Through the white-haired girl's explanation, Luciel gradually understood what the "Virtual Ghost Infection" was, and why the scarlet lines on Liyue's delicate face carried such heavy meaning.
The infection was a fatal disease, one that lasted no more than ten years… often less.
When the time came, the infected would either die or turn into something else—twisted, deranged monsters known as virtual ghosts.
Virtual ghosts were no longer human. They were insane, cruel, dried husks of what they once were—creatures driven only by the instinct to bite living beings.
The infected themselves were not contagious. Only a bite or scratch from a virtual ghost could spread the disease.
Even so, the infected were shunned, feared, and driven away.
And so, in such a harsh world, Liyue pursued the legendary "Angel's Wings," said to cure the infection.
"This feels… a little like zombies," Luciel muttered after hearing the story, recalling the zombie movies of Earth.
The difference was that zombie bites turned people within minutes, while virtual ghost infections had an incubation period of up to ten years.
"What's a zombie?" Liyue asked, blinking in confusion.
"It's a monster even scarier than a virtual ghost," Luciel replied casually.
His gaze lingered on the scarlet markings across the girl's cheeks. On impulse, he leaned closer, reaching out his hand.
"No, don't…" Liyue lowered her head, her voice filled with shame.
"You just said the infected can't infect others." Luciel tilted her chin up with his fingers.
"But… people are still afraid," she whispered, biting her lip, her silver eyes restless.
"At least I'm not."
Luciel's hand gently stroked the scarlet lines on her cheeks.
As he touched them, he remarked softly, "Hmm… it's warm, and a little firm. Feels like soft rubber tubing."
"Eh? That's such a weird way to put it!" Liyue's face flushed, her silver eyes full of embarrassment.
Yet the warmth of his touch softened something deep inside her.
Her mind, once filled only with memories of disgusted stares, cruel words, and contemptuous looks, now held the figure of Luciel—someone who saw her differently.
"Luciel, you should let go," Mino's voice called, lips pursed.
The rabbit-eared girl hid behind him, quietly listening.
But when she saw Luciel's hand caressing the white-haired girl's face, a strange, uncomfortable feeling stirred within her.
"Ahem…" Luciel coughed lightly.
Reluctantly, he withdrew his hand. Her cheek had been so soft, like a toy to squeeze.
"No wonder… I thought something felt off," Luciel murmured.
He realized then—the white-haired girl had misunderstood. She believed Luciel already knew about the infection, which was why she trusted him so easily.
"No wonder what?" Mino's ears twitched. She leaned closer. "Luciel, did you discover something?"
Her eyes showed pity for the treatment Liyue had suffered. A girl marked by death itself—how could she not be ostracized?
"Is something wrong?" Liyue had recovered from her shyness and looked at him curiously.
"Earlier, you said you only had half a year left." Luciel chose not to correct her misconception. Instead, he asked, "Isn't the disease supposed to last ten years?"
"No, I've only been infected for less than five."
Liyue pursed her lips. "But using the powers that come with the infection speeds it up."
"Powers?" Luciel's eyes widened. "The infection gives you abilities?"
She nodded. "Yes. Just like mutants. But the more you use them, the faster the infection corrodes your body."
She glanced enviously at Mino's rabbit ears. "That's the price of being an infected."
"So the infected… are like mutants?" Luciel raised a brow, glancing at the rabbit-eared girl.
He couldn't help but feel there was a connection. Mutants were like successful evolutions, while virtual ghosts were failed ones.
"My ability is hawk's vision," Liyue said, her pupils shifting into sharp eagle-like eyes that glinted like the open sky.
The scarlet lines on her cheeks stirred, spreading slightly across her skin.
"Stop." Luciel quickly raised a hand to halt her.
"With Angel Tears, it's safe to use my powers," she said lightly.
Luciel's expression grew serious. "Are you certain Angel Wings can really cure the infection?"
"I… I don't know for sure. It's what my companions always told me…" she admitted, her voice faltering under his steady gaze.
"Then we'll test it."
Luciel hadn't forgotten—he also possessed the power of Angel Tears.
"I can't test it yet," Liyue said, looking down at the winged white flowers in her arms. "It takes ten days for Angel Wings to produce even a single drop."
"Remember what I told you?" Luciel asked, smiling faintly.
"What did you say?" Liyue tilted her head, confused.
"Nothing is impossible."
He willed his ability to activate. Knowledge of its effects flowed into his mind.
Angel Tears: Consumes stamina and mental energy to condense a drop of dew that relieves negative states and restores vitality. Cooling time: ten days. Evolving Angel Wings reduces cooldown and enhances effect.
Luciel turned his palm upward. A shimmering emerald droplet slowly formed in his hand.
"This is my first healing ability," he whispered.
"Huh? It smells nice…" Mino licked her lips unconsciously.
"Luciel… don't tell me that's an Angel Tear?" Liyue asked in disbelief.
"Exactly what you think it is."
Luciel raised his hand to her lips. "Open your mouth. Drink it. Let's test the Angel Tear's power."