Chapter 336: Biochemical Weapons

Chapter 336: Biochemical Weapons

At three in the afternoon, Luo En arrived at the Jade Pavilion as promised.

The courtyard felt unusually quiet today. Even the normally chatty crystal songbirds had fallen silent.

The exotic flowers, usually vibrant, now bore darkened edges on their petals—like they’d been brushed by some indescribable power.

Franca waited at the entrance as always, dressed in her thick, heavy gown that never changed with the seasons.

“Lalfmage, the prince is waiting for you in the parlor.”

The half-dragon maid’s voice remained steady, but Luo En’s heightened perception caught subtle shifts in her tone.

Through his Hermit’s Insight, he noticed Franca’s muscles were slightly tensed.

Her breaths came a touch faster than normal. Her left hand unconsciously clenched and unclenched—a classic reaction to uncertain threats.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the window lattice into the parlor, casting dappled shadows over floating motes of dust.

These specks were naturally formed mana particles from the high ambient mana concentration. Their drifting paths subtly reflected the emotional fluctuations in the air.

As Luo En entered, Eve sat at the familiar crystal table, tea set and delicate pastries arranged before her.

Dressed in a pale flowing gown, the black-haired princess’s amethyst eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

“Mentor, you’re here.”

She rose to greet him with a bright smile, her voice brimming with unhidden joy:

“My condition feels better than ever recently.”

Beyond pure happiness, her emotions carried a touch of near-pathological dependency.

A faint blush colored her cheeks.

“These past few days, I’ve barely felt that tearing pain at all. I’ve even managed some simple mana exercises.”

Her voice trembled with suppressed delight, but quickly darkened:

“Still… I worry this improvement might be temporary. The mana corruption symptoms have always been unpredictable. They might flare up again any day.”

Luo En studied her expression carefully. She did indeed seem livelier than usual—her complexion healthier, movements more fluid. The frailty caused by her corruption had noticeably lessened.

“It seems our previous Boon exchange is indeed having a positive effect.”

He nodded approvingly. “Your improvement is clearly visible across multiple metrics, but any treatment needs time to verify its permanence.”

After his assessment, he added:

“However, the current data trends are stable. We’ll need continued observation.”

Her eyes glowed with gratitude.

“All thanks to your help. Mother says the Boon you provided has a special ‘purity’ that repairs even at the soul level.”

At the mention of Cassandra, her expression briefly shadowed, then cleared.

“As a matter of routine, I’d like to share some of my recent research findings first.”

Eve’s eyes sparkled with the excitement of a prisoner glimpsing a crack of light through their cell door:

“The temporary relief from mana corruption has allowed me to attempt operations I couldn’t before.”

She extended her right hand. Silver light shimmered at her fingertips—a refined, complex display of Mana Control.

“I call it ‘Spirit Stratification Control’.”

Her voice carried the focused intensity of a researcher:

“Traditional spiritual energy usage is linear—only one task at a time. But I’ve discovered that splitting consciousness into multiple independent threads lets each handle different types of information…”

As she spoke, the silver light fragmented into three distinct mana flows.

Each performed a separate function—one analyzing ambient mana composition, one monitoring her physiological state, the third executing complex mathematical calculations.

“This technique was born from necessity amidst my corruption symptoms.”

Eve’s smile turned bitter:

“When pain consumed my primary consciousness, I had to learn letting part of my mind operate autonomously to handle daily affairs.

“Unexpectedly, as my condition improved, this adaptive ability evolved into an entirely new form of spiritual energy manipulation.”

Watching the demonstration of Spirit Stratification Control, Luo En felt genuine surprise.

The technique’s complexity would challenge even his own Spiritual Energy Control mastery.

“A truly impressive innovation.”

He praised sincerely:

“This multi-threaded mindset could sustain multiple complex spells simultaneously if applied to spell construction. It’s remarkably akin to the dual-spell system requirements of the Full Mage Ascension’s Moonlight Rank.”

“That’s exactly what I thought!”

Eve’s face lit up with radiant joy:

“While my mana corruption prevents normal spellcasting, my theoretical explorations have reached depths few others could match.”

Suddenly, the Boon link between them flickered into view.

Eve silently felt its pulse, eyes half-closed in deep, lingering appreciation of the fleeting connection.

Franca moved to refill their tea, her usual efficiency slightly undermined by the faintest tremor in her previously rock-steady arm.

The teapot clinked against the cups—a sharp, intrusive sound in the quiet room.

