If you recklessly consume a natural elixir, you’ll be in for a world of trouble.
The natural elixir, having absorbed the essence of nature for a long time, is a gigantic ball of magical power all on its own.
If you stuff something like that in your mouth without a care, your body won’t withstand the raging currents of energy and will shatter into pieces.
Regular folks can’t handle it at all, and even seasoned superhumans would be turned into a complete mess.
Therefore, the natural elixir requires an extremely complicated method of consumption. Even if you follow the method, just in case, a superb superhuman stays close by in case something goes awry.
This kind of elixir’s danger can be mitigated through special processing.
It’s not about turning something non-elixir into an elixir; it’s about making a dangerous elixir safe to consume.
This isn’t about handling inferior materials, but rather handling superior materials. The latter is advanced technology compared to the former.
The reason why natural elixirs are dangerous is due to their overwhelmingly good effects. By processing a natural elixir, you can keep its effectiveness while eliminating the risks involved.
It’s a trivial metaphor, but it’s like deboning a fish.
Before consumption.
I scanned my surroundings with spatial perception. I found nothing that could be a danger. It’s a dormitory I use alone, but I’ve closed the door and drawn the curtains tight.
I concluded that there was no threat around. So, I settled down, calmly stabilized my magical power, and took out the elixir to consume it.
Just opening it infused the surrounding area with energy, like a blob of magical essence.
Wasn’t the main ingredient the root of the fairy tree? It was indeed the embodiment of nature itself. That’s why it holds such dense magical power.
Carefully savoring the elixir, I couldn’t detect any taste as it met my tongue. I couldn’t tell if it’s tasteless from the start or if I simply couldn’t perceive it.
Before long, the elixir slowly melted away. The sticky, viscous elixir sloshed around before stubbornly making its way down my throat.
My mouth was filled with magical power. Following the elixir, the magical power spread throughout. The moment the elixir passed my throat and reached the core near my heart, it exploded, flooding my entire body with magic.
– Boom! Boom! Boom!
My heart thudded violently. In sync, my core heated up. A tidal wave of magic roared, circulating through my body’s circuits.
From my head to the tips of my fingers and toes. Even after reaching the ends of my body, the flow of magic showed no signs of stopping. The energy smacking against my limbs bounced back, sloshing my entire body once more.
My body heated up. The areas whipped by energy became hot, only to cool down as another wave of magic surged through.
‘Oh…’
Feeling the state of my body in real-time, I couldn’t help but murmur in amazement.
A contradictory sensation of warmth and coolness. With every stir of magical energy, pure magic accumulated in my core, the circuit pulsating and solidifying.
Natural elixirs. In the original story, they only served to boost stats temporarily, but having experienced it in reality, I realized it could not be explained that simply.
Of course, the timing of consumption played a role. I happened to be in a growth phase. In short, this was the perfect moment to consume it.
As I reveled in the changes to my body, an uncomfortable fullness suddenly hit me. Something began to rise within.
‘Huh?’
It felt similar to the nausea I’d experienced before. But this time felt different. Back then, I at least thought I could hold it back, but now, I simply couldn’t.
In the end, something that had risen to my mouth burst forth through the corners of my lips.
It was blood, closer to black than red.
What the hell.
Uh…
Huh?
‘Shit?’
At that moment, my brain froze for a second, struggling to process the information.
Blood was pouring out. It’s practically impossible to go through life without seeing blood at some point. Even a small cut offers a glimpse.
Seeing blood come out of my mouth? It’s rare, but I’ve experienced it. Getting kicked in the stomach a bunch of times while putting everything into a kick causes me to cough up blood.
– Drip drip…
Cases where blood gushes from the mouth… that usually happens when a knife stabs into the stomach. I couldn’t even remember how I survived those encounters.
No, that’s not the issue.
Why is there blood dripping from my mouth now? I haven’t been stabbed or beaten.
If there’s a reason for this situation… the elixir?
‘Why?’
The natural elixir. If consumed carelessly, it could explode your body. Therefore, the one I received from Hong Yeon-hwa had its dangers mitigated through processing.
Of course, even if the risks have been reduced, it’s still dangerous for an ordinary person, hence the assumption that a superhuman would consume it.
But I’m already a superhuman who has awakened magical power. I can accept and operate magic. So why am I bleeding from my mouth? And the amount of blood is increasing.
A whole handful of black blood is already soaked into the ground. I tried to calm my confused mind.
Was there poison? Can’t tell with spatial perception.
