The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

Page 115

Although these biological tissues have lost the covering of skin, they still function in an orderly manner. Healthy, vibrant, and possessing an indescribable, eerie beauty.

Seeing this, even though Sigrid was already mentally prepared, she couldn't help but swallow hard.

But she said nothing. Instead, she picked up the spirit bone willow-leaf knife and focused intently on inscribing an array of alchemical codes beneath Fran's skin. The sharp tip of the knife glided smoothly across flesh and bone, leaving behind a series of fine, obscure character imprints.

Whether it is a ritual array or an alchemical array, stability must be emphasized during its construction.

Bloodstains, grime, conflicting spirits—any external factor could disrupt the array, leading to collapse or backlash.

Therefore, this act of directly inscribing an array within the body carries far greater danger than usual, making it a true "taboo." Unless... the flesh and blood themselves are also part of this array.

This is why, apart from sects that venerate the "Cup," very few other esoteric practitioners are able to inscribe prayers within their own bodies. Even the hunter Zoparos only spends a little more effort on corpses.

As Sigrid's slender scalpel continued to fall, her movements became faster and more fluid.

So beautiful... In a daze, an inexplicable feeling arose in my heart.

She could feel the intertwined bones and blood beneath Fran's skin fusing with the alchemical process in the most suitable form. Like finely crafted gears fitting together seamlessly, it was a breathtaking experience.

Several hours later, Sigrid finally finished writing the alchemical code.

She carefully pinched the black stitches on Fran's skin and closed the exposed gap.

"Phew... Dr. Fran, it's done."

Fran nodded and clenched his fingers a few times.

Sensitivity was unaffected. The flow of spiritual energy was equally natural and harmonious, as if the transmutation array had existed in his arm from the very beginning.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sigrid... It's beautifully drawn."

The alchemical program she commissioned Sigrid to inscribe was "Dissolving Bone and Blood," which could be used to create and modify the body. This was not the first time the doctor had left such an alchemical program within her own body.

The starry void that Fran had previously experienced was the "Gate of Nothingness" program from the Forbidden Alchemy.

"Why did you have the 'Dissolving Bone and Blood' program array engraved inside your arm? Wouldn't that be very inconvenient?"

Sigrid asked with some curiosity.

Generally speaking, alchemical arrays like these are easier to control and adjust when externally mounted.

Once implanted in the body, there will be significant problems with both maintenance and monitoring of its operation, since not everyone can withstand the repeated removal of skin and muscle.

Even if it doesn't endanger life, the pain caused by this act is unimaginable for ordinary people...

“My recent research project is related to this, so I’m thinking of carrying a transmutation circle with me… but I haven’t finalized the specific research plan yet.”

Fran looked at his fair palms and guided his spirit to slowly flow through each node of the alchemical process.

She is not yet fully familiar with "dissolving bone and blood", so the results of the procedure will be relatively rough and it will be difficult to guarantee precision.

The Order of the Sunforge, as the culmination of alchemy, even if they weren't experts in the field, had a deep understanding of bio-alchemy. Sigrid utilized many techniques from bio-alchemy in her form; otherwise, she could never have taken on such a perfect human form.

Fran raised his hand and stretched his slightly sore waist.

Although the painstaking and demanding task of engraving was entirely entrusted to Sigrid, sitting motionless for nearly ten hours was still quite exhausting. Moreover, Fran also had to be present to assist her with the engraving and prevent the maid from making mistakes.

She took out a brass pocket watch from her sleeve and held it in her hand, confirming that it was 22 p.m., and the night was deep.

It's about time to head to the Lois residence.

Fran extended her hand to Sigrid in an inviting manner, and she then obediently transformed into a sword. She was then enveloped in a gray gauze robe and tied around her waist.

"We need to do some camouflage before this trip, so we can be prepared in case of any unexpected situations."

Thinking of this, she picked up a strand of gray gauze and covered her face, leaving only her amber eyes visible.

Fran raised his hand and placed it on the wooden door of the clinic's operating room.

The hazy, gray mist gradually dissipated, and she stepped inside, her figure disappearing into the mist.