“Franca, you truly seem exhausted.”

Luo En turned toward her, his tone probing with feigned casualness: “Is the work overwhelming you? How has your rest been lately?”

The half-dragon stiffened briefly before resuming her composed demeanor:

“No, serving the prince has never tired me. It’s merely some… family affairs causing distraction. Nothing serious.”

“Family affairs?” Luo En seized the keyword, activating Hermit’s Insight to study her micro-expressions: “Related to the Preservation Clan’s lineage?”

Franca’s pupils constricted slightly—a confirmation.

“Yes… Recently, communication between Preservation Clan families has intensified. We’re all discussing… certain transformations.”

She glanced at her master, who nodded permission before continuing:

“It’s mainly due to new demands from the conquest wars.” Franca placed the teapot down with a sigh:

“The Tower Lord’s recent expedition results have the higher-ups reevaluating our value and purpose. Several families have already received special conscription orders.”

The room’s atmosphere turned instantly somber.

“What exactly do these conscription orders entail?”

Seeing Eve had no objection to details, Luo En pressed further.

He needed to assess how these changes might indirectly affect him.

“They involve large-scale bloodline sample collections… and cooperation with certain Special Bloodline research projects.”

Franca lowered her voice to a near whisper:

“They say it’s to mass-produce war weapons with the Preservation Clan’s traits.”

War weapons.

The phrase made Luo En recall the terrifying erosion traits he’d discovered during his earlier analysis of Franca’s bloodline.

This might also be one of Cassandra’s long-prepared contingency plans.

Previously, such applications had only been limited to elite units. Full-scale activation would mean crossing into the mage civilization’s definition of biochemical warfare.

“Speaking of bloodline research…” Luo En gave Franca a pointed look:

“If possible, I’d like a more detailed bloodline analysis.

“The previous samples were valuable, but limited in quantity. Many deeper characteristics still need confirmation.”

Franca glanced sideways at Eve, seeking approval. The princess nodded gently, offering an encouraging gaze.

“If it aids your research…” The half-dragon maid didn’t refuse outright, though her voice trembled faintly: “How much blood will this require?”

“This time, we’ll need a larger dose—about three times the amount from your previous donation.”

Luo En retrieved a precise blood-drawing apparatus from his Storage Bag. The gleaming silver needles caught the sunlight, their sharpness almost painful to behold.

“I need deeper composition analysis and Vitality testing.”

The blood collection began under a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

To everyone's surprise, the half-dragon person maid, usually known for her icy demeanor, displayed extreme fear when facing the blood draw.

Her Eyes remained tightly shut, refusing to look at the medical instruments.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, as though the act of drawing blood had awakened buried shadows deep within her psyche.

"It's okay, Franca."

Eve gently patted the maid's shoulder, attempting to offer comfort.

Dark crimson blood, almost black, flowed into the Crystal Container, reflecting sinister dark luster under the Mana Crystal Lamp's illumination.

Luo En activated "Transcendent Perception" to observe the blood's mana characteristics in real time.

In his special vision, Franca's blood was practically a miniature ecosystem.

The Dragon Kindbloodline's formidable vitality burned like flames within the blood, forming the primary mana structure.

Yet between these structures lurked countless tiny shadows.

Aberration factors from the Abyss clung to the Dragon Kindbloodline like parasites, waiting for specific activation triggers.

These Abyss Factors weren't randomly distributed - they followed an intricate design.

It was as if someone had implanted a complex program into the bloodline, remotely activatable at any moment.

"Complete."

Luo En carefully encapsulated the blood sample, satisfaction in his tone. "Thank you for your cooperation, Franca."

The half-dragon person nodded, though her complexion remained pale.

With trembling fingers pressing against the injection site, she activated her bloodline power, instantly sealing the wound.

Yet her dazed expression indicated she hadn't fully recovered from the procedure.

"Regarding the Preservation Clanbloodline, I've made some new discoveries recently based on the data you previously provided."

Luo En turned to Eve. "Your mother's early theories on bloodline atavism provided significant inspiration."

Eve perked up immediately. She'd always been curious about her mother's early research.

The records documented Cassandra's academic explorations before becoming an Archmage - immature yet innovative perspectives.

"What did you discover?"

"First, I verified the Tower Lord's hypothesis on 'Bloodline Memory Layers.'"

Luo En retrieved a detailed analysis report.

"Each bloodline indeed carries ancestral information fragments, but their organization is far more complex than imagined."

