As Apollyon channeled his mana into the severed limb, a subtle transformation began to unfurl beneath his senses. Unbeknownst to him, the innate properties of his mana were interacting with the limb's composition in an enigmatic dance.
At first, he felt something peculiar, almost imperceptible. It was as if the limb responded to his mana in a way that was...unique. There was a faint, almost intangible change occurring, like a whisper of something unfamiliar.
The edges of the severed limb took on a faint, subtle glimmer, but it was so delicate that he wasn't entirely sure if it was real or imagined. It was as though his mana was weaving an invisible thread of unknown energy into the creature's flesh, lending it an elusive hint of added mystery.
Meanwhile, a subtle shift within the limb's circulatory system caught his attention. It was almost like a heartbeat, a rhythm that was out of sync with the creature's lifelessness. It was as though his mana's influence was touching upon something hidden, enhancing the flow of an energy he couldn't quite comprehend.
Apollyon couldn't grasp the full extent of these mysterious interactions, and the nuances of his mana's affinities remained a riddle he had yet to unravel. All he knew was that there was something extraordinary happening beneath the surface, a subtle symphony between his mana and the creature's remnants, and it left him with a sense of both wonder and intrigue.
‘This is unlike anything I've ever encountered before’, he thought, his mind racing to understand the enigma unfolding before him. ‘My mana, it's as if it's trying to connect with this limb in an entirely different way.’
He realized that there was something elusive and unfamiliar about the way his mana interacted with the limb. It wasn't quite like Seraphina's healing magic, which was tied to the essence of life. Instead, it was as though his mana was exploring uncharted territory within the creature's flesh, almost like a whisper of untapped potential.
‘Is this my so-called mana affinity?’ he ruminated excitedly.
Turning to Seraphina, who had been observing his efforts, Apollyon couldn't contain his curiosity. "Decurion," he began, his voice tinged with excitement, "there's something... unusual happening. My mana, it's different from yours. It's as if it's weaving something weird into this creature's flesh, something unknown and intriguing. Perhaps you sense the difference?" He gestured towards the limb, hoping she could shed some light on this mysterious phenomenon.
Seraphina flashed a rare look of intrigue, she was genuinely interested in his findings since she was always fascinated with the unknown; a common trait for mages alike.
“Alright, show me” she voiced softly as she delicately touched the limb, careful as not to destroy Apollyon’s mana connection with it.
She closed her eyes feeling just how Apollyon’s mana interacted with the limb’s inner structure. It wasn’t long before she felt the odd subtleties of his mana.
"You’re right, I can feel it," she admitted, her brow furrowing slightly in concentration, her eyes flashing with a mysterious glint. "There's a subtlety to your mana, Apollyon, something unique. It's as if it's resonating with... well, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's definitely different from my life affinity."
She continued to explore the limb's inner workings, noting the way this elusive energy interacted with the creature's flesh and bone. It was as if Apollyon's mana had an inherent curiosity, an insatiable thirst for understanding the very essence of the limb. ‘Its as if it’s trying to change the structure in some way…’
"This is intriguing," Seraphina mused, her voice filled with wonder. "Whatever this is, it's tied to your mana affinity. It's almost like your mana is a key, unlocking a hidden world within this limb. We'll need to explore this further, Apollyon, to truly understand the extent of your unique abilities."
She turned her focus to the autopsy; she had an idea in mind, but she also recognized the need to maintain the integrity of their test subject while continuing to explore the mysteries of Apollyon's mana.
Seraphina nodded with commitment, her eyes reflecting a growing excitement for the potential they were uncovering. "Apollyon, I want you to keep infusing your mana into the limb, but do it gradually, and focus on maintaining control. We need to understand how the volume of mana affects your affinity’s response to the limb. Start slowly and observe any changes you sense."
As Apollyon followed her instructions, Seraphina kept a close watch, her own senses keeping tabs on his mana flow; she was ready to intervene if things went awry.
Apollyon began increasing his injected mana flow causing the atmosphere in the room to become palpably tense. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he concentrated intensely on his task. It was a delicate balance, like trying to control a rushing river with a series of tiny dams in an effort to stop its overflow.
The limb responded, its energy patterns shifting in response to the increasing volume of his mana, new discrepancies started to appear in his mental world about the limb, but it was a struggle to maintain his control over the process.