-

At the Lois residence, Elsa stared blankly at her reflection in the standing mirror in front of her.

A khaki denim jacket, a white shirt, and easy-to-move ankle boots... he doesn't look like someone recuperating at home from an illness, but rather like someone preparing to participate in archaeological or archaeological exploration.

She felt a little scared, but also inexplicably expectant.

Seven hours ago, the refutation expert from White Cup visited him again and, after the examination, concluded that his mental illness had begun to recover, but he still needed at least a quarter of rest.

Just thirty minutes earlier, she was wearing her pajamas when her father kissed her forehead and said goodnight.

Even Elsa herself didn't expect that she would suddenly find herself wearing the clothes she had worn during her natural history research, and ready to go.

Will that mysterious mirror-wiping lady really come today?

Just as Elsa was pondering, a pale arm with stitches suddenly reached out from the full-length mirror and pulled her wrist back into the mirror.

After entering the mist within the door, Elsa staggered a few more steps before finally regaining her balance.

After catching her breath, she looked up at the mirror-wiping person whose figure was shrouded in a gray gauze robe.

"Ms. Flamel."

"I'm so glad you still remember me, Miss Elsa. How have you been these past few days? Have you had any migraines, nightmares, or loss of appetite?"

Fran nodded slightly, and then, as was his habit, began to inquire about the patient's condition.

Although she intentionally concealed her identity, she would sometimes unconsciously reveal some of her doctor-like qualities.

“Sometimes I experience sudden heart palpitations, but they are not severe. Apart from not being able to leave the mansion, I feel almost completely healed.”

At this point, Elsa slightly looked away, her expression somewhat guilty.

Fran raised an eyebrow, noticing the change in her expression.

Hmm... it seems Miss Elsa didn't follow the doctor's orders and attempted to leave the mansion. That's how the White Cup Order's children are. They won't behave unless they're taught a lesson.

The shape of the cup itself represents strong emotions, which, in the case of the disciple of the pure white cup, manifests as "a thirst for knowledge." Although she is not the refutationist of the white cup, as a student of Norling Central University, she is more or less influenced by this trait.

"Your recovery is progressing well. Even without my initial intervention, you should be able to gradually recover over the next three years."

Fran maintained his casual conversation and then led Elsa deeper into the gray mist.

In terms of its cause, Elsa's phobia of everything is a deeper influence, which is why the Hunter cannot cure it through direct cleansing or medical means. The White Cup's mind-based secret arts also only have partial effect.

But Fran knew the nature of this influence... it was a desire stemming from instinct.

What newborn child doesn't yearn to be nestled in their mother's warm and safe embrace? Before the first spark of thought emerges, an infant in swaddling clothes can only unconditionally trust, yearn for, dream of, and love her.

Even if the price is being devoured by her...

Elsa was worried that she might accidentally get lost in this endless sea of ​​fog, so she stayed close behind Fran the whole way.

“Ms. Flamel, are you really going to attend the Star Chart Workshop? Only members with sufficient qualifications can recruit new members, but I’ve only been there two or three times, which is far from enough…”

"Please rest assured about that. Nicholas is my friend, and there will be no problem with his qualifications."

Fran explained confidently, as if he hadn't just heard the name Nicholas for the first time a few days ago.

"So you know Mr. Nicholas?"

Hearing her answer, Elsa immediately felt much more at ease. Since she knew the organizer, she naturally wouldn't be turned away.

But she had a vague feeling that something was off, that something was illogical about the logic. If Ms. Flamel knew Mr. Nicholas, there was no reason she wouldn't know about the Star Chart Society, so why had she asked herself those questions before?

Just as the question in her mind was about to become clear, Fran spoke.

"Since only qualified members can invite new members, who is your referrer?"

"It's Mr. Schmidt. He's a teaching assistant in natural history, and he has a very good personality; he's cheerful and approachable."

Elsa did not hide this from anyone.

After learning that Flamel was familiar with the Star Chart Society, she stopped keeping quiet about the gathering.

Fran did not react to the name, and after indicating that he knew it, he moved on to the next question.

