As soon as Morgan spoke, the whole room seemed to wake up.
Golden lines spread out from under the platform like veins that had been sleeping for ages. One by one, runes lit up, and soon enough, the entire space glowed softly. The numerous wires hanging from the ceiling quivered together, adding a low hum that filled the air.
Shawn felt his fingers clench instinctively.
He sensed that something significant was about to happen.
Then a warm golden light began to rise from beneath the platform, enveloping him entirely.
To his surprise, his tense muscles relaxed almost instantly.
The cold metal pressing against his back no longer felt so oppressive. Even the restraints around his wrists felt lighter.
He couldn't help but let out a bitter smile, his face pale and drained of color.
"So..."
"So this is your idea of mercy."
His voice barely registered above a whisper.
"A painless death."
Morgan didn't reply.
Neither did Boulder.
Their gazes remained glued to the platform.
The next phase had kicked in.
Suddenly, dozens of thin metallic tendrils shot forward.
Shawn's pupils narrowed in fear.
Before he could react, they jabbed into his arms, his legs, his shoulders, his chest, and even the back of his neck.
"Argh!"
His body jerked violently against the restraints.
One more tendril burrowed into the side of his head, and a searing headache exploded in his skull, as if someone had shoved burning nails right through it.
His breathing became rapid and shaky.
Once again, the golden light beneath him pulsed, sending warmth throughout his body that numbed the pain just enough for him to stay conscious.
With a weak laugh, he managed to mutter, "You don't even..."
"...want to let me pass out."
Several transparent tubes lashed onto the tendrils.
One by one, strange liquids began to flow through them.
Some were a vivid emerald green, others shimmered silver, while a few appeared almost black.
The moment the first drop entered his system, Shawn's scream reverberated off the walls of the chamber.
"AAAAARGH!"
It didn't feel hot or cold; it felt like molten metal was coursing through his veins.
Every inch of him burned from the inside out.
His heart raced ferociously.
The substances forced their way through every part of his body, pushing into his muscles, bones, and flesh as if they were seeking something.
Boulder stood still, watching without a word.
"His vessel is accepting them," he observed.
Morgan nodded, his eyes never leaving Shawn. "Continue."
One of the servants sprang into action, pouring more liquid into a crystal tank.
The hum around the platform grew louder.
Shawn gritted his teeth so hard that blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. His entire skeleton began to shake.
Then, out of nowhere....
Crack.
A sharp sound echoed from his right arm.
Another crack followed, and then another.
Bone after bone throughout his body splintered.
His fingers twisted in unnatural angles. His ribs caved in, then slowly pushed back out. His spine bent just enough to make every nerve scream in agony.
Shawn's vision began to blur, and breathing became increasingly difficult.
"Morgan..."
The name slipped from his lips through gritted teeth.
Pure hatred was all that kept his mind from shattering.
"So..."
"This..."
"...was your plan..."
The golden light pulsed again, and immediately, the fractured bones started to heal.
But before they could fully mend....
Another wave of that cursed liquid flooded his body.
Crack!
Once more, the bones shattered painfully.
His muscles convulsed under the strain, swelling beyond their limits before ripping apart under pressure.
New muscle fibers took the place of the damaged ones, only to tear again a moment later.
This brutal cycle continued relentlessly.
Morgan furrowed his brows slightly. Everything was going according to plan, but even he could see that Shawn's body was suffering more than any previous subject.
He glanced at Boulder, who remained fixated on Shawn.
"He has to endure it."
Boulder's calm voice resonated in Morgan's ears.
"The vessel cannot grow stronger without first being broken."
"If you stop now..."
"...everything we've done will be meaningless."
Morgan nodded slowly. "Increase the concentration."
One of the servants hesitated for a moment. "My Lord... his body...."
"I gave an order."
The servant immediately bowed his head. "Yes, Lord Morgan."
More solutions were poured into the tanks.
The tendrils vibrated with a renewed energy.
The flow intensified.
When the new liquids surged into his system, Shawn felt as if he had plunged straight into hell.
His bones didn't just crack anymore; they crumbled.
Every movement sent waves of unbearable agony through him.
His jaw locked so tight that blood dripped from between his teeth. His fingernails digged into his palms despite being secured in place.
His whole body started to shake uncontrollably.
Screaming, cursing, passing out, he longed for any escape from this torment.
Darkness began creeping into his vision.
At last... he thought, finally escaping this nightmare.
But just when he thought he could slip away.....
The golden platform exploded with warmth, pulling him back from the edge of oblivion.
His eyes shot open, and the pain came rushing back.
"No..."
His voice was barely audible now. "...please..."
Not because he feared death.
But because he desperately wanted the pain to end.
For the first time since entering this dreadful place, he wished to be unconscious.
Even that simple wish was denied.
Boulder observed every reaction without a word.
Minutes passed, and only when they had stretched out did he finally lift his hand.
"Enough."
Morgan quickly signaled the servants.
The flow through the tendrils slowed down, then stopped completely.
One by one, the medicines halted their assault on Shawn's body.
The humming filled the air diminished, and silence returned to the chamber.
Shawn lay there, motionless, his clothes drenched in blood. His breathing was shallow, and his body had become nearly unrecognizable.
For several long seconds, no one broke the stillness.
Morgan extended his awareness over Shawn.
Every shattered bone had mended. The torn muscles had knit back together. Even the damaged organs had stabilized.
He had survived.
With a soft breath, Morgan exhaled. "The strengthening is complete."
Boulder stepped closer, black gloves forming around his hands, focused on the boy before him.
"The vessel is ready."
He flexed his fingers once, before adding, "Now... we begin the real experiment."