220 Magnetic Convergence Syndrome
Chapter 220
“This is a rare problem that only affects individuals with the magnetism element, and even among them, it’s particularly concerning for those with stronger affinities. Over time, their internal magnetic field grows unstable, gradually attracting and binding ferromagnetic materials—iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.—from the environment, which damages them internally in later stages.”
“The person examined my condition and quickly realized that I was already close to the last stage. But I hadn’t suffered or shown any symptoms before, and the person said it was due to my expertise in controlling the element. In a way, my talent became my curse when I learned the reason.”
Bella’s words hung heavy in the air. The weight of her condition pressed down on them both, as if the very atmosphere had thickened.
She whispered in a low tone, appearing sorrowful and a bit dejected.
Evelyn stared at her sister, speechless. Her chest felt tight, as if the weight of Bella’s words was crushing her.
Evelyn was shocked after hearing all this information for the first time in her life. She hadn’t even realized that her sister had been suffering through such things for so long.
How could I not have noticed?
How did I not see this? How could I not know?
“Then these symptoms… why did they appear only now?” she couldn’t help but ask Bella.
“Well, the person helped me suppress it to some extent—or more like put a temporary solution to the problem—which led to my worsening condition. Otherwise, I would have been completely unaware until the very end. Although the condition was suppressed, it has been raging even more lately.”
Raging… like a storm inside her that had been kept at bay, but now it was breaking free.
“Sister…”
Evelyn bit her lip, feeling her sister’s predicament. She could not understand why her sister, who was usually so energetic and cheerful, would suddenly lock herself in her room.
“I heard you talking about dying earlier. Is… is this really that serious?” she asked.
Bella nodded and explained, “Normally, there are a few stages in this condition. For those lucky enough, their symptoms quickly show up in the beginning stages. It usually involves disrupting the surroundings, attracting metals and machinery to the individual, making daily life a hell. You know it can be painful or even dangerous if large objects are drawn towards them. Metal fragments may embed in their skin, causing injuries.”
“But you…” Evelyn paused, her meaning clear as day.
“Didn’t I tell you?” Bella smiled wryly. “According to Teacher, I was so adept at controlling the element that I never experienced such a thing.”
Evelyn’s heart ached at that. Bella’s talent, once a source of pride, had betrayed her in the most cruel way.
“What about the later stages?” Evelyn asked.
“Well, in the later stages, the body’s magnetic field itself starts affecting the normal functions of the organs, especially the heart, which operates through electrical signals,” Bella replied.
“The heart works using electrical signals? What does that mean, sister? Is there electricity in your body?”
Evelyn couldn’t help but feel confused. It was natural—she was still not mature enough to understand such complex stuff, no matter how talented she was.
Bella shook her head. “I didn’t know much either. I simply asked the person, and they explained a few things. Apparently, electrical signals have a different meaning than literal electricity in the context of human bodies. I could try to explain it to you, but it’s better for you to first study the basics. I only know this much thanks to the person explaining my condition in detail.”
“Hmm. You’re right. We should be aware of what’s going on with our bodies as deeply as possible.”
Bella smiled. “So that’s the gist. This can cause irregular heartbeats, fatigue, and eventually life-threatening complications with elemental disruption.”
“This is even worse than before,” Evelyn mumbled to herself.
She realized how serious her sister’s condition had become. Bella was literally hanging between life and death at this moment.
Evelyn’s heart sank further with every word. The gravity of the situation was finally sinking in, the cold fear of losing her sister tightening around her like a vice.
“What about the cure? What did Teacher say about it?” Evelyn asked, addressing the most important issue.
Right now, they had to cure her sister of this condition before anything else.
“Teacher did talk to the person about this, and thankfully, there’s a solution for this too, but…”
“But what?” Evelyn asked impatiently. Her sister was making her anxious with these pauses.
Each pause felt like an eternity, each delay another step closer to despair.
“The materials required for the cure are not easily found.”
“What are these materials? How rare can they be?” Evelyn wondered.
“There are three things: a Polarium Ore that can absorb excess magnetic energy, which would serve to stabilize my internal field. Second, a Fluxweave Herb, a plant that grows only in areas with fluctuating magnetic fields. It could harmonize the magnetism within the body when brewed into a potion.”
Bella coughed lightly as Evelyn quickly poured some water for her.
“Take it easy and tell me slowly. There’s no need to rush,” she whispered.
“It’s fine. The Polarium Ore, although rare, can still be accessed. Teacher Alison is already searching for it through her network. The plant can be found in the Shifting Iron Plains, so that can still be found with some help. But the main issue is the third material…”
Evelyn’s expression grew tense as she waited for her sister to finish speaking.
“It’s the heart of a Null Beast.”
“This…?” Evelyn had a perplexed look on her face. She didn’t understand what her sister was saying.
Bella sighed. “It’s a mythical beast with immunity to all forms of magnetism.”
“A mythical beast!? How are we going to find one?”
Evelyn was stunned, but Bella interrupted her. “Even if we find one by some luck, what are the chances we will be able to subdue it and get its heart? We’re talking about a mythical beast, not a dog!”
“Then what are we going to do!?”
Evelyn’s voice rose in frustration, her desperation mirroring the hopelessness of the situation. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling with the weight of the impossible task before them.