Chapter 980: A Fire
Phase Two had been running for two days straight now. Every cycle was the same as before. The candidates inside the pods, the core pulsing with structured Magic, the infusion process unfolding in precise stages.
Now, they have reached the fifth stage already with a lot of breaks during the interval.
The changes in the candidates were becoming undeniable. Their bodies were no longer resisting the Magic. They were beginning to accept it and integrating it into muscle, bone, and mind.
The changes was not only physical but perceptual as well.
During the nightly confession sessions, where each candidate described their experiences after each day session ended, the stories had grown stranger and more vivid.
One of them said that he can lift a metal cup from across the room without touching it. Another one of them described that they can produce a small ember in the palm of their hand, but the flickering light fading as quickly as it had appeared.
Others mentioned subtle changes like having sharper vision in the dark, a heightened sense of hearing, or the ability to feel the emotional state of those nearby.
Back in the control room, Erend, Adrien, Billy, Jessica, Thomas, and Conrad gathered around the main table.
On the central screen, progress charts glowed in neat lines and bars.
Thomas leaned forward, tapping a set of readings and said, "Their progress is solid. As expected, Marcus Vollen is still performing far above the others. His integration rate is unmatched."
Conrad gave a single nod. "Yes. As we predicted," he said.
Billy, who had been reviewing individual files, looked up.