Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 364: Transformation into a Lord of Horror completed

Chapter 364: Transformation into a Lord of Horror completed

As the surgery progressed, alchemical vapors filled the air, their calming scent aiding in stabilizing Ned’s vital signs. The solutions enhanced the neurons within the middle-aged man’s brain, allowing him to endure prolonged mental strain without fatigue or cognitive breakdown.

That was an essential function for the Lords of Horror. It wasn’t overwhelming brute strength that the trio sought, but warriors who could face the endless waves of the Leviathans and remain steadfast.

"His neurons are adapting well to the enhancements," Jormungandr observed. "This will significantly reduce the risk of mental exhaustion during extended operations."

Vlad nodded. "We’ll need to ensure his mind remains sharp, even in the face of overwhelming odds."

They continued to fine-tune the neurochemical balances, optimizing neurotransmitter levels to promote heightened alertness and faster reflexes. The adjustments would enable Ned to process information at an accelerated rate, a crucial advantage on the battlefield.

The final step involved reinforcing Ned’s defenses against psychic attacks. Although the Leviathans had shown no such capabilities up to this point, their hive mind was expert at adapting, and it would be foolish to assume they wouldn’t exploit such an obvious weakness. After all, how ridiculous would it be if the mighty warriors fell in battle due to a single spiritual attack?

Vlad prepared a specialized rune, one that required absolute precision. Taking a deep breath, he inscribed the Psychic Resilience Rune directly onto Ned’s brain matter, using ink infused with rare minerals and enchanted essences.

As the rune took shape, it glowed with a soft blue light, pulsating gently as it synchronized with Ned’s neural patterns.

"Psychic Resilience Rune inscribed," Vlad announced. "Initiating integration."

The rune’s energy permeated Ned’s mind, forming a protective layer around his consciousness. This would allow him to maintain mental clarity during intense battles, shielding him from enemy attempts to manipulate or overwhelm his psyche.

Overlord’s sensors registered the changes. "Psychic defense parameters are optimal. Neural functions are stabilizing."

Jormungandr stepped back, his eyes reflecting satisfaction. "The augmentation is a success. His mind is now as formidable as his body."

Vlad gazed down at Ned, who remained peacefully unconscious. "He is becoming the warrior we need." Carefully, he placed the top of the middle-aged man’s skull back, using a potent potion to fuse the bones seamlessly.

After the neural enhancements were complete, Ned was gently moved back to the energy pool for recovery. The pool’s restorative properties would aid in healing and help his mind adjust to the augmentations.

"Overlord, maintain constant surveillance of his neural activity," Vlad instructed.

"Affirmative. All vital signs are being monitored," Overlord replied.

Vlad and Jormungandr nodded as Overlord confirmed that Ned was stable after the modifications to his three most vital organs. These enhancements had already transformed the middle-aged man into a war machine capable of incredible battle prowess far beyond his current level. But their work was not yet complete.

The small yellow cat glanced at Vlad and nodded before heading off to prepare the next alchemical concoctions. This left the young man alone to take a deep breath and focus on regaining his energy and composure.

Once Ned’s body had stabilized, it was time to proceed with the next phase. Vlad knew they would have to open him up again, this time to inscribe a series of runes that would make even the mightiest Runic Knights of the higher planes seem like rookies with tribal tattoos.

"Target has fully stabilized. Time for phase five: Rune Biological Integration," Overlord’s voice carried, awakening Vlad from his recovery as it outlined the next step.

Ned was carefully moved into a rune implantation chamber. The room was dimly lit, with ethereal lights casting intricate patterns on the walls. Arcane symbols floated in the air, humming with latent energy.

Vlad stood over Ned’s unconscious form, surgical instruments gleaming beside the middle-aged man. Overlord monitored from a holographic interface, ensuring all life-support systems were functioning optimally.

"Beginning body-wide rune imprinting," Vlad announced, his voice steady.

He made a precise incision, exposing muscle fibers and organs. Using specialized tools infused with alchemical energy, he carefully inscribed runes into Ned’s flesh, bones, and organs. Each stroke was deliberate, and each symbol was meticulously crafted.

First, the Overwhelming Strength Rune was carved into Ned’s muscle fibers. As Vlad etched the symbols, the muscles seemed to absorb the energy, pulsating subtly.

"Muscle enhancement runes integrated," Overlord reported. "Physical strength parameters are increasing exponentially."

Next, Vlad focused on the nervous system. He exposed sections of nerves with extreme care and began inscribing the Reflex Amplification Rune directly onto them. The process required absolute precision; even a slight mistake could have catastrophic consequences.

