Within his new residence conveniently located near Tal'Qamar's barracks, Hudson's carefully studied the work he'd done on the soldier sent to him by General Nasrith.
The young human was at a low enough Level that she would benefit from his augmentations, and… expendable enough that the General was willing to send her as a test subject. Actually improving somebody's body with his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] was a rather tricky endeavor, as natural selection had settled on each race's particular biology for good reason.
For example, human skin might be much softer than the thick skin of an ogre or the scales of a lizardkin, but it was much better at sweating, thereby facilitating more efficient thermoregulation. Humans also had excellent day vision compared with most animals and even many of the sapient species found in this world. Lizardkin and naga both had superior night vision to humans, but also had notably inferior color perception.
While enhancing a human with naga eyes could improve their night scouting abilities, it would be more practical for General Nastrith to simply employ an actual naga for the task. As a result of all these considerations, Hudson's was somewhat limited in the augmentations he could offer the human woman.
It was far more difficult for him to manipulate a person's internal structure, so he just decided to add thick scales over her important vital points. Such a change should have little impact on her ability to sweat while also providing a small layer of defense that just might save her life in a fight.
"So how strong are these things?" asked the soldier, scratching at the dark scales layered over her jugular vein.
"Their durability should be about equivalent to the skin of a human with 30 Vitality," Hudson's responded, studying his work with a critical eye. "Far worse than a good suit of armor, but it might just be enough to save you from a stray arrow. What I'm really interested in seeing is if they improve in resiliency once your Vitality improves."
The Grimoire of Cerebon claimed that they would, but Hudson's wanted to see it for himself. It was a shame that the changes the System made to a person's body when they increased their Stats were impossible to perceive biologically. It would have made his life much easier if he could simply study the body of a person with high physical Stats and replicate their structure in others.
"I suppose it's better than nothing," said the soldier, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "At least it doesn't hurt or anything. You sure there's nothing you can do to give me claws, or some bigger muscles?"
"Claws would interfere with your motor skills unless they were retractable," Hudson's said as he moved on to grow scales around her forearm. "Internal changes are significantly more difficult than external ones, which is why I won't be giving you retractable claws or bigger muscles."
Hudson's could probably actually give her venom glands or fangs similar to a naga's, but those were far less useful than they sounded without the corresponding skills. Those kinds of sneaky tricks might be helpful for an [Assassin], but they were much less practical for a frontline [Shieldbearer] like her.
Once they were finally done, Hudson's nodded to his stoic observer and watched as Rizok escorted the soldier out of his home. He wasn't exactly fond of having someone watching his every move, but he couldn't deny that the lizardkin was useful. When Rizok returned, Hudson's was relieved to see that he was alone and not being followed by another soldier that he needed to augment.
"Was she the last of them?" Hudson's asked eagerly.
"Yes sir. The General will be pleased with your efficiency," Rizok responded in a deep voice, his tone detached and professional.
He damned well better be. It's not like I can just use my Skills constantly without getting tired.
Using [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] caused a sort of mental exhaustion that felt like he'd been poring over complex equations for hours on end.
Despite seeming relatively simple, each little adjustment required immense concentration and precision, making even minor modifications a tiring process. His Spirit Stat helped alleviate this somewhat, but there were limitations to how far he could push his mental endurance.
"Good," Hudson's said, rubbing his temple in an attempt to push back his impending headache. "Please let me know whenever High Command finishes assessing the augmentations."
"I will, sir. Will you be continuing with your plans for the day, or would you prefer to retire for the evening?" Rizok asked neutrally.
Hudson's would love to hop in his bed and take a nap, but he had far too much work to do.
It was only a few days ago that General Nasrith finished consolidating control of the government and established the 'Hierophant Council,' to which Hudson's and the other religious leaders had been assigned. Hudson's knew that these early days would likely be the most significant of the Cult he intended to build, so he couldn't afford to waste a single moment.
"I'll continue with my plans," Hudson's said reluctantly as he began to make his way out of his workspace. His new home provided by High Command was very functional in design, and had only the bare necessary furnishings required for living. "This is probably the best time of day to go to the Adventurer's Guild, so I can't afford to waste any more time."
"Yes sir," Rizok responded, his expression indifferent.
Hudson's sighed as he extinguished the oil lantern lighting his home. "I wish you would stop calling me that and just use my name. Even if you're technically my subordinate, we both know that you answer to High Command."