Chapter 213: A Very Tired One
Meanwhile, Brie turned her attention to the hands, stripping away the superficial epidermis to better evaluate the palmar fascia. She infused the tendons of the flexor digitorum with bioengineered elastin, testing how far they could extend before giving way.
She then manipulated each finger, adding microfibrils to thicken the skin and enhance the joint creases, imitating the wear of constant use.
As they neared completion, Arthur revisited the face, carefully creating minor crows' feet at the corners of the eyes and deepening the nasolabial folds. He worked the underlying orbicularis oculi with the skills of the world's top surgeon, employing a dull needle to emphasize the age lines and texture variations of the skin.
Brie looked over her shoulder at Arthur, nodding slightly as he finished. Their work transformed the corpse into a compelling representation of the inevitable passage of time.
But they were far from finished.
As Brie worked diligently on the task of stitching the organs together, she started doubting herself.
The way the organs needed to align perfectly felt like an impossible task for her to do. Each time she tried, they drooped towards other organs and wouldn't stay in place.
She could feel the tension mounting in her hands and the hesitation creeping into her thoughts. She knew that her limitations as a surgeon were rapidly approaching, but she didn't want to admit it.
Just as she opened her mouth to express her frustration, Arthur abruptly commanded her to remove her hands from the body for a moment.
Surprised, yet compliant, Brie followed his instruction.
In that instant, something extraordinary unfolded; she noticed a green ethereal glow emanating from his hand.