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"Could it be... that something happened to Ifrit?" Rami asked tentatively.

Only something concerning that child would make Senior Himer go to such lengths.

Hammer hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"There are some problems with the chimera therapy. We must remove the Originium crystal from Ifrit's body as soon as possible, otherwise her life may be in danger."

She was telling the truth, but she concealed part of the truth.

Abel and Rami could clearly sense the hidden meaning in Himer's words, but they wisely refrained from asking any questions.

Himer had all of Palvis's authority, so even if they wanted to doubt, there was nothing to doubt.

The setbacks of chimera therapy were obvious; the two had already begun to doubt the therapy long before the 37th chimera therapy experiment failed.

That didn't look like treatment at all; it looked like some kind of cruel human experimentation.

Unfortunately, their voices carried little weight, and even if they offered their opinions... they would only receive criticism and nothing more. So they kept their sympathy for Ifrit hidden in their hearts.

Now that team leader Himer has proposed this surgery, they are willing to take the risk for the child, regardless of whether Director Palvis has given his approval.

Anyway... even if things are exposed, Himer will be there to protect us.

The two exchanged a glance, then nodded in perfect unison.

"We're all set, Senior Himer."

“Let’s go then, everyone else is already waiting in the operating room,” Himer said.

Afterwards, the group prepared to go to the chemical shower room before the operating room to wash off any remaining Originium radiation that might have remained on their bodies.

Although Abel and Rami noticed the presence of the stranger Li Ang, they were both very clever and only curiously observed Li Ang without asking about his identity.

There were some things... that they really shouldn't have known, and both of them cleverly pretended not to see them.

Even Abel, who was undergoing the disinfection procedure with Li Ang, didn't say a word to him during the process; the whole process was both quiet and swift.

They quickly changed into clean surgical gowns, took the sterilized instruments, and entered the operating room.

Inside the operating room, Joyce and Kal'tsit had been waiting for quite some time.

Himer introduced Kal'tsit's identity to Abel and Rami, and then discussed the specific details of the surgery with them.

However, the two of them were only responsible for some miscellaneous tasks, so there weren't many things they needed to pay attention to. The real pressure was on the other three people, and Hermer quickly assigned tasks to the two of them.

However... during this process, the two of them noticed someone who seemed completely out of place in the operating room—

Li Ang leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, looking completely idle.

"Senior Hemer, what does that person over there do?"

Seeing Li Ang standing idly to the side, Rami lowered his voice and asked curiously.

That guy... doesn't look like he's here to help at all.

Chapter 114

This crystal, just like the Originium crystals that appear in the bodies of Oripathy patients, is merely a primitive, unrefined spell unit, from which Ifrit Originium Arts originated.

But... that's not the point.

The key point is... Li Ang had never seen anything so strange before.

In his perception, this was a substance that resembled Originium but was not quite the same as it; he could sense it, but he had absolutely no control over it.

This gave Li Ang a rather strange feeling... like a strange creature that looked like a human but wasn't actually human mixed in with a group of people, making Li Ang frown.

It should be noted that even the remains left behind by Originium beings after their death, after their will has completely dissipated, can be perfectly utilized by Leon.

The transformation of the Royal Flame Demon... in a sense, is the transformation of itself into some kind of unstable Originium life form. But why can't Li Ang control the remains left behind by the Flame Demon?

Li Ang had never imagined that such a strange thing existed in this world... He didn't know if all the Royal Court Flame Demons were special, or if only the Flame Demon implanted in Ifrit's body was special.

There were too many firsts in this matter, too many things that had never happened in Terra before, so Leon couldn't deduce the specific reasons.

However... he still believes that this fire demon has some special characteristics.

After all, compared to all the fire demons being abnormal, it's easier to understand why one particular one is special.

As time passed and Li Ang fell into deep thought, Kal'tsit took out several more flaming demon fragments of similar size. Of course, Li Ang did not stand on ceremony and took them all in his hands to study them carefully.

Li Ang tried to cast some spells using the two flaming demon fragments, but found that he was completely unable to mobilize the energy contained within the fragments.

This... is probably because that Balrog is still alive?

Scratching his head, Li Ang temporarily gave up trying; he knew he wouldn't understand this thing anytime soon.

It's unclear what Himer plans to do with these Flame Demon fragments after the surgery. If she doesn't intend to destroy them, Li Ang would like to preserve some for research.

