After settling into my room, I diligently prepared all the necessary components for the ritual ahead. It didn't take long for the maids to deliver my meal and the items I had requested. As they approached, I couldn't help but notice the distinct disgust etched on their faces. I couldn't blame them, though, as the repulsive stench emanating from the food was suffocating. It was clear that enduring the noxious odor would be a challenge.
"Lord Callius, here is your meal and the items you requested from the list. Is there anything else you need?" one of the maids inquired, clearly eager to leave.
"No, that will be all. I have informed everyone not to disturb me until further notice," I responded, ensuring they understood the importance of my solitude.
"Understood, Lord Callius. We shall take our leave then," the maid replied, relieved to escape the unpleasant atmosphere.
With their departure, I was left alone to face the daunting task that lay ahead. The recipe I had acquired called for the use of the Blackthorn herb, known for its potent effects on the body's foundation. Typically, one would consume this herb for an entire month to reap its benefits fully. However, time was not on my side, as the anniversary of Nightfall's Abyss was just a day away. I had to find a way to accelerate the process without compromising its efficacy.
To bolster the potency of the Bloodthorn plant, I decided to incorporate other herbs known for their dangerous properties: Demon's Delight, Hag's Brew, Dragon's Fire, and Blister Quassia. Each of these herbs was associated with poisons or antidotes, making them perilous to consume without proper preparation. The concoction I was about to create would undoubtedly be one of the riskiest endeavors I had ever undertaken. Nevertheless, I possessed unwavering confidence in my ability to navigate these treacherous waters.
As I braced myself for what lay ahead, I began by forcing down the foul-smelling meal. Despite my best efforts, the taste was utterly repugnant, making it a Herculean task to keep from gagging. I had instructed the chefs to employ the most pungent spices available, which helped to mask the vile flavors to some extent. With great determination, I finished the meal and retrieved the foundation-strengthening liquid from my inventory. Without hesitation, I downed it in one gulp.
A resounding chime filled the room as the liquid took effect, and a notification from the system confirmed the initiation of the core strengthening process. The anticipation and adrenaline coursed through my veins as I prepared myself for what came next. Finishing the meal and consuming the foundation-strengthening liquid had set the stage for the true test of my resilience.
Clad in suitable attire, I made my way to the bathroom, mentally steeling myself for the intense ordeal to come. The first herb on the list was Dragon's Fire, aptly named for its fiery attributes. Resembling an orange pomegranate, this herb would unleash a scorching heat within my body, causing my veins to expand and facilitating the manipulation of my core. However, I had to be cautious not to overheat, as the consequences could prove catastrophic.
The moment Dragon's Fire touched my lips, an inferno erupted within me. The searing heat engulfed my entire being, making it increasingly difficult to draw breath. A series of convulsive coughs wracked my body as I struggled to withstand the overwhelming sensation. The pain was excruciating, threatening to overpower my resolve. Yet, amidst the torment, I could feel the strengthening of my core and the purification of my mana. It was a testament to the efficacy of the Dragon's Fire herb, as well as my unwavering determination.
To counterbalance the extreme heat, I reached for the Hag's Brew, a potion known for its ability to slow down blood flow and decrease internal pressure. I injected the potent concoction directly into my veins, instantly feeling the effects taking hold. As the pressure built and my veins expanded, dizziness washed over me, threatening to send me into unconsciousness. I fought against the encroaching darkness, desperately clinging to consciousness, for surrendering at this stage would spell disaster.
Summoning every ounce of willpower, I consumed the Demon's Delight herb, whose potent anesthetic properties would help to numb the excruciating pain while simultaneously strengthening the mana nerves connected to the expanded veins. The effects were almost instantaneous, as a numbing sensation swept through my body, easing the agony and facilitating smoother mana flow. It was a delicate balance to strike, bridging the gap between the intense heat and the impending transition into the cooling process.
With my body on the brink of exhaustion, I staggered toward the cold bath I had prepared. This was the final step before initiating the cooldown process. As I submerged myself in the frigid water, an overwhelming shock coursed through my body. The lingering anesthesia from the Demon's Delight herb mingled with the biting cold, threatening to send me into a stupor. Yet, I couldn't afford to succumb to sleep. Losing consciousness at this juncture would unravel all the progress I had made thus far.
I endured the numbing cold, every second feeling like an eternity. Time lost all meaning as I fought against the instinct to surrender to exhaustion. Finally, as the effects of the Demon's Delight herb began to wane, I emerged from the bath, shivering uncontrollably. Only one step remained to solidify the strength of my mana veins—the consumption of the Blister Quassia herb.
This herb, renowned for its freezing properties, would solidify the mana veins, ensuring their durability and resilience. With trembling hands, I ingested the herb, feeling an icy chill course through my veins. The freezing sensation spread rapidly, causing my body to convulse involuntarily. Nausea surged within me, threatening to expel the contents of my stomach. But I held on, knowing that this was the final test of my fortitude.
As I endured the painful and nauseating experience, purging the impurities from my body, I carefully timed my exit from the cold bath. It was a precarious moment, as transitioning too early or too late could have dire consequences. With a mixture of determination and desperation, I stepped out of the cold bath and into the waiting hot bath, my body now battered and depleted.
The sudden shift from freezing to scorching temperatures was jarring, and my body rebelled against the onslaught of sensations. I felt my consciousness teetering on the edge as the hypothermia-induced drowsiness threatened to drag me under. But I fought against it, channeling the last remnants of my willpower to remain alert.
Hours passed in a haze, the pain in my head intensifying with each passing moment.
.
.
Uhh, my head hurts.
Eventually, I regained awareness, finding myself outside the bath, drained and disoriented. Though a throbbing headache persisted, there was an unmistakable sense of clarity and lightness that enveloped me. The purging of impurities had been successful, a testament to the efficacy of the arduous process I had undergone.
And at that moment, I heard the system's notification.