Dusk came, it was time to set the plan in motion.
I was leaning over a map in the dorm's common room when a different memory surfaced from the game—an obscure loot path triggered only under specific conditions. One I'd almost missed.
The Mana Heart.
An organic core formed deep underground, where wild magic pooled. It wasn't easy to botian. But Caelum wasn't just any character.
I moved quickly, strapping my blade across my back and throwing on my coat. The academy was asleep—or at least, most of it. I slipped through the shadows of the outer gardens, tracing my way toward the undercroft beneath the old alchemy wing.
Using a specific combination I entered the underground section of the Academy.
By the time I reached the hidden chamber, the moon was high and the air was thick with mana.
It pulsed.
A heartbeat made of light.
Floating above a stone pedestal, suspended in layers of arcane insulation, the [Mana Heart] thrummed with raw, wild energy. The air around it crackled. My skin prickled with static as I stepped forward.
This is going to hurt.
I drew my sword and slashed through the first ward. A cascade of glyphs erupted around me—some defensive, some offensive. A pressure slammed against my chest.
A [Firebolt] scorched past my head. Thinking quickly I ducked, rolled, then activated [Flash].
I felt lightning surge in my legs as I blurred past the defenses. A clean swipe disabled the ward's anchor. The light flickered out.
Panting, burned at the edge of my coat, I stepped up to the core. It shimmered in my palm like liquified starlight. It was warm.
The moment I made contact my body absorbed it, the pain hit like a tidal wave.
> [System Message]
You have acquired: [Mana Heart (Lesser)]
An organic elemental core, born from pure mana convergence.
— Permanently increases base mana quality.
— Slightly stabilizes elemental flow.
Integrating…
My legs gave out. I could feel the energy draining me as I collapsed to one knee.
> [System Message]
WARNING: Compatibility unknown. Side effects possible.
Adjusting elemental channels…
Assimilation: 17%... 43%... 78%... Complete.
The world tilted. Mana screamed through my veins, lightning flickering involuntarily at my fingertips. My vision went white for a second.
Seconds felt like minutes. The pain was making my brain go numb.
Then—
Silence.
The pain receded like a tide.
> [System Message]
Mana Quality has increased.
Elemental Flow: Moderately Stable
"Finally…" I breathed, wiping sweat from my brow.
I stumbled back through the tunnels, heartbeat echoing with the memory of the Heart. No alarms. No patrols. Just darkness and the distant thrum of victory.
When I finally reached his dorm, I collapsed onto the bed, the world spinning just slightly less than before.
I opened my hand. A single blue spark leapt from my palm to the air, dancing softly before vanishing.
I could feel a smirk forming on my face.
Step by step, I was rewriting the game.