Why did you join the Star Chart Study Group?

Elsa hesitated for a moment before slowly beginning to recount her ideals.

"...I want to understand this world better."

"The academy does not teach any mystical knowledge before one becomes a refutationist. But since my major is natural history, I often have to learn about the so-called 'extraordinary' in advance."

Seemingly worried that the person in front of her might misunderstand, she added another sentence.

"But I didn't do anything wrong, nor did I join any other sects. The Lois family are all loyal followers of the great pioneers!"

"Hey……"

Fran smiled inexplicably. But it was hidden beneath the gray veil on her face, making it difficult to see clearly.

The Lois family are indeed believers in the White Cup, but whether they are loyal or not... is another matter.

Solane, who threw the red cup, and Comans, who threw the rotten crown, both shared the surname Lois. This suggests that curiosity and apostasy might indeed be hereditary…

“Elsa, ‘ignorance’ is also a form of protection. The reality of the world is far more cruel than you imagine. Just like this time, you almost became a sacrifice and were placed on the god’s table.”

Even so, do you still intend to continue?

Fran patiently guided her, much like he was advising a naive and clueless college student to turn back from the wrong path.

But when it came to this point, the somewhat sickly girl showed an almost stubborn insistence.

"Please don't try to persuade me, Ms. Flamel."

"Becoming a naturalist has been my childhood dream, and I will not give up. Moreover, the great pioneers revered enlightenment, and believers in the white cup have never been protected by ignorance."

The fact that Elsa didn't give up on her ideals after being in the womb certainly shows that she had a certain determination.

Fran never overestimated human nature; perhaps she would regret it later.

But at least for now, she can get some small help from herself by sticking to this.

"Elsa, are you familiar with the 'Seventh Ladder' theory?"

-

-

I wrote until 4 a.m. yesterday and couldn't stay awake any longer, so I fell asleep.

Chapter Twelve, Seventh Step

"The seventh step?"

Elsa blinked in confusion, seemingly hearing the word for the first time.

"I see... Didn't the people from the Star Chart Study Group tell you?"

Fran glanced at him slightly.

Elsa stated that Zero was unaware of the "Seventh Ladder" theory, indicating that the Star Chart Research Association did not value her. While this may not necessarily be malicious, it certainly suggests that there was much concealment involved.

It's not surprising that the secretive gathering is wary of new members, but to not even inform her of this seems a bit too harsh. Logically, with a recommender, she shouldn't be subjected to such direct exclusion.

"No."

Elsa then recounted what she had seen and heard at the Star Chart Workshop, as well as what she knew.

"The topics of public discussion among the attendees were generally major events in Norrington, such as the forging accident that occurred with the Sunforge Order. They suspected that it might have been a secret coup launched by 'Sunrider' Somur in order to control the Order's power in Norrington."

Upon hearing this, Fran's lips curled up slightly.

However, she was wearing a veil at the time, so Elsa could not see the almost overflowing smile on her face.

Although this speculation differs significantly from the truth... the underlying logic is sound. After a serious incident, the biggest beneficiary will naturally be the first to be suspected.

No one would have thought that someone with Somur's personality could become a member of the Sunforge's decision-making body... That guy was almost a pure altruist, radiating light and heat without asking for anything in return, just like the real sun.

"Since they are unwilling to talk about it, I will have to guide you through the basics... In fact, this theory is not profound. If you become a refutationist one day, you will be able to receive a more comprehensive understanding of this subject."

Fran deliberately slowed her pace; at her usual speed, she would have already passed through the fog and reached her destination.

The reason for this leisurely stroll was primarily to have a deep conversation with Elsa.

"Seven guidances, seven transformations, seven ascensions."

"Sometimes they vanish into the radiance, sometimes they hide in the deep darkness. Sometimes they become eternal lamps, sometimes they transform into velvet moths. Within dreams, beyond nothingness."

"Order, color of the cup, enlightenment. The swordsman, the meat-eater, the lamplighter..."

That's all there is to it.

She read the contents of the document in a calm and clear manner, as if she were reciting a poem.