I gently placed the mana stone on Sophieâs lower abdomen, where the mana core was usually situated in most people.
Though after using my mana sense, figuring out its exact location wasnât a difficult thing to do.
Sophieâs body shivered slightly as my fingers made contact with her skin.
The method that I had decided to use was the easiest one, though it would require some skill on my part.
The speciality of the mana stone was that it could easily control mana... whether it was mana in nature or in an individualâs core.
That was why many major powers had waged war against each other when the mana stone had come into existence in the game, as its properties were too compatible to turn it into the perfect weaponâ
Something that could control foreign mana with such ease was a dangerous thing for everyone.
After placing the mana stone, I could feel the mana in Sophieâs Iron core being attracted towards it.
There was no need for me to interrupt the process, as the mana that had tainted Sophieâs core began to move in the mana stoneâs direction.
The reason was pretty simple.
Being formed in nature, a mana stone was able to control natural mana at a far better level than influencing the mana in oneâs mana core.
That was why the moment the mana stone came closer to the core, it began to actively attract the natural mana towards it.
The only thing I had to do was ensure that Sophieâs own mana wasnât attracted towards the mana stone.
As the foreign mana was mixed with Sophieâs mana essence, it was natural for both to be attracted at the same time.
Using my mana control, I actively made sure that the mana stone wasnât attracting Sophieâs mana, as that would lead to her mana essence being extracted from the core, which could result in certain death.
Though I was using my mana control, I didnât have to perform any complex application, as just using a little bit of my mana control was enough to deter the mana stone from absorbing something that it wasnât meant to.
That was why the mana stone was an item of utmost demand in the game.
It was so reactive towards mana that there was no need for people to have insane mana control to influence a mana stone.
The stone reacted to even the tiniest hints of control, making it the best resource that one could have.
"Ugh."
Hm?
Sophie let out a small groan, as her face showed signs of discomfort.
"Is everything alright?!"
Before I could assure Sophie, Arthur was already beside me, his eyes filled with concern.
"I am separating the natural mana from her own mana essence using the stone, so slight discomfort is within the expected bounds."
Haa...
I couldnât believe that a day would come when I would have to explain such basics to Arthur.
I mean... even if he didnât know the exact process, it should have been obvious that while treating a disease like mana poisoning, some pain was reasonable.
"Uh... Dad, I am okay. It was just that I didnât expect such discomfort."
Sophie spoke before Arthur could ask another question.
Sigh.
"How about you control the stone yourselfâIn that way, your daughter would feel safe too, and there would be no need to question me time and again."
I uttered the words, while simultaneously willing the mana stone to separate the natural mana from Sophieâs mana essence.
"No, you should do it, I was justâ"
"Itâs simple, Arthur. Just use your mana control to stop the stone from absorbing her mana essence."
"Butâ"
"Surely an Immortal doing it would be far more beneficial for her."
I said, looking at Sophie, who too had her eyes fixed in my direction.
Arthur hesitated for a while, but steeling himself, quickly sat beside me, placing his hand on the mana stone.
At first, his eyes had concern in them, but they quickly brightened up as Arthur seemed to have gotten the hang of it.
"Itâs easy, I think I know what I have to do."
It was easy.
I just nodded my head at Arthurâs words before stepping back.
It was better for Arthur to do the process, as I had no interest in participating in the family drama.
The mana stone began to glow brighter, as the foreign mana in Sophieâs body was absorbed into it.
Seconds turned into minutes, as the process continued without any unexpected issues arising in between.
"Sophie, the pain will increase a little, so just hold on, dear."
Arthur calmly spoke as he began to channel more of his mana control into the mana stone.
Maybe... the process was at its end.
The last remnants of foreign mana required more mana control to be expelled, because they were completely mixed with the mana essence, almost becoming a part of it.
At least that was the case in most individuals, though I felt that the same was happening in Sophieâs situation, judging from the serious expression on Arthurâs face.
Though it sounded a little difficult, even separating the last remnants was surprisingly easy with a mana stone as the medium...
Arthur was truly being dramatic with all his expressions, as I observed the focused look on his face.
"Arghh."
Another groan escaped from Sophie, as she clenched her fists tightly, trying to go through the pain.
In reality, I didnât think the pain was that great, but maybe... The sheltered princess couldnât bear it.
"Haa... Itâs over."
Arthur uttered the words, making me use my mana sense to scan Sophieâs core.
Hm?
All the tainted mana had indeed been removed, and I could sense the core trying to repair itself from all the damage it might have suffered during the process and also during the time that the foreign mana had restricted its natural operations.
Clap. Clap
.
"I feel like a party is on the way."
I turned to look at Julien, who looked genuinely happy for Arthur and his daughter.
Sigh.
For a strategist, emotions were a bane.