Our Family Has Fallen

The usual practice was to peel the skin, fat, and muscles—the soft tissues—away from the rib cage on both sides along the previously made incision line, revealing the thoracic cavity.

After peeling away the soft tissue layers and turning them outward, the surface of the rib cage was completely exposed. Next, preparations to open the thoracic cavity commenced, which meant breaking open the ribs.

This was a technical task, requiring an anatomical scalpel to sever each costal cartilage and intercostal muscle, followed by cutting through the sternoclavicular joint and the first rib.

Sometimes, when a scalpel wouldn’t suffice, other tools had to be used—axes, pliers, saws—anything to break the first rib.

Once the ribs were completely severed, the rib arch was lifted close to the posterior wall of the sternum and costal cartilage to separate the transverse sternal part and the mediastinal connective tissue. At this point, removing the sternum exposed the thoracic cavity.

She inspected the thymus, lungs, chest wall, mediastinum, pericardium, and heart, paying attention to the positions and relationships of each internal organ.

The soft tissues of the chest exhibited puncture wounds; the heart was ruptured, and the lungs were pierced and collapsed. However, the sternum and ribs had no fractures but did have scratches, surrounded by small clots of blood.

A fatal blow, one that even avoided the ribs. It was apparent that the assailant must have had a profound understanding of Pigman anatomy.

But this strike had caused significant damage. Given the chance, she still wanted to study a complete Pigman.

After the thoracoabdominal cavity was opened, the dissection of the neck began. From this point on, the resemblance to human structure diverged significantly, with more porcine features becoming apparent.

But the general methods were universal: peeling back the skin and muscles layer by layer, examining the skin, soft tissues, the superficial and deep muscle groups of the neck, and the cervical vessels.

Using scissors, she cut through the diaphragm from the aortic tear. Then, she separated the abdominal aorta down to its left and right common iliac artery branches, severing them as well. From the posterior abdominal wall, she detached the organs of the abdominal and pelvic cavities along with their connections to the abdominal and pelvic walls. This allowed for the collective removal of all internal organs from the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

At this stage, the dissection of a typical body’s trunk would usually be complete. Only then would the dissection of the head commence.

It’s not only a technical job but also one requiring physical strength.

She had dissected many human skulls, but this pig’s head left her somewhat at a loss.

But she didn’t dwell on it; today, she would play the butcher.

She stabbed the scalpel into the scalp behind one ear, angled the blade upwards, and peeled the scalp away from the cranium, exposing the Pigman’s skull.

Then came the skull, arguably the most labor-intensive part. She used a saw, chisel, and hammer to lift the cranial cap, observe the structure, and remove the brain.

The structure didn’t seem human; it was essentially porcine, though with slightly larger proportions, presumably incorporating some human features.

Still, the work wasn’t over. The internal organs she had just extracted, weighing dozens of pounds, needed sampling for further research.

She carefully extracted the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, collecting their secretions for more in-depth research.

She observed and recorded the stomach’s contents—volume, nature, color, and any food residue—along with the contents of the large and small intestines. This data was then analyzed to determine food sources and dietary structure.

Lower down, she examined the pelvic cavity, studying the bladder and kidneys to research the urinary system…

Dissection was a highly energy-consuming task requiring full concentration. Moreover, wielding a scalpel for extended periods and sawing through bone were physically demanding.

However, the faster the dissection, the more information could be gathered. For this reason, she couldn’t rest. She had to work overtime, striving to acquire the data she needed before decomposition set in.

Paracelsus was formally educated, a genuine college graduate, not to mention her ”extensive” practical experience. Yet, after busying herself for half a day, she had only managed to process a single body.

Fortunately, the preliminary dissection was finally complete. The body lay entirely segmented, its secrets exposed.

At this point, Paracelsus finally removed her surgical gloves. Her arms bore the marks left by the tight fit.

