Chapter 6

(Some passages are unedited because it may contain graphic or nude scenes. Because Chat GPT do not edit or read these paragraphs.)

I opened my eyes, groaning as waves of pain coursed through my body. Every muscle ached, my limbs felt like lead, and a dull throbbing pounded in my head.

Before I could attempt to move, I felt two hands pressing firmly against my chest, holding me in place. The touch wasn’t rough, but it carried a silent command—stay still.

I stopped struggling, and after a few moments, the hands lifted. Then, another hand slipped behind my head, carefully raising it. I barely had time to process the sensation before something was brought close to my nose—a pungent, almost nauseating scent assaulted my senses.

I instinctively tried to turn away, but a firm grip kept me in place. Moments later, a bowl was pressed against my lips, and I was forced to drink a foul-tasting liquid. It was bitter, thick, and left an unpleasant aftertaste that made me want to gag.

Despite my reluctance, I swallowed a few sips, and almost immediately, the pain in my body started to fade. The relief spread slowly, numbing the aches that had wracked my form. I continued drinking until the bowl was empty, and soon after, I was carefully laid back down.

As minutes passed, I felt my strength returning—gradually but steadily. My breathing grew easier, the exhaustion lifting ever so slightly. Summoning my willpower, I forced my eyes open once more, blinking against the dim glow of the room.

As my vision adjusted, I looked around, taking in my surroundings. What I saw left me stunned.

Stone walls lined with shelves full of dried herbs and potions. Wooden cabinets filled with glass vials containing liquids of varying colors. The faint scent of incense and medicinal herbs hung in the air. The soft glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the room, casting flickering shadows against the walls.

There was no doubt—I was in a fantasy world. And judging by my surroundings, I had somehow ended up in an apothecary.

Not just any apothecary, though. The detailed carvings on the walls, the expensive glassware, and the regal insignias adorning some of the shelves hinted at something grander.

A castle’s apothecary.

Confusion settled over me. Why am I in the apothecary of a castle?

Shoving my questions aside, I slowly swung my legs over the edge of the bed and placed my feet on the cold stone floor. Taking a deep breath, I sat straighter, grounding myself. My body still felt weak, but the worst of the pain had subsided.

The moment I lifted my head and opened my eyes fully, I froze.

The sight in front of me was nothing short of shocking.

What I saw nearly fried my brain.

Standing right in front of me was a girl—completely nude. My mind struggled to process the situation, my thoughts grinding to a halt.

There was something unusual about her, though. Across her body, a glowing plus-shaped symbol pulsed faintly, etched into her skin in an almost ethereal way. It wasn’t a tattoo, nor was it painted on—it seemed to shimmer, shifting slightly with each breath she took.

I blinked, forcing myself to look away as heat rushed to my face. What the hell is going on?

But I couldn’t do so. Upon using my appraisal skill, I sat stupefied. There was an artificial mana stone created out of a S rank dungeon core. In between her breasts. The mana stone was embedded deep within. I could see that it was halfway within her body.

Then there was another mana stone embedded in her neck. Next was on top of her solar plexus. And two more were embedded in each of her nipples. All these four stones were either A rank or B ranks

The next thing I noticed was the intricate design of the mana stones embedded in her body. Each stone was shaped like a diamond, with a metallic ring encircling it. The outer stones were symmetrically connected to a larger central stone, forming a perfect plus sign.

I watched as delicate chains of energy linked them together, pulsing with a steady rhythm. The runic magic inscribed along the chains glowed faintly, transferring mana from the center stone to the outer ones, distributing the energy evenly.

It wasn’t just decoration—this was an advanced magical system; one I had never seen before. Who is she? And why does she have this intricate mana array embedded in her skin?

My reverie was broken by the sudden creak of the door swinging open. An old woman entered the room, her sharp gaze locking onto me the moment she saw me sitting upright. Her expression shifted from mild surprise to irritation as she bristled and strode toward me with purpose.

“Listen here, young man,” she scolded, her voice carrying the firm authority of someone who had spent decades dealing with unruly patients. “You shouldn’t be sitting up like that! Do you have any idea how much mana it took to heal you?”

I barely had time to react before she placed a hand on my forehead, muttering under her breath. A faint, soothing light emanated from where she touched me, spreading warmth through my body.

Then, as suddenly as she had started her examination, she pulled her hand away and frowned. The scolding ceased, replaced by a contemplative expression. Without another word, she grabbed a staff from a nearby stand and began waving it in intricate patterns over me.