'Fuck… Hold on. Just hold on.'
Even the slightest lapse in concentration now would not only ruin his chances of advancing, but could potentially prove fatal. He needed to maintain the Infusion rune on the essence throughout the process, allowing it to gradually initiate the adaptation and binding within his body.
Feeling the metal essence begin to disperse, Zephyrion immediately produced another batch and channeled it through his body. He gritted his teeth as another wave of pain wracked him, but maintained his concentration, repeating the cycle over and over again.
He wasn't certain how much time had passed, but at some point, the darkness of the night had given way to the morning sun, its warm rays falling across his face. Still, Zephyrion did not break his focus.
By then, he was completely drenched in sweat, and a small pool of foul-smelling black pus had accumulated around him.
