Why Did I Put Gauss Through This?!

After one week of annoying Lillian and getting physical therapy treatment from Doctor Wang, I was released ahead of schedule by three days. Since he had no other patients, and Gauss wouldn't visit them for another month or so, I was the sole recipient of Doctor Wang's attention. As such, my treatment proceeded much faster than usual.

Walking home on my own two feet was strange-- I had limped with the assistance of railings and walkers for a whole week and not needing them felt awkward. Thankfully, physical therapy was supplemented with Lillian's healing magic, so the process was easier and faster compared to physical therapy in my old world. 

However, my whole body still felt sore. So sore.

That was the main reason why people didn't undergo more than one A.N.I. There were trace amounts of microscopic damage that meant another procedure might permanently damage someone's body.

Checking my bank account, I noted that I had around 2,000 credits left. The A.N.I. and physical therapy had cost me around 10,000 credits, which caused me to wince, but there wasn't any more room to be stingy; the price offered by Doctor Wang was already ridiculously cheap.

The most important part was that I still had enough money for what I needed to do next.

I entered my apartment, ordering as many demonic cores I could afford online, before immediately jumping into the shower. Each demonic core cost roughly 500 credits, so I could only afford three. My checking account looked very empty.

When I emerged from the steaming shower, there was an ordinary-looking box at my doorstep.

Wow, drone delivery is so convenient. Getting transmigrated isn't bad-- Focus!

I took the cardboard box inside.

After cutting open the packing tape, I removed three small, black boxes. Each one was covered with strange glyphs and signs that glowed blue whenever my fingers brushed against them.

Setting them in a row on the coffee table, I grabbed one and opened it.

Immediately, the faint smell of iron and ozone permeated the apartment. Thankfully, I had opened the sliding door in preparation, so the smell wasn't overpowering.

Within the black metal box was an orb about the size of the tip of my pinky finger.

A demonic core.

Demonic cores were concentrated balls of corrupted magical energy that dropped from the monsters that came from Gates. One method of training the mana ability was by taking in large quantities of mana, typically by drinking several mana potions.

I would be doing the same, but replacing the expensive mana potions with comparatively cheaper and more cost-effective demonic cores-- the same method that Gauss used in the SSS-ranked Gate.

Although I did not have the System to purge the corruption, I knew that small amounts of demonic energy would slowly cycle out of the body with minimal side-effects. That's why I only purchased F ranked demonic cores; any stronger would probably cause me to go berserk.

I would use one demonic core every Sunday and enhance my mana.

With gritted teeth, I grabbed the first demonic core.

As soon as I touched the core with my bare hands, an immense wave of bloodlust began radiating from the smooth, glassy surface. My whole body felt incredibly hot and steam began to rise from my heated body. Underneath my reddened skin, blue magic energy began coursing through my mana channels-- the magic power was so bright that I could see the energy through my body.

Thankfully, there was no one nearby. 

I wasn't sure if I would be able to control myself in that state… There was a possibility that I would attack someone like a wild beast.

This… this is what I put Gauss through? I need to apologize…

My already aching body from the A.N.I. was now put through even more strain. I gritted my teeth and repressed the urge to scream. The walls weren't soundproof and I didn't want to alarm my neighbors.

Despite the pain, I gripped the demonic core like my life depended on it.

After almost an entire hour, the feeling finally subsided. I was left drenched with cold sweat.

I checked my ID once again…

[Mana: F+ → F++]

One more demonic core should bring my mana up to E rank.

Perfect.

***

After checking Mav's old school records, I discovered that he had mainly taken classes like Swordsmanship 1 and Swordsmanship 2 in middle school. He was primarily a swordsman.

However, the main problem was…

"…Mav had no talent."

Despite acing his classes with straight As, his performance was simply good. He understood the teachings and executed the teachings, but that was his limit. His performance in actual combat was deficient and I doubt that I would fare any better.

However, I did not participate in military service in my past life and handling guns or some other weapon would be counterproductive since I didn't know how to use them.

I suppose my best option would be sticking with the basics.

I stepped into my room to grab my longsword.

That's when I realized that this was the first time I had entered my room since my transmigration.

I looked around curiously, despite knowing what my room looked like already.

A bed was placed against the corner, with light blue sheets. The wooden desk that I had used since my childhood in my old home was across the room in the opposite corner. A few posters about the Academy were plastered against the wall.

Textbooks were piled on the desk, under the posters, and next to the bed. Study guides and pamphlets were scattered around the room.

…Mav is living his dream.

I blinked some tears out of my eyes as some memories began gaining clarity.

Mav had always aspired to go to the Academy since he was a kid.

He worked hard and trained harder, despite his natural limitations.

And he got accepted into the Academy.

Guilt began overwhelming me.

Did I steal Mav's opportunity?

…Whatever, that doesn't matter. I can't undo my transmigration anyways.

I shook my head firmly and grabbed the bag where I kept my sword. Slinging the bag strap over my shoulders, I left my apartment again.