Chapter 347: Extraordinary Feat – Second Heart
Whenever circumstances permitted,
Yaya would never miss out on delicious food to brighten her day.
While Yaya kept eating, Matthew resolved accumulated problems for Liana and the other novice spellcasters.
He also assigned them new study tasks.
Until they advanced to Level 4 spellcasters, studying would remain their sole priority.
Around 2 PM,
Matthew and Yaya entered the underground laboratory.
A larger experimental area had been excavated, housing more experimental tools.
In the future, it would become even more expansive!
Matthew first checked the data on the troll experimental subjects.
The troll subjects were both fearful and submissive in Matthew's presence, not daring to disobey.
Standing before a robust troll, Matthew observed its gently heaving chest, a faint smile on his lips.
Toothy
Species: Troll
Status: Experimental Subject of Bay Territory
Age: 29
Class: Level 8 Hunter
Talent: Extraordinary – Regeneration
Feat:
Extraordinary Feat – Second Heart LV1: Constitution +1, Max HP +10, HP regeneration +50%, immunity to one fatal heart strike!
...…
Legacy: Intermediate – Path of the Hunter
Attributes:
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 15
Intelligence: 9
Constitution: 22
Perception: 11
Charisma: 5
Luck: +3
Evaluation: "Better a poor life than a good death!"
The second heart placed in the troll's right chest was the "surprise" Matthew had prepared for Old John and Arnold!
This wasn't a physical heart but an intangible magical artifact, about one-third the size of a fist.
Matthew had crafted this special magical item over time, consuming tens of thousands of gold coins, 20 kilograms of precious mithril, 3 kilograms of adamantine, and nearly a million units of destiny power.
What made it special?
"It has no tangible form!"
"Once implanted into the right chest, it integrates with the flesh and permanently magicalizes the surrounding tissues."
Matthew handed blueprints to Arnold and Old John, explaining in detail:
"During the magicalization process, I'll cast the Second Heart Transfiguration spell to finalize and solidify the transformation."
"After the surgery, it will take about a week for the body to fully adapt to the second heart's presence."
On a human anatomical model's right chest, Matthew drew a simple heart diagram, emphasizing the thickened blood vessels:
"See these? They're the only physical change. They'll assist your original heart in supplying blood and energy."
"With this, your body can store more energy, raise your constitution cap, and gradually enhance your physical attributes…"
Holding the liquid-like substance in his hand, Arnold stroked his graying beard and asked expectantly:
"Once we have this, will we gain regenerative abilities?"
Matthew nodded, pointing to a robust orc experimental subject nearby.
The already strong orc was even more muscular than typical berserker orcs.
Yet, that wasn't the key.
A sharp surgical blade sliced open the orc's arm.
Within a dozen breaths, the fresh wound had completely healed.
"As you can see, the second heart is crucial for gaining regenerative abilities and even enhances them!"
"For now, it's slightly weaker than a troll's regeneration."
"But as research advances and techniques improve, the regenerative abilities you gain will surely surpass those of trolls!"
Matthew instinctively "sold the dream" to the two men, grinning faintly as he observed their eager expressions.
"Once regeneration is mastered, the next phase is maximizing the acceptance of dragon blood modification."
"That will also be done in several stages!"
"This approach not only reduces the risk but also helps us accumulate technical expertise for mastering dragon blood modifications."
Fully trusting Matthew, the two men nodded enthusiastically.
Old John licked his lips, speaking with both anticipation and nervousness:
"Do I go first?"
Shaking his head slightly, Matthew addressed their puzzled looks:
"Before the experiment, you'll undergo preparatory training to improve success rates."
Soon, Matthew had Old John and Arnold engage in rigorous physical training while maintaining optimal nutrition.
This method aimed to maximize their physical potential and endurance.
Normally, such training would be inadvisable due to its toll on the body.
Old John handled it reasonably well.
For Arnold, however, it was a considerable burden.
Nevertheless, the two followed Matthew's plan faithfully.
Having completed experiments on trolls and orcs, Matthew
spent 150,000 units of destiny power to upgrade the Level 4 spell "Second Heart Transfiguration" to LV5.
[Second Heart Transfiguration LV5]
Transforms a portion of the target's body into a functional heart substitute.
Permanently solidifies and magicalizes it, granting full cardiac functionality.
Success rate: 100%!
This Level 4 spell originated from Matthew's memory, created by a highly talented player.
Initially designed to give players without unlimited resurrection abilities more survivability.
While Matthew hadn't understood its detailed workings before, he knew its structure and sequence.
With destiny power, foundational theory, and the selfless contribution of experimental subjects, Matthew had perfected and enhanced it over time!
In the future, humanity's fragile bodies needed to withstand terrifying entities.
Thus, Matthew began paving the second path for Bay Territory!
Aside from orcs and trolls, Matthew also experimented on Bloodmoon City death row inmates and some notorious bandits.
Consider it recycling waste!
Three days later,
Matthew successfully performed surgery on Old John and Arnold.
The results were excellent—neither experienced discomfort.
As the second heart's effects manifested, both men showed significant physical improvements.
Simply put, they looked over ten years younger.
The impressive results left Matthew highly satisfied.
However, Matthew didn't plan for immediate large-scale implementation. He aimed to refine the process based on data from Arnold and Old John.
No experiment could succeed in one go.
Watching the excited duo, Matthew confidently told them:
"To be safe, we'll wait half a month."
"If your second hearts remain effective and stable, we'll begin the regenerative modification."
"For now, avoid intense combat or training until your bodies fully adapt."
"And if you feel any discomfort, notify me immediately!"
"If the experiment fails, we can start over. Your safety is the top priority."
"As for the second surgery, it was inspired by Beelzebub and informed by experiments on orcs."
"This surgery will further enhance your constitution, allowing you to endure dragon blood modification."
"It's called—Skeletal Fortification Surgery!"