"Thanks to my understanding of the [Sulfur-Mercury Theory], I've conducted some experiments with blood mercury and other substances. Even during my apprenticeship, I was able to refine blood mercury for myself and replace my blood with it.
Now that I've been promoted to a full-fledged Wizard, the refinement process will be even simpler.
Moreover, I can take it a step further and transform it into a strengthened form similar to a liquid robot!"
Roy pondered in his room.
This was a natural progression.
In essence, it involved the Source of Magic continuously radiating blood mercury, causing its Demonization.
The organs in the body would also undergo Demonization, enabling them to operate and harness Wizardry Energy.
Once I engrave the 'Animation Art' into my soul, forming an Innate Wizardry, this Demonization will be further enhanced, becoming a true 'Blood Mercury Warlock Body.'
This bears a striking resemblance to the Hair Demon Physique that grows at the back of the head.
After some calculations in his private notes, Roy concluded that he fully met the conditions for this transformation.
"However, there seems to be a slight difference. The Blood Mercury Warlock Body doesn't have Law Remnants like the Hair Ghoul, which might limit its growth potential.
It's also challenging to achieve the same level of free transformation and versatility as the Hair Demon Physique.
What can I do to endow it with strong growth potential?"
Roy contemplated.
In fact, the application of blood mercury had already been explored by senior Wizards.
Typically, this involved replacing all the blood in the body during the zero-level, or apprentice stage.
The process would be completed with 100% replacement and enhancement by the time one reached the Grand Knight stage.
Then, at the first-level Wizard stage, the blood mercury would fill the heart, transforming it into a Demonized Organ.
By the second level, all internal organs would metamorphose into Demonized Organs.
At the third level, the limbs and skeleton would circulate throughout the body, with the entire body composed of liquid metal, akin to a true robot.
The fourth level...
The fourth level is the stage of a Great Wizard. The library's records are vague, merely mentioning that it involves complete refinement, closely integrated with the Arcane Imprint and consciousness.
Soon, he began to form an idea.
"Since I've been promoted to a full-fledged Wizard, I meet the criteria...
But perhaps I can go a step further and simply replace the heart!
Fill the heart with blood mercury, transforming it into a Demonized Organ?
No need for such complications, just replace it outright!"
...
"What? You're going to replace your heart?"
Not long after, Celine, who had followed him in, was startled upon hearing Roy's plan.
"Have you studied this?"
Roy replied, "No need to study. My body has already undergone Wizard Body transformation, and my blood has long been replaced, so I'm already in the preliminary stages of Demonization."
The key to this step lies in replacing the function of the heart.
Normal beings rely on the heart to pump blood for circulation throughout the body.
But for a Wizard with a Blood Mercury Warlock Body, it's a different story.
The physical blood circulation transforms into a cycle of Wizardry Energy, similar to electric current but not quite the same.
Especially after condensing the Source of Magic, it further evolves into a luminous form of magic circulation.
This can even transcend the limitations of the physical body!
In previous battles with Koqiade, Pimier, and others, Roy had demonstrated a 'no vital points' characteristic.
This also implies that he can now survive normally even if his heart is removed.
"But merely removing or replacing it isn't of much significance. The real key lies in having a sufficiently strong heart!
It will fully mobilize physical strength and power, providing circulation and recovery!
However, isn't this just perfect? I happen to have a treasure that can enhance it!"
What Roy was referring to was the Life Energy Crystal from Chalkland!
While explaining this to Celine, his assistant, he took it out from his Spatial Ring.
The object was about the size of a fist, made of opaque wax-like material, already showing some crystalline characteristics.
This was a natural state of Demonization, saving a lot of processing effort.
"Even the preliminary processing is unnecessary. We just need to inscribe the Arcane Imprint and simulate the heart's functions!"
Under the Eye of Hermes, this crystal did not display the usual Magical Aura that signifies quality.
Because the Life Energy it possessed overshadowed this aura.
But as Roy focused his mind and carefully discerned, he still found the Blue Aura representing a rare Magical Treasure amidst a hazy white background.
The appraisal results also appeared as if mystical knowledge had surfaced out of thin air.
Second-tier Quality, Energy Core-type Treasure...
The Life Energy it possessed was not full, as Roy had once used it to charge the Aegis Stone.
But even so, the remaining Life Energy was vast compared to the apprentice stage, or even ordinary Wizards.
As a newly promoted Wizard, Roy had been impoverished for a long time.
If he hadn't entered Chalkland and picked up some treasures as capital, he wouldn't even think about such enhancements.
"If we install this thing and then use methods like the Transmutation Circle or the Life Absorption Art to replenish vitality, it can withstand a lot of damage.
Of course, more importantly, combined with Demonization, it can develop a powerful physique and strength!"
...
Time quickly passed by a few days.
August 30th, in the mansion in Scarto City.
Roy lay on a makeshift operating table transformed from a small desk, using a sharp dagger from a portable magical alchemy tool as a scalpel, he cut open his chest and dug out a warm heart!
This was the heart of his predecessor, and because he had blocked the channels with Arcane Imprint beforehand, preventing the Blood Mercury circulation, there was no bleeding.
Upon closer inspection, it had even started to show signs of Demonization due to being soaked in Blood Mercury for some time.
But this level of Demonization was clearly still far from sufficient.
After watching for a while, Roy used telekinesis to place it aside.
The Succubus Doll floated in the air, holding a towel, wrapping and wiping it repeatedly.
Roy didn't pay much attention, just waved his hand.
A-Dai 0 ran over with a golden plate on its head.
The Life Energy Crystal on the plate automatically floated up, slowly moved to the opened chest area, and went in.
Roy gritted his teeth, and the blood vessels enhanced by the Arcane Imprint twitched as if alive, attaching to it.
He had already drilled holes inside, combined with the techniques of Alchemical Creation, and inscribed the Wizard Array for energy charging and discharging.
This formed a rudimentary version of an artificial organ.
The opened wound was quickly covered, and Roy took a needle. Using self-made artificial meat material, he created absorbable sutures. With the tailoring technique from his Artisan Skill and the good aesthetic sense brought by his Artist talent, he stitched up the wound and applied a healing ointment.
With that, the simple modification was officially completed.
(End of Chapter)