The Assassin's Seven Principles of Manipulation

Chapter 31: Chapter 30 — Emotion. Pattern

’A mind enhancement elixir.’

Though he could tell from the potency of its scent that it was only a low-grade elixir, it was still a worthwhile gain.

The process of rune comprehension was divided into two categories.

The emotion. Every elemental rune responded to a specific emotional state. Before one could even begin to comprehend it, they had to first align themselves with that state.

The pattern. This was the rune itself, the syntax, the language. One had to comprehend it and imprint it into their mind to the extent that it could be recalled instantly.

The mind enhancement elixir targeted the second category. It would elevate his cognitive capacity beyond its natural limits.

This would open up his mind and make the process of rune comprehension far easier.

Zephyrion had never needed such a thing due to his already high comprehension rate. While that had not changed, his focus now lay elsewhere.

’I can now test my theory...’

The current pace at which he was clearing the fog in his mind was painfully slow. At this rate, his path to gaining power would take far too long.

Time he simply did not have, considering the current stakes. If he wanted to keep up, he needed a way to accelerate the process.

’It should work.’

Exhaling slowly, Zephyrion turned to Lumi.

”Don’t let anyone disturb me.”

Mind enhancement elixirs, especially low-grade ones, were known to last only for a short period. He couldn’t afford to be interrupted midway and waste its effect.

Lumi blinked, squinted slightly as if processing his words, then abruptly hopped off the bed, nodding with firm resolve.

She walked to the door and planted herself in front of it, feet set apart as she drew herself up to her full height. Her expression tightened into something she clearly intended to be intimidating.

However, her short frame and soft, round cheeks painted an entirely different picture.

Zephyrion watched her for a brief moment, then shook his head faintly. At the very least, she understood the task. Disturbance wouldn’t be an issue.

He turned his attention to the elixir, studying it for a brief moment before uncorking it and downing its contents in one smooth motion.

Almost immediately, a strange sensation spread through his body. It began as a warmth in his chest, slowly coursing through his limbs before rising toward his head.

The moment it reached there, a sharp jolt ran through him, and the warmth surged upward all at once, converging within his mind.

Zephyrion shut his eyes at once. He could feel the warmth intensifying with each passing second. Before long, something strange began to stir within his mind, as though an unseen force was attempting to pry it open.

’It’s enhancing my mind.’

The sensation was unfamiliar.

Zephyrion opened his eyes and swept his gaze across the room, only to pause slightly.

It was as though he was seeing everything anew. Details that had previously gone unnoticed now stood out with striking clarity; a faint stain on the wall, a drifting strand of hair caught in the air. Even his senses had sharpened.

He could feel the subtle movement of the wind brushing against his skin, along with countless other minute sensations.

’So this is an elixir.’

It was as though his already heightened perception had been pushed even further. For a brief moment, he found himself considering just how effortless it would be to read others with this level of clarity.

’Focus.’

Zephyrion shut his eyes. Taking a slow, steady breath. He locked onto the warmth within his mind and felt it respond, flaring at his intent.

With deliberate control, he gathered every trace of that energy and guided it into his mind space.

Then, without hesitation, he drove it forward, unleashing it toward the fog in a concentrated stream. It crashed against it like fire meeting ice.

Several moments passed, and a faint smile formed on Zephyrion’s lips.

’It’s working.’

He could feel it clearly; the energy was tearing through the fog at a pace far beyond what he had achieved with his mind alone.

Suppressing the surge of thrill that rose within him, Zephyrion steadied himself and focused, channeling everything into the process of clearing the fog.

...

It was only when the morning sun fell upon Zephyrion’s face that he opened his eyes.

’It’s morning already...’

Though the effects of the elixir had long since faded, he had continued through the night.

Zephyrion released a slow breath, only to feel a flood of sensations strike him all at once.

An intense headache throbbed through his mind. His heartbeat pounded rapidly against his chest. His vision swam slightly, and his arms trembled faintly at his sides.

’Side effects.’

Everything he was feeling now was the result of forcing his mind to operate far beyond what his body could sustain.

’I’ll have to account for this later.’

Even if he could acquire a large number of elixirs right now, he wouldn’t be able to use them consecutively due to the strain. While his current condition was temporary, abusing them could lead to permanent damage.