Chapter 228 Life Increase formula...

"Originally the power should flow out from the caster... but reversing the path so the treasure’s power is absorbed instead."

"It’s a good method, right?"

"Like I said, in theory it’s fully possible. And since it’s ultimately an artifact and not a living life, that’s why it can be done."

In truth, the principle itself wasn’t much different from simply drinking a potion.

However, to absorb unrefined energy required a considerable processing step.

And I was simply replacing that with a magic formula.

"But... that doesn’t mean it’s safe."

"Of course not."

"Even the witches’ child-creation magic is classified as one of the most dangerous. Let alone if you, a human, take in excessive energy and can’t control it... you could die."

"That’s why I’ve been training my body and preparing all this time. It should be fine."

I wasn’t impulsively gambling here.

I was far too thorough and methodical for that.

I had precisely calculated the necessary spells and even created a vessel in my body to contain the absorbed life force.

Of course it was still dangerous... but right now, when my body and mind were at their peak, the success rate was the highest it would ever be.

Unlike long-lived species, a human body inevitably keeps aging.

"If this succeeds, I’ll gain tremendous lifespan along with eternal youth. It’s literally the dream of all humanity."

"Hmph! The ones who usually dreamed that dream were mostly enormous power-holders. You’re probably the first to do this just because you want to have sex with women for a longer time."

"Come on~ Even if it looks like this, it’s a primal biological instinct. If we’re talking about pure motives, isn’t this the most genuine?"

"You really are good with words, aren’t you."

Morgan looked at me and gave a small laugh.

Even that smile was so beautiful it took my breath away.

"The only thing that really bothers me is using one of Morgan’s precious treasures—oww...!"

Morgan came close and pinched my side hard.

This was originally Circe’s technique—she must have learned it by watching.

And unlike Circe, she didn’t hold back at all, so it hurt like hell.

"If you say things like that between us, I’ll seriously get mad. I’m one of the women who wants you to stay young and live longer too, you know."

"...Of course I know that."

"I’m only saying it because it seems like you don’t."

Morgan said that and gave another small laugh.

Her large breasts swayed along with her slightly loose black dress.

She was still a woman whose breast-to-hip ratio was absurdly erotic.

"If one useless treasure like that can let my husband live longer, it’s an insanely profitable deal. Instead of thinking useless thoughts, worry about how to do it even better."

"Yes, ma’am."

I nodded with genuine gratitude.

I immediately drew the magic circle with mana stone powder.

It was quite a large and complex magic, so the circle was huge.

Drawing the entire thing with mana stone powder was quite the extravagant act.

’...In the human world, this would be completely unimaginable.’

I guess living here so long has contaminated my common sense with witch values.

Even while scattering this expensive powder, I casually thought, ’If it raises the success rate, then whatever...’

"Anyway, this should be enough."

After completing the circle, I placed the jar-like treasure Morgan had brought in the center.

Then I poured mana into the magic circle.

Immediately the spell activated, and a change occurred in the treasure as well.

The life force bursting out from it traveled along the magic circle and was absorbed straight into me.

"Krrrrrrrrgh!"

For a moment, it felt like every blood vessel and muscle in my body was being torn apart.

My blood seemed to boil rapidly while also being squeezed dry.

But right now, that excruciating pain actually felt welcome.

The more dramatic the change in my body, the greater the effect.

’A normal human trying to gain hundreds of years of lifespan and youth at once. Even if it’s the power of a treasure, this much pain is only natural.’

Now it felt like my body was on fire.

I gritted my teeth and focused entirely on the flow of magic and mana.

I had to capture every single drop of the life force coming out without wasting any.

If I made a mistake, I might end up like the qi deviation in martial arts novels.

No—since we were using a one-of-a-kind treasure, failure simply wasn’t an option.

"Kwaaaaaaaaah!"

Even amid pain that felt like my brain was going to melt, my mind coldly calculated and controlled the mana.

How much time passed like an eternity?

Finally, the treasure seemed to completely exhaust itself, and the magic ended.

"K-Karl! Are you okay?! Is there anything wrong with your body?"

Morgan hurriedly came over and supported me.

My vision was blurry, and cold sweat poured down.

I had always shown a strong, confident side in front of my women.

This was the first time I had ever revealed myself struggling like this.

But... it had been worth the effort.

"...It succeeded."

A power I had never felt before surged intensely throughout my entire body.

"Really?"

"Yes, I can feel the life force flowing into my body. It’s being absorbed and managed without issue by my heart and the rest of my body."

Though this world doesn’t have that knowledge, it seemed this life force was preventing cellular aging.

I didn’t know the exact principle, but my body was clearly overflowing with vitality and life force.

"I can tell from the mana and energy. I’ve absorbed all the treasure’s power, and now I’ve gained that much lifespan."

"Haa... you really are... ahahahaha!"

Morgan laughed and pulled me into a tight embrace.

Her large breasts pressed against me with a soft, comforting sensation.

With this, I had finally stepped into the same world as my women.

Into the world of the long-lived species, where we could live for hundreds of years.