"Reflex runes are in place," Vlad said, a hint of relief in his voice.

"Neural responses are synchronizing," Overlord confirmed. "Reaction times are improving beyond human capabilities."

Moving on, Vlad etched the Endurance Enhancement Rune into Ned’s muscular and cardiovascular systems. These runes would allow him to sustain long periods of combat without exhaustion.

"Cardiovascular runes completed," Vlad noted.

"Energy efficiency and stamina levels are now optimal," Overlord responded.

Finally, Vlad inscribed the Regeneration Rune into Ned’s bloodstream and organs. This would grant him rapid healing abilities, enabling him to recover from wounds that would incapacitate ordinary warriors.

"Regeneration capabilities have been integrated," Vlad declared.

"Cellular regeneration rates have reached the desired parameters," Overlord observed. "He will be able to heal in the midst of battle."

With the rune crafting complete, Vlad closed the incisions, the tissues knitting together seamlessly before using a potion to mend them fully. He took a step back, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Rune integration finalized," he said.

Overlord initiated the Energy Flow Testing phase. Though still unconscious, Ned’s body reacted instinctively to the stimuli.

"Activating enhanced energy reserves," Overlord announced.

Ned’s muscles tensed under the electric shock sent by the A.I. Chip Clone. Even in this state, his body drew upon the newly integrated runes, demonstrating superhuman strength, reflexes, and endurance.

"The runes are functioning in harmony with his biological systems," Overlord confirmed.

Vlad allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Despite the complexity and risks involved, the process had been a success.

Once the rune integration was completed, Vlad rested. Despite the extensive set of runes he had inscribed, he did not feel overexerted; the runes were numerous but simple, operating at a basal level that did not strain him.

"Time for phase six: Final Alchemical Infusion," Overlord’s voice reached the small yellow cat as Ned was transferred to another chamber. Jormungandr soon arrived, carrying a set of alchemical tools and vials containing shimmering liquids.

"Beginning bone reinforcement," Jormungandr stated.

Ned was laid on a specialized table designed to facilitate the following procedure. Using precise surgical techniques, Jormungandr exposed sections of Ned’s skeletal structure. He injected alchemical mixtures directly into the bones, the substances glowing as they spread.

"Infusing bones with alloys," the small yellow cat spoke aloud, focusing on the task. "This will make them nearly unbreakable."

As the alchemical solutions permeated Ned’s bones, they began to harden and take on a subtle metallic sheen.

"Bone density and tensile strength are increasing dramatically," Overlord reported.

Once the infusion was complete, Ned was moved into a simulation chamber for Durability Testing. Mechanical arms wielding heavy blunt instruments struck at him, testing the resilience of his newly fortified skeleton. The fact that the man was unconscious did not hinder the process.

"Subject is withstanding all impacts without damage," Overlord observed. "Bone reinforcement is successful."

Jormungandr showed a small smile as he heard those words, but he did not lose focus and prepared for the final phase: the Blood Infusion Ritual.

"Commencing infusion of the Blood of the Fiend," he announced.

Ned was placed within a ritual circle inscribed on the floor, arcane symbols glowing with otherworldly light. Jormungandr produced a vial containing a swirling concoction of demon blood and streams infused with devilish bloodlines.

"This will transform his bloodstream into an alchemical powerhouse," the cat said.

Using a blade, Jormungandr made a small incision on Ned’s arm, allowing the infusion to enter his bloodstream. The liquid merged with his blood, causing his veins to glow briefly.

"Blood infusion is underway," Overlord confirmed. "Monitoring vital signs closely."

As the new blood coursed through his veins, Ned’s body reacted. Muscles tightened, and a faint aura began to emanate from him.

"Subject is exhibiting enhanced physical abilities and signs of heightened combat instincts," Overlord reported.

Ned’s fingers twitched, and his eyes moved beneath closed lids. Even unconscious, the infusion was awakening a fiendish edge within him.

"The transformation is complete!" Jormungandr said, a note of accomplishment in his voice.

Now that the small yellow cat had completed his part, the process was over. Ned was transported to the center of the underground level, his body lying on a vertical table as Vlad, Jormungandr, and Overlord gathered to assess the results.

"Ned has undergone every enhancement we planned," Vlad stated. "His transformation into a Lord of Horror is complete."

"His capabilities are exceptional," Jormungandr agreed. "All systems are functioning beyond projected parameters."

Silence filled the chamber as the trio watched and waited, their eyes fixed on the middle-aged man until he finally awakened. His eyes opened, revealing a deep crimson hue, radiating an aura of absolute focus.