Kapitel 60: Chapter 60: The Whispers

A core transplant resulted in a variety of possible changes, both adverse and advantageous. Most surgical transplants have resulted in some degree of side effects in the host. If carried out wrongly, even with the slightest mistake during the procedure, the resulting 'Knight' may end up with some level of deficiency in their body. Many have been crippled, some have gone blind, and others have become vegetative in the same bed.

However, over the years, the chances and rates of such high-level risks have been drastically reduced. With the technological advancements made by human civilization in the past seventy years, it is now very much possible to transplant a core into a host with zero risk and equally zero side effects.

But that was on the subject of Synthetic Cores, which were designed and made by human hands. Synthetic Cores were a mere imitation of the original Cores of Elder Gods, created for mankind to harness their power.

On the matter of Organic Cores, things were vastly different. Dreadfully more dangerous. And horrifyingly more likely to go wrong. The best outcome one could hope for during an Organic Core transplant was death.

Even with the level of advancement humanity has made over the past decades, the transplant of an Organic Core has been strictly banned throughout the world. No level of medical advancement and technology could hope to curb the likely chances of adverse effects. It all depended on the host's attunement level, constitution, and mostly luck. Pure, mindless luck.

And even then, successful Organic Transplant Knights are known to have a shorter and limited lifespan. Lyra had a certain degree of understanding about all this. She wasn't clear on the details, but as a resident of the current world, she knew the extent and risks an organic core transplant brought about.

She was also aware about the worldwide ban.

That was why Lyra sat with rigid shoulders and trembling fingers in Hathaway's office. Standing next to her was Huey, who silently observed. He had already been briefed and summarized the details of what happened that led up to this very moment before moving from the infirmary to the professor's office.

Coincidentally, Tyla was also here for some reason. She sat in a corner across the room in the dark, her azure eyes gleaming coldly.

Previously, Hathaway had been unable to identify any strangeness or peculiarity in Lyra's body, mind, and physique. Usually, that would be news enough to celebrate a truly successful transplant, but instead, it gave the professor mixed and heavy feelings. If there were no side effects reflecting now, it meant it was only a matter of time before something particularly disastrous could happen.

The options were to wait and keep Lyra in containment, or to drive her body and mind through pressure and strain. The spar had served its purpose, and Hathaway noticed a peculiar change and difference.

Blinking, Hathaway observed the jittery and unnerved state of Lyra and smiled. "There's no need to be so worked up. Despite the vast risks an Organic Core transplant causes, it's also a high return in power. In addition to that, your attunement level is considerably high. It's like you were born to be a Knight," he explained soothingly in an attempt to ease her worry.

Lyra controlled the trembling in her fingers. She glanced sideways at Huey next to her. He had a calm and unperturbed expression, and his presence strangely provided her with safety and comfort. She felt her racing heart slowly settle and her rigid shoulders soften slightly.

She took a deep, calming breath with Huey by her side and raised her head. She couldn't show any more weakness before this person any longer. Regaining slight composure, she said after a moment of hesitation to the professor, "Are you saying that my 'flaw' isn't that bad?"

For the sake of convenience, she referred to the side effect as a 'flaw'. Hathaway didn't seem to mind and even appeared to be keen on the naming. Maintaining his gentle and reassuring smile, he responded softly, "As you know, there are various types of — in your terms — flaws, varying from Knight to Knight. And some are even lucky enough to have none, especially in these times of technological breakthroughs and advancements."

As he explained, Lyra listened attentively and nodded.

Seeing this, Hathaway continued in his usual tone, "Luckily for you, this time around, the most noticeable change is something relating to your personality and behavior."

Tyla, who sat and overlooked the office from a dark corner at the back, raised her azure gaze slightly at this. Lyra barely restrained a shudder. Would she run mad, she thought.

Hathaway didn't let her mind wander too far. He immediately interjected with a question. This time, his tone turned heavier and more solemn as he gazed intently at the young woman. "I'll ask you again — how do you feel right now?"

Lyra thought the question was odd, although it wasn't in this context, and frowned.

But she responded regardless. Professor Bling Hathaway was the professional here, not her. "…I feel okay. I feel normal…" Lyra replied matter-of-factly. But then her gaze became faint and wandered. The next moment, she added in a soft, doubtful voice, "…For now."

Her heart raced internally.

'Why did I say that?' Lyra panicked in her heart.

What happened?

She felt cold.

One moment, she was confident in her reply, the next she just felt empty.

Lyra's eyes shook. Her racing heartbeat resounded in Huey's ears next to her. From the corner of his eye, he watched her lower her head and her shoulders quiver.

"Lyra," he silently called out to her. His voice drove into her mind like a resonance, and Lyra's shivering eyes regained focus.

Professor Hathaway watched the entire reaction deeply and silently, and eventually said,

"I see…"

He raised the tablet placed on his lap and continued as if nothing had happened. "How did you feel during the fig— spar you had against Tyla? Specifically, did anything strange happen to you? Did you see anything? Did you feel anything…" He paused and lowered the tablet, returning his gaze to Lyra. Then he added, "…Did you hear anything?"

Abruptly, Lyra got up, aggressively tossing the chair backwards across the room. She stumbled backwards and recoiled. Her bright sapphire eyes were dark and deep, shivering as she could no longer contain her trembling. Lyra glared deeply at the professor and subconsciously released a powerful wave of bloodlust. It flooded the office, making the air go stuffy and Tyla's gaze turn even colder.

"What's the meaning of this?" she said deeply. Tyla was about to intervene from the corner but stopped.

"Lyra." Lyra heard a voice from her side and turned to meet Huey's red, indifferent gaze. Her trembling body froze and her unintentional bloodlust sharply receded just as suddenly. Huey held her gaze unfalteringly. His eyes were deep and still. In a somber, low voice, he said to her, "Calm down."

The moment she heard his voice, his words seemed to haunt her, and Lyra froze in place. She felt vain and empty.

The strength left her body, and all of a sudden, she was tired. Lyra's eyes were dark as she hung her head, and her black bangs fell over her face. Sluggishly, she dragged her feet towards Huey and propped her head against his chest without a single word.

Here's the revised version with the errors and typos fixed:

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Huey didn't react or move. He stood tall, wearing his usual mask. His eyes were deep and solemn as he looked down at Lyra's head, her face now buried in his chest.

Like that, Lyra just remained, silent and empty. Scared and frail.

Professor Hathaway lingered only a little longer before continuing. He took no offense at her sudden reaction and treated it as something he could understand. He had similar experiences, some worse than this, from the past.

He let out a small breath and said, "I see. You already have heared the whispers."

"..." Lyra remained quiet, her face hidden in Huey's chest.

Hathaway continued, "When did this happen?"

"...during the fight," she responded faintly without moving.

"Did you attempt to understand them?"

"...no."

He nodded at the response, then asked again, "How did you feel?"

This time, Lyra lingered for a longer time. The silence dragged on in the office. Eventually, Lyra responded weakly without moving, her voice fainter than the last.

"Exhilarating."

A/N:

We're almost off the power ranking, and currently 90!

I need your help to push forward, you're stones and votes are my motivation.

So let's goo!

Stone goals re as the same before. You can view them in the Author's Thoughts