The first death hit like an iron spike driven through the navel.
In the test model, the outer intake ring sped up half a second too fast. The liquid Qi snapped across the second ring, creating a micro-empty pocket bubble.
The bubble imploded with the force of a blasting cap. It sent a sonic blast wave through Lin Ke’s simulated dantian that tore his kidneys into pulp.
In the real underground chamber, Lin Ke’s head snapped back against the fire bricks.
A sharp, searing spike of Phantom Death Syndrome hammered through his skull, turning his vision grey. Bile rose into his throat, tasting of ash and stale copper.
Again, he ordered his reeling mind. Adjust the intake timing by fifty split seconds.
The second death occurred twelve seconds later.
Ring Three jammed. The venturi nozzles locked under back-pressure, and the simulated dantian caved inward with a horrific, wet crunch.
