Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 363: Brain, heart, lungs

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.

A second heart, forged through alchemy, was carefully placed adjacent to Ned’s original heart. The runes facilitated the integration, syncing the rhythms of both hearts until they beat in unison.

"Dual-heart system established," Overlord confirmed. "Circulatory efficiency has increased by 100%."

A wide smile appeared on the faces of the small yellow cat and the young man, but they did not lose focus. Before closing the man’s chest, they turned their attention to the lungs. Vlad inscribed respiratory runes along Ned’s sides, each symbol designed to enhance oxygen absorption and utilization.

"Respiratory runes are ready," Vlad said.

Jormungandr prepared another alchemical concoction, this one emitting a cool mist. "This will encourage rapid cellular adaptation," he explained.

Additional lung tissue was introduced surgically, expanding Ned’s respiratory system. The rune-enhanced alchemical substances worked to assimilate the new lungs seamlessly, promoting tissue growth and connectivity.

"Multi-lung integration complete," Overlord reported. "Oxygen processing capacity has significantly increased."

Throughout the procedures, Overlord maintained constant monitoring. Healing potions were administered intravenously to accelerate recovery, and the external life-support system ensured Ned’s body remained stable.

"It will take several days for his body to fully adapt to these organ changes," Overlord noted.

Vlad wiped a slight sheen of perspiration from his brow. "We’ve laid the groundwork. Now, we move to the next phase."

Jormungandr wore a solemn expression, understanding that the next phase meant completely reforging the middle-aged man’s metabolism, which would be carried out using his alchemical concoctions.

Once the new organs showed signs of stabilization, the small yellow cat prepared for the alchemical metabolic infusion.

Ned was carefully moved to a large basin filled with a luminous alchemical concoction. The liquid shimmered with shades of emerald and gold, occasionally crackling with tiny sparks of energy.

"Immersion complete," Overlord stated. "Beginning metabolic infusion."

Vlad stood at the edge of the basin, his focus intense. He began inscribing multiple runes onto Ned’s skin to assist with the assimilation of the alchemical concoctions. The runes formed complex patterns that interconnected across his body, designed to create a biological system capable of continuous energy conversion.

As the runes settled into place, the alchemical concoction reacted, intensifying its glow. Ned’s body began to absorb the liquid, activating the energy furnace within him. Even in his unconscious state, a grimace of discomfort crossed his face.

"His vitals are fluctuating but within acceptable parameters," Overlord assured them.

The infusion process restructured Ned’s metabolism, enabling his body to convert nutrients and external energy sources directly into combat energy. His cells were being transformed into efficient conduits of power.

Minutes stretched into hours as the infusion continued. The runes on Ned’s skin pulsed harmoniously with the energy coursing through him. Overlord monitored every fluctuation, adjusting the life-support systems as needed.

Finally, the alchemical glow began to fade, signaling the end of the process.

"Metabolic enhancement complete," Overlord announced. "Energy regeneration capabilities are operational."

Exhausted but satisfied, Vlad and Jormungandr observed the results of their work. Ned’s physique had evolved further; his muscles appeared more defined, and an almost imperceptible aura emanated from his form.

With Ned’s metabolic enhancements successfully completed, Vlad and Jormungandr prepared for the next critical phase.

"Time for phase four: Neural Resilience Augmentation," Overlord’s voice carried on as it outlined the next step.

"His physical transformation is impressive, but without mental fortitude, it won’t be enough," Vlad remarked, his eyes fixed on the data displayed by Overlord.

"Agreed," Jormungandr replied. "The neural enhancements will ensure he can withstand the psychological strains of battle."

The surgical room’s atmosphere grew more intense as they transitioned to the delicate task of enhancing Ned’s brain.

Vlad carefully opened Ned’s skull and began by inscribing intricate runes around Ned’s brain matter, each symbol meticulously placed to prepare for the neural enhancements. The runes shimmered softly, creating a protective barrier and guiding the flow of energy.

"Neural runes are in position," Vlad confirmed.

Jormungandr climbed onto a platform beside Ned’s head, bringing forth a set of alchemical instruments gleaming with ethereal light. "Initiating alchemical preparations for neural enhancement," he announced.

Using alchemy, the small yellow cat commenced the precise modification of Ned’s neurochemistry and psychic circuitry. Jormungandr carefully administered specialized alchemical solutions, each designed to augment neural pathways and bolster cognitive function.

"Introducing neuro-enhancing serum," Jormungandr said as he injected a luminescent liquid into specific points along Ned’s brain. The serum flowed into his system, targeting areas of the brain responsible for focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

Overlord monitored the procedure closely. "Neural activity is increasing steadily. No signs of overload."