After reading the messages from Firefly and Kafka, Sylvia turned her gaze incredulously toward the box of rather questionable-tasting cake rolls piled beside the bed.
They could actually suppress Entropy Loss Syndrome. Although limited in quantity, this large box would surely last Firefly a long while.
What remained unclear, however, were the unknown substance and mysterious power Firefly mentioned in her message—exactly what were they?
After all, not even she herself—or even Acheron, for that matter—had sensed anything unusual after eating them.
That energy must have its own unique wonders, then.
Hmm...
If she could establish some rapport with Herta later, perhaps she could ask her to study it.
Members of the Genius Society were reliable; Sylvia had faith in Herta's ability to figure it out.
In fact, Sylvia felt that conditions like Firefly's Entropy Loss Syndrome, which stemmed from genetic modification in essence, could probably be cured by someone of Ruan Mei's caliber.
But that Ruan Mei... just from the bits seen in the storylines, it was clear her moral compass was somewhat... lax.
And she rarely formed deep connections with others.
Without sufficient goodwill built up, Sylvia didn't dare let Ruan Mei tinker recklessly.
Who knew what bizarre things she might concoct afterward?
So, all things considered, asking Herta actually seemed more suitable.
Herta might find it tiresome to spare even an extra word for those she wasn't interested in, but if someone caught her fancy, there was a chance she'd lend a hand—and she'd be relatively dependable about it.
"What's on your mind?"
Acheron, sitting beside her, noticed Sylvia staring silently at her phone and leaned over curiously, glancing at the screen.
Only the contacts list was displayed at that moment, showing just the top name and the timestamp of the latest message.
"The Stellaron Hunters sent me a message," Sylvia replied, looking up.
She was just pondering how to explain when Acheron suddenly said, "Be careful dealing with the Stellaron Hunters. For the sake of their script, they're capable of anything."
Sylvia knew Acheron was worried that someday, to serve their script, the Stellaron Hunters might inexplicably sell her out.
After nodding in acknowledgment, Sylvia quickly recalled an issue...
Before long, the Stellaron Hunters would raid the Herta Space Station.
Though the losses wouldn't be catastrophic for Herta, it would still deeply offend her.
How could Herta possibly agree to treat Firefly, a fellow Stellaron Hunter, after that?
The thought made Sylvia's lips twitch slightly.
Between the game's storyline and recent interactions, she'd almost forgotten that the Stellaron Hunters were a dangerous bunch of hardened killers.
Not a single one of them had a clean record or a short list of names tied to incidents.
Ah, whatever...
Better to first consider whether marrying Firefly might come with a pair of accessories to solve the problem.
Pushing that aside, Sylvia looked at the last part—the outing invitation—and instinctively rubbed her still-aching thighs.
If the invite had come a little earlier, she might have been up for it.
But now...
Sylvia was exhausted and just wanted to sleep.
Just as she was about to reply to Firefly, Acheron leaned in closer, her voice soft near Sylvia's ear.
"While washing up earlier, I thought it over. Since your safety is now assured and I can reach you anytime, there's not much point in me staying on the Luofu any longer."
"Huh?" Sylvia blinked, then turned her head—almost brushing her lips against Acheron's cheek. "You're planning to leave?"
"Yes. With your new ability being so convenient, I won't even need to camp outdoors while traveling," Acheron replied, a slight smile playing on her lips.
She reached out and gently pinched Sylvia's cheek.
"When it's time to rest, just call my name, and I'll come to you. After resting, you can send me back right where I was. It's a very handy skill."
"..."
I see.
So Acheron's treating me like a portable hotel.
Free to travel during the day, then when bedtime comes, I just shout 'Big Sister Acheron!' and call her back to sleep comfortably in a proper room.
Then first thing the next morning, I have to send her back again.
How novel. And what do I get out of it?
Shouting 'Big Sister Acheron!' every day? Do I, Sylvia, have no pride?!
Perhaps Sylvia's expression was too transparent, because Acheron immediately read her thoughts.
"Weren't you just saying you wanted to strengthen the power of Permanence as soon as possible? How can I help if I don't return daily?"
"..."
Sylvia initially found this reasoning somewhat sound, but upon second thought, wasn't this just blatant manipulation?
Oh, really? So that's how you want to play.
Now you're gaslighting me, huh?
Ugh.
Sylvia clenched her back teeth.
She couldn't very well beg Acheron to abandon her own affairs and stay by her side indefinitely.
But wouldn't that mean being completely at Acheron's mercy?
Calling her 'Big Sister' every day from now on—wouldn't that mean never turning the tables?
"...Tell me honestly, do you just want to hear me call you 'Big Sister'?" Sylvia eyed Acheron suspiciously. It was hard not to suspect that this entire proposal was just an excuse to make her say it.
All that talk about helping her walk the Path of Permanence was just a front.
Acheron had no words, only a soft laugh as she reached out and poked Sylvia's forehead.
"So, do you want my help or not?"
"...Yes."
Even so, cultivating Permanence through the power of Nihility really did yield fast progress.
In fact, if not for this method, Sylvia wasn't sure how else she could advance on this Path.
Fine, she'd just grit her teeth and endure it. A classic dynamic—the younger, assertive top.
Watching Sylvia protest verbally yet comply in action was something Acheron had grown accustomed to.
"Get some rest early."
"Mm." Sylvia nodded, picking up her phone to reply to Firefly before sleeping.
[Sylvia: Just saw this, sorry! It's too late for today. If you don't mind, could I visit you tomorrow? I'll bring the remaining cake rolls too.]
A moment later, Firefly's reply came through:
[Firefly: Got it, thank you for the gift. Really, thank you so much.]
[Firefly: [(づ> v <)づ♡]]
[Firefly: It's not much in return, but let me take you on a date tomorrow~]
Reading the reply, Sylvia couldn't help but smile.
[Sylvia: I'll look forward to it. But we'll be troubling Silver Wolf again tomorrow.]
[Firefly: It's fine, Silver Wolf won't mind.]
Meanwhile, held aloft by Kafka, her armpits firmly gripped, Silver Wolf dangled with her short legs kicking air, straining to reach Firefly's phone.
"Damn it! Who said I don't mind? Let me talk! Give me the phone!!"
Firefly looked somewhat embarrassed, while Kafka smiled gently.
"Sweetie, even if you messed up once and lost your first kiss, there's no need to throw a tantrum over it."
"I am NOT throwing a tantrum!!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, 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.