Chapter 249: An Unexpected Imprint

Chapter 249: An Unexpected Imprint

Vrizzik remained seated at his terminal, examining the results of the previous experiment. The recordings from his own trials were displayed beside those obtained from the injured goblin. Although both experiments had used similar rune arrangements, the measurements showed considerable differences in how the subjects responded.

Noah continued observing the hidden laboratory through his planetary connection. The Black Coil representative had already left the room, but two guards remained outside with the captives. The first subject was still receiving medical treatment, and Vrizzik had made no attempt to prepare another live experiment.

The scholar enlarged a section of the recording and examined the readings shortly before the apparatus was shut down. After comparing them with his earlier results, he opened the technical diagrams for the rune-imprinting device.

He had barely begun examining them when the representative returned.

"Found anything?" the representative asked, approaching the workbench.

"Not yet. The readings changed when I tested the other subject. I’m trying to find out where things started going wrong."

The representative glanced at the recordings. "And the other two? They’re still sitting in the next room."

"They’ll have to stay there. The equipment isn’t ready for another test."

"You’ve been saying that since yesterday. How much longer are we supposed to keep waiting?"

Vrizzik looked up from his terminal. "What do you expect me to do? I haven’t even finished going through the results, and you’re already pushing me to run another test. Give me a chance to work."

"Don’t forget who’s paying for all this, Vrizzik. I’ve got people asking me why we haven’t gotten anything useful yet."

"And I’ve been trying to give you something useful. Running the same experiment again won’t solve anything."

The representative frowned and examined the damaged apparatus. "You’ve got a few more days. I’ll tell them you’re making adjustments, but I can’t keep asking for more time."

"Then tell them that. I’ll let you know when the equipment’s ready."

The representative stared at him for another moment before leaving. Vrizzik returned to his recordings and resumed comparing the measurements. He examined several points where the readings had fluctuated, then opened the diagrams for the device’s rune-transfer component.

The apparatus had originally been designed to transfer industrial rune patterns onto living tissue. Its earlier versions had produced inconsistent results, and the latest experiment had demonstrated that the problem remained unresolved.

Vrizzik studied the arrangement of the transfer component before making several changes to its design. He then removed the existing assembly from the apparatus and placed it on the workbench.

His injured arm made the work difficult. He repeatedly stopped to rest his wrist, occasionally switching tools between his hands when the pain became distracting.

Noah watched the scholar continue working. Several unfinished components lay beside the apparatus, along with damaged assemblies from earlier experiments. Vrizzik examined each one before selecting the parts he needed for the modified device.

He worked through the evening, taking only a short break to eat. By the following morning, he had finished assembling the revised transfer component.

Vrizzik installed it in the apparatus and connected the necessary instruments. He then prepared several experimental materials for preliminary testing.

The first test produced a warning almost immediately. Vrizzik shut down the device, examined the readings, and adjusted the alignment of the transfer component.

During the second attempt, the apparatus completed the procedure, but the transferred rune pattern was incomplete.

Vrizzik removed the experimental material and examined it under a measuring instrument. Several sections of the pattern had failed to form correctly.

He returned to the technical diagrams and continued making adjustments.

By the third test, the device produced a more complete pattern. Vrizzik inspected the result carefully before recording the measurements.

He compared the new result with the previous attempts, then prepared another test using the same configuration.

The next result was similar, although several measurements remained outside the range he had been attempting to achieve. Vrizzik continued working, occasionally checking the older recordings to compare the performance of the modified device.

Throughout the following days, the Black Coil representative contacted him repeatedly.

At first, the messages simply requested updates. Vrizzik answered with brief descriptions of his work and copies of the latest results.

Eventually, the representative called him directly.

"Are you ready to test the next subject?"

"Not yet. I’m still working on the transfer component."

"You said you were working on it three days ago."

"Because I am. The latest tests look better, but I haven’t tried the new arrangement on living tissue."