But dissection wasn’t butchery; it involved observing and analyzing structures through external examination and internal dissection.

Her real work was just beginning.

This structure… Paracelsus picked up a board, laid a sheet of paper on it, and began sketching based on her dissection findings.

She was surprisingly versatile; a concise and clear anatomical diagram quickly took form beneath her pen.

She then continued to refine it, jotting down scattered notes that would later be compiled into a report.

Lance provided her with ample research materials, essentially fulfilling her every need. One of his requirements was standardized experimentation, which included writing reports.

This was something Paracelsus would have recorded anyway; she just needed to write it up for him to review.

This autopsy had indeed revealed many interesting findings. The creature was different from both humans and pigs, a combination of the two, with numerous pathological changes and deformities. To understand it thoroughly, she would have to continue her research…

Just then, a noise came from behind. Paracelsus paid it no mind. At this hour, it could only be him.

Lance placed great importance on the research here. He would usually come over after finishing his own tasks, either to review the experimental reports she had written or to participate in her research.

At first, she had been both surprised and averse.

Surprised that a member of the Nobility would dabble in such matters, and averse because she found him bothersome, a hindrance to her research.

But when he genuinely joined in, her impression quickly changed.

He learned everything quickly, often outperformed her, and frequently provided inspiration. Undoubtedly, he was a trustworthy teammate.

If he helped, she could probably get all this done by pulling an all-nighter…

”Still busy, huh~”

The gentle voice reached her, making Paracelsus realize something. She turned to look.

She had assumed only Lance would come at this hour, but standing there was Grendel.

Paracelsus didn’t speak. No one could see the expression beneath her Beak Mask.

”The Lord just returned from a mission and was probably tired, so he rested early. However, he said he guessed you’d be working overtime on your research, so he specifically instructed me to remind you not to focus solely on work and to also get some rest.

He also said the sewers are crawling with Pigmen. They aren’t rare materials; you can just go catch more if you need them. But he’d be very distressed if you wore yourself out.”

Clearly, that last sentence wasn’t in Lance’s tone; it had to be Grendel’s own addition, taking advantage of the situation.

”I understand,” Paracelsus replied somewhat brusquely. It was unclear what she felt, but she apparently had no intention of heeding the advice.

”The new bathhouse recently opened. You haven’t tried it yet, have you? It’s a good way to relax. Boudica is there too. Perhaps you could ask her about the Beast Lair; I’m sure it would aid your research.”

Grendel was smart. She clearly saw that Paracelsus wouldn’t abandon her research over a few words.

But she knew how to accomplish the task the Lord had assigned her.

Sure enough, Paracelsus was somewhat swayed. She hadn’t personally inspected the Pigmen’s living environment, and that could indeed affect her research.

She didn’t say a word, but her steps toward the exit indicated she had made her decision.

PHEW… Paracelsus breathed a long sigh of relief as she stepped out of the dissection room and finally removed her Beak Mask. But even as she inhaled, her nostrils were still filled with a strong stench.

No matter what, decay was ongoing. Combined with the Pigmen’s naturally strong odor, the entire dissection room was permeated with a stench that was hard to dissipate.

Having been in there for so long, and in direct contact with the bodies, she was thoroughly marinated in the smell.

Even though Paracelsus had grown accustomed to it, spending such an extended period inside still left her head feeling woozy.

It seemed even the Beak Mask had its limits.

”I’ve made quite a few disease-preventing masks. Take some back with you. Also, hang a few sachets in the dissection room; they’ll help freshen the air…”

As they walked side by side, Grendel, noticing her discomfort, finally spoke.

She was as gentle with Paracelsus, who had once been her adversary, as she was with everyone. Her soothing temperament was like a breath of spring.

Paracelsus glanced over at Grendel upon hearing this, seeing only a very natural expression on her face.

”Is something the matter?”

”Nothing.”

Even the usually unsociable Paracelsus couldn’t help but lower her head as she walked on.