Ch 457: The Experiment Was Successful, There’s Hope

Phia and Nia have been conducting experiments at Nephan’s House for a month now. The mole from before survived, and they’ve placed all their hopes on it.

“Nia, prepare to inject the first reagent.”

Today’s experiment involves a compound reagent. Phia, armed with paper and pen, prepares to record the results; she has already immobilized the mole using magic. Nia draws the potion into a syringe, then, after pushing it to the needle tip, injects it into the mole’s neck. As the potion is injected, the mole begins to twitch.

“Wait five minutes, then prepare the second reagent.”

Nia changes the syringe, prepares the potion as before, waits five minutes, then injects it into the mole. The mole, which had been twitching, becomes still, but its heartbeat slows.

“Administer the third one in three minutes.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Nia silently prays for the mole, hoping it will survive, as it’s the only surviving test subject. If this succeeds, they’ll prepare to replicate the potion for Wu Xian’s treatment.

Phia keeps a close watch on the mole, constantly monitoring its physiological state. As soon as three minutes pass, Nia administers the final injection. Both Nia and Phia hold their breath, afraid they might interfere with the potion.

The two silently count in their heads. According to the theory, the mole should recover in ten minutes. While the toxins in its body can’t be completely neutralized, it should live longer than it did before the experiment began. Phia takes out her pocket watch to time it. The mole is remarkably resilient; after the third injection, its heartbeat stops momentarily, but resumes after less than half a minute. It continues to twitch, finally ceasing and appearing somewhat normal after eight minutes. Ten minutes pass, and it’s still alive. Phia immediately uses magic to examine the mole; the results show that the toxins in its body have been reduced to a relatively safe level. Although the brain damage is irreversible, it will not worsen. The experiment is a success.

“Excellent! The experiment is a success!”

Nia and Phia embrace, both overjoyed. Mr. Nephan, who they’d sent upstairs, comes down after hearing the commotion downstairs. Seeing him, Nia and Phia pull him to the mole.

“Mr. Nephan, the experiment was a success!”

“Wonderful! What else is needed? I’ll prepare it immediately.”

Mr. Nephan is overjoyed; upon hearing of the success, he almost falls to his knees.

“We plan to remake the potion; we don’t currently need anything.”

“Alright, call for me if you need anything.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Mr. Nephan, leaning on his cane, walks to the main gate, takes his hat from the coat rack, and puts it on.

“I’ll go see Bal for a bit. How long will you need?”

“If we work through the night, we can make it by tomorrow.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Mr. Nephan leaves the house, heading towards the Guild. Today is the second day of the Light Moon Festival. Bal’s family has been working tirelessly to save Wu Xian. Mr. Nephan, a sentimental man, decides to get a bottle of fine wine from the Guild bar to bring to Bal’s House.

Bal has been staying home lately, fearing another of Wu Xian’s outbursts. Selena also knows about Wu Xian’s situation and expresses understanding. Yselle has been spending every day this month taking the Fairy Birds to search for herbs to supply Nia and Phia.

Mr. Nephan knocks on the door of Bal’s House. Bal gets up, opens the door with apprehension, and sees Mr. Nephan carrying a bottle of Brandy.

“What’s this for?”

Bal is puzzled but lets Mr. Nephan in. After entering, Mr. Nephan puts the bottle on the dining table and stumbles to the sofa in the living room to sit down. Seeing Mr. Nephan, Philia wisely takes Xiao Jiu to the backyard.

“Father, Philia took Xiao Jiu to the backyard to play.”

“Mm-hmm, be careful not to fall.”

Bal sits down as well.

“So?”

“Phia and Nia’s experiment was a success; the mole survived.”

“That’s good.”

Bal leans back on the sofa, letting out a long sigh of relief.

“When can it be used on Wu Xian?”

“Nia said it could be ready as early as tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? That’s the last day of the Light Moon Festival. Come to think of it, you haven’t celebrated the Light Moon Festival, have you?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then, after you finish tomorrow, go enjoy the festival. There are some delicious foods you can only get during the Light Moon Festival, you should try them.”

“We’ll see.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“You’ve already been busy for so long, I feel bad.”

“Don’t worry about it, we’re friends.”

“Yeah, friends.”

Mr. Nephan leans back on the sofa; he suddenly feels like smoking.

“Bal, do you have any cigars?”

“I don’t smoke, but if you want, I can help you look. I remember the previous owner of this house smoked; I found some cigars when I was cleaning the study.”

“Okay.”

“If you want to smoke, I’ll go get them.”

“Mm-hmm, thank you.”

Bal gets up and goes to the storehouse to search. He remembers the cigar box being there. After searching for a while, he finds a dusty cigar box, wipes it down briefly, and comes out with it.

“This should be it, take a look.”

Bal places the cigar box on the coffee table; since no one in his family smokes, there’s no ashtray. Mr. Nephan opens the box; six cigars are neatly arranged inside. He takes one, cuts it open with the blade hidden in his cane.

“You have a child, I’ll smoke outside.”

“I’ll go with you.”

The two go to the front yard. After putting the cigar in his mouth, Bal uses magic to light it for Mr. Nephan. Mr. Nephan takes a deep drag; whether it’s because of Finny or because he hasn’t smoked in a long time, he starts coughing.

“Are you alright?”

Bal pats Mr. Nephan’s back; after coughing for a while, Mr. Nephan waves his hand.

“Haven’t smoked in a long time; I forgot you’re not supposed to inhale.”

“Okay.”

Mr. Nephan takes another drag; this time, he finally tastes the flavor of the cigar.

“This previous owner had good taste, they actually liked this flavor of cigar.”

“What, thinking about the past?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought you would never mention the past.”

“I think it’s time I stepped out of that shadow.”

“I hope they have a better afterlife.”

“I hope so too.”

The two look up at the sky; the weather for this year’s Light Moon Festival isn’t great; it’s been cloudy for a while.

“I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.”

Bal says slowly; Mr. Nephan turns his head.

“Why?”

“Because of the bonfire party; if it rains, the bonfire party will be canceled.”

“That’s right. If Wu Xian gets better, would you take me for a stroll?”

“Sure, let’s call Grey and Ken, and have a drink together then.”

“I’ll bring the fine wine.”

“That’s good.”