Chapter 97: Abandoning the humanity
The art was undoubtedly priceless. If it was a mana channeling method of the mighty dragons who were considered to be the beings closest to the mana, it would surely be beneficial for Vlad. But what it was asking in return was what bothered him, a weight that settled heavily in his chest.
"What does it mean that my race will be permanently altered?" He asked, his voice carrying a hint of apprehension. "Will I change into some kind of beast?" The image of himself transforming into a monstrous creature flashed through his mind, which was clearly not pleasing.
[The method will activate the draconic traits in the Host’s body. The further you grow in power, the more you will transform into a demi-dragon.]
"Could I retain my human body or will I permanently lose it?"
[The Host will be able to transform between the two forms with anthropomorphosis.]
Vlad stayed silent for a few seconds weighing his decision. He was a D-Ranked, fundamentally unable to reach his goal no matter the amount of effort he put into his training. The system was giving him an option, but he must abandon his humanity.
Power or humanity.
The answer was clear as day for Vlad. If what stopped him from reaching his goal was biological, then he simply needed to change his biology. His resolve hardened, the hesitation melting away like morning frost beneath the sun.
Without even a slightest hesitation, he tapped the learn button.
[Activating the Art of Dragon Breathing...]
[Do not move from your place to avoid any internal injury.]
The mana from Vlad’s core rose again, moving towards his chest as he sat cross-legged on the bed. The air in the infirmary grew heavy, charged with an invisible energy that prickled against his skin.
However, instead of reaching beside the heart, the mana entered the heart itself.
Thump! Thump!
Vlad’s heart beat loudly, causing a sharp pain in his chest. The sensation was like a knife twisting between his ribs, each pulse sending waves of agony through his frame. His brows twitched from the pain, but he held on, clenching his fists until his nails dug into his palms. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, tracing slow paths down his temples.
The mana continued entering his heart, increasing his heartbeat with each passing second. What shocked Vlad was what followed afterwards. His heart was set ablaze in black flames, crimson lightning flickering around it like serpents of pure energy. The sparks forced him to cough out a small amount of blood, the metallic taste flooding his mouth.
From his heart, countless glowing veins emerged and began connecting to his mana circuits around the heart. It did not seem like the veins were attaching to something new, but as if they were returning to their original places, always meant to be there.
Once all the veins were connected to the mana circuits, his heartbeat completely changed. His heart beat more loudly but with a longer time interval than before, a deep, resonant rhythm that echoed through his entire being.
He slowly opened his eyes, wiping the blood from the corner of his lips as the pain vanished. The room came back into focus, the white walls and pristine equipment regaining their clarity.
[Congratulations! You have learned the Art of Dragon Breathing! You have formed a Draconic Heart.]
[You have unlocked the following skills]
[Draconic Heart: The Host’s heart has been mutated into the heart of a dragon.
Effects:
1. Mana efficiency has greatly enhanced. The Host can utilise mana with minimal wastage.
2. Mana recovery has greatly enhanced. The Host can recover mana at an incredible rate.
3. Mana aptitude has greatly enhanced. The Host can manipulate Umbra and Electro mana more efficiently.]
"Th-those are some incredible buffs," Vlad gasped, his eyes widening in shock. His lips parted in disbelief as he read through the list, each effect more impressive than the last. "I should try releasing some mana."
With excitement filling him over, he released his umbra mana, the dark flames materialising in his hand. They flickered and danced, casting eerie shadows across the infirmary walls. What he was forgetting in his excitement was that he had only formed a source to efficiently use mana. His mana reserves were still the same.
Already using most of his mana for Art of Dragon’s Breathing, the moment he released his mana, his core instantly emptied.
The flames that had appeared on his hand extinguished, and his heart let out a loud beat as it tried to pump something that was not even there.
[Alert! The Host has suffered Mana Deviation due to insufficient mana in the core.]
He held his chest, his eyes rolling up as he began coughing blood again. The crimson liquid splattered against the white sheets. At the same time, Chloe appeared through the door again, holding a bottle of apple juice. Her lavender eyes widened as she took in the scene.
The timing could not be any worse, Vlad muttered inwardly as he fell on his back, his eyes rolling upward. The last thing he saw before fainting was Chloe’s worried face as she ran towards him.
---
Ding...
[Mana recovery is completed.]
Vlad returned to consciousness from the familiar system notification ringing in his mind. He slowly opened his eyes only to find Chloe’s eyes glaring at him, her lavender gaze sharp and unforgiving.
He had not even woken up completely when she threw a punch at his stomach.
"Agh! What was that for!?" Vlad gasped, holding his stomach, his knees bending. His muscles were relaxed, which hurt him more than it should have. Getting a punch straight to the guts was the least he was expecting as he woke up.
"Stupid Vlad," Chloe muttered, this time the annoyance was clear in her voice. "I went out for two minutes and you did something stupid again." Her fingers tightened around the juice bottle, the plastic crinkling under her grip.
Vlad was about to speak when she continued, "No excuses. The doctor revealed that you suffered from Mana Deviation."
