The smell of harsh, herbal antiseptics and stale blood was the first thing that registered in Lucien's mind.
Then came the pain.
It wasn't just a surface ache. It felt as though someone had poured molten lead directly into his veins and left it to harden. Every single muscle fiber, every bone, and every mana circuit in his body screamed in unified, blinding agony the moment he tried to take a breath.
Lucien suppressed a groan, forcing his heavy eyelids open.
A pale blue, translucent screen was hovering directly above his face, flashing with urgent warnings.
[Warning: Extreme Divine Force Backlash!]
[Your mortal vessel has suffered severe trauma from channeling a Primordial Artifact alongside the Rosary of the Weeping Saintess.]
[Mana Circuits are currently overheated. Passive healing from the Rune of Vitality is severely slowed.]
[Penalty: All physical stats reduced by 50% for 72 hours. Magic casting disabled for 24 hours.]
