Oriforce Overload
It does not mean that the person's body and soul were erupting with an unusual amount of Oriforce. To elucidate, this meant that the Oriforce inside one's existence was not being properly regulated by the Soul Core for some reason.
It was similar to a malfunctioned nuclear reactor ready to burst and rain destruction at any given moment.
"Fascinating…" Grey muttered. His azure eyes while being in his true form and performing [DNA Modification] scanned the astral visual of Moria's Soul Core, which was painted purple—a mark of the Witch.
'Krishnaya, assess everything. Also, make some deductions as to why Moria's Soul Core has a miniature crack.'
[Yes, Master!]
After a few moments of conversing in his inner self, Grey finally addressed the expectant father of the little girl.
"Guild Master Borax, how old is your daughter?"
This time around, even though Grey could simply ask the Extraterrestrial System about the acquired information via the [Alien Archive], he chose to communicate instead.
It was to lighten the atmosphere as much as possible.
"Moria's nine. But she will be ten in the next two months. Also, refrain from referring to me as Guild Master. You do not belong to my guild." Borax Doranfell said.
"Ah, if that's what you wish, then fine." Without gazing behind, Grey smiled. His multiple exoskeleton hands were continuing the [DNA Modification] skillfully and with thoughtful consideration as he utilized several unknown genetic equipment that was developed within the [Anon Oriken Spacecraft] to interfere in the astral level.
'I wonder what expressions these two are having right now.' Grey inwardly chuckled.
After an unknown amount of time had passed, several system prompts appeared before Grey's azure eyes.
Ding!
[The DNAs for Soul Core Reinforcement have been successfully modified!]
[The cracks on the subject's Soul Core – Purple will be regenerated!]
[The DNAs for autonomous Body Reconstruction have been successfully modified!]
[The frailty of the subject's body will be temporarily enhanced!]
[Because of the Host's Will, the effects of these modifications have been altered to only be effective until the desired results are achieved.]
'Sigh, you remind me of sleeping Princess Quintella. Get a rest, young girl. Stay strong!'
***
'Astral manifestation of the Soul Core? So far, only Witches, Magi, and a very few Mutants and Humans possess the capability to access or even just see through the Astral World… But this young man from nowhere can tamper with it? Just who is this man?' To be shocked was the least reaction that Borax was having right now as he oversees the procedure he had no idea about.
As the Guild Master of the Information Guild, which was canonically known throughout the World of Magica as the Shadow Guild, he possessed eyes everywhere even in the depths of the Elven Territory and some parts of the Dark Lands via adventurers. However, this peculiar existence in front of him was the embodiment of 'appearing out of nowhere.'
Grey was an existence that suddenly appeared in the Dark Lands and met him through some twisted fate.
Borax gazed at his right confidant, Rana, who was standing by his side. He then telepathically asked,
< What do you think, Rana? >
Not surprised by the sudden voice, she murmured,
< It is dangerous to trust a stranger. However, I believe this action of yours is considered to be the best possible compared to the other existing options. >
< I see. Let's wait for the results. I basically handed my daughter's life to someone I am barely aware of. I hope I don't regret this. >
After some time since the operation began, Borax and Rana heard Grey's sigh of relief, which was followed by his confirmation.
"All done, Borax."
"What…?"
As though it was just a fleeting hopeful dream, he heard her daughter's soft voice.
This time around, there was no struggle in it.
"...Daddy…?"
To add to his surprise, Moria, similar to a cocoon that burst into a newly born butterfly, raised her body and ran towards her father donning an incredulous expression.
To define his current predicament was a miracle, to say the least.
Then, crouching down to match her daughter's posture, Borax locked her in his embrace.
It was then followed by a very rare sight…
The tears of the father.
***
"Okay, this is strange… I don't think I have the right to share the same table with the two of you."
Somewhat confused, Grey opened his mouth. In front of him was a table for three filled with lavishness of delectable dishes of various origins. But what caught his sight was a delicate bottle of wine that seemed to be over a hundred years old.
Across from him were the healthy father and daughter in all smiles; the former's intimidating aura was nowhere to be found. However, if Grey to put it in words…
'There's no opening for a surprise attack at all.'
Hearing Grey's words, Borax, whose eyes had the traces of bawling out, responded,
"How could I not express such hospitality to my daughter's savior? Right, my little Moria?" Borax proceeded to pat her head.
"If you put it like that… I guess there's no helping it."
In Rana's absence, who had taken care of some matters after the operation, the trio continued with their warm meal in the cold evening.
After a few minutes, just as Moria fell asleep on the table because of her fulfilled hunger, Borax's expression turned serious. But the difference this time was that there was no hostility anymore.
"What do you want?" Borax then asked.
"I want two things: First of all, introduce me to a friendly dwarf, someone that is renowned because of forging skills; and secondly, help me create identification documents… but anytime I want, depending on the circumstances." Grey frankly responded.
"Is that all?" Borax looked at him with an absolutely suspicious gaze. Through all these years of being the Guild Master that held information throughout the World of Magica, it was the first time he was asked about such favors that were too little of value compared to the service done in exchange.
'Identification documents? This man is suspicious… It also strengthens my hypothesis that this entity is a newly formed Mutant. But why did he want it to be anytime he wants? Is he waiting for something… or someone?' Borax's brown eyes squinted, trying to gauge the enigmatic figure sitting across from him.
Hearing Borax's response, Grey let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"Well, if that's too simple even for you in exchange for saving your beloved daughter… How about this then? Give me a Kill List that if they die or disappear, it will have too little to no impact in the world."
"What did you just say?" Borax's ears perked up, unable to believe what he had just heard. It also proved Grey's peculiarity as his request seemed to jump a few levels higher.
"Kill List… I'm pretty certain you have that, right? Also, don't you want some nosy tails to be snuffed out yourself? Let me do the job then. Ah! If there's monetary reward, the better." Grey smiled, quite innocently.
'I don't know how to put it… but this man's dangerous!' Borax thought before asking,
"Why do you want it?"
Grey scoffed. He then said,
"Trouble. I want trouble. You see, my life's been so peaceful that it's boring. I want to take risks since progress will only be made through a series of challenges."
The Guild Master of the Shadow Guild was outright dumbfounded.
'Is every alchemist think like that? Or maybe I'm mistaken with something?'
However, in the end, the favors had been finalized, which were the following:
[1] Grey will be introduced to a dwarf known for his/her blacksmithing skills.
[2] Borax will help with the creation of identification documents whenever Grey needs it.
[3] Borax will give Grey a Kill List that if whoever is listed dies or disappears, it will have little to no impact on the current state of the world.
With that, the contract effect of the Scale of Duanaxim has been nullified.