Chapter 363: Brain, heart, lungs
"You can rest now," Vlad said.
As soon as Ned heard those words, he allowed himself a moment of respite and blacked out. He had been so focused on enduring the genetic modification that he hadn’t even noticed the drastic changes to his body.
Vlad, Jormungandr, and Overlord observed that the man would not regain consciousness anytime soon, but that was not a problem; sedation was necessary for the next steps.
"Time for step three: Biomechanical and Organic Enhancements," Overlord communicated with Vlad and Jormungandr through the A.I. Chip. Magical constructs materialized, gently lifting Ned’s massive frame from the energy pool and bringing him to the place where the surgery would occur.
The young man and the small yellow cat exchanged a solemn glance. From this point forward, they would be hands-on during the process. Their eyes sharpened with determination as they approached Ned’s body.
The surgical room was a marvel of arcane and technological integration. Luminescent runes adorned the walls, casting a soft glow that illuminated advanced alchemical equipment and surgical instruments. Overlord’s holographic interface hovered nearby, monitoring Ned’s vital signs and maintaining life-support systems.
Vlad took a deep breath as he opened the man’s chest, carefully moving the ribs before beginning to inscribe intricate runes around the heart. His hands moved with precision, each symbol etched with purpose. The runes pulsed softly, preparing Ned’s body for future enhancements.
"Cardiac runes are in place," Vlad noted.
Jormungandr leaped onto the table, positioning himself near Ned’s torso. "Proceeding with the alchemical preparations," the small yellow cat said. He deftly mixed a series of alchemical solutions in a crystalline bowl, the contents swirling with iridescent colors.
Overlord adjusted the life-support systems. "Administering deep anesthesia. Vital signs are stable."
With Ned fully under, Vlad and Jormungandr initiated the heart implantation. Vlad’s runes activated, emitting a gentle hum that resonated with Ned’s heartbeat. Jormungandr carefully introduced the alchemical solution into Ned’s bloodstream, ensuring his body would accept the new organ.