My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 464: Refinining pills

"This was your first and final warning," James declared, his voice steady but stripped of any lingering kindness. He gradually unclenched his fingers, letting the flattened bullet slip from his hand. It clanged against the concrete ground and spun a brief way before coming to rest, the sharp metallic echo reverberating through the warehouse in a way that unsettled everyone present. "You will leave now."

Kane's eyes bulged wide upon seeing the mangled bullet, yet he wasn't naive. Years of handling risky deals and changing loyalties had taught him to recognize an unbreakable boundary. His face paled noticeably, but he managed a composed nod despite the tension.

"I will inform the family of what has transpired here today," Kane responded, his voice holding steady even as the underlying stress showed through. Without pausing for more words of dismissal, he pivoted and headed to the exit with measured strides. Lucas, shaking since the bullet's mid-flight capture, scrambled after him in barely contained alarm. Neither risked a backward look.

They departed with one firm belief etched in their thoughts: James belonged to an international gang and served as a super soldier.

As the heavy door slammed shut behind them, Ethan approached at a leisurely speed. He clapped his hands together lightly,

"You handled that situation with commendable restraint," Ethan remarked, his voice even but laced with approval.

Drek let out a quiet breath of ease, though Ethan's focus had already moved to James.

"James," Ethan went on, locking eyes with him steadily, "I would like to offer you a formal position within this organization. I am prepared to make you the second in command."

Ethan pressed forward with the same assuredness. "If you choose to remain here and align yourself fully with me, it will not take long before even the Maguire family will find it necessary to approach this organization with genuine respect. That includes those who once dismissed you."

He didn't wait for a reply. Instead, he simply pivoted and departed, letting the statement hang in the air on purpose.

James stayed rooted in place, his gaze fixed on the shut door well after Ethan had vanished through it.

Once in his private chamber, Ethan sealed the reinforced steel door behind him.

He moved to the broad metal table at the room's center and set James’s bag down on it. As he dumped out the contents, an array of herbs, mineral pieces, and dried animal parts scattered over the top.

He selected one root and inspected its feel and solidity with a discerning gaze.

"These materials contain no inherent cosmic resonance," he murmured to himself. "If I attempt to produce something extraordinary using them alone, the result will remain fundamentally limited."

In ordinary times, he would have directly infused the blend with his personal energy stores. Yet that option was closed to him. Though his being held power beyond measure, current bindings stopped him from direct cultivation or pure energy handling.

What remained open was his command over law.

Not long prior, he had fully grasped the Law of Energy.

"If I cannot supply energy," he thought out loud, "then I will construct a system that acquires it independently."

He needed a container to serve as a channel, one that could pull in surrounding cosmic energy from the cosmos. The gathering wouldn't be forceful. It would build up bit by bit, sourced from the all-encompassing essence that filled reality.

"Drek," Ethan summoned after swinging the door open.

"You will establish a fully functional smithy within this compound in no more than twelve hours. Also bring the materials too." He handed over a list.

Drek accepted the order without challenge.

Precisely twelve hours on, the space next to Ethan’s room transformed into a working blacksmith area. The furnace stood ready, tools laid out neatly, and various refined metals awaited use.

Ethan started the task right away.

He warmed the alloy until it shone a rich orange, then laid it on the anvil. His hammer blows were precise and deliberate, forming the metal into a wide, sturdy cauldron. But shaping was just the start. With the metal still hot, he etched detailed runic patterns across its exterior. Every mark carried purpose.

He embedded the Law of Durability into the form, ensuring the container could endure intense pressure and heat without failing. Next, he wove the Law of Energy into the carved designs, turning the cauldron into a subtle channel. The runes would steadily attract tiny amounts of cosmic energy from the universe and hold them inside.

Once cooled, the cauldron looked plain to casual eyes. Yet a soft shimmer in the etched lines revealed its hidden role.

Ethan gave a subtle nod of satisfaction.

"It will accumulate slowly," he noted, "but the density will be sufficient for this stage."

He set the cauldron above a steady heat and commenced refining the components. The method demanded care and exact order. Herbs needed breaking down to just the right texture before adding to the brew. Minerals dissolved at set heat levels. All the while, the cauldron's runes flickered softly, drawing and blending cosmic energy into the developing mix.

Five days passed, and the room's air held a rich aroma of treated herbs mixed with a hint of ozone. Ethan faced the bench, eyeing three sturdy glass vials lined up neatly.

The first vial held thirteen red pills, all matching in form and size. The second had twelve green pills emitting a gentle life force. The third vial contained eleven yellow pills, thick and vibrant in color.

"This is more than I expected," Ethan whispered.

He took up the red vial first. "These are the Marrow Cleansing Pills. They will be reserved for later."

He stowed it in a hidden drawer under the bench. Then he checked the green vial.

"These are the Energy Recovery Pills. They will also be reserved."

He hid them too before picking up the yellow pill vial.

"These will serve as the initial demonstration."

He summoned James.

"James, come to my room."

He returned to his room carrying the pills.

Minutes later, a knock sounded at the door.

"You may enter," Ethan answered.

James entered, his attention instantly drawn to the vial in Ethan’s grip.

"The five day deadline has passed, Ethan," James stated bluntly. "You told me you would produce results."

Ethan set the vial on the table, unfazed by the edge in the voice. "Before we proceed," he said, "I need clarification. Have you ever absorbed a legitimate pill?"

James paused for a moment before replying. "Yes. I was given one when I was a child, at a time when my family believed I might have potential."

"And you were able to feel the effects?"

"I was," James conceded. "Although the improvement was limited."

"Then you will have an adequate reference point," Ethan replied. He uncapped the vial and took out one yellow pill. "There are eleven Body Strengthening Pills in this batch. I will give you one as a reward for your earlier performance. You will be able to feel the effect after absorbing it." Ethan added offhandedly.

James eyed the little orb resting in Ethan’s hand. It looked plain, even underwhelming.

He took it regardless.

With some doubt held back, he swallowed the pill, bracing for little more than a faint buzz.

But a surge of heat radiated from within his core.

It started as a cozy glow in his stomach, but soon raced along his veins. His breathing hitched, and he grabbed the table's side to keep balance.

"What is this?" he whispered, more to himself than to Ethan.

The warmth grew stronger without scorching. It spread relentlessly, bolstering muscles and firming tendons. His awareness heightened clearly. He picked up quiet hums from the walls and caught scents he'd overlooked before. His pulse slowed to a powerful beat.

He rose straight, noticing the typical drag in his arms and legs had disappeared.

He balled his hand slowly, sensing raw power coiling inside. A controlled swing at the air sent a breeze whipping back at him.

A quiet chuckle slipped out before he reined it in.

"This is not comparable to what I was given as a child," James remarked, his tone filled with real surprise. "This is several levels beyond it."

He faced Ethan, some of his calm slipping away. "You were not exaggerating."

Ethan wore a satisfied smirk.

"Now tell me, what do you think?"

James drew in a deep breath, letting the last energy bits integrate into his frame.

"If my family sees this," he said thoughtfully, "they will become crazy."