His breathing grew heavier, and his hands trembled slightly as he guided his mana with precision. The limb seemed to vibrate faintly, reacting to the influx of energy. Seraphina watched closely, her expression a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She could sense the complexities at play, the subtle dance between the limb and Apollyon’s own unique mana properties.
"Steady, Apollyon," she murmured, her voice calm but encouraging. "You're doing wonderfully. It's a challenging process, but perhaps we may be able to uncover some knowledge about your affinity. Keep that focus, and remember, it's all about balance."
Apollyon's efforts were paying off, albeit in small but significant ways. He felt as if he was peeling back the layers of a complex puzzle, discovering hints of the hidden design within the limb. The influx of his mana was like a key unlocking secrets that had previously been shrouded in darkness.
As he increased the mana flow, the limb's inner structure became clearer, its composition and texture revealing themselves to him. It was as if he could perceive the very essence of the flesh, the intricate web of muscles, veins, and tissues that made up the limb. And there, in the midst of this revelation, was the subtle interaction of his mana's enigmatic properties.
Apollyon's brow furrowed as he concentrated, trying to decipher the meaning behind this interaction. It was as if the limb itself was responding to his mana, adapting in some way that was both intriguing and enigmatic. It was as if his mana was coaxing the limb's flesh and the residual fluids to respond in a particular way. The revelation was still elusive, like trying to grasp at a fleeting dream, but there was a growing understanding that this interaction held a key to unlocking the limb's secrets.
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With beads of perspiration on his brow and a heart pounding with excitement, Apollyon couldn't help but share his newfound insight with Seraphina. "I... I think I'm onto something," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and determination. "There's a connection here, something my mana is trying to do with the limb's structure and it’s circulatory system. I can almost understand it, I just need to increase the flow more” he ushered weakly in anticipation; he sensed that he was on the verge of a breakthrough.
He felt an intense urge to push just a bit further, to increase the flow of his mana ever so slightly; with a sense of determination, he continued to increase the mana flow.
However, in that critical moment, as he attempted to push the boundaries of his control, something went terribly wrong. His mana, once obedient and cooperative, suddenly became unruly and erratic. It surged uncontrollably, threatening to spiral into a chaotic explosion.
Before he could react, Seraphina, with her quick reflexes and deep understanding of magic, recognized the danger. With a calm but determined demeanor, she moved closer to Apollyon and reached out, placing her hand gently on his shoulder. Her touch was imbued with a surge of her own mana, a soothing and stabilizing energy that spread through Apollyon's being.
"Focus, Apollyon," she urged him, her voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. "Relax, let me help you regain control."
Apollyon nodded, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and trust. He understood that Seraphina's expertise was his best hope at this moment. As her mana merged with his, it created a delicate balance, counteracting the chaotic surge of his own energy.
Seraphina's own mana gently enveloped Apollyon's, creating a buffer zone that prevented the unchecked aggression of his mana flow. With precise movements and a touch of finesse, she carefully severed the connection between Apollyon and the limb. It was a delicate and risky procedure, like cutting a lifeline, but she managed it with the skill of a seasoned mage.
As the connection broke, Apollyon's mana, became stabilized and controlled, gradually receding from its unruly state. His breathing slowed, and the tension in his body eased. He looked at Seraphina with a profound sense of gratitude.
"Thank you!" he voiced aloud; his tone caked with a deep sense of appreciation. "I’m sorry, I didn't realize how close I was to losing control. I...I was almost there" he ushered slowly.
Seraphina smiled reassuringly. "It happens to the best of us when we're exploring the mysteries of magic. Just remember that it is important to understand how crucial patience is in our endeavours."
From out of sight, James emerged from his erected protective barrier, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. He let out an audible sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly as the tension of the moment lifted.
"Well, I'm glad we didn't end up with a messy dissection," he remarked with a wry smile. "I've seen my fair share of mana surges, and they tend to leave behind a trail of... unpleasantness."
Seraphina gave James a mocking look. "Your assistance was invaluable, James. We wouldn't have contained the situation without you" she said, her tone laced with sarcasm.
James chuckled softly. "Well, that's what I'm here for, after all. To study and explore, even when things get a bit hairy."
Seraphina simply rolled her eyes flashing him a cold look at his uncanny response.
