Triple X System

’Mana parasite?’ Kyle repeated her words, having a brief idea of what a mana parasite was.

First of all there were different types of parasites. Fruit parasites, the little food maggots and worms that fed on fruit. Mostly rotten ones, with no protection and a passed life cycle.

Then there were food parasites. Just like the first these fed on rotten decayed food products. A can of beef, some chips, soured milk, bad pizza, you name it.

As long as they’d breached their estimated durability, the laws of decay eventually kicked in sooner or later.

These two listed parasites were typically harmless. Even farmed and consumed in some countries, but still, their danger assessment rate was low.

And then there’s man eating parasites. Unlike the first two, these parasites are generally harmful to the human body. Ranging from blood sucking leeches to ring worms and so on. They cause a considerable amount of harm to the human system.

Just like all parasites that fed, these vile creatures required a host to inhabitant and feed from. Cancer, ebola, COVID, e.t.c. The list of various man eating parasites were endless, spread across diseases.

Often combated with a series of medications and procedures. Limiting their spread, hence lowering the damage intake. Until eventually getting rid of them, after sometime.

[If you attempt to act now, it literally means you’re exchanging your life for his. The moment you open your mana channel you’ve exposed your core to it’s trap. As it breaches your system through the channeled flow of your open tank. Inhabiting your system through your bloodstream, eventually latching into your core. Draining you dry.] Snow crucially explained every bit of information she had on the mana parasite.

Apparently it was no different than the one’s back on earth, typically requiring a host to feed on and survive.

Placing his hand to his chin, he muttered some inaudible words thinking about something.

’Isn’t there a way to block my mana stream at a specific moment. Cutting the connection with my flow while I severe my arm or something.’ Kyle thought with a calm face. The thought of severing one’s arm was typically labeled insanity, an abomination to the mind caused by drugs, depression, e.t.c.

But this charming young demon has just casually opted to the suggestion in his mind.

[No. Once your channel is open, the mana parasite immediately reacts to your fresh core. Typically unstoppable to predict it’s movements, immediately dissolving into your blood cells. Transported to your primary source of energy.] Snow stated, debunking Kyle’s wild idea.

Glancing at Troy, he could see the latter coughing up more blood. These one’s weren’t the typical familiar red in colour, containing a shade of dark blue.

”Isn’t there another way? Like something I could use to lure it then kill it?” Kyle pondered, thinking hard.

While he despised Troy, letting him succumb now to death wasn’t the best choice. He had no intentions of taking over the kingdom, leaving it to Lumia. But there was this guilty perspective of denying her a father.

And with the failure invasion of the dargon’s, he theorized this was their first attempt. But definitely not their last, with their objective still unknown.

So while he didn’t plan on staying for long, he was temporarily stuck here. That is, until the reconstruction of the teleportation pad. Or a separate means of courier, like a spacecraft.

But till then he wasn’t going anywhere, and he knew he wasn’t currently weaker than the darker shade of green dargon’s. Not to mention the blue skinned dargon, with the terrifying lightning ability.

’Something about that voice sounds so familiar.’ Though the voice spoke in a distorted pattern. He couldn’t help but identity a strange connection with the masked figure.

[There is a way.] Snow interrupted his thoughts, forming a plan.

”What?” Kyle impatiently asked, listening to his helpful system helper.

[Well, it’s going to be tricky, and excruciatingly painful. But it’s the only way you can get rid of the mana parasite, ensuring your survival rate and his.] Snow hinted, on a 50-50% percent chance. Which Kyle was willing to take, not placed with any other option.

[First off, you need to allow the mana parasite into your stream.] Snow suddenly blurted out, causing kyle to narrow his eyes.

”Geez~ I’m trying not to die but you simply can’t help but have your fun.” Kyle sarcastically muttered, with a light scoff.

[I’m not joking. By allowing the mana parasite into your channel you immediately cut off your mana flow-]

”Yeah, which still means the mana parasite infiltrates my core genius.” Kyle cut in, making snow let out a low growl.

