Chapter 425: The Third Surgery – Muscle Modification
April 1st.
Bay Territory.
A gentle summer breeze blew through the fields.
It revealed a lush and verdant landscape of fertile lands.
More and more farm outposts were being established.
Around them, additional fields were being cultivated.
The cultivated area in Bay Territory was increasing at an astonishing rate.
A wide variety of goods were being acquired and converted into more farmland, factory production lines, outposts, and merchandise.
Tens of thousands, even millions of gold coins flowed out, reaching cities across the eastern provinces.
More and more people, willingly or unwillingly, learned of Bay Territory's existence.
After all, wealth commands respect!
"Oh, another 560,000 gold coins are coming in later. The Eighth Legion really knows how to spend!"
Yaya rolled happily atop the pile of gold coins, tallying last month's income.
She listened to the jingling of coins and felt their texture against her scales. Her already joyous mood grew even brighter.
"Last month's total income was 8 million gold coins. This month's projected expenditure is at least 7.2 million."
"It's a pity those rubies must be stored. Otherwise, the income could have doubled."
Muttering to herself, Yaya thought of the growing collection of rubies, wondering what future products they might become.
"Probably used to make various golems…"
Yaya made a reasonable guess. After counting the gold coins, she sent her clone 300 meters underground.
She came here because it was safe and secret.
Ten steel golems stood guard, with four high-tier war automatons specialized in ranged attacks securing every dead angle at the entrance.
Even a team of extraordinary adventurers would struggle to breach their defenses.
Aside from the underground laboratory, only one other place in Bay Territory warranted such attention.
The Elemental Energy Pool!
The central energy supply of Bay Territory.
Automated production lines in factories, golem charging at outposts and camps – all depended on the energy provided by the pool.
Thanks to its existence, thousands of modified golems in Bay Territory could function.
It appeared as a 10-meter by 10-meter pool, filled with a thin layer of pale yellow transparent liquid.
Yaya felt the dense elemental energy but didn't linger.
Energy without purpose is mere excess.
While it could swiftly enhance levels or vitality, it wouldn't significantly boost combat power. Combat relies on proficiencies and skills.
Yaya's surpassing challenge rating compared to her peers was the best proof of this.
Energy absorption should be sufficient; time must be spent honing techniques and training skills.
"The gauge has reached 12.3%. When it fills, that plan should activate, right?"
With this thought, Yaya carefully inspected the spells and confirmed the defensive mechanisms were intact before leaving happily.
She was off to oversee the enhancement surgery.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Jifan carefully adjusted his breathing, suppressing his nerves as he awaited the lord's summons.
Jifan held immense respect and absolute trust in the lord.
He longed for this surgery to regain his ability to step onto the battlefield.
He desired to contribute more to the territory.
When the red waiting light dimmed, and the green indicator lit up, Jifan took a deep breath and stepped into the operating room.
The first thing he saw was a massive operating table.
Matthew motioned for Jifan to lie down and explained calmly:
"Unlike the first and second surgeries, the third surgery involves strengthening certain nerves. Thus, anesthesia won't be an option. You'll need to endure some of the pain."
Jifan's heart sank upon hearing this. Meeting the lord's deep and imposing gaze, he took a deep breath and resolutely replied:
"No problem. I can handle it!"
Matthew gave him an ambiguous smile, nodded, and said:
"I believe in you."
"Ahhh…!"
Harrowing screams echoed through the operating room.
Jifan's body convulsed uncontrollably as he struggled to rise.
However, his limbs were restrained, and no amount of effort would free him.
Matthew set aside the high-concentration nutrient potion, ensuring it dispersed throughout Jifan's body, before casting a newly modified spell:
"Fourth Circle Spell – Muscle Density Enhancement!"
Jifan, who had felt like he was being steamed alive, immediately experienced indescribable pain.
His muscles tightened as if compressed into a narrow iron can, still squeezing tighter.
The burning pain didn't subside but became more "precise" and "terrifying."
Words failed Jifan as his mind went blank, overwhelmed by agony.
At this moment, Matthew cast "Clarity" on him.
The haze lifted, and Jifan's mind sharpened, making the pain even more vivid.
Unseen to him, his muscles tensed and defined themselves rapidly beneath his skin.
"Nutrient solution consumption at 30%…"
"Nutrient solution consumption at 40%…"
The high-energy potion's rapid depletion eased Jifan's starving muscles somewhat.
They greedily absorbed the nutrients, growing and strengthening visibly.
The pronounced muscle lines formed quickly, creating a scene so unsettling it might seem as though something horrific had nested within him.
When the nutrient solution reached 80%, Jifan's pain momentarily dulled to bearable levels.
Matthew injected another high-energy potion!
Another round of muscle density enhancement!
"Ahhh…!"
Jifan's screams echoed once more, this time only within his mind as Matthew had cast a silencing spell.
This cycle repeated four times!
When the muscle density reached the desired threshold, Matthew finally stopped.
Relieved, Jifan gazed at the white ceiling, thinking:
"Is it over?"
Yet his respite was brief as a stinging sensation spread across his body, and the familiar burning pain returned.
Next was the muscle flexibility enhancement phase!
"Ahhh…!"
Jifan felt his body and voice were no longer his as he roared in anguish.
He would have preferred to endure constant, overwhelming pain than face its ebb and resurgence.
Observing Jifan's transforming physique, Matthew murmured with a smile:
"What gains come without a price?"
"Pain is just the appetizer."