"Then perhaps it’s time you did."

Vrizzik set down the instrument he was holding. "The last subject ended up needing medical treatment. I’m not putting another goblin through that until I’ve checked the changes."

"You’re making it difficult for me to defend this project."

"Then show them the results I’ve sent you. The equipment’s improving. That’s all I can tell you right now."

The representative ended the call without another word.

Vrizzik returned to his work. He continued testing the device using prepared experimental materials, avoiding further live-subject trials while the equipment remained unstable.

One afternoon, he discovered that a section of the transferred rune pattern was repeatedly forming incorrectly. He spent several hours examining the corresponding part of the apparatus before identifying a misalignment in the transfer component.

After correcting it, he conducted another test.

This time, the pattern transferred more evenly.

Vrizzik inspected the result and recorded the measurements. He repeated the procedure twice, obtaining similar results on both attempts.

He was preparing another test when the laboratory’s security system announced an incoming visitor.

Vrizzik checked the display. The Black Coil representative stood outside with four armed guards.

The scholar frowned and opened the door.

"What’s with the guards?" he asked as the group entered.

The representative walked directly toward the central workbench. "We’re done waiting. You’re conducting another trial today."

Vrizzik glanced at the guards before turning back to the representative. "I told you the new equipment hasn’t been tested on anyone yet."

"Then we’ll test it. That’s what the subjects are here for."

"Have you listened to anything I’ve told you? The last experiment failed because the rune became unstable. I’ve made changes, but I still don’t know how it’ll behave in a living body."

"You’ve had several days to figure that out. Every time I come here, there’s another problem."

"Because there are still problems! I can’t promise you a working device when I haven’t finished testing it."

The representative stepped closer. "The people funding your research are tired of excuses. They’ve spent a fortune on this laboratory, and all you’ve given them are recordings of failed experiments."

Vrizzik pushed his chair back and stood. "Those recordings are the reason I know what needs fixing. You’ve seen the damage this thing can cause. Another injured subject isn’t going to help anyone."

"Then make sure the next one doesn’t get injured."

Vrizzik stared at him. "Do you seriously think it’s that simple?"

"I think you’ve had more than enough time."

"Then you clearly don’t understand what I’m doing here."

The representative’s expression hardened. "Careful, Vrizzik. You’re not in a position to talk to me like that."

"And you’re not the one who’s going to operate that machine. If something goes wrong, you’ll be standing behind the glass while someone else gets hurt."

The representative glanced toward the apparatus, then turned to the guards.

"Bring one of the remaining subjects in."

Two guards immediately moved toward the adjoining room.

Vrizzik stepped into their path. "Hold on. Nobody’s getting strapped into that machine today."

One guard stopped and looked toward the representative.

"Move aside, Vrizzik," the representative said.

"I haven’t finished testing it. How many times do I have to tell you?"

"You’ve had your chance. We’re going ahead with the experiment."

"Then you’ll have to find someone else to operate it."

The representative gave a short, humorless laugh. "You think we can’t replace you? We have your files, your equipment, and everything you’ve developed. You’re not the only scientist on Eldrath."

Vrizzik folded his arms. "Go ahead and bring someone else in. I’d like to see how quickly they figure out why the transfer keeps failing."

"Don’t test my patience."

"I’m telling you what you’re dealing with. It took me years to develop that apparatus. Another researcher isn’t going to understand it overnight."

"Then perhaps you should stop arguing and finish the work yourself."

Vrizzik turned toward the apparatus. "I’m not running another trial with the equipment in its current condition."

He approached the control panel and began shutting down the device.

The representative immediately called to the guards.

"Get him away from there."

One guard moved forward and grabbed Vrizzik’s injured arm.

Vrizzik cried out and twisted toward him. "Ah! Watch the arm!"

"Step back from the machine," the guard ordered.

"Then let go of me! You’re hurting it!"

The guard pulled him away from the workbench, tightening his grip when Vrizzik resisted.