However, it's highly unlikely that Himer will allow these harmful things to remain, and Li Ang plans to talk to her after the surgery.

Li Ang felt... he should still be able to persuade Himer.

While Li Ang was studying the Balrog fragments, the operating table had already changed shifts. Kal'tsit and Hemer stepped down to rest, and the two newcomers took over to handle some of the simpler Balrog fragment positions.

Similarly, due to the existence of healing Originium Arts, the abdomen can be opened and closed multiple times in the same surgery, and the effects on the patient can be completely recovered by eating a good meal.

Himer's surgical arrangements were similar, making full use of the characteristics of healing-type Originium Arts.

Once Abel and Rami took over, even though they were only assigned to simple areas, the speed of the surgery slowed down immediately, giving the others ample time to rest.

Seeing how flustered the two of them were, Li Ang felt it was inappropriate for him to just stand by and watch.

But after seeing what they were doing, Li Ang gave up the idea of ​​going up to help.

After all... he doesn't even recognize all the surgical instruments. If he rushes over to help, he might just cause more trouble. It's better for him to stay on the sidelines and watch.

During the break, Himer also came over to chat with Li Ang.

Having witnessed Li Ang's previous performances, Himer now has a deep understanding of his abilities.

So when Hemer saw Li Ang pick up the Flame Demon Fragment, he wanted to ask Li Ang what he had discovered... Unfortunately, Hemer couldn't stop the surgery he was performing and kept the question to himself until now. Hemer finally got his chance.

"Did you find anything?" Himer asked, leaning closer.

"...I've made some discoveries."

After thinking for a moment, Li Ang lowered his voice and told Himer about the unusual thing he had discovered.

The two new recruits that Hemer brought in had no idea about the existence of the Flame Demon Fragment; they thought it was part of the Chimera Therapy.

Before the surgery began, Himer had already found an opportunity to remind Li Ang not to accidentally let something slip.

“Although these fragments look similar to Originium, they are essentially something completely different. I tried to use them as a medium to cast a spell, but I failed. I don’t know if it’s because the soul of this Balrog is still there, or if there’s something wrong with the fragment itself… Do you have any clues?”

After frowning and thinking for a while, Hermer said with a hint of regret, "I'm sorry, I can't think of any clues either."

"After the teacher... Director Palvis brought these fragments, we quickly implanted them into Ifrit's body without having a chance to do any other tests."

After all, ordinary equipment simply cannot detect the difference between a Flame Demon Shard and a regular Originium.

After answering Li Ang, Himer asked somewhat uneasily, "What about the Balrog's consciousness? Is there any sign of it awakening?"

The fact that the Flame Demon's consciousness has remained silent so far should be a good thing, but for Himer, who knows about Li Ang's mission, it's like a time bomb that could explode at any moment.

The more silent things became, the more uneasy Hamer felt.

If the Balrog's consciousness truly has no chance of awakening, why would Kal'tsit specifically ask Leon to act as a last resort?

Therefore, Hermer is in a very conflicted mood. On the one hand, she does not want the Flame Demon's consciousness to awaken, but if the Flame Demon's consciousness does not awaken, she will never be able to feel at ease.

Li Ang only sensed that Hermer was somewhat restless; he had no idea that Hermer's inner thoughts were so complex.

Shaking his head, Li Ang replied, "There was no reaction."

"However, Kal'tsit is right. The Balrog's soul did indeed remain in Ifrit's body and became entangled with her soul."

"I think... if the Flame Demon's consciousness really does awaken, there should only be one chance."

At this moment, Ifrit also got up from the medical bed and looked at Kal'tsit and Himeru with curiosity.

Unfortunately, they were a little too far apart, and Ifrit couldn't hear what they were talking about at all.

"...When removing the fragments of the Flame Demon, it may activate the residual Flame Demon consciousness within them. This risk is unavoidable."

“I know,” Hamer asked gravely, “so what’s the solution?”

The ineffectiveness of analgesics and the risk that the Flame Demon's consciousness might awaken during the surgery are two challenges that Himer faces.

The former, Himer, has an anesthetic she developed herself that should be effective on Ifrit during surgery. However, she and Seria had previously discussed that the anesthetic had already been studied and was extremely risky; even a difference of 0.1 milligrams in dosage could cause cardiac arrest.

