"Hmm, the modifications for this phase are just about complete."
Ruan Mei, having received the experimental data from Herta, tapped lightly on the sample of Ambrosial Arbor sap that Herta had provided and gave a satisfied nod.
"Theoretically, Lynelle should now be capable of leaving the Ambrosial Arbor."
"However, she can't stay away for too long. Based on estimates, her body can last up to three days at most before it begins to break down."
"Still, considering Lynelle's own feelings, and given that the imbalance between these two Paths is a gradual process, I personally recommend that she return to the Arbor every other day to reset her physical state, just to avoid any potential issues."
"So you're saying…" Lynelle tilted her head, "I still can't leave the Xianzhou?"
"Actually, you're almost there. You haven't been through a complete experimental process before, so it's understandable if it's not clear."
Herta gave a light cough and explained, "The hardest part in experiments like this is making that breakthrough from zero to one… Once that's achieved, the rest usually falls into place naturally."
"At this rate… your physical conditioning should be complete before you head to Penacony."
"Ph-Physical conditioning…? That sounds kinda weird." Lynelle tugged self-consciously at her hair.
"But that 'zero to one' analogy… yeah, I think I get what you mean now."
"?"
Herta slowly formed a question mark in her mind.
She had no proof, but if her hunch was right, her 'zero and one' probably didn't mean the same thing as Lynelle's.
You little perv!
(T/N: Referencing Top(1) and bottom (0))
"Anyway…" Watching the two of them suddenly shift into what looked like playful banter, Ruan Mei tilted her head in confusion.
In all her time as Herta's friend, she'd never seen Herta interact with anyone like this, sparking a flicker of curiosity in her knowledge-hungry mind.
"Through the research on Lynelle's case, I've actually gained some new insights regarding another 'patient' under my care… Especially since Phantylia left that severe aftermath on Miss Tingyun, it's possible that samples extracted from Lynelle could even help suppress the effects caused by Phantylia."
"But… I assume Lynelle doesn't mind?"
"If it can save someone, of course I don't mind… It'd be great if Tingyun could recover sooner." Lynelle replied without hesitation.
"Good… then I'll leave Lynelle's 'discharge procedure' to you, Herta." Ruan Mei nodded.
"Make sure to record and inform me of any developments afterward, so I can fine-tune the next phase of induction medication."
"Alright, don't worry. Though it's not my specialty, I am still a genius. It's not like I'd mess up on something like this."
Herta helplessly ended the communication and turned her gaze toward the Ambrosial Arbor.
"According to Ruan Mei, you should be able to come out now, Lynelle… Is there anything you need to prepare?"
"Um…" Lynelle thought for a moment, then said, "A comforting hug?"
"Fine, you can have as many as you want." Herta agreed without a second thought. "Well then…"
With a light tap of Herta's wand, the layers of seals on the surface of the Ambrosial Arbor peeled away like a hot knife through butter.
Seizing the moment, Lynelle slipped out through the gap that opened for her.
"Considering how often you'll need to enter and exit the Arbor from now on… I suggest you go ask that General Jing Yuan later for something that can freely open and close the Arbor's seals. Given your current importance on the Xianzhou, it shouldn't be too hard to get."
"Importance?" Lynelle, who was stretching her limbs, looked curious. "Am I that important right now?"
"Of course. That Jing Yuan is quite something—he elevated your situation to a very high level during the Alliance council."
"You know how it is—some things seem light as a feather until they're put on the scale, and then they weigh a thousand pounds. Especially when the matter has the Marshal's endorsement, plus external pressure from me and Screwllum."
"Now, for the sake of the Alliance's credibility, even without mine and Ruan Mei's research, they absolutely cannot let you die here… Otherwise, just the suspicion of betraying an ally would be enough to ruin them."
"That sounds intense…" Lynelle clicked her tongue. "But what's this about the Marshal's endorsement?"
"You dummy, go ask Jing Yuan yourself!" Herta rapped Lynelle on the head in frustration.
"Do you think I'm on familiar terms with the Xianzhou? And even if I had my suspicions, this isn't the place to discuss it in the Scalegorge Waterscape."
"If you're willing, my ship is docked within the Xianzhou. Come back to the ship tonight, and I'll give you a check-up. We can talk about this matter then… But for now, tell me, is there anything unusual about your body?"
"Let me see…" Lynelle closed her eyes, carefully examining her own body. A moment later, she opened them with a slightly strange expression.
"Does this… count?"
Lynelle extended her hand. Coiling around her fair, jade-like arm were spiraling golden patterns.
"Maybe because my body was saturated with the power of Destruction, these appeared… Actually, I think my whole body was supposed to be covered in these golden patterns, but since Yaoshi also left a mark of Abundance on me, the patterns were all compressed into my left hand."
"Oh, and if I focus a little…" Lynelle lightly pricked her fingertip. A drop of blood, red tinged with gold, welled up, and the wound instantly healed under the blessing of Abundance.
"Golden blood…" Herta fell silent for a moment, then gently traced the golden patterns on Lynelle's hand with her fingertip.
"Any other abnormalities?"
"I feel like my body is full of power—Ow!"
Before Lynelle could finish, Herta lightly tapped her head with the wand.
"Be serious. It's not like getting physically stronger suddenly makes you tough."
"What kind of talk is that!" Lynelle puffed out her cheeks, like a little pufferfish. "Health is the foundation of everything. Now that my body's stronger, it's just a matter of mindset."
"As long as I set my mind on being the one on top, I can definitely do it!"
"Heh…" Watching the brimming confidence of the girl, Herta couldn't help but let a smirk curl her lips.
"Fine, then I'll be waiting for you tonight. Let's see just how you plan to be the one on top."
"? "
This time, it was Lynelle's turn to lose her cheerful grin—the smile had transferred from her face to Herta's.
She had a feeling… Herta wasn't joking around?!
Lynelle top, Herta bottom—for real?!
--+--
T/N: Uh... nah bro u losing
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.