Blue light washed over Kai's chest.
The blood vessels became visible beneath his skin.
Dr. Z muttered to himself.
"Good."
"So far..."
"...normal."
Crystal needles pierced around Kai's heart.
One after another.
Mana began circulating through the needles.
Kai's body arched upward.
The restraints groaned.
"MMPHAAAAAH!"
The cloth muffled most of it.
Most.
The doctor calmly continued working.
Mana pathways...
Veins...
Nerves...
He compared everything against his notes.
"...Wrong."
He erased one formula.
"...Wrong again."
Another.
"...There."
He adjusted a crystal.
The mechanical arms immediately repositioned.
Minutes passed.
Then—
BEEEEEEEEEEP.
Every mana instrument flashed crimson.
Dr. Z looked up.
"...Heart stopped."
Silence.
Kai's chest no longer moved.
The doctor didn't panic.
"...Good."
He immediately slammed both palms onto Kai's chest.
A crimson magic circle erupted.
"Restart."
Nothing.
"...Again."
Another pulse.
Nothing.
"...Again!"
The third pulse struck.
Kai suddenly inhaled violently.
Blood sprayed from his mouth.
The heartbeat returned.
Dr. Z smiled.
"...Excellent."