Vrizzik stumbled and reached for the edge of the table with his free hand. A container of small components fell to the floor, scattering its contents beneath the bench.

"You’re going to make it worse!" Vrizzik shouted, trying to pull free. "Get your hands off me!"

The representative approached them. "Stop fighting, Vrizzik. Nobody needs to get hurt."

"Then tell him to let go of my arm!"

"Are you going to cooperate?"

"Not if you’re planning to put another subject in that chair!"

The representative looked toward the guard. "Keep him away from the controls."

Vrizzik twisted his body sharply and managed to free his injured arm. He stumbled backward, catching himself against the workbench.

Before he could regain his balance, another guard grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Stay where you are."

"Get off me!"

Vrizzik shoved the guard away and reached for the control panel again.

The representative raised his voice. "Don’t let him touch that machine!"

Two guards moved toward Vrizzik together. One caught him from behind while the other grabbed his free arm.

Vrizzik struggled against them, trying to keep his injured wrist away from their hands. His shoulder struck a nearby shelf, sending several instruments falling to the floor.

"Careful!" Vrizzik shouted. "You’re knocking everything over!"

"Then stop struggling," one guard replied.

"I’ll stop when you let me go!"

The guard tightened his hold and pulled him away from the workbench.

Vrizzik’s foot caught one of the fallen instruments. He stumbled, dragging the guard with him, and both nearly lost their balance.

The representative stepped forward.

"That’s enough. Hold him still."

The second guard moved around the workbench and tried to pin Vrizzik’s free arm against his side.

Vrizzik pulled away and struck the guard’s shoulder with his elbow. The guard stumbled backward, knocking another tray from the table.

Several tools clattered across the floor.

"Are you trying to destroy my laboratory?" Vrizzik shouted.

"You’re the one making a mess," the guard snapped.

Vrizzik tried to reach the controls again, but the first guard pulled him backward by the collar.

"Stop reaching for the machine!"

"Then stop touching it!"

The representative moved closer to the control panel.

"Just secure the equipment. He can argue all he likes once we’ve got the next subject ready."

One guard released Vrizzik long enough to move toward the apparatus.

Vrizzik noticed him reaching toward the controls.

"Wait! Don’t touch anything!"

The guard glanced back but continued toward the panel.

Vrizzik struggled harder against the man holding him.

"I’m serious! You don’t know what you’re doing!"

The guard behind him tightened his grip.

"Calm down. He’s just securing the machine."

"There’s a transfer assembly still connected! Tell him to leave it alone!"

The representative looked toward the apparatus.

"Just make sure he can’t shut it down again."

The guard nodded and reached across the control panel.

Vrizzik pulled against the man restraining him, attempting to reach the controls before the other guard could interfere with the device.

His sudden movement caught the guard behind him off balance. For a moment, both struggled to maintain their footing.

"Would you hold still?" the guard shouted.

Vrizzik tried to twist free, but the guard shoved him forward.

His body struck the edge of the workbench, forcing him to bend toward the apparatus.

The transfer component was still exposed from his earlier tests.

Vrizzik tried to raise his head, but the guard pressed him down again.

"Stop fighting!"

"Get off! My head’s right next to the—"

Before he could finish, the guard standing at the control panel moved his hand across the surface.

His palm accidentally struck the activation control.

The apparatus immediately initiated its transfer procedure.

At that moment, Vrizzik’s head was pressed against the exposed rune-transfer component. The device still held the mana rune pattern prepared for the next experiment.

The transfer began before anyone could shut it down.

Instead of transferring the pattern onto the prepared experimental material, the device accidentally imprinted the mana rune directly into Vrizzik’s mind.

A sudden, intense sensation struck him, and his entire body stiffened.

The guards stopped struggling as Vrizzik became motionless beneath their hands. The Black Coil representative broke off in the middle of another order, staring at the scholar.

For several seconds, the entire laboratory fell silent.