned.
After Daniel had let Victor go, he received an email from Clause informing him that Victor had been taught magic by Lucian and had been greatly influenced by the Seed of Sins growing within him. This foul seed was responsible for Victor's actions against Daniel and Koyuki, his girlfriend.
Although Daniel had promised the homunculus girl a chance at life and wouldn't go back on his word by hunting them down unless provoked again, his focus shifted to seeking vengeance against Lucian Blackscar and anyone else involved.
For the past few weeks following the trial at the Hightower, Daniel had assigned Maria the priority mission of locating Lucian Blackscar. He knew that Lucian's status as a Councilor of the Hightower would only be temporarily revoked for one month, and Daniel had to eliminate him before time ran out. With just one week remaining until the end of the month, the pressure intensified.
Witnessing the seriousness on Daniel's face and the seeping bloodlust, Christopher felt a surge of elation. He knew Lucian to be a Great Demonologist and a counselor who advised Cyrus Ashborn on demons and cultists, including forbidden rituals such as connecting the mortal world to the demonic realm.
If Daniel succeeded in killing Lucian, he was certain that Daniel would immediately become an enemy of the Path of Knowledge faction. Daniel would no longer be able to stay at the Hightower, and the Vatican, with its influence powerful enough to deter heretics, would be his only refuge.
During that time, the Vatican, particularly its Secret Exterminator Unit, would gain access to Daniel's various sacred artifacts.
"In the suburban area of Sector Alpha City, there is a church named 'Sacred Unity Church.' Start your search there. It was the last place I saw that bastard enter," Christopher disclosed without holding back any information.
After hearing Christopher's words, Daniel was stunned. He locked eyes with Christopher, suspicion reflecting in his gaze.
"You are a grand paladin from the Vatican. Why are you telling me this? Shouldn't you be protecting the Vatican's interests?" Daniel asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
"Oh... You may not know this, but Vatican politics is no different than that of the Hightower. In fact, it's even more repulsive. I serve the Vatican as a whole, not some impostor trying to seize the Pope's position and dismantle the Vatican order!" Christopher's voice dripped with disgust and disdain, revealing his intense hatred towards the mastermind behind these events.
"Besides... I have my own reasons for telling you this. Consider it a way of repaying the favor for this remarkable prosthetic," Christopher stated, a smile adorning his face as he waved his prosthetic arm in front of Daniel.
Upon hearing this, Daniel responded with a knowing smile. He cared little about Christopher's motives and even less for the intricacies of Vatican politics. His current priority was the elimination of Lucian.
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