https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-165-New-Tactics-As-Long-As-They-Work/12969793/
Chapter 164: The Moment of Truth
Chapter 164: The Moment of Truth
So, he's neither attacking nor running away? He's being rather cautious.
The old man, slightly disheveled and with a pained expression, watched the rapidly beating heart on the main stage with a raised eyebrow. His ability could temporarily 'enhance' the hearts of everyone within a certain range, causing their blood to flow faster.
If the target became too nervous or sensed danger and fled, the enhanced heart would be doubly stimulated, pumping blood at an accelerated rate, causing their blood flow to exceed their body's endurance and rendering them unable to resist.
In simple terms, the more active those within his ability's range became, the faster they would fall. Just like the two old men from the Lane Family.
Within the ten minutes it took for his ability to slowly take effect, they first ran around and chatted with the guests, then chased after the target twice, experiencing continuous emotional stress. Combined with their advanced age and frail health, they couldn't withstand the full force of his ability and collapsed.
As for the target on the stage, although affected by his ability, he seemed to be less influenced for some reason. His heart was only about sixty to seventy percent affected, and his slightly above-average physique allowed him to maintain his mobility...
It seemed he needed to increase the intensity.
After silently apologizing to his companions, the disheveled old man pressed his hand against his chest, and his aged body trembled.
At that moment, almost everyone in the hall shuddered in unison.
"I... I can't... hold on..."
"Help... Help..."
"I don't want to die!"
Due to varying physical conditions, some guests had managed to lean against pillars to stay upright, but with this sudden surge of adrenaline, they all clutched their chests and fell, unable even to beg for help.
Now, the only person still standing in the entire hall was Leon.
...
Success!
The disheveled old man couldn't help but smile as he felt the heart on the stage beating faster and faster, approaching its limits.
Even if you see through my ability and know that the more intense the movement, the quicker the fall, it's useless. You'll eventually collapse whether you run or not.
"Step, step, step..."
Hearing the sudden footsteps on the main stage and sensing the heart finally moving, the disheveled old man revealed a knowing smile.
Has he finally lost his composure?
Unfortunately, it was too late. My ability has many limitations: a small range, a long activation time, and it affects allies and enemies alike. But if you don't flee immediately upon sensing the anomaly, you've already lost!
"Step."
Unexpectedly, the footsteps on the stage didn't last long. Without even descending from the main stage, the person only reached its edge and stopped at a spot where he could address everyone.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
After scanning the guests below and confirming that most had lost their mobility, Leon took a deep breath and asked in a loud voice:
"Why don't you stand up and pay your respects to a prince?"
???
Are you insane?
Hearing Leon's question, the disheveled old man, hidden among the guests, almost burst out laughing.
These people, affected by his ability, were on the brink of a heart attack. How could they possibly stand and pay respects? At this moment, only the ability user, me, could...
Wait, only I can stand now?!
Sensing something amiss, the disheveled old man trembled, his eyes filled with deep terror, wishing he could deafen himself.
But it was already too late.
As Lyon's words landed, the disheveled old man, who had been lying on the ground in agony, suddenly released the hand that was pressing against his chest. He rolled over and stood up from the carpet, his eyes filled with terror and reverence as he bowed deeply to his would-be assassination target on the stage.
"Greetings, Your Highness..."
"Bang!"
Just as the disheveled old man had risen, an invisible giant hand seemed to grasp his body, forcing him into an incredible backward arch with a wide arc. His head hit the ground with a loud thud, and he fainted, his eyes rolling back.
...
It seems this is the one.
Feeling his heart rate gradually calming down, Lyon confirmed that the anomaly that had accelerated his heartbeat had stopped. Finally, Lyon's furrowed brows relaxed.
He gestured towards the fallen old man in the distance, and with the power of the holy spirit pendant, he dragged the man closer. Lyon searched the old man's body and found a metal object at the location of his heart, slightly rough to the touch.
[Name: Heart-Stirring Moment (Enhancement, Synchronization)]
[Appearance: A soft brass heart pacemaker embedded in the patient's chest cavity, driven by high-concentration whale oil injections at regular intervals. Its internal structure is extremely intricate.
If one listens closely, they should be able to hear the hissing sound of the micro-steam engine being driven, as well as the clashing sounds of dozens of miniature connecting rods driving the gears.]
[Ability: Heart Enhancement, Heart Synchronization]
[Cost: None]
[File: This is a precision instrument smuggled from the mechanical city of Coroc. It is used to help patients with naturally weak hearts maintain their heartbeat. The intricate device is so expensive that it could buy an entire hundred-acre sugarcane plantation.
Due to its exorbitant price, every user of this device, though they gained a healthy body and did not die from heart weakness, ultimately fell prey to the greed of plunderers.]
[Evaluation: Although this anomaly's ability is extremely hidden and almost undetectable, it is best not to use it unless your heart is several times weaker than that of a normal person.]
[Immersion Value: 2.5]
[Through your own observations and inductions, you have obtained a large amount of intelligence regarding 'Heart-Stirring Moment'. The anomalous badge 'Materialist Soul (Crimson)' is activated.
With your understanding of the activation rules of 'Heart-Stirring Moment', your resistance to this anomaly has significantly increased, and you can now withstand deeper levels of influence.]
...
So... this thing's ability is to first enhance its own heart and then forcibly synchronize all hearts within range?
Lyon tore open the disheveled old man's shirt, revealing a complex and intricate mechanical device on his chest. He hesitated for a moment, not immediately removing it, but instead took out a rope and tied up the unconscious old man.
Instructing Black Goat to keep a close eye on the surroundings and notify him immediately if anything unusual happened, Lyon took out the [Plague Blood Belt] he had obtained from the female prisoner. He first wrapped it around the disheveled old man's leg, temporarily taking away his leg's health, and then tied it around the back of his head, healing the injury from the collision.
"Ah..."
After the brain concussion was healed, the disheveled old man, who was slowly regaining consciousness, felt a sharp pain in his leg. However, before he could cry out, a slightly salty old piece of cotton was stuffed into his mouth.
"I have a question for you."
Lyon, having removed his other sock and tossed it aside, now with his shoes back on, looked at the disheveled old man, whose eyes were filled with despair. Speaking at a rapid pace, he asked, "Are your accomplices nearby?"
"There are more... including you, how many rebels with anomalies are there around here? One? Two? Three?"
"Only two of us? Then..."
(End of Chapter)
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