Bear School Astartes

From the moment the [Second Heart] began to work, Lann clearly felt the difference in his body.

His blood flow rate started to accelerate, not in a way one might experience from taking stimulants or feeling emotional excitement.

Such conditions indeed can quicken blood flow, enhancing physical qualities temporarily.

But now, it seemed as if his normal blood flow speed had been directly ramped up!

For an ordinary person experiencing this, it might only last for a few minutes before leading to problems due to over-excitement. However, under the coordinated integration of the genetic seed, Lann felt surprisingly good.

"Phew—"

A breath nearly forming white smoke seeped from the corner of Lann's mouth.

He supported his body with one hand and slowly stood up.

During this process, Lann carefully felt the changes in his body.

"Mentos, report the situation."

"Sir, your current body temperature has reached forty-two degrees Celsius. The overall blood flow rate is 1.3 times what it was before. After the [Second Heart] stabilizes its operation, this figure is expected to increase. Because of the enhanced blood supply capability, your physical quality has slightly improved, with significant increases in the recovery speed of both physical and magic power!"

"The broken rib junction is smooth, and if you take another bottle of [Swallow] tomorrow, it might even heal by the day after."

Mentos's report prompted a soft "Wow" from Lann.

His hand rested against his forehead.

"Body temperature of forty-two degrees Celsius? I can't feel it. Moreover, at this temperature, can my brain cells endure it? In Abdel's memory, implanting the [Second Heart] supposedly causes an increase in body temperature, but not to this exaggerated extent."

"It's speculated to be an effect of the [Dragon Bone Growth Agent]. The [Second Heart] you made has metrics that meet Interstellar Warrior standards. This particular process was never found in memory cases. Dragons in other worlds have deep connections to fire, and members of the House Targaryen, known as the [Dragon King Clan], are rumored to have high body temperatures and heat resistance."

Lann moved his body slightly, confirming that aside from the fractured rib in his chest not yet healed, he indeed had no other discomfort.

"Alright then, I don't feel any downside at the moment... Tsk, if I were to meet with Alia again, Robert would truly have a reason to get angry with me."

The [Second Heart] absorbed the growth energy from dragon bones, making this blood purer than even the Targaryen's.

The Lady of the Lake watched Lann as he adjusted to his body, until he calmed down once again.

"Your life is even more vibrant now."

"Thank you for your help, Lady."

Lann turned his head and gave a salute to the Lady of the Lake to express his gratitude.

"I've completed all possible enhancements during this period... How long until the rift from the celestial sphere intersection opens?"

At present, the fracture of ribs in the chest is the only thing noteworthy, but even that will heal within a day.

Lann naturally began to focus on his 'work'.

"Your injury will recover by the day after tomorrow, right? Then it's settled for the day after tomorrow. I can slightly influence the opening of the rift."

The Lady's fingers twirled a strand of her hair, speaking quite casually.

It appears that affecting the rift's opening within a few days is not a difficult task for her.

Lann nodded, "Understood, I will promptly go to that temple the day after tomorrow."

"Hmm?" The Lady gave a playful smile, "I thought you could accompany me here for the next two days."

She pointed her finger towards Lann's bare chest.

The young man ignored it and started to put on the armor he had just removed.

"Lady, currently a child could punch my chest and I'd vomit... Let's not joke around, okay?"

The Lady of the Lake gave a noncommittal laugh, but she wouldn't force Lann, nor would the Knight's virtues impose upon anyone.

Thus, the Demon Hunter was able to return to the quiet Dark Water under the moonlight.

-----------------

Early the next morning, even Belengar could only detect a faint scent of blood from Lann.

If this smell belonged to anyone else, Belengar's sense of morality might compel him to investigate, checking for nearby victims or similar matters.

But Lann's morality had been proven the last time he arrived at Vizima, bearing a Count's life as testament.

Belengar would just as likely believe Lann was taken by some pure farmer's daughter to the grass, indulging in ecstasy, rather than thinking he would harm someone.

If he truly killed someone, it was most likely deserved.

There's not much to be concerned about.

No one knew that a Demon Hunter installed a new heart for himself last night.

Lann took advantage of the two days not being suitable for exercise to replenish all the deficient potions and bombs in his Alchemy Pouch.

He also placed an extra set of dried herb materials, which occupy little space and can be lightly processed for on-site alchemy.

Belengar knew that Lann's working days were approaching, and made a strenuous effort to advance the Valerian steel replica project. He wanted to craft a Valerian Steel Sword for him to carry.

When joking before, he repeatedly stressed that the first sword upon successful replication must be kept by himself as a collection.

But the seriousness he now showed seemed as if he'd forgotten those words entirely.

Yet regarding technology, if it doesn't meet the standard, it simply doesn't. No progress in research means no progress.

So in the end, Lann displayed an indifferent expression, patting Belengar on his coal-smudged shoulder to comfort him.

"I'll carry Aron Dite, that's plenty. This sword is gifted by the Lady of the Lake, much more prestigious than Valerian steel."

Aron Dite appeared to be a soft silver sword, but that's just because the Lady of the Lake granted it 'evil-breaking' attribute as its exterior manifestation.

Given its true substance, even Valerian steel likely holds no advantage in front of it.

In short: Cutting humans or monsters both work powerfully.

Belengar wiped his face and shrugged.

He simply felt uneasy for not being able to help Lann.

But his mouth remained firm.

"What a shame, it seems you are not fortunate enough to wield my masterpiece."

Lann was rendered speechless by this mouth and laughed.

By mid-morning, the young man had placed his belongings on a small boat and slid over the lake, leaving the village behind.

Included were potions, bombs for battle and healing, as well as bags filled with beer, cured meat, and dry bread.

Last time, he visited Alia's hometown; even if Alia wasn't some Duke's daughter, they wouldn't starve or die of thirst.

After all, that world clearly had humans surviving.

But this time it was a completely random world. Will humans still find suitable food there?

No matter the probability, Lann ensured he was fully prepared.

Returning to the temple built by Deep Ones for the Evil God, the familiar sight of space breaking awaited.

Lann took a slight look inside and then nodded towards the Lady of the Lake beside him, stepping forward.