Chapter 55
Lucas was submerged in a cyan fluid created from a fusion he had achieved, allowing him to temper his body slowly but surely while also strengthening it. He could accelerate the process, but there were side effects that came with doing so. Because of that, the slower method was safer and steadily improved his strength.
He had told Tracy to place him inside it after his fight against Ezra. Thanks to the runes placed around the area, nothing was detected, and all traces of the battle disappeared as the forest returned to normal. While inside the tub, Lucas recovered from his injuries, as the cyan fluid both healed and strengthened the body at the same time.
Without using spells, Lucas could be compared to Moon Class or Saint Class elites in terms of physical strength. However, because others could enhance themselves with spells, their strength could reach heights he had not yet achieved. For example, Eleanor's speed could rival that of Saint Class elites when she used her spells, but in terms of pure strength, there was no one who could compare to her.
This was the same woman who had sent a dragon flying and blocked a powerful strike with her bare fist. Her strength was on an entirely different level. She could have been the strongest in that aspect if not for the existence of the Elder of the Lotus Clan and the Great Sage.
The fluid used the mana in the atmosphere to heal the body, essentially amplifying the body's natural healing capabilities. This ensured that once the body was tempered, the effects would not fade.
Even so, Lucas remained like that for the next three days before finally opening his eyes. Seeing himself inside his small laboratory, the first thought that came to his mind was, I need to find another lab. The reason was simple. He could sense Division 9 within his territory. His mana sense could now cover around five kilometers in all directions. Pressing a button, all the cyan fluid drained away.
Even if Division 9 discovered it, they would not care much. They would likely assume the liquid was merely a recovery agent, something they themselves possessed. However, Lucas did not want them growing curious, as they might realize how special his new cyan fluid was. It was a combination of his blue fluid, in which his mother was still submerged, and his green fluid.
Opening the door, Lucas looked at his mother. In truth, he still had not found a solution to her coma. From his many studies, her body was perfectly fine, leaving only her mind or perhaps her soul as the issue. However, Lucas could not fix anything related to the soul at the moment, as his understanding of it was less than one percent.
"Don't worry, Mom. I won't let you suffer like this for long," he said with a sigh before moving toward the Giant Mana Eye, which currently looked like a large rock engraved with a symbol.
"I should channel only pure mana into it as long as those spies are in my territory. Moving toward the Dark Forest might be for the best. No one goes there most of the time, and it's filled with monsters that can rival Saint Class individuals in the core region. That alone will keep others from stepping in carelessly," Lucas thought.
His plans were already in motion, and now it was time to face Ray.
Lucas left the underground lab and headed home. On the way, he noticed a person dressed in black with a mask. Behind them stood Ray himself, watching Lucas with a smile.
They stood in a clearing. Ray was a huge man with a scar over his right eye, naturally white hair, and black eyes that radiated power. He wore expensive robes like an old master, their quality alone speaking volumes about his wealth.
Lucas frowned inwardly when he saw him, then sighed and bowed slightly. Even though Division 9 was known only to the Sky King, Ray was recognized throughout Hidden Sky City as an Elder of the Royal Council. Lucas had no choice but to show respect.
"What an honor it is to see you, Elder. What may I do for you?" Lucas asked.
Ray appreciated Lucas's quick understanding of his status and smiled brightly. "Oh, there was a battle here recently, so I came to check what was going on."
Lucas was shocked for a moment before calming himself.
So my runes weren't powerful enough to completely block them from seeing or sensing everything. Even so, it should have been a mismatch, so my true strength is still hidden. I should stop doing things inside the Hidden City. They may have methods I don't know about. I need to move everything to the new lab I plan to create, he thought.
"Yes, I had a spar with a friend to test how much we've grown. I didn't think our small battle would affect the city in any way," Lucas said calmly.
"Then why place runes that prevent others from seeing what's happening and block sensing abilities?" Ray asked, stepping slightly closer.
Lucas sighed but kept smiling.
So they only felt a small amount of power. That's fine.
"They were placed just in case, Elder," Lucas replied.
"Hm." Ray stepped closer, looking at Lucas like a lion eyeing its prey. Smiling, he said, "Since this is your territory, it's allowed. However, my real reason for coming is to ask you to join a division that works behind the scenes for the betterment of the Hidden City and the Empire."
"You can choose any Star Rank you want. All you need to do is say the word, as long as your mana core matches the rank. You'll receive great pay and authority over many things. What do you say, Lucas?"
Lucas despised what Ray was suggesting, but he pretended to consider it.
"No. I'd rather earn my ranks through my own effort. Also, I've already received an offer for something greater, so I must decline, Elder. I'm very sorry."
In truth, Ray was angry, but he did not show it.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Hm." Ray turned away and said, "Have a wonderful day."
He vanished like the wind along with the men in Lucas's territory.
As if I'd agree to that and get branded with a curse mark to follow your orders without question, Lucas thought.
Meanwhile, Ray appeared at the Sky King's castle with his men.
It seems Arthur beat me to it.
"My lord, what should we do about the boy?" one of the men asked.
"Nothing. Did you analyze that lab?" Ray replied.
"Yes. There was nothing special. Just two tubs. One contained his mother, as the reports stated, and the other was used by Lucas himself. It seems he was recovering from the spar he mentioned," the man answered.
"Did you identify the person he sparred with?" Ray asked, the wind brushing past him.
"No, sir," the man replied, causing Ray to sigh.