Leaving Mikhael behind, I cautiously stepped into the dimly lit drug production lab. The air was heavy with the scent of chemicals, and the sound of humming machinery filled the room. As my eyes adjusted to the eerie surroundings, I couldn't help but notice two figures strapped tightly to metal tables, their bodies sedated and motionless.

  With a sense of urgency, I retrieved a small glass container from my pocket. Inside were two pills of the elusive APTX-08 drug, a substance known for its transformative effects. Carefully, I placed one pill in the mouth of each man, ensuring they swallowed it. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford to wait for the drug to take its natural course.

  Drawing from my past experiences, I knew that the effects of the drug typically manifested after approximately five days. But I couldn't wait that long. Determined to expedite the process, I commanded the nurse to counteract the sedatives and administer a powerful dose of adrenaline to both men. The room buzzed with tension as I anxiously monitored their vital signs.

  As the hours turned into a day, I observed a subtle shift in the test subjects' vital signs. Their pulses became erratic, and their once sedated bodies convulsed with pain. Standing by their side, I injected my own mana into their bodies, hoping to guide the drug's effects. To my surprise, my mana was forcefully rejected, leaving me bewildered and searching for answers.

  Recalling the advice of Eve, a trusted ally, I made a bold decision. I sliced open my hand, allowing my blood to drip into the mouths of the guards. Within minutes, I reintroduced my mana into their bodies, this time with greater success. However, I struggled to discern where the mana was being drawn to and lacked control over its path, hindering the formation of the ethereal chi core.

  Drawing upon my heightened mana sense and thermal scan abilities, I infused my eyes with mana, activating them simultaneously. This newfound vision revealed that the mana was attracted to my blood, tracing its path until it settled in the guards' stomachs. Witnessing the guards' organs break and regenerate, I knew time was of the essence.

  Utilizing my blood as a catalyst, I directed it to seep through the damaged areas in their stomachs, guiding it towards the location of the dantian, a crucial energy center. With a combination of mana and blood, I created a swirling vortex, and to my elation, the dantian began to form.

  Yet, my joy was short-lived. Within a minute of its formation, the dantian shattered, causing the mana and my blood to disintegrate. Within ten minutes, the guards succumbed to death, their souls absorbed by my skill. Frustration and anger consumed me as I called for the guards stationed at the door, demanding the disposal of the lifeless bodies and their replacement.

  Time and time again, I repeated the process, only to be met with failure and death. Determination fueled my relentless attempts, but the results remained unchanged. Doubt crept in, and I questioned if I had missed a crucial step or made an irreversible mistake. The weight of the situation pressed upon me, leaving me agitated and restless.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Overwhelmed by my distress, one of the nurses rushed to my side, wiping the sweat from my forehead, while the other offered me a sandwich and a drink, urging me to take a much-needed break. Grateful for their care, I couldn't shake off the unease that gripped me.

  The stakes were high. If I couldn't awaken the others, my plans and promises would crumble, endangering the lives of those by my side. The looming threat of revenge would force desperate measures, potentially leading to their demise—a fate I desperately wished to avoid.

  "Fuck! Unbelievable!" I exclaimed, my rage reaching its peak. In a fit of anger, I unleashed a powerful punch against the wall, creating a deep crater beneath my fist. The nurses in the room jumped in surprise, startled by the intensity of my emotions.

  Feeling their fear and concern, I calmed down and I apologized for my outlash.

  As I ate the food provided and drank the water, I kept thinking however no solution was found. I then decided to turn to the only one that can help in this situation and that’s my trusty partner Eve.

  Eve as if waiting for me to ask said: “Young master, there is no need for frustration. You need to calm down and think properly. It seems that the monster side is hindering your thought process and increasing your emotional response. There is one thing you still did not try young master. And I think you should have known what it is. It’s your skills, and especially your soul network skill.”

  Soul Network: This subskill allows the user to link their soul with other souls, forming a soul corridor. Through this corridor, the user can communicate with the linked group and sense any ill will or hostile intentions towards himself\herself. Note: The link can be broken or cancelled by either party but doing so will result in losing all the benefits provided by the user through the link, including evolution. Also, by agreeing to forming a bond or pact with the user, the subject agrees to leave their soul at his disposal. This means, the subject that breaks the pact or has the bond broken by the user will leave their soul as collateral. Note: Some damage will also affect the user when the pact is broken.

  “Eve, it seems that you are right, and my monster side is taking over my rational side and to be honest it is starting to take a toll on my mentality. I should have relaxed and thought this through rationally. However, soul network how didn’t I think of such a simple skill.”

  “My advice to you, young master, is that you time the skill activation with the formation of the dantian and that would solve the issues you are facing. According to my calculation the percentage of success is 98%.”

  “Thanks Eve, I owe you a lot. You really are a life saver, and I hope to find a way to repay all your help someday. If one day you think of suitable way to reward you, don’t be shy and ask for it and I will promise you I will try my best to fulfill it.”

  “My reward is serving you young master! However, if I do find something that I need I will not hesitate to ask you for help. Thank you, for always looking after me. I will leave you to your job and if there is anything you need, just ask.”

  “I will. Thank you again.”

  After calming down and with Eve providing a solution, I think I should be able to do it. It’s time for the real deal now.