Chapter 93: You can’t be a father

Luke was on his way back home when the system suddenly notified him.

[Host, there is something unusual about how your body has been functioning.]

Luke frowned. “What do you mean?”

Where did that come from? Last he remembered everything was fine except for the uneven usage of his skill which he thought was a result of him being new in this field.

Then where did this warning come from?

[From your recent attempts at using magic, your Gamma Pod has been reacting in a strange manner. This is evident from the abnormal flow of Gamma within your body.]

Luke hummed. “But you said that was because I lack experience.” that’s why, he has been treating that case lightly, knowing that it takes time for a body to adapt to a new concept entirely.

[That is part of it. However, your Gamma Pod is also responding unusually to your demands.]

[Host, when you kill a being, the residual Gamma released is refined and absorbed by your Gamma Pod. However, your body also consumes Gamma for simpler activities, such as intense physical exertion, including sex, combat, training, and even normal hunts. Because of this, your Gamma Pod has been actively used even before you unlocked your spells.]

Luke slowed his steps, focusing on the notifications. He read through it before asking, “What are you trying to tell me? Be clear.”

A few people glanced at him seeing him stop suddenly but Luke’s focus remained on what mattered the most at the moment. This was about his body, of course, he needed to know everything.

[Host, your Gamma Pod has adapted to frequent and high-intensity discharge due to prolonged physical usage.]

[As a result, it is conditioned to release large amounts of Gamma in rapid cycles.]

[However, your current magical output is restricted and controlled at a much lower level.]

[This forces your Gamma Pod to suppress its natural release pattern, resulting in unstable and inefficient flow.]

“Hmm…” Luke rubbed his chin. “So my pod is well-trained, but because of my own limitations, it’s under strain?”

[Indeed, host.]

Luke let out a slow breath. Who knew that using his Pod unintentionally would cause something like this.

“If you’ve identified the problem, then I assume you have a solution as well?”

[Indeed, host. To allow the Gamma Pod to circulate the amount of Gamma it requires, it must be pushed through the most primal method.]

[Hunt.]

Luke chewed on his lower lip. “So you’re saying I should spend less time fooling around and focus on hunting more creatures?”

[Indeed, host. However, due to the lack of an organized hunting method, the system has decided to unlock a feature earlier than intended. This feature was originally meant to be unlocked at level 5.]

[Ding! A new feature is being installed…]

[Feature: Dungeon]

[Preparation time: 26h 59m]

A surge of excitement ran through his veins. Dungeons… anyone who had even brushed against light novels knew that term.

A place to farm experience. A place to claim rewards.

Luke’s lips curved into a grin. The irritation he felt earlier vanished completely.

Humming lightly, he said, “Thanks for always looking out for me, System.”

[Glad to serve the host.]

With renewed energy, Luke headed toward his house.

Then he noticed someone waving at him.

He turned and found Dart standing there, a sheepish, slightly nervous smile on his face. Luke already knew what this was about.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he walked over. “Didn’t you go to work today?”

Dart shook his head. “Didn’t feel like it. But it’s fine. They told me to take it easy for the first couple of weeks anyway. My body needs time to adjust.”

Luke nodded. “Should we go inside, or—”

“Ah, no, no. Please come with me.” Dart cut in quickly, almost too eager.

Luke stepped into the house and found Nadia sitting near the entrance, tension written across her face.

He already knew what they were waiting for, so he didn’t waste time. “Give me the samples.”

Dart and Nadia exchanged a glance before Nadia went inside and returned with what he had asked for.

Three vials, each filled with fluid.

Luke pulled out a pair of gloves from his pouch, something he had bought for 1G, and took the vials.

“I’ll need a fresh blood sample,” he said, a hint of regret in his tone for not mentioning it earlier.

Nadia nodded without hesitation. “That’s fine.” She extended her hand.

Not taking any risks, Luke bought a syringe and a new test tube from the shop.

She flinched slightly as the needle pierced her skin, and he carefully drew blood from her vein.

After sealing the sample, he sat down. “Give me a moment.”

Then, inwardly, he spoke to the system.

’Go on. Analyze it.’

[Analyzing…]

As the system worked, Luke glanced up. Dart and Nadia stood close, their hands clasped tightly, both equally anxious.

He exhaled slowly. Something about this didn’t sit right with him.

And just as he feared…

[Abnormality detected.]

[Low sperm viability. Structural damage observed.]

His grip tightened slightly.

[Possible cause: prolonged elevation in testicular temperature.]

Luke’s gaze dropped.

Not a certainty… but it pointed in a familiar direction.

Varicocele.

Enlarged veins. Disrupted blood flow. Heat where there shouldn’t be.

Back in his previous world, this was manageable. Surgery, medication—options existed.

But here…

“W-What is it, Luke?” Dart asked, his voice trembling.

Luke slowly stood up and placed the tubes aside.

Looking straight into Dart’s eyes, he said, “I won’t sugarcoat this… Dart, you can’t be a father. The problem lies with you.”

“Huh?”

Nadia reacted first. Her eyes widened, her face draining of color.

Dart, on the other hand, simply lowered his shoulders, as if he had already been expecting it.

Luke continued, his tone steady. “It’s a physical condition. Nothing you could have prevented. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. You can seek another medic if you want…”

“No. I trust you, Luke.” Dart’s voice was calm. A little too calm.

Nadia shook her head, still in disbelief. “There has to be a way to fix this… maybe some herbs, something you don’t know about?”

Luke exhaled softly. “There are a few things he can try, but the chances are low.”

Nadia’s eyes lit up with fragile hope. “Then tell us. I’m sure Dart will be fine.” She tightened her grip on his hand.

But when Luke looked at Dart, he knew.

The man had already accepted it.

Still, Luke spoke. He listed precautions. Avoid standing or sitting for too long. Stay away from excessive heat. Don’t strain the body. Take proper rest.

Simple things.

Things Dart’s work would never allow.

In the end, Luke stepped forward and rested a hand on Dart’s shoulder. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Whether it’s support… or even money, if you decide to stop working. Alright?”

Dart’s eyes grew moist. Years of isolation, of having no one to rely on, had left him defenseless against even the smallest kindness.

He simply nodded, unable to find the words.

Luke didn’t linger. He turned and left, giving the couple the space they needed.

•••••••

A/N:- I hope I didn’t hurt anyone’s sentiment with this Chapter. Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.

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