Chapter 426: Bald but Stronger
"Muscle density enhancement, completion rate 95%."
"Muscle flexibility enhancement, completion rate 93%."
"Neuromuscular enhancement, completion rate 98%."
The initial surgical steps were quite effective. Matthew looked at the sweat-drenched Jifan and noticed his falling hair, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.
Some strengthened muscles, paired with the "Steel Frame" special feat.
Bones and joints began to develop specialized muscle membranes.
The original hair was mercilessly "exterminated" until it could adapt to the changes.
With the completion of muscle strength modification, Jifan's previously lean frame became incredibly robust.
So robust that it bordered on exaggerated!
These unfamiliar muscles would require Jifan to spend considerable time taming and controlling them.
However, that was a task for the future.
The final surgical step awaited. Matthew applied external stimulation to these powerful muscles, causing them to contract inward continuously.
Stronger overall muscle groups placed immense pressure on Jifan's other organs.
Overly powerful external muscles paired with fragile internal organs were akin to squeezing a sausage—any weakness would lead to a catastrophic burst.
In such conditions, the organs would endure escalating pressure.
Eventually, internal damage would occur, leading to an irreversible cascade akin to an avalanche.
Several early experimental subjects suffered repeated injuries, resulting in severe bodily instability.
Increased activity levels would often culminate in fatal internal organ damage.
Through the power of destiny, Matthew experimented with various solutions, spending nearly 2 million gold coins to devise a specialized plan.
By leveraging external pressure, he further enhanced the internal organ resilience.
To achieve this, the "Life Nutrient Elixir" recipe provided by a master druid known to Old Li resolved the issue of rapid nutrient replenishment for internal organs.
The cost was 35 types of brand-new high-tier magical plants.
A negligible price!
Matthew injected the life nutrient elixir into Jifan's veins, utilizing the connection between capillaries and tissues to deliver nutrients quickly.
The internal organs, already bearing some gravity-induced damage, were rapidly restored by the life nutrient elixir and emerged stronger than before.
The recovery of organ tissues was an instinctive response rooted in genetic edits. With a continuous supply of life nutrient elixir, they could withstand external pressure.
What was once a fragile sausage became a durable rubber baton.
Unified internal and external strength facilitated the final surgical outcome: the extraordinary feat—Hardened Muscles!
After approximately two hours of "fermentation," assisted by two applications of time reversal, Jifan successfully acquired the "extraordinary feat."
He was now eligible for the next round of surgical enhancement!
Another two hours passed.
Awakened by a faint cooling sensation, Jifan felt an aching, tingling soreness throughout his body as he slowly opened his eyes.
He discovered himself immersed in emerald-green nutrient liquid.
However, his intention to rise was thwarted by an indescribable immense pressure pinning him to the bottom of the nutrient tank.
Thankfully, a breathing tube connected to his mouth ensured he wouldn't drown in the nutrient solution.
As the countless pricks of pain gradually subsided, Jifan's muddled thoughts began to clear.
Simultaneously, the overwhelming pressure weakened to a level where Jifan could move his limbs.
Before Jifan could grasp his circumstances, the sound of knocking drew his attention.
Jifan sat up and turned to see a figure behind him, his eyes widening in surprise.
It was his mentor, the one-armed Hall!
Jifan never expected Hall to undergo the surgery as well.
Seeing Hall's playful expression, Jifan smiled and waved.
In response, Hall raised his hand and pointed to his own head.
Initially confused, Jifan soon widened his eyes in realization.
Hall's head was bald!
With Hall's robust physique, the bald look had an oddly amusing effect.
Wait a minute!
Realizing something, Jifan touched his own head.
Smooth and shiny!
"I'm bald too?"
Seeing Jifan's dazed expression, the satisfied Hall laughed heartily and began showing off his bald head to others nearby.
Reflecting on his once-thick black hair, Jifan, feeling the explosive power within his body, had no regrets.
"I'm bald, but I've grown stronger!"
Two days later.
As Jifan practiced controlling his muscles, his mentor summoned him for a new training regimen.
Despite having only one arm, Hall displayed agile and seasoned combat techniques, relentlessly pressuring Jifan.
The more Hall attacked, the more exhilarated he became.
He felt his current body far surpassed his peak, confident in his readiness for combat.
However, without an order from the lord, his aspirations remained unattainable.
Only individuals like Jifan, with all limbs intact, had the opportunity to take action.
Frustrated, Hall vented his annoyance by thoroughly "disciplining" his apprentice.
Another intention, naturally, was to teach Jifan invaluable "combat techniques."
"Adventurer combat differs vastly from military operations; you can't afford to have glaring weaknesses."
"Beyond combat prowess, you need to master various skills."
"You can choose not to flee, but you must have escape capabilities."
Alongside them, other soldiers who underwent surgical enhancements also engaged in rigorous training.
They had received news: the lord planned to establish a specialized combat unit.
No one wanted to be excluded!
Everyone hoped for an early deployment!
After completing the third surgical enhancement for Bay Territory's soldiers, Matthew began teaching Yaya the "craft."
Yaya's practice subjects were, of course, the heavy criminals.
The order of operations followed strict logic.
Those with the most heinous deeds naturally went first.
This ensured the highest mortality rate and lowest success rate.
Yaya's exceptional aptitude meant she mastered the "craft" after processing just over seventy test subjects.
Once proficient, the little one planned to practice on kobolds.
According to Yaya, dragon-blood-enhanced draconic hybrids already possessed "regenerative" capabilities.
Simply put, their resilience allowed them to "endure" longer, increasing success rates.
Matthew approved of Yaya's plan, encouraging her to practice independently and experiment freely.
After all, there was no need to lament the loss of "materials."