Coraline had been the one to take the antidote this time, leaving Curie as the only member of the alliance still at risk of being poisoned. Guided by Curie, the group made their way to an even more remote location, where she claimed the last well-hidden antidote was located.
They stood in front of a large building in a secluded woodland area. The building itself was situated within a natural clearing, and the surrounding dense trees and vegetation kept it hidden. It was at least three stories tall, with a large passageway protruding from its front. The outer layer of the building appeared to be composed of a dull silver metallic material, with no windows visible at all.
The structure was a medical research facility that specialized in Spirit Alchemy. The door to the passageway was as tall as the building and thick. It seemed to made of a dark stone material with traces of metal embedded within it.
Although it appeared to be the only entrance or exit, the door had no visible seam. This was a defensive mechanism designed to keep unauthorized personnel out. It would be the first challenge the group had to overcome to retrieve the antidote.
Lioness was examining the door for any gaps or weak points, while Coraline and Ebony circled the building, searching for other potential entry points. Jackson was about to ask Curie what plan she had in mind to get inside when his expression shifted to one of concern as he looked at her.
Her skin had turned pale, and she looked visibly unwell. Black, vein-like splotches were beginning to spread across her skin. Though her demeanor remained calm, it was obvious she was maintaining composure only through sheer mental fortitude.
Curie spoke, her tone calm and concise, offering no attempt to ease Jackson's worries. "I will resist the poison's effects until I am cured."
Both Coraline and Lioness overheard the conversation. Lioness turned around, appraising Curie's condition to ensure she wasn't overestimating her own abilities. Meanwhile, Coraline returned with Ebony to check on Curie. The group showed concern for her ability to complete the trials, but seeing her condition only strengthened their determination. They were resolved to help her succeed, recognizing the pivotal role she had played in aiding them all with her plans and strategies.
Curie then proceeded to retrieve her communicator from her pocket, she then went on to display a holographic image of the door with five highlighted sections.
She then went on to address Jackson directly, as she did so she detailed how she intended to get past the door, "The door is an Ascended Object, from my analysis I've been able to determine that it's far too durable for any of us to break it down. However, we can get past it through a combination of brute force and intellect.''
She then began to elaborate on what the five points specifically were, pointing to each one as she did so, "The five points are clusters of Soul Energy. Thay prevent the seam of the door from being revealed as well as preventing it from being opened. By striking the points repeatedly you'll be able to reveal the seam of the door. Doing so is easier said than done, but since you have the highest physical strength, you have the best odds.''
A furiously determined expression appeared on Jackson's face, upon hearing what was needed of him. As he stood in front of the large stone door the other members of the alliance gave him space.
His thoughts began to churn as he drew upon the power of his Soul Incantation. I sought out strength to help those in need. Now Curie needs me to get her through that door. So far, she has helped us greatly I don't intend to let her down nor any of my other comrades. I'll give every ounce of fury that I have.
Jackson's Soul Incantation allowed him to use negative emotions to amplify his soul energy, which he in turn used to amplifies physical capabilities. Through his Conscious Mind he developed a thought process akin to a second personality. The second personality would serve as a limiter in order to help him better control his soul incantation.
Right now, he was drawing upon every negative emotion and experience he had gone through. By powering himself to the point where he began to faintly glow due to an overabundance of energy.
With focused fury, Jackson examined the five points he needed to strike on the door. The hologram had identified them as the four corners and the center of the door.
Jackson lunged toward the bottom-left corner of the massive stone door, reaching it in an instant. He reeled his fist back and delivered a powerful blow to the section, causing a loud bang and a faint tremor to ripple outward. With a single sidestep, he maneuvered across to the bottom-right section of the door, using the momentum from his movement to perform a spinning heel kick. The resulting noise and tremor were even greater than before.
Swiftly stepping backward, Jackson leaped to the top-right corner. With a strike of even greater force, he began a rapid descent, landing with ease before springing diagonally toward the top-left corner. Spinning midair, he delivered another powerful kick to the specified target. After landing, he took a great lunging step backward before launching himself at the center of the door with a powerful double kick.
Any ordinary door would have been reduced to dust and rubble. However, the stone door of the research lab did not even have a crack on its surface.
Frustration flickered across Jackson's face, and he began unleashing a furious barrage of attacks on the specified points. He moved as a streaking blur, each strike sending out shockwaves and tremors that rang like a strange symphony. Despite his mounting fatigue, his determination never wavered.
After delivering another powerful strike, Jackson lunged backward before propelling himself toward the center point of the door. With all the remaining strength he had, he slammed both fists into the door, yelling, "Open right now and let Curie in!"
With that final strike, the seam of the door revealed itself. The massive stone doors parted slightly, creating a space large enough for the group to pass through with ease.
Jackson landed on the ground, breathing heavily. Fatigue was clearly evident in his form.
Lioness rushed forward, unwilling to take any chances. She transformed her medal into a large staff, which she used to wedge the passage open and ensure it wouldn't close. Glancing back at Jackson, she gave him an approving look.
Her silent praise caused him to look away in embarrassment as his Soul Incantation faded, allowing his true self to come to the forefront.
Meanwhile, Coraline moved to assist the unwell Curie into the research facility. Wrapping an arm around her, Coraline supported Curie as they walked.
Curie wanted to decline the help but refrained, not wanting to appear rude.