Though Meer's teasing caused a stir, everyone eventually focused on the new Divine Pantheon functions Luo Shu had provided without saving the data.
"Crush, Sigil, Possession, Reincarnation—not only four new functions, but also a method to cultivate pseudo-Demigods?"
Kirika Tachibana rested her chin on her hands, glancing at Luo Shu:
"These are quite exaggerated abilities, especially after your promotion to Hero Rank, which allows you to wield a Demigod's Concept Entanglement."
Narrowing her eyes with interest, she added, "On one hand, we can use points to resurrect, eliminating worries about casualties. On the other hand, we can be empowered by your strength to handle otherwise unbeatable opponents. This so-called Sigil is entirely beneficial for the Familia!"
After speaking, Kirika turned to Lacus and remarked, "And now, we don't have to worry about our Chairwoman lacking protection."
With Luo Shu's Possession ability, Lacus could become a vessel for his power at any time.
Under these circumstances, Lacus—already high on the mystic side's assassination list—would see her safety significantly improved.
Yet, compared to the security Possession offered, Lacus was more concerned about another function: "Rather than the Sigil, I'm more interested in the Crush function."
Hearing this, Luo Shu responded without hesitation: "Is it because of Abyss Artefacts?"
In Luo Shu's view, the Crush function paired with the common side effects of Abyss Artefacts was practically divine!
Lacus fully agreed: "Speaking of which, 80% of the Abyss Artefacts collected by the SDS have severe side effects, rendering them unusable."
"Of the remaining 20%, 15% can only be barely utilised without effective application."
"Only the last 5% are safe to use through various means."
"And with the Crush function, those unusable Abyss Artefacts can be broken down by you, Luo Shu, into Ability Crystals for secondary use."
However, Meer interjected at this point: "But doing that would drastically reduce our fixed points income."
Cupping her cheeks, she raised her hand to remind them: "Aside from Luo Shu's personal points, the SDS's largest source of system points comes from storing Abyss Artefacts within the Divine Pantheon Reconstruction System."
"If Abyss Artefacts are crushed into Ability Crystals and stop generating points, it could negatively impact our earnings."
"So, I suggest we first experiment with a small number of Abyss Artefacts to confirm the outcome."
"That is indeed a concern worth noting."
Lacus nodded slightly, agreeing with Meer's suggestion."Here's an idea. In the initial phase, let's each take one rank of Abyss Artefact to experiment with. If storing Ability Crystals doesn't affect points acquisition, we could consider crushing unusable Abyss Artefacts into crystals for storage."
Hearing this, Luo Shu added:
"Actually, even if converting them into Ability Crystals means losing points, it's fine. We could always attempt to recreate Abyss Artefacts from the crystals."
"The scientists within our SDS should have that capability, right? And if not, we could always research it, couldn't we?"
"You're right about that," Meer said with sudden realisation, even looking eager. "And if we happen to create useful Abyss Artefacts, we'd hit the jackpot."
Kirika Tachibana nodded at this point. "Both cultivating artefact craftsmen and utilising otherwise useless Abyss Artefacts? That is indeed a good idea."
Seeing both of them agree with his suggestion, Luo Shu smiled.
Just then, Lacus glanced at Luo Shu before saying with a light laugh:
"In that case, we'll need to improve Miss Mira's Alchemy skills."
"As for the resource consumption involved, why not deduct it from the SDS's fixed points allocation?"
"Uh." Luo Shu's expression froze. "That wasn't exactly what I meant."
This made it sound like he was coveting the SDS's share of the points - using their hen to lay his own eggs. He hadn't been thinking that at all!
At this moment, Lacus smiled at Luo Shu with an expression of wholehearted dedication as she said:
"However, if we're talking about crafting artefacts using Ability Crystals, the loyalty of the creator is extremely important to us."
"While I don't question the loyalty of Verde or Dr. Tabane Shinonono and others, currently, the only person who meets the necessary conditions while also allowing both you and me to ensure their loyalty is Miss Mira, wouldn't you agree?"
'Ensuring loyalty to me?'
Luo Shu understood Lacus's implication perfectly well.
Abyss Artefacts were strategic resources where both usage and destruction processes had to be controlled by trusted allies - only then could he and Lacus rest easy.
Under these circumstances, their options were actually quite limited. Upon reflection, unless Tabane Shinonono joined their Familia, Mira Tsubakihara was indeed the only suitable candidate currently available.
After some consideration, Luo Shu ultimately agreed to the proposal:
"Well... alright then. Let's have Mira attempt it first. If it doesn't work out, we can try someone else."
The corners of Lacus's lips curved upwards slightly.
She was well aware of Luo Shu's tendency towards suspicion, so seeing him agree to her suggestion so readily made her realise he trusted her far more than ordinary people.
This pleased her greatly - at least she wouldn't have to worry about maintaining superficial harmony while being fundamentally at odds after they became a couple.
"Then I'll arrange for Miss Mira's ability advancement shortly. Shall we move on to the next agenda item?"
The four subsequently discussed follow-up measures regarding the Onmyou Agency, temporarily stationing the Direct Action Team in Japan under Luo Shu's command, and the disposition of Hagoromo Gitsune and Hagoromo Group members.
After reaching agreements, the meeting finally adjourned.
...
Only after everyone had left the virtual world did Luo Shu, leaning against the wall near the Hidden Management Zone entrance, pinch the bridge of his nose. He stuffed his electronic watch into his pocket and patted his head:
"Damn it, I think I forgot to inform Kisara and Utaha about my plan to have them become pseudo-Demigods."
"Too many things to handle - it completely slipped my mind."
Immediately, Luo Shu prepared to send Lacus an email through the system, but after a moment's thought, he abandoned the idea.
"Never mind, let them find out for themselves when the time comes."
It wasn't that Luo Shu didn't know that advance notice could prevent misunderstandings. Instead, he wanted people to investigate why he intended to have Kisara and Utaha become pseudo-Demigods first.
"While the real reason for favouring them is that they're my women, saying that out loud would be impossible for me. But if I can't say it, you can go find out for yourselves!"
Harbouring such mischievous thoughts, Luo Shu dismissed the notification idea and walked somewhat guiltily towards the elevator.