Unholy Player Chapter 508 A Body Too Valuable to Lose

"Drinking it this way is best," Rhys remarked with a calm expression. "It helps mask the bitterness."

Adyr was unsure if the man was referring to the harshness of the alcohol or the serum itself; perhaps Rhys simply didn't bother to distinguish between them anymore.

Leaning forward with a look of genuine curiosity, Adyr watched the way Rhys handled the flask as if it were a weightless toy. "How does it feel? Can you sense the serum's effects?" He asked the question with sharp focus, knowing how much the answer truly mattered.

The ability to transform ordinary humans into Practitioners would be a total game-changer.

Even if full awakening as a Practitioner proved impossible, elevating them to a level that could rival Rank 3 would be a monumental feat. From that point, achieving Rank 4 might be within reach, providing an incredible power-up for all of humanity.

In the ongoing conflict against the formidable factions of the Midlands, humans could utilize their massive population as a primary weapon. By augmenting their bodies and arming them with rifles, they could create a force capable of putting real pressure on monsters.

If a Rank 4 Practitioner was truly that formidable, the solution was straightforward: deploy 100 or 1,000 Rank 3-equivalent mutants. Armed with advanced technology, they could hunt them down just as their ancestors once used strategy and numbers to take down mammoths with primitive tools.

Beyond the tactical advantages of war, a simpler motivation lingered in the minds of every leader. Every ruler desired a potent army—soldiers under their absolute command, possessing enough power to shatter a nation's defenses at a moment's notice.

Rhys paused to consider the inquiry before giving a casual shrug. "My physical strength has definitely increased. I feel a bit more youthful, too."

He took another sip, tilting the flask with ease as the liquid sloshed faintly inside. "But don't get your hopes up; I still can't sprout a pair of wings if that's what you were wondering."

Despite his dismissal, the physical changes were visible. The lines on his face had smoothed out, and his skin possessed a healthier, bronze glow, as if his internal heat and blood flow had intensified. His graying hair had regained its former sheen, and his gaze appeared more piercing and alert.

Nevertheless, the reality was plain to see. Regardless of his improved appearance, he was still a long way from becoming a true Practitioner.

Acknowledging this, Adyr raised his hand in a casual motion, as if the items he was about to reveal were of little consequence.

Several buckets overflowing with red powder materialized before him. "This is what remains of the treasure I utilized. Hand these over to the researchers. Perhaps they can find a way to refine the serum using the remains of those Lunari ancestors."

His goal was simple, despite the slim probability of success. He hoped these materials might lead to a serum that allowed a subject to awaken as a Blood Path Practitioner. It was a long shot, but with the ingenuity of the research team, a breakthrough wasn't out of the question. Even a minor advancement would be a victory. "More seasoning for my drink?" Rhys laughed at the sight of the red powder. He seemed indifferent to what he ingested, so long as it provided his muscles with more power.

Leaning over, he grabbed a handful of the powder and mixed it directly into his flask. The fine particles clung to the rim for a heartbeat before dissolving into the liquid.

With a single shake, the red mist vanished into his beverage.

"You could have at least waited until the lab processed it into something meant for consumption." Henry watched the display with a somber, dejected look, appearing as though he was bracing for a disaster.

"Hah, Henry, how do you think those scientists develop these serums?" Rhys snorted. "They test the raw materials on live subjects to see what happens. I'm just saving them the trouble of picking a volunteer. If I drop dead, they can just carve me up and extract whatever data they need from my corpse."

He spoke with the casual air of someone long accustomed to being a test subject for the mutation serum project, discussing his own life as if his body were merely another expendable resource.

With a quick twist, he capped his flask, tucked it into his uniform, and stood up. "Alright, that’s enough talking for now. I’ll take these down to the lab."

Grabbing a bucket in each hand, he walked out of the room with a steady gait. Despite the high volume of alcohol he had consumed, his movements showed no sign of intoxication.

Adyr tracked his departure until the door shut. His expression remained composed yet intrigued. Upon closer inspection, the deep crimson sea within his eyes seemed to ripple slightly, as if something hidden deep below had stirred.

In the hallway, Rhys navigated the empty, brightly lit corridor with the buckets in tow. The overhead lights cast long reflections on the polished floor that glided beneath his boots.

His footsteps were silent, yet they lacked the softness of a stealthy approach. His posture radiated a sense of disciplined balance, even while he maintained a facade of relaxation. However, he didn't make it very far before his coordination faltered. His shoulders dipped and his foot stumbled as he tried to correct his balance. "Oops." His hands began to shake, nearly causing the red powder to spill over the edges of the buckets. He quickly tightened his hold, remaining perfectly still until the swaying stopped. "Stay with me, body. You're far too valuable to fail now," he whispered through clenched teeth.

He paused for a moment to compose himself. His breathing steadied, and his blurred vision sharpened once more. Once he felt in control, he resumed his walk at a normal pace, as if the momentary lapse had never occurred.