Chapter : 24 Title at the end

[DAY OF THE TESTING]

The corridors of the medical facility were eerily quiet as Leo and Geralt walked side by side.

The faint hum of machinery and the occasional flicker of fluorescent lights were the only sounds accompanying them.

Leo broke the silence first, his tone as casual. "So, why'd they pick me to try out this Teigu? Don't tell me it's just because I'm the guy who doesn't die easily."

Geralt sighed, glancing at the boy. "A while back, this Teigu was discovered. It caught everyone's attention. Because of its powerful aura and mysterious vibe. You know the type. Nobody even knew what it did or what it was called, but plenty of skilled fighters in the army wanted it."

"Let me guess," Leo said, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Something went wrong, and now nobody wants to touch it."

"Exactly," Geralt said with a grim nod. "Every single person who tried to wield it either ended up on the brink of death or didn't make it out at all. Their bodies couldn't handle the strain. it sucked them dry like a leech. Because of that, it's been locked away under high security for years."

"Sounds like a real prize," Leo said dryly, his masked face turning slightly toward Geralt. "And now I'm the lucky guy they want to throw at it, huh?"

Geralt stopped walking and turned to face him, his voice taking on the weight of a veteran officer who'd seen too many young soldiers die. "Listen, kid. I know how stubborn you are, but this thing is dangerous. Regeneration or not, you're not invincible. That thing doesn't care about your powers—it'll chew you up if you're not compatible."

Leo shrugged, unfazed. "You'd still let me try, though. You're not here to stop me, are you?"

Geralt shook his head, his expression hard. "No, I'm here to make sure you survive."

---

[INSIDE THE CHAMBER]

The testing room was stark and sterile, its walls a pristine white. At the center stood a massive glass tank filled with crystal-clear water, and within it floated the Teigu, a metallic white belt coiled like a serpent.

The single medical staff member in the corner stood rigid, their gaze flickering nervously between the tank and the two figures who had entered.

Leo stepped closer to the tank, the faint hum of pressure growing louder with each step. His eyes locked on the Teigu, his breath slowing as he took it in.

The belt seemed alive, its sinuous form gleaming in the light. The crown-like horns on its head caught the glow and reflected it in sharp lines, while its crimson eyes pulsed faintly, as if they were watching him.

"Looks creepy," Leo muttered, his voice lacking its usual bravado. "Magnificent and terrifying all at once. Yeah, that checks out."

Geralt came to stand beside him, his arms crossed as he regarded the Teigu. "We keep it submerged to dampen its aura," he explained. "The thing radiates enough pressure to make most people faint just by standing near it. We're not even sure if it's alive or just enchanted, but either way, it's a beast. A dangerous one."

"Doesn't change anything," Leo said, cracking his neck. "I'm still going for it."

Geralt's eyes narrowed. "I figured you'd say that. Still, I have to ask one more time. Are you sure about this? That thing's killed better men than you."

Leo shook his head. "Better men, sure.....But they didn't have what I've got. Just open the lid already."

Geralt hesitated for a moment before relenting. "Fine. But don't make me regret this, kid."

He moved to the control panel, unlocking the tank's lid. "What's your plan? We usually take the Teigu out of the tank for the test."

"I'm going in," Leo said, already pulling off his shirt.

Geralt raised an eyebrow. "Inside? You've been trapped in a tank like this for years. You really want to do this again?"

"Yeah," Leo said simply. "Feels like it's calling me. Don't ask me to explain, it's just instinct."

Geralt watched him for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. But if things go south, I'm pulling you out, whether you like it or not."

Leo gave him a two-finger salute, then climbed the stairs to the tank. Stripped down to his underwear, his body was a patchwork of hollow red spots that contrasted sharply with his smooth, pale hands.

He didn't flinch as he slipped into the water, the cool liquid enveloping him.

The moment Leo's fingers brushed the Teigu, it sprang to life. The belt uncoiled and wrapped itself tightly around his waist.

"GRAHHHHHHHH!"

An unearthly roar filled the chamber, rattling the walls. The medical staff in the corner stumbled back, their hands trembling as they clutched their emergency kit.

Geralt's instincts screamed at him to get out, but he stood firm, his hand on his sword's hilt. He wouldn't leave Leo alone.

Inside the tank, Leo's body convulsed as a surge of pain shot through him. His vision blurred, his chest tightening as if a massive weight was crushing him.

The agony was like nothing he'd ever experienced. It wasn't just physical, it felt as though the Teigu was tearing into his very soul.

"Dammit," Geralt muttered, his grip tightening on his sword. He was seconds away from shattering the glass when Leo raised a trembling hand, signaling him to wait.

Geralt hesitated, his muscles tense. "You'd better know what you're doing, kid," he muttered under his breath.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Leo's convulsions slowly began to subside. The Teigu pulsed faintly, its energy stabilizing as it adjusted to its new host.

Geralt's sharp eyes noticed subtle changes in Leo's body. The red pox-like spots faded slightly, and his sunken skin filled out, giving him a more natural appearance.

But just as quickly as the improvements appeared, they vanished, and Leo returned to his previous state.

CREAK.

The tank's glass cracked under the pressure, and the water spilled onto the floor, sending Leo crashing down with it.

Geralt moved in an instant, catching the boy before he hit the ground. As he cradled Leo's limp form, the boy's lips moved faintly.

"J.....," Leo muttered something before losing consciousness.

---

[AFTERMATH]

Geralt carried Leo to the corner of the room, where the medical staff hurriedly began their examination.

As the staff worked, Geralt stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the Teigu still coiled around the boy's waist. Its crimson eyes glowed faintly, as if it were observing everything with a quiet intelligence.

"Jörmungandr," Geralt repeated under his breath, the name heavy with significance. He looked back at Leo's unconscious face, his expression hardening.

"What the hell have you gotten yourself into?" he muttered, gripping his sword tightly.