Hemer didn't want to use the anesthetic kicked out of the Sleeping Beast's venom unless absolutely necessary.

However, Kal'tsit provided her with an upgraded version of this anesthetic, which caused negligible side effects.

As for the second problem... Hemer had no solution either, and could only pray that his luck wouldn't be too bad.

Hearing Himer's question, Kal'tsit said calmly, "Just leave it to him. He'll be responsible for putting the Balrog's consciousness back in."

Hamer subconsciously turned around and looked back. As if she had heard their conversation, Li Ang, who was standing on the other side of the room, waved to her.

Recalling what Li Ang had done before, a faint sense of understanding arose in Himer's mind.

Even if other companies or organizations have the technology to treat Oripathy, could they possibly find someone who can stop the Balrog's consciousness from awakening?

Perhaps... only Rhodes Island can save Ifrit.

Suppressing the inexplicable feeling in her heart, Hemer asked, "I understand, Dr. Kal'tsit, the post-operative treatment you mentioned... does it refer to the treatment for Oripathy after the removal of the Balrog fragments?"

“Yes,” Kal'tsit nodded. “I just examined Ifrit’s body, and I personally think that it’s better to continue with the chimera therapy than Rhodes Island’s medical plan, which means implanting normal Originium crystals.”

Upon hearing this, Hermer frowned. "Could I ask why?"

"of course."

Kal'tsit calmly explained the results of her previous examination to Himer.

"The absorption effect of the Flame Demon fragments has already created a 'point' with high Originium activity in those locations. Even if the Flame Demon fragments are removed, the surrounding environment will not change in the short term."

Himer understood Kal'tsit's meaning immediately.

The reason is the same as why the Originium crystals in the infected person's body cannot be removed by fragments. Those locations already have a weak adsorption effect. If the Flame Demon fragments are removed, new Originium crystals will condense there, which will only worsen Ifrit's condition.

"I'm afraid that won't work." Hamer shook his head with difficulty.

"I don't know how to make the special Originium crystals used in Chimera Therapy, so I can't continue with Chimera Therapy."

Parvis had previously told her that the method for creating special Originium crystals was controlled by the Originium Arts Application Department, which seemed to be a lie.

Hemer couldn't ask Palvis about the production method, otherwise he would definitely guess Hemer's intentions.

After thinking for a moment, Himer said, "The Originium Arts Application Department might know how to make that kind of crystal. I'll go to Base 359 later and ask Director Franks about it."

Base 359?

Kal'tsit glanced at Himer subtly, and Leon, who was not far away, couldn't help but cough a few times.

Base 359 has already run away, who are you going to ask? Even Li Ang didn't expect that Himer would be able to get involved with Base 359 in such a strange way.

To avoid any further complications, Kal'tsit coldly shattered Himer's illusions, "I think... if you want to keep this from Director Palvis, you'd better not hold out hope for this."

“...That makes sense.” Hamer sighed.

There's no such thing as a coincidence in this world.

The unassuming Director Franks was probably framed by Palvis. After hearing Kelsey's words, Himer also gave up on this idea.

Instead of wasting time traveling thousands of miles to the frontier area, it would be better to think more about how to solve the problem.

After a moment's thought, Himer said to Kal'tsit, "The inhibitors you produce, combined with a pollution-free environment, should be able to solve this problem."

Before they signed the agreement, Kal'tsit told Himeru the parameters of the Oripathy inhibitor produced on Rhodes Island.

The inhibitor treatment for Oripathy is completely different from chimeric therapy. It works by inhibiting the activity of Originium and is very effective for acute Oripathy attacks.

The active environment created by the Flame Demon Shards is artificially generated and cannot last forever.

As long as we can get through this period, the problem will be solved.

"I think this plan... is feasible, except that it's a bit time-consuming."

After a moment's thought, Kal'tsit approved of Himer's solution. "But there's a problem: how do you create a pollution-free environment?"

Originium contamination is unlike any other kind of contamination; it can even be said to be an integral part of all life on Terra.

From the air they breathe to the equipment running around them, the people of Terra are constantly exposed to Originium pollution. Even the faint Originium radiation emitted by the equipment during operation is considered part of the pollution.

Anyway, Rhode Island doesn't have a 'sterile room' of that level.