Chapter 33: Upgrades people, Upgrades!

Van Dijk's grin remained unwavering as Ludwig's body twisted under the effects of the Nephilium. The liquid coursed through the carved channels in his bones, glowing faintly as it worked its way deeper into his skeletal frame. The vibrations were almost unbearable, the silver substance making Ludwig's very essence feel malleable, as if he were about to crumble into dust.

"Though the blood of angels is fatal to undead, the blood of fallen angels carries a... different property," Van Dijk said, his voice steady, even as Ludwig's body convulsed violently. "It's still highly toxic to creatures like you. But toxic doesn't mean fatal. It means transformative."

Ludwig wanted to respond, to curse, to tell Van Dijk to go to hell—but the sheer pain rendered him silent. His skeletal body spasmed uncontrollably, his mind teetering on the brink of madness. The silver liquid seeped into every groove, every crevice, spreading an unnatural warmth that made his entire form feel as though it was both melting and solidifying at once.

"Ah, I see that look," Van Dijk continued, his tone almost conversational as he observed Ludwig's agony. "You're wondering why this hasn't been done before, aren't you? The answer is simple, my dear apprentice—no one survives it. Trolls, ogres, werewolves, even chimeras... all of them succumb to the process. Not even their famed regenerative properties can handle the transformation."

He leaned in closer, his grin now almost predatory. "But you're different. You're already dead. No pain, no matter how intense, will kill you. And unlike most undead, you're not some mindless husk. Your mind remains intact, able to withstand the effects of the Nephilium."

Ludwig's body bucked violently, his skull slamming against the marble table. His eye sockets dimmed momentarily, flickering like a candle in a strong wind. Van Dijk seemed unfazed, stepping back slightly to observe the silver liquid as it began to solidify within the carved channels.

"You're probably curious about the history of this material," Van Dijk said, pacing slightly. "Its first name, long before it became known as Nephilium, was Deli-rium. Fitting, isn't it? They called it that because anyone who came into contact with it lost their minds. Even the strongest necromancers couldn't control the undead they subjected to it—they'd go feral, maddened by the process."

He gestured toward Ludwig's trembling form. "But you? Look at you. Still conscious, still aware. A little worse for wear, perhaps, but certainly not feral. That's why you're perfect for this."

As the liquid began to stabilize, Ludwig felt the pain recede slightly. His bones stopped convulsing, the vibrations slowing to a halt. The glowing channels dimmed, settling into a faint, steady light. Van Dijk reached for a small, gleaming object on his desk—a jewel-shaped blue mana stone.

"This," he said, holding it aloft, "is your key to the next step."

He approached Ludwig's head, carefully fitting the stone into the carved hole in his forehead. The fit was seamless, as though the stone had been made for him. The moment it clicked into place, Ludwig's entire body pulsed with energy. A low hum filled the room as the silver circuits in his bones lit up once more, brighter this time, radiating power.

The pain was gone, replaced by an overwhelming sensation of... potential. Ludwig could feel it—mana coursing through his body like a river, flowing through the intricate pathways etched into his skeleton. It was unlike anything he'd felt before, raw and unrestrained.

Van Dijk stepped back, admiring his work. "Congratulations, Ludwig. You've survived. Few can claim that honor."

A series of notifications flashed in Ludwig's mind, their words crisp and clear:

***

[Congratulations!]

You have successfully survived Van Dijk's Experiment.

The Substat [Intelligence] has been Upgraded to [Wisdom]

The Substat [Charisma] has been added to your Substats.

[Charisma] increases your personal appeal to others. And also increases your ability to lead. The angel's blood in you has increased your charisma stat by a base of 20.

Charisma can also enhance the speed in which the flow of mana goes through the pathways of the carved Nephilium Circuit.

[Wisdom] Increases the capacity of your mana and the potency of all magic-related abilities. (it does not increase your mental wisdom, however.)

You have Gained [Blessed Body]

[Blessed Body]: Permanent Passive.

Effects: you are now able to grow your magic power infinitely. The limitations of your mana pool have been lifted.

If you wish to turn to a mage-type undead, you no longer need to create a [Life Vassal]

If you wish to proceed following the mage path, you no longer need to create magic circles to use higher tiers of magic.

Your [Blessed Body] is currently at the beginner level.

[Blessed Body] can be leveled up by increasing your [Wisdom] stat. It can also be enhanced further up by consuming more [Nephilium]

[You have obtained, Basic Mana Crystal]

You can now use up to second-circle-level magic. All first-circle level magic's potency and casting speed had slightly improved.

***

Ludwig sat up slowly, his movements cautious as he adjusted to the newfound power flowing through him. He could see the mana coursing through the Nephilium circuits, weaving intricate paths through his body. The faint glow of the mana stone in his forehead gave him a sharp, otherworldly presence.

"That stone," Van Dijk said sharply, breaking Ludwig's thoughts, "is your limit for now. Don't even think about upgrading it. Magic must be earned, not given. When you've proven yourself ready, I'll provide a more advanced stone. Until then, this will suffice."

Ludwig nodded, though his mind was racing. The power surging through him was intoxicating. He flexed his hands experimentally, feeling the circuits respond with an efficiency he had never known. The mana flowed effortlessly, ready to obey his command.

Van Dijk's grin widened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "The higher your level, the more Nephilium you'll need. With each addition, the circuits will grow denser, and your magical capabilities will expand. This is my gift to you, Ludwig. A creation no one else could ever dream of."

He stepped closer, his expression darkening slightly. "So don't disappoint me. With this power, you will shake the very foundations of this world. And perhaps..." His voice trailed off, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone. "Perhaps you'll help me settle a score or two."

Ludwig met Van Dijk's gaze, the faint glow of the mana stone in his forehead reflecting the determination in his eyes. Whatever this new power was, he intended to make it his own.

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