Chapter 23: A Letter with Elegant Script

A Letter with Elegant Script

To Instructor Kraft:

Please forgive my departure without farewell. By the time you read this letter, I must already be on the fast ship bound for Dunling.

This is not because I have regained any expectation for that dead land ruled by authority and the church, but rather my long-uncontacted mentor has sent someone to deliver his latest research findings, inviting me to Dunling to provide assistance within my capabilities, and specifically mentioned that there are not enough trustworthy people around him.

To be honest, the responsibilities upon me made me want to refuse this invitation; I am not the type to neglect public duty for private gain, and there are too many matters at the Wendeng Port Medical College requiring my attention. Only this time is different; this is for a far greater future.

Although I can fully trust his academic integrity, the progress achieved in this research still made me, at the moment I read it, feel as though I were in a dream, unable to believe I could personally witness such a magnificent moment within my lifetime.

You must still remember, in "Human Anatomy," Edward, who liked to sign his name within the cervical vertebrae, has already verified three of the four humors in the traditional theory, and the "Humoral Theory," spanning hundreds of years, has been reborn through the bold verification of modern people.

In this epoch-making work, the author did not complete his task, leaving a regret unfulfilled for decades—the Black Fluid. This mysterious fluid, symbolizing stillness and end, has never been truly found, and is even considered a metaphorical reference, the embodiment of the suppression system.

This argument, as a new classic, was regarded as an unshakeable truth, chanted for decades by those lacking the ability to think, and revered as proof that contemporary medical thought surpasses that of the ancients.

How ridiculous; something born to break tradition has itself become the new tradition. That cervical vertebra, appearing like a smile, might well be mocking such foolish behavior! Turning a speculation not yet supported by clear evidence into a deity, and using the academy as a temple to worship it.

And now, we shall express our respect for the sages in our own way—completely overturning the errors in his theory. Of course, in a manner supported by empirical evidence.

Here, please allow me to introduce my mentor, Professor Mo Lisen, in a less formal manner; he is also the leader of the Medical College at Dunling University.

Thanks to over a decade of development in glass manufacturing technology, increasingly precise glass instruments have made experimental observation easier, so in recent experiments he accidentally discovered an inexplicable phenomenon. As a rigorous and meticulous person, my mentor would never overlook such an incidental event by citing "error."

Due to length constraints and other considerations, the specific process cannot be described in the sent letter. In short, after a series of complex operations, a minute quantity of black fluid was extracted from the human body.

In subsequent experiments, this fluid displayed extraordinary properties, which became even more apparent after further purification.

I guess by reading this far you have already thought of what I am about to say; it is the suppressive nature we have long pursued.

In every aspect, it exhibits a suppressive effect that drives living things toward stillness, and only a tiny amount is needed to achieve this. I have already conducted some tests using the sample sent by my teacher; the specific results record has been placed together with the sample and entrusted to Lu Xiusi for safekeeping. He is my most trustworthy and most talented student here, qualified to know all of this.

If I am not mistaken, these two items and this letter will be delivered to you by Lu Xiusi. You may also discuss everything related to this with him, but you must not reveal it to anyone else. Conducting experiments must also be done in secret; Lu Xiusi will tell you where my private laboratory is located.

Before I return, you may use my laboratory to conduct more detailed and comprehensive tests on this black fluid from your own perspective.

As a fellow scholar, you must understand the urgent feeling of one who pursues knowledge. I truly cannot endure such a tremendous temptation.

The magnificent Medical Palace is nearly complete; only the final corner remains for us to fill. The perfection of the Four Humors theory through physical proof is right before our eyes!

If my mentor is correct, I should be able to help him complete this feat within three months, returning to Wendeng Port with a brand new work to share with you. May we together admire the newest and most beautiful treasure in the treasury of knowledge.

Additionally, I have an empty house near the academy available for long-term residence. The key is placed in the envelope with this letter; please feel free to use it if needed.

Signed: Kerman