The crimson stream of fire essence flowed steadily up the silver needle, filling the first heat-resistant vial with glowing liquid mana. Kale Ardentis kept his hand completely motionless, his Hexarion physiology providing absolute physical stability against the intense thermal radiation.
The ambient temperature in the private laboratory spiked rapidly as the refined essence settled inside the glass container. Beside the stone workbench, the Ignis Core pulsed within its glass vat, absorbing the stray thermal leakage before it could affect the room.
Lazek Oberon watched from his wooden chair, taking a slow puff from his curved smoking pipe. His dark eyes tracked the crimson light reflecting off his disciple's calm face with quiet, professional satisfaction.
'The fire stream is completely isolated, Master,' Kale noted flatly, sealing the brass cap of the first vial with a swift twist. 'The Ancient rank density has been separated without damaging the crystalline lattice of the core.'