“Oh, come on, give me a break Seraphina; you know for sure I don’t have the facilities to control mana especially one that have gone rogue. You can’t expect me to do anything about that right?”
“Besides the kid is safe and that’s all that matters in the end, isn’t that right Tiro?” he smirked.
“Yes..I suppose so” replied Apollyon. He didn’t take James’ nonchalance to heart since he knew it was his own fault for being careless; quite frankly he was aware that James couldn’t care less in the grand scheme of things.
“See?...Anyhow, I suggest refraining from testing the lad’s mana affinity for now, you and I both know that it isn’t a simple task; also its not wise to waste our precious research materials for something that can easily be checked by an official mage” James added with a hint of reason.
Seraphina deliberated for a while, her expression a mixture of not giving up and restraint; clearly her inner researcher was stoked. It looked like she wanted to find out about the inner mysteries of Apollyon’s affinity, but she was also aware that something could go wrong once again.
Apollo looked at his two supervisors in thought before opting for a compromise; he knew that he shouldn’t rush into things, “Decurion Seraphina, I agree with Decurion James’ sentiments; Although I am anxious in discovering my latent affinities, I am also aware of precaution, so please allow us to move on” he pleaded softly.
“…”, Seraphina paused in an effort to calm her nerves, ‘They’re right…’ she exhaled and nodded in acceptance.
“Alright” she voiced; her voice tinged with a slight sense of disappointment.
…
“Good”, remarked James as he turned to Apollyon before throwing him a spherical object, “Tiro, go bring the contents to the smithy; you can keep the omnisphere as a form of a reward and as my thanks for helping out” he waved.
Ding!
Apollyon caught the object in his palms and carefully looked at it, it was the same translucent spherical object engraved with golden lines, ‘omnisphere..’ he clicked his tongue in wonder. He looked at James’ back with fascination, ‘What an odd man’ he remarked inwardly.
“I understand Decurion…thank you” he said with a hint of genuine appreciation. He then turned towards Seraphina and bowed, leaving with good intentions.
..
After watching him leave, the atmosphere within the underground lab turned serene and quiet, two individuals stood rooted at their spots: one seemingly curious and the other in tranquil contemplation.
“So… do you want to tell me what happened earlier?” James faced Seraphina inquisitively.
The person in question snapped out of her thoughts and flashed him a meaningful glance, “Forget about it” she voiced mysteriously before grabbing a trough of croclith blood and leaving.
“You wouldn’t understand” she muttered silently.
But of course, James wasn’t one to be underestimated; his keen senses clearly picked out her silent sentence, “That just makes me more curious, mademoiselle” he smirked as he watched her figure disappear from his sight.
..
Apollyon emerged from the underground bunker with glee, his steps energetic and his face sporting a radiant smile; he checked his quests tab.
{Delivery: Hand over the omnisphere’s contents to the nearby smithy.}
{Rewards: +20 experience points.}
‘Only 20 experience points? How stingy’ he complained inwardly. ‘How come I didn’t get quests from the Croclith autopsy? Surely, I should’ve gotten at least a single quest during that whole ordeal…’ he tried questioning his system, but of course it was like talking to a brick wall.
‘Just how are my quests generated in the first place?’, Apollyon knew that his first ever quest was created by accepting a task via terminals from the Contribution hall, ‘but this time it was from word of mouth…it just doesn’t make sense!’
He stopped in his tracks, ‘Wait, don’t tell me that the quests function has a mind of its own too…’ he dawned on a possibility, ‘It can’t be selective, can it?’
“No way…” he whispered to the wind, “that can’t be fair.”
‘No, there must be a way around this, think!’ he once again ruminated various possibilities and theories within his mind. ‘Firstly, what do the two quests have in common?’ he thought for a while, ‘Instruction…right?’
‘Another one should be a destination, no it has to be direction…yes that makes more sense’, he was aware that the two quests pointed him towards a specific place: a direction.
‘What else is there?’ he pondered on the spot, ‘Its obvious that my system has restrictions to stop exploits…so what would I do to stop players from exploiting quests?’ he asked himself as if wearing the shoes of a game developer.
…
‘A sense of purpose?’ he thought after multiple rounds of contemplation, however, he frowned with an obvious sense of confusion, ‘Instruction, direction and purpose…it’s too vague’ he admitted before throwing the thought at the back of his mind.