[As I mentioned, once the parasite enters your stream you immediately cut off your mana supply. Switching to your primary core energy, which is demon energy. Causing an imbalance in your system, interfering with the mana parasite.] Snow explained and hus eyes widened a bit. Understanding what she meant.

By allowing the mana parasite into his system. He’d gotten rid of the Troy dying problem, transferring the danger to him. But by switching to his demon energy, there was a chance he could kill the mana parasite with his negative energy.

[Just like you’ve guessed mana parasite feeds on mana cores and mana. Not demon core and demon energy. Once there’s a shift in power of energy, the parasite instinctively tries to leave. Which doesn’t end well, and can lead to serious damages and even death.] Snow didn’t hold back, pointing out the casualties that followed with this suicide plan.

[But, my sensors detect this mana parasite is still at it’s larvae stage. Meaning it’s not yet developed into a full fleshed, mana eating parasite. Hence requiring it’s absurd high draining of mana to undergoe accelerated growth. Which means there’s a high chance this will work Kyle.] She stated with a confident tone.

Listening to her, the way she layed out the plan sounded dangerous and life-threatening. Yet sweet and rewarding at the end of the chaos. It was a 50-50 chance ensuring his survival, like a double edged sword.

”But once it enters my bloodstream, doesn’t that mean whatever little mana I have will be drained?” He asked, considering another problem.

Unlike Troy in possession of a large mana pool, he barely used mana at all. Sure he could feel it, but he was restricted to using it in activation of skills.

Relying solely on his demon energy, only occasionally did the system grant him passage to use mana.

[Exactly what we’re hinting for. From my calculations, once it enters your channel you’ll be drained of mana. Not completely, as there’s still a reserved stock stored in your core. Keeping it alive, compelling the parasite to move towards your guts. Which is when we strike, pouncing on the opportunity to utilize your demon energy to it’s fullest.] Snow cheered with an awkward chuckle, earning a light nod from Kyle.

Crouching down a bit, he steadied himself for what was about to occur.

”If I can’t deal with an infant larvae then I deserve to die.” He coldly uttered, with a naive face.

Placing his hands to troy’s chest, he could feel the latter’s heart beating faintly. The pulse rate dropping rapidly, reducing to barely a sound at all.

Even his lungs had stopped pumping in air, yet somehow he was still breathing. Barely, but still holding on.

[Kyle, you do realize there’s a possibility something might go wrong? My calculations might be spot on, but dealing with these forces of nature there’s just so many things to put into consideration.] Snow softly reminded, her tone filled with guilt.

As an advanced system guide with legendary unknown powers, she’d ran several different scenarios. Of a possibly safer more convenient way, with lesser risk.

Within seconds, all to which came up empty.

Only complex diversions, requiring items not present here. With little time, this was the best she came up with.

”I understand. You don’t have to worry about me, I still made a promise to marry you.” Kyle joked, earning a light chuckle from snow.

Shifting his attention by to Troy, his breath has now completely ceased. No pulse, no heartbeat, nothing.

”Shit! I’m still gonna murder you myself.” Kyle cursed, Clenching his teeth opening his mana flow.

A weaker blue light emerged from his hand, transported into Troy. At first there was nothing, even after a few seconds passed, turning to a minute.

”Work!” Kyle retorded, his tone a bit high pitched. Putting in more of his mana into troy’s body.

’Thump!’

A faint thump sound reached his ears, barely audible and weak. But there nevertheless.

’It’s working.’

Not stopping he focused more, keeping the energy flow at his heart region. His body spreading the mana through his system.

’Thump! Thump! Thump!’

What started as a low thumping sound, increased in volume. Getting louder to the point of hearing, even without advanced hearing aid.

The ruthless king’s chest, rising and falling. His heart pumping blood, restored to it’s previous condition. Along with the repairing of his mana core.

[Y-you’re doing it Kyle!] Snow excitedly cheered him on.

”Yeah, but what about the mana parasite?” Kyle questioned, confused why the creature had yet to attack.

”Argh!” He didn’t have to question for long, as a sharp item pierced into his palm.