I don’t think Hong Yeon-hwa would kill me.
If that’s the case, did the creator do it intentionally? I don’t know. But at least with my knowledge, I sensed that wasn’t the case.
The elixir was undoubtedly functioning normally.
…Is the problem with my body?
‘Ugh…’
At that moment, my consciousness began to fade. It felt like I was swept away by an unstoppable current.
‘Ah, this…’
If I lose consciousness, what happens…?
Before I could finish that thought, my consciousness finally cut off.
.
.
.
The forest was brimming with life.
The black canvas of the night sky was populated with countless stars, shining down on the earth.
The clear river reflected the starlight, as if the stars were equally spread between the ground and the sky.
Surrounding the lake were straight trees densely packed together. Their thick trunks seemed unyielding against any storm, while their robust branches and leaves appeared vibrant.
The various grasses carpeting the floor also radiated vitality. It was as if they were all alive, exhibiting vibrant energy.
It was a dreamlike forest. If one were to imagine the most beautiful forest in a dream, this would likely be it.
– Friend?
– New friend?
– I don’t know! A friend I’m seeing for the first time!
Suddenly, countless motes of light flitted about. Green, yellow, blue, light green…
Under the tree roots, behind the large stones, in the lake holding the starlight, and on the countless backsides of leaves.
The colorful motes of light appeared from everywhere, hovering around as if welcoming a new guest.
– Friend…? No, that’s not it.
– Not a friend.
– Huh? Then what is it?
The motes of light floating in the air appeared confused, drifting around. In the meantime, one of the light motes darted forward.
– Family! It’s not a friend, it’s family!
– Family? Is that so?
– That’s right! It’s family!
At the cry of one light mote, the others looked perplexed but eventually came to agree. Then they danced around, as if celebrating with a fireworks display.
– Family! A new family member!
The motes of light delightedly chattered. In response, the branches around them began to sway. The leaves fluttered as if dancing, and a refreshing breeze blew by.
The wind swayed the grasses, creating a wave as they danced. Amidst it all, the motes of light danced along with the gusts.
It was a beautiful and dreamlike sight. Almost as if welcoming a new family member with a celebration.
– Let’s play!
A light mote of light green approached me and spoke.
– That hill over there is fantastic!
A yellow light mote chimed in.
– And let’s go over there! The starlight sparkles, and it’s amazing!
A blue light mote added.
– Not just there! Let’s all go to the forest too…!
The voices of the diverse motes of light echoed in my ears. Yet it was not noisy at all but rather a calming melody that soothed my spirit.
– New family! Let’s all go check it out!
A red light mote…
Red, red, red… Fire, flame…
Gop-hwa, Hong Yeon-hwa, evening glow, warm embrace, elixir, black blood…
‘Huh.’
My hazy consciousness sharpened. My mind became alert.
‘Where am I?’
As those questions arose, my consciousness began to sink. The sight of the motes of light faded into the distance.
Amidst the retreating motes of light, something small caught my eye.
Delicate, soft wings reminiscent of flower petals. With each tiny flutter, beautiful motes of light spread.
.
.
.
“……”
Somewhere, my squishy cheeks were sticky. No, my entire body was sticky. My mind felt dazed.
I was currently sprawled out somewhere.
I opened up my spatial perception just enough to wrap the area around me.
It was my dorm room where I was teetering on the edge of a faint. The difference being that the floor was soaked in blood and I was lying there.
Cautiously placing my hands on the ground, an unusual sensation filled my palms. I couldn’t smell anything, but it still felt unpleasant.
I gathered strength in both arms and carefully pushed myself up.
– Squish
The blood had hardened and stuck to my fallen face.
‘What the hell.’
As I gathered my muddled mind, my smartwatch vibrated. Curious, I checked it and found a pile of unread messages stacked up.
I manipulated the hologram.
▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Did you get in okay? (Yesterday 19:41)
▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Huyul? (Yesterday 19:55)
▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: You must be sleeping… (Yesterday 20:23)
▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Sweet dreams! (Yesterday 20:23)
.
▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: You remember what I explained yesterday, right? (Today 10:51)
▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Even if it’s processed, you still need time to adapt, so if you took it yesterday or today, you should lie down and rest. (Today 10:51)
‘Yesterday?’
I checked the current time. It was Saturday afternoon, 3 PM. I had consumed the elixir around 7 PM on Friday.
…Have I been sprawled out in this soaked blood for almost a whole day?
I grimaced and pushed myself up.
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