Chapter 126: Subject #009
"Subject #009: survival confirmed. Magic compatibility—96%. Physical strain—high. Mental stability—pending. Preparing monster assimilation: Harpia Tyrantrix strain. Begin phase one."
At the far end of the lab, another containment unit unlocked with a series of heavy mechanical clicks. A creature was pulled forward—a giant Harpy, wings torn but still radiating primal power. Its body was half-decayed, but its eyes were still burning with fury, even in death. Feathers like razors, talons sharper than steel, and a core pulsing with elemental wind mana—the remains of a powerful A-class aerial predator.
"Begin integration," the lead scientist ordered coldly.
The transformation began.
Metal tubes punctured the base of the containment cylinder, extending like fangs. One of them jabbed into the Harpy’s remains, extracting glowing genetic material—blue and violet plasma that surged with magical energy. Another needle pierced the Mage’s abdomen, injecting the harvested essence directly into her bloodstream.
The reaction was instant.
Her back arched violently, eyes flying open—but no sound came from her mouth. Bubbles exploded inside the liquid as she thrashed, her arms jerking, veins bulging as if her blood was boiling. The Harpy’s essence tore through her cells like wildfire.
Feathers burst from her shoulder blades.
Her fingernails elongated into hooked talons.
Her spine cracked and realigned, and bones reshaped as her legs took on a more raptor-like structure. Her once human heartbeat became rapid, fluttering like wings in a storm.
Her scream—muffled behind the oxygen mask—resonated through the tank like a ghost’s wail.
Her left eye turned golden, the pupil slitted like a bird of prey. Her ears sharpened. Feathers began to grow across her arms in a symmetrical pattern, like a war-mark given by nature itself.