The Villain Reborn as Game's Final Boss

I gently placed the mana stone on Sophie’s lower abdomen, where the mana core was usually situated in most people.

Though after using my mana sense, figuring out its exact location wasn’t a difficult thing to do.

Sophie’s body shivered slightly as my fingers made contact with her skin.

The method that I had decided to use was the easiest one, though it would require some skill on my part.

The speciality of the mana stone was that it could easily control mana... whether it was mana in nature or in an individual’s core.

That was why many major powers had waged war against each other when the mana stone had come into existence in the game, as its properties were too compatible to turn it into the perfect weapon—

Something that could control foreign mana with such ease was a dangerous thing for everyone.

After placing the mana stone, I could feel the mana in Sophie’s Iron core being attracted towards it.

There was no need for me to interrupt the process, as the mana that had tainted Sophie’s core began to move in the mana stone’s direction.

The reason was pretty simple.

Being formed in nature, a mana stone was able to control natural mana at a far better level than influencing the mana in one’s mana core.

That was why the moment the mana stone came closer to the core, it began to actively attract the natural mana towards it.

The only thing I had to do was ensure that Sophie’s own mana wasn’t attracted towards the mana stone. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

As the foreign mana was mixed with Sophie’s mana essence, it was natural for both to be attracted at the same time.

Using my mana control, I actively made sure that the mana stone wasn’t attracting Sophie’s mana, as that would lead to her mana essence being extracted from the core, which could result in certain death.

Though I was using my mana control, I didn’t have to perform any complex application, as just using a little bit of my mana control was enough to deter the mana stone from absorbing something that it wasn’t meant to.

That was why the mana stone was an item of utmost demand in the game.

It was so reactive towards mana that there was no need for people to have insane mana control to influence a mana stone.

The stone reacted to even the tiniest hints of control, making it the best resource that one could have.

"Ugh."

Hm?

Sophie let out a small groan, as her face showed signs of discomfort.

"Is everything alright?!"

Before I could assure Sophie, Arthur was already beside me, his eyes filled with concern.

"I am separating the natural mana from her own mana essence using the stone, so slight discomfort is within the expected bounds."

Haa...

I couldn’t believe that a day would come when I would have to explain such basics to Arthur.

I mean... even if he didn’t know the exact process, it should have been obvious that while treating a disease like mana poisoning, some pain was reasonable.

"Uh... Dad, I am okay. It was just that I didn’t expect such discomfort."

Sophie spoke before Arthur could ask another question.

Sigh.

"How about you control the stone yourself—In that way, your daughter would feel safe too, and there would be no need to question me time and again."

I uttered the words, while simultaneously willing the mana stone to separate the natural mana from Sophie’s mana essence.

"No, you should do it, I was just—"

"It’s simple, Arthur. Just use your mana control to stop the stone from absorbing her mana essence."

"But—"

"Surely an Immortal doing it would be far more beneficial for her."

I said, looking at Sophie, who too had her eyes fixed in my direction.

Arthur hesitated for a while, but steeling himself, quickly sat beside me, placing his hand on the mana stone.

At first, his eyes had concern in them, but they quickly brightened up as Arthur seemed to have gotten the hang of it.

"It’s easy, I think I know what I have to do."

It was easy.

I just nodded my head at Arthur’s words before stepping back.

It was better for Arthur to do the process, as I had no interest in participating in the family drama.

The mana stone began to glow brighter, as the foreign mana in Sophie’s body was absorbed into it.

Seconds turned into minutes, as the process continued without any unexpected issues arising in between.

"Sophie, the pain will increase a little, so just hold on, dear."

Arthur calmly spoke as he began to channel more of his mana control into the mana stone.

Maybe... the process was at its end.

The last remnants of foreign mana required more mana control to be expelled, because they were completely mixed with the mana essence, almost becoming a part of it.

At least that was the case in most individuals, though I felt that the same was happening in Sophie’s situation, judging from the serious expression on Arthur’s face.

Though it sounded a little difficult, even separating the last remnants was surprisingly easy with a mana stone as the medium...

Arthur was truly being dramatic with all his expressions, as I observed the focused look on his face.

"Arghh."

Another groan escaped from Sophie, as she clenched her fists tightly, trying to go through the pain.

In reality, I didn’t think the pain was that great, but maybe... The sheltered princess couldn’t bear it.

"Haa... It’s over."

Arthur uttered the words, making me use my mana sense to scan Sophie’s core.

Hm?

All the tainted mana had indeed been removed, and I could sense the core trying to repair itself from all the damage it might have suffered during the process and also during the time that the foreign mana had restricted its natural operations.

Clap. Clap.

"I feel like a party is on the way."

I turned to look at Julien, who looked genuinely happy for Arthur and his daughter.

Sigh.

For a strategist, emotions were a bane.