He unfolded the report filled with dense data and charts.

"The Tower Lord's 'Spiral Encoding Theory' proved correct, but I noticed a phenomenon she previously overlooked - certain bloodlines contain 'artificially inserted' code segments."

This terminology caused both Eve and Franca to lift their heads abruptly, their expressions instantly turning serious.

"What do you mean by artificial insertion?" Eve pressed.

"Simply put, someone intervened in the bloodline's natural evolution process, implanting information that shouldn't exist originally."

Luo En's explanation turned increasingly technical.

"These inserted code segments typically possess specific functionalities, such as enhancing certain traits or adding special activation mechanisms."

He pointed at a data cluster in the report.

"The Preservation Clanbloodline is a perfect example. According to my analysis, its bloodline structure contains at least seventeen clearly artificial insertions, granting exceptional Adaptability and Compatibility to the bloodline."

"But simultaneously, they've planted hidden dangers."

His tone grew ominous.

"These insertion segments contain 'activation switch mechanisms' that can fundamentally alter the bloodline host's behavior and cognition when specific conditions are met."

Eve's face paled. "You mean... Franca might become uncontrolled?"

"It's far more complicated than simple loss of control."

Luo En calmly presented his findings.

"According to analysis, the Preservation Clanbloodline possesses extreme Erosion characteristics in activated states. It can forcibly assimilate other bloodlines, transforming objectives into entities with identical features."

He retrieved a sealed container from his Storage Bag containing corrupted slime mold tissue.

"I tested with my autophagic slime mold, nearly losing this valuable experimental assistant. The Preservation Clanbloodline's erosion capability exceeded my expectations."

As he spoke, Luo En secretly activated "Hermit's Insight", carefully observing Eve and Franca's micro-expressions.

Eve's reaction was pure astonishment and confusion.

Her pupils dilated slightly, eyebrows lifting, lips parting - instinctive reactions facing unexpected information.

Clearly, she knew little about the Preservation Clanbloodline's hidden dangers, possibly hearing about them for the first time.

Franca's reaction proved more complex - same surprise but different focus.

Her disbelief centered on how this young modifier could unravel these hidden traits in such short time.

Her shoulders subtly sagged, a typical reaction when confronting long-suspected yet unwanted truths.

"This... how could this happen?" Eve's voice trembled.

"Franca's bloodline has always been stable, never showing any anomalies."

"Surface stability doesn't guarantee underlying safety."

Luo En analyzed calmly.

"The Preservation Clanbloodline design is ingenious. Normally in 'locked' state with erosion strictly controlled. But under specific conditions, this lock might release."

Franca instinctively looked at her hands upon hearing this.

The skin remained smooth, but she knew beneath this surface flowed something far more dangerous than imagined.

"What specific conditions trigger this?" Eve asked, voice laced with clear concern.

"Intense emotional fluctuations, severe injuries, or contact with certain trigger substances."

Luo En listed potential activation factors. "Most dangerously, this trigger mechanism might have been artificially designed."

This statement plunged the parlor into silence.

Eve and Franca fell into separate contemplations about the revelation's implications.

Observing their reactions, Luo En already formed basic conclusions.

Eve clearly lacked insider knowledge, more like a princess sheltered in an ivory tower, with limited understanding of her family's true secrets.

Franca, while aware of her bloodline's uniqueness, only vaguely understood its underlying control mechanisms.

Suddenly, the air thickened unnaturally.

This wasn't mere temperature change, but fundamental physical property distortion.

Suspended dust halted movement, time's passage seemingly slowing.

A slender figure materialized in the room's corner, woven from light and shadow like living artwork.

Cassandra appeared soundlessly.

Her purple-eyed gaze swept the trio, lips curving in a meaningful smile.

"Please don't interrupt your discussion on my account." Her voice flowed silkily yet carried unmistakable sharpness.

"Just indulge my interest in your academic exchange."

Eve's body stiffened, breath quickening.

Her mother's sudden appearance reignited deep-seated psychological shadows from years of strict control.

Franca immediately prostrated herself, body trembling uncontrollably.

This reaction surpassed mere reverence - it was fear ingrained into her very being.

Though alarms blared internally, Luo En maintained outward calm.

He rose slowly, offering Cassandra a standard mage's salute.

"Tower Lord, honored you could grace us with observation."

"The honor is mine."

Cassandra languidly half-reclined on the sofa, voice teasing.

"Observing two prodigies' Boon exchange proves a rare opportunity indeed..."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end