CHAPTER 118: PRACTICE RESULT

Shaan’s face paled, his mouth agape as he watched the Homunculus begin to move its body and continue to squeak like a mouse. Not only that, he was completely speechless when he saw Dr. Marshal place a piece of cheese near the table, and the Homunculus immediately grabbed it and ate it voraciously.

"Holy... Molly." Shaan rubbed his eyes repeatedly, making sure that what he saw was real.

"So, do you believe me now, Shaan?"

Shaan didn’t say anything. He just nodded. "This is insane. Absolutely insane. I...I have never seen anything like this in my entire life."

"Of course, things like this cannot be done carelessly, and only Alchemists with experience and skills above average can do it perfectly," said Dr. Marshal. "Alright, now it’s time for me to return this mouse’s soul to its original body."

Dr. Marshal once again chanted the same words, and for the second time, the same beam of light appeared. In a matter of seconds, the homunculi stopped moving suddenly, and the mouse returned to its original form.

"Alright, now you’ve seen a simple concept of Metempsychosis for yourself," said Dr. Marshal. "So, I actually have this idea to transfer your soul into one of the Homunculi bodies. That way, you’ll be able to move freely without worrying about that device attached to your leg called..." Dr. Marshal scratched his head. "Eh, wait. I suddenly forgot. What’s the name of that thing again—"

"You mean the Tether?"

"Ah, yes, that’s it. The Tether." Dr. Marshal snapped his fingers. "Damn, why do I keep forgetting simple things like that?"

"Hmm... yeah, that actually makes sense," said Shaan, nodding slowly. "That method might actually work. But there’s still something that bothers me."

"What is it?"

"How long will the effect of Metempsychosis last?" Shaan asked, clearly curious.

"Hmm... there is no time limit for Metempsychosis itself. As long as the main body and the new body remain intact, the effect will continue," explained Dr. Marshal. "But if either body gets destroyed, the soul will become lost... and start wandering."

’Damn, that sounds terrible.’

"Oh, and there’s something else I should mention," Dr. Marshal continued. "The longer someone stays in the new body, the more their soul can become affected. Over time, they might lose their identity and even forget who they really are," he explained. "So, make sure you don’t stay in that new body for too long. It could be dangerous."

"All right, I understand, Dr. Marshal."

"So, after hearing all my explanations. Do you still agree to use this method?" Dr. Marshal folded his arms.

Hearing this, Shaan fell silent. To be honest, he was actually doubtful that this idea would work, considering that the negative effects of metempsychosis were very dangerous for him. However... he had no other choice. He had to try it if he wanted to get out of the twilight sanctum to find evidence that he was indeed innocent.

"Shaan, what’s your decision?"

"Yeah... I’m ready," Shaan said, letting out a deep breath. "Let’s do this."

***

’Cold.’

That was the only word that crossed Shaan’s mind when his body first touched the surface of the operating table, waiting as Dr. Marshal prepared everything. His heartbeat kept pounding faster and louder with each passing second. His face turned pale, and his hands wouldn’t stop trembling. Damn. He never expected it to feel like this.

’I just hope everything goes well.’

Not long after, Dr. Marshal appeared and said that all preparations were complete. He then walked back to the small table and began to place his hands on it, ready to begin the process.

"Shaan, I need to remind you one more time," Dr. Marshal said calmly. "While I’m chanting the spell, you might feel something strange, but don’t worry. Stay calm. Everything will be fine."

"Alright, I understand."

"Good. Then let’s begin the procedure."

’Ignis occultus, viator animae.’

’Solve et coagula intra me.’

’Per transmutationem spiritus.’

’Metemphysciosis fiat.’

’Phoenix renascitur ex cinere.’

’Lux aeterna, manifesta!’

***

"Shaan... Shaan... Shaan..."

A mysterious voice kept calling his name, and somehow, it grew clearer and clearer inside his mind. Realizing this, Shaan slowly opened his eyes and immediately looked to the side.

’Did the process... actually work?’

Shaan froze. His eyes locked onto his own body, still lying on the table in the same position as before. Good. It looked like the procedure had worked, and his soul had fully transferred into the new body.

’I’m just curious... how does this new body actually work? I’ll have to get used to moving in it.’

Shaan slowly moved his fingers one by one until he tried to clench his fist. It turned out that moving this homunculus’ body was not as difficult as Shaan had previously thought.

’Looks like I’m starting to get the hang of it,’ Shaan said as he moved other parts of his new body. ’It was tough at first, but I think I’m getting used to this.’

"Good, it seems the process went perfectly," Dr. Marshal said, letting out a breath. "Now, it’s time I show you the location of the water tunnel Sir Walter mentioned earlier."

He quickly opened a drawer in his lab desk and pulled something out.

"Here it is. This map shows the location of the old water tunnel. It’s actually not too far from the Twilight Sanctum itself. But since the main entrance bridge is broken, we’ll need to take a detour through the back," he explained.

"We can use the back gate to reach the old water tunnel."

"Yes, that makes sense," Shaan nodded. "But... how do we deal with the guards? I’m sure there will also be guards back there, right?

Dr. Marshal smiled. "Don’t worry. Leave that to me. I’ve got a way to handle it."

"Oh... alright."

"Okay then, we’d better get moving," Dr. Marshal said, grabbing his jacket from the chair nearby. "It’s time to move. We don’t have much time left," he added, already heading up the stairs.

"Come on, Shaan. We need to move fast."

"Alright, I understand," Shaan replied with a nod.

’I just hope this plan actually works.’