Compared to death and the eternal torment of the soul thereafter, losing some power seemed insignificant. However, Bambietta and Candice were initially conflicted. Once possessed, how could it be relinquished so easily? Yet, when Masatsuki Aozaki said, "Your value doesn't lie in your power, but in who you are," they released their hesitation.
"So... who wants to go first?" Masatsuki Aozaki asked, looking at the two.
Bambietta silently averted her gaze. Masatsuki Aozaki followed her line of sight, eyes filled with anticipation.
Candice felt a surge of anxiety. Seeing their gazes, she thought, "Why are you looking at me like that? It's creepy. Wait!"
Suddenly, Candice's expression stiffened as she realized she might be the first test subject. Her eyes widened. "Are you planning to experiment on me? What's going on? You don't trust it, so you're sacrificing me? Especially you, Bambietta—we're colleagues, and you're selling me out?" Candice fumed internally. "Masatsuki Aozaki, I thought you were decent! Now you want to use me as a test subject? No way! Even if I die, I won't agree to this!"
However, feeling Masatsuki Aozaki's grip tightening, Candice swallowed nervously and instinctively retreated, only to find a solid wall behind her, leaving no escape.
"Don't come any closer! I'm warning you, if you continue, there will be serious consequences," Candice said, her voice trembling.
"If this goes on, I'll scream! I really will!" Her tone grew more urgent, attempting to deter Masatsuki Aozaki with threats.
"No... wait, mmph..." Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly leaned in, firmly pinching Candice's mouth, silencing her.
"Didn't I tell you? Mayuri Kurotsuchi has completed clinical trials, proving this method is safe."
"So... be quiet. Your noise is giving me a headache, you fool!" Masatsuki Aozaki reprimanded harshly.
Candice felt humiliated and helpless, pinned down by Masatsuki Aozaki. After futile struggles, she lay motionless on the sofa, like a dead fish.
Then, she felt a slight prick. It tickled but didn't hurt. But now wasn't the time to consider minor discomfort—she might die! Candice had witnessed Mayuri Kurotsuchi's mad experiments. Involved in Auswählen research, she and Bambietta were prime subjects, participating in numerous experiments. Candice knew how dangerous Mayuri Kurotsuchi's experiments were, especially those involving the soul—the essence of all life. Anything concerning the soul was serious.
Thinking this, tears welled up as Candice collapsed onto Masatsuki Aozaki's lap, her composure crumbling. Her body trembled, fearing what might happen if her soul was harmed. She felt like a small boat in a storm, ready to capsize.
At that moment, Masatsuki Aozaki slapped Candice's head, leaving her stunned. She looked up, teary-eyed, at Masatsuki Aozaki, confused by the sudden action.
Masatsuki Aozaki looked at her with disdain.
"What are you crying for?"
"You... I'm about to die, and you're still hitting me?"
Candice's voice trembled with grievance and frustration as she cried with teary eyes.
What kind of person is this? Can't I even vent a little before I die?
But Masatsuki Aozaki was completely unmoved by her outburst. Instead, he smacked her on the head again—hard.
"Die? Who said you could die? You're my prisoner. As long as I don't give permission, no one's taking you from me!"
At those words, Candice's sobbing came to an abrupt stop. Her eyes widened as she stared blankly at Masatsuki, the words echoing in her mind.
He was right. How could she forget?
Masatsuki Aozaki had said before—he never gives up what's his.
So why would he let her throw her life away?
Realizing this, her face flushed red, bright and vivid like a ripe apple. The way she had just acted was completely humiliating, and the shame burned through her.
Candice clung to Masatsuki Aozaki stiffly, her whole body frozen like a statue. She buried her face deep between his legs, as if trying to disappear into the floor.
"Even if you're playing dead, I'm not just going to pretend I didn't see anything."
Masatsuki looked down at her and spoke.
"Tell me how you feel right now."
With a sigh, he pinched her cheeks and lifted her face to examine it carefully.
He had to admit—this woman had great features. Even when acting this disgracefully, she still looked good. A big, silly woman like her had a unique kind of charm.
But more importantly, he needed to know how she was actually doing. If anything seemed off, he could respond immediately.
Blushing furiously, Candice flailed a bit before scrambling to her feet. Under Bambietta's scornful gaze, she obediently sat down on the sofa, acting unusually docile.
After a brief silence, she said in a shy tone,
"My Reiatsu... seems a little weaker."
Masatsuki sighed internally.
Obviously. Did she think he couldn't sense that?
What he really wanted to know was whether she was feeling anything unusual—if her soul was affected, or if her body felt strange.
And after all that buildup, this was all she had to say?
His mouth twitched slightly. He nearly gave the captive Sternritter another lecture on the spot.
"Hah... Candice really is a big idiot!"
Bambietta leaned over with a smug look, eyes narrowed, mocking her with a sarcastic tone.
Candice glared at her.
You're the idiot!
If Masatsuki Aozaki weren't protecting you, I'd have electrocuted you until you begged for mercy!
Then again... her power had surged so much in recent years that Candice wasn't sure she could beat her anymore.
Damn it!
"Anything else?" Masatsuki asked gently, treating the little idiot with extra care. He adjusted Candice's face so they were looking directly at each other.
Candice met his gaze, cheeks glowing, and answered shyly,
"My heart's racing."
"And?" Masatsuki pushed.
"My body feels... hotter and hotter," she mumbled, voice getting quieter, her head lowering instinctively.
"And?" he continued.
"My breathing's getting heavy... like I can't catch my breath."
Her eyes darted around, unable to meet his gaze.
If this were an anime, she'd probably be steaming from embarrassment by now.
"Is that it?" Masatsuki asked softly.
Candice frowned, rubbing her forehead, and said slowly,
"I feel a little dizzy too."
Masatsuki nodded in understanding.
"That's normal. When we separated the fragments of Yhwach's soul, a tiny part of your own soul that was connected might've been pulled with it."
He paused, then continued,
"But don't worry, it won't last long."
"You're just temporarily drained. Get some good rest—tomorrow you'll be fine."
Candice looked utterly crushed.
I... I was like that, and this is all you've got to say!?
What the hell was I expecting, you bastard?!