Looking at the witch Lana floating in the liquid - dressed in a pure white, form-fitting restraint suit tightly cinched at the waist with black straps that accentuated her curves - Luo Shu hesitated before remarking:
"This restraint method... is quite unique!"
Lacus walked towards the glass tank as she answered Luo Shu:
"Out of caution, we consulted an expert about restraining Lana."
"An expert? That woman C.C.? Well, I can't really argue with that choice, in a way."
Luo Shu muttered this aside before Lacus could wonder how he knew C.C. was involved, then quickly asked:
"Is she conscious right now?"
"Fully conscious. Or rather, forcibly conscious."
As she spoke, Lacus explained the liquid Lana was submerged in:
"This tank contains 'Memory Liquid' developed by Dr Tabane Shinonono. The basic principle involves controlling human hormones to induce a state of active memory recall in the brain."
Here, Lacus paused, glancing at the wires connected to Lana's forehead before sighing:
"Right now, at least fifty experts, including Dr Tabane Shinonono and Dr Verde, are reviewing Lana's memories."
"We estimate it will take about two more days to extract all the knowledge stored in her brain."
Luo Shu looked surprised: "Won't that interfere with the confidentiality techniques the witch installed in her brain?"
"No, it won't." Lacus shook her head and explained, "The equipment extracts brainwaves emitted during thought processes without any invasive procedures, so it won't trigger common mental restrictions."
Hearing about this memory-reading method, Luo Shu couldn't help but stroke his chin:
"In that case, our confidentiality measures need updating too! Otherwise, we'd be vulnerable to similar methods."
"Our technicians are already developing countermeasures."
At this point, Lacus' face showed a hint of pride:
"Not only that, but with the basic Class you obtained after your promotion, once some researchers transition into the Sorcerer Class, the SDS's scientific capabilities are likely to enter a new phase of rapid advancement."
"The Sorcerer Class? The computational enhancement, associative ability boost and basic sorcerer knowledge that comes with Common Rank Sorcerer?"
Luo Shu considered the enhancements a sorcerer gained at Common Rank. Physical improvements aside, the mental boosts seemed particularly suited for researchers.
By comparison, the High Tier Class of Death Flame Sorcerer seemed more combat-oriented.
Considering the researchers' value, Luo Shu muttered:
"Seems I'll need to find a way to get them a High Tier Class Template."
Just as Luo Shu was muttering, the canister containing Lana began producing gurgling bubbles.
Bubbles suddenly surged forth, nearly filling the entire container.
Seeing this, Luo Shu asked in surprise:
"What's happening here?"
At that moment, beams of light appeared overhead, converging beside Luo Shu and Lacus to form Tabane Shinonono's holographic image.
Once materialised, Tabane blinked curiously at the transparent canister holding Lana:
"My my, Special Test Subject 001 seems to be reacting quite strongly to Luo Shu."
"I'd expected her to remain perfectly calm with a 15% overdose of sedatives."
Turning to Luo Shu, she asked curiously:
"Could it be you have some history with Test Subject 001?"
"I don't think so?" Luo Shu tilted his head slightly in confusion. "I don't recall offending such a minor character."
In Luo Shu's memory, the Apostle of Night who'd truly opposed him - Nak - had already been killed by his hand.
As for Lana? Who was that? Completely unfamiliar!
Gurgle! Gurgle!!
The bubbles inside the glass container became alarmingly dense, raising concerns about Lana's well-being.
Witnessing this, Verde's voice came through the overhead speakers:
[While the situation remains unclear, to prevent unnecessary damage to the test subject, Luo Shu, you should leave with the Chairwoman.]
"How bizarre." Luo Shu shook his head and called to Lacus: "Let's go."
Lacus followed without hesitation, though her expression remained puzzled:
"How very strange."
"There was no reaction earlier at all."
After the two departed, Tabane grinned mischievously at Lana in the glass container, chuckling:
"Being completely ignored by someone you barely consider a rival—when you think about it seriously, it's quite understandable why you'd be so angry, No. 001."
"However, I actually think this is perfectly normal."
At this moment, Tabane Shinonono's face showed not a trace of warmth, cold as a machine:
"After all, an insignificant insect like you was never comparable to Luo Shu from the very beginning."
Lana, inside the glass jar, couldn't make a sound, nor even blink.
She was like a corpse stripped of limbs and heartbeat, yet retaining consciousness, left to soak in the medicinal solution, screaming internally with rage.
"What a pity, what a pity!" Tabane Shinonono suddenly feigned regret. "If I let you keep acting up, you might break."
"You're the only Apostle-level test subject we have. Can't let you break so easily."
"Baby Verde, hurry up and treat this arrogant fool!"
[Stop giving me ridiculous nicknames.]
Verde's warning came through the speaker, followed by a beep as the glass jar was flooded with blue medicinal solution.
Under the influence of the drugs, Lana gradually grew numb and calm amidst the pain.
...
Meanwhile.
As Luo Shu walked down the underground passage with Lacus, he received an unexpected piece of news:
"Emilia wants to see me?"
Lacus held Luo Shu's hand, her smile tinged with amusement:
"To be precise, Emilia probably wants to thank you in person."
"After all, you spared her dear teacher."
Hearing Lacus's teasing, Luo Shu couldn't help but laugh wryly:
"Is that really something worth thanking me for?"
"If Natsuki hadn't been keeping watch, someone like Aya would've long since killed herself."
"Logically speaking, I should be the villain oppressing her teacher, shouldn't I?"
"But... Miss Aya is perfectly fine now, isn't she?"
Lacus blinked playfully and lowered her voice to remind him:
"Besides, from what I've gathered talking to Miss Aya, she seems to be pushing for Emilia to join the Familia."
"Wait, really?" Luo Shu was stunned.
Aya Tokoyogi—that icy woman—actually took the initiative to contact Lacus and hinted at having Emilia join the Familia?
Are you sure that was really Aya Tokoyogi and not Natsuki Minamiya in disguise?
Just as Luo Shu looked sceptical, Lacus leaned forward slightly, hands behind her back, and asked:
"So, do you want to meet her?"
Hearing this, Luo Shu pondered for a moment before sighing:
"Well... I suppose I should."
After all, she's a silver-haired, violet-eyed elven beauty—a natural counter to most men's tastes, isn't she?