Then it happened!
The dozen hatchlings grew. Under Bruce's relentless will and continuous healing, they developed at terrifying speed, their bodies swelling, feathers bristling like blades, their wings stretching wide.
One heartbeat later...
A flock of fully matured Steelquill Ravens burst into existence, shrieking as they spread their wings and launched into the air.
The place shook with the sound of beating wings. Chaos filled the room. But Bruce only stood there, sweat dripping down his brow, smiling faintly as he lifted his gaze to the sky of fluttering shadows above him.
If this isn't genius… then what else could it possibly be?
At that very moment...
The Akashic Codex stirred.
[Congratulations!]
[You have created the SSS-Rank Skill: Mirrored Surgeon!]
[Mirrored Surgeon (SSS-Rank)]
[You can create life from any living cell you focus your healing upon.]
[With your will, you may restructure and mutate DNA and genetic code, forcing evolution or alteration as you see fit.]
[Created beings are perfectly loyal to you upon birth, tethered by the imprint of your healing essence.]
[The more mana you expend, the closer the copy aligns to the original... including potential to replicate skills, affinities, and traits.]
[In theory, no lifeform is beyond duplication.]
"Nice…" Bruce's lips curved into a faint smile at the prompt, his voice steady as if this monumental revelation were nothing more than another tool added to his arsenal.
Jordan, on the other hand, was nearly trembling with excitement. "Don't worry about them, I'll get them under control!"
He fumbled out a vial-like spray, uncorked it, and released a fine mist into the air before quickly sealing it again. The sharp tang clung to the atmosphere.
"Don't worry," he said with a smirk, "it only affects low-ranked mutant beasts."
Bruce merely shrugged, he didn't care anyways. Though it would be foolish to believe Jordan would release something truly dangerous into the air he himself breathed. But even if he did, Bruce couldn't care less. His body, honed by countless trials and the immortal resilience of his class, wouldn't falter. And Sophie… If anything happened, he was ready to shield her without hesitation.
But nothing happened.
Seconds ticked by, and the Steelquill Ravens above continued to caw and circle wildly.
Jordan frowned, his confident grin vanishing. "Hmm… they're resistant to it."
Bruce's eyes gleamed, his tone quiet but edged with certainty. "Of course. What did you expect? They were born through my Heal. Their vitality far exceeds the norm. Tricks that would cripple ordinary beasts won't even touch them."
Jordan clicked his tongue, irritation seeping into his expression. "Hmph… this might prove to be a problem…"
Bruce's response was effortless. He lifted his hand in a small, fluid gesture—no more than a wave.
At once, the chaos above ceased. The flock dipped, their steel-feathered wings folding as they descended in unison. Like shadows bound by one will, they landed before Bruce, silent and still.
"You could've just asked," Bruce said calmly, his tone so natural it carried more weight than a roar.
Jordan froze, wide-eyed. The obedience wasn't tamed submission, it was reverence. To the Steelquill Ravens, Bruce wasn't just their creator. He was their parent. Their sovereign. He was their God!
Sophie's breath caught, her crimson eyes softening as she looked at him. Pride, awe, and something warmer all swirled in her chest. Watching him command the beasts with a mere wave, it stirred something in her heart. She smiled gently, her fingers brushing his arm in quiet affirmation. 'He's truly extraordinary… my Bruce.'
Meanwhile, Bruce sighed inwardly. 'I adjusted their brains when I developed them. This gesture, this wave, is an embedded command. They see me as their parent, and obedience is instinct.'
To Jordan, however, it was a miracle. No, something greater. Something that blurred the line between man and god.
Bruce's lips curved into a faint smile as he turned his gaze back to the merchant. "Alright, Jordan. Now that you understand what's at stake here, we can start business. I'll be generous and give you one Steelquill Raven as repayment for the feathers you gave me earlier."
He extended his hand. At once, one of the ravens flew to him, perching effortlessly despite its weight. Bruce rubbed its beak, his touch steady, his expression composed.
~caw~
The bird croaked low in its throat, leaning into his hand with eerie devotion.
In that moment, Bruce looked like an emperor seated on a throne, his raven perched as both weapon and symbol. He looked like an iconic pirate with the raven perched on his hand. His calm dominance filled the room, a quiet pressure that made even Jordan hold his breath.
"Alright…" Jordan finally said, his voice subdued. He fell silent, deep in thought. From what he had just witnessed, there was no doubt in his mind, Bruce was not a man to be underestimated.
Meanwhile, Bruce turned his gaze toward Sophie. "How sure are you that he'll keep his mouth shut about this?"
Sophie's lips curved into a smile, but her crimson eyes sharpened as she turned to Jordan. "You wouldn't dare breathe a word of this, would you, Jordan?"
Jordan froze. That smile wasn't sweet, it was chilling. Feeling the cold gleam in her gaze, a shiver ran down his spine. "N-no, Lady Sophie! I swear, I wouldn't dare!"
Instead of being satisfied, Sophie let out a soft laugh. The sound was sweet, but to Jordan it rang like a blade against his throat. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as her voice lowered, velvet and lethal.
"Hehe… Jordan, like I told you before, I don't take the word of a cunning merchant at face value. Sign a blood contract, with the will of this world as judge. If you so much as whisper what happened here, you'll die."
At that moment, a prompt flickered before Bruce's eyes.
[Ding!]
[Do you wish to bind Jordan Hermescus with a Blood Contract?]
Bruce sighed inwardly. 'I keep forgetting this world really is almost like a damn game.'
'Yes,' he said inwardly.
[Provide Contract Terms.]
Bruce's voice was calm, almost casual as he dictated. "Jordan Hermescus, you are forbidden from revealing anything that happened here today. If you so much as try, you'll die instantly."
Jordan swallowed hard but managed a shaky nod. "Not that I'd want to anyway. The other merchants would only take this chance from me." He let out a bitter sigh. "I accept."
[Ding!]
[Terms have been accepted by Jordan Hermescus. Blood Contract established. Breaking terms will result in immediate death.]