The Experimental Subject’s eyes suddenly snapped open, his oppressive gaze penetrating everywhere without a single blind spot, filling the entire space.
“Since you’re so eager to uncover the secrets hidden within Elira’s body, once the experiment succeeds, I can bring her back for you to study.”
The others immediately stood guard in front of Aura, forming a human wall as if facing a formidable enemy.
Looking closer, it was clear that nearly everyone around was part of the security force, each a skilled elite with spiritual abilities.
“Everyone, disperse. You’re making a fuss over nothing.”
Aura showed no fear as she signaled for the human wall to break apart.
She stepped forward and said,
“Are you sure? Although you’ll become a new standard after the experiment succeeds, Elira is not as easy to deal with as you think.”
Experimental Subject: “I’ve reviewed Elira’s past records. Half of the ten seats of the Magic Alliance are her defeated subordinates. If I can accomplish this, it proves I have the strength to directly challenge her.”
“Hmph~~ Very well then. I look forward to your results.”
Aura pressed a button on the console in front of her, sealing the laboratory with an iron door.
She then took her entourage outside.
Huff~~~
“It’s been a long time since I breathed fresh air outside.”
Aura stretched lazily, her movements pulling at the tight research suit, outlining her beautiful figure perfectly.
“…Are you really not going to tell him?” the man following behind her asked quietly.
“Even if the experiment succeeds, he’s nowhere near capable of challenging the world, let alone Elira.”
From what they knew, Elira had never revealed her full power.
Only when someone was pushed to the brink of life and death would her true strength erupt.
And no one had ever managed to corner Elira to such an extent.
She was like a bottomless pit—an abyss, a galaxy—impossible to discern her true depths.
After all, the Divinity Particle originated from the Third Ancient Artifact of the Boundary Sea.
This power itself was a miracle, not something humans could catch up to through effort in a short time.
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Anyway, we don’t lack Experimental Subjects. If he’s gone, then he’s gone.”
Aura looked back, her calm voice sending a chill deep into the bone.
“Didn’t I say? Humanity doesn’t need miracles like the Divinity Particle that can’t be replicated. My research can be replicated. If he wants to tempt death, so be it. It’ll just help me gather data.”
“…You’re right.”
“The whole world is waiting for my results. The support from various factions is the best proof. This is an unstoppable trend; losing a few arrogant Experimental Subjects doesn’t matter at all.”
Aura smiled with satisfaction.
The morbid smile was like a dazzling peony blooming from black mud, its roots flowing with fresh blood.
“By the way, I might need new Experimental Subjects soon. Find some for me.”
“Understood. I’ll select from within the organization…”
“Idiot, broaden your scope! How many people are even in the organization? How many of them qualify?”
“Understood.”
“Oh, oh, if you can get a Magic Girl, that’d be even better. Can you manage that?”
“I’ll try my best.”
The next day, Luo You came to Liyun’s house again.
First sneaking in quietly to make some preparations, then entering through the front door.
“Please come in…”
Liyun opened the narrow door that barely fit a single person.
“I brought this. It’s cold outside—have a couple of drinks.”
Luo You handed Liyun a honeyed citrus drink with special ingredients added.
Inside the heated room, she took off her coat, revealing a thin tank top, ultra-short shorts barely reaching the top of her thighs, and pure white legs adorned with cute yet slightly provocative black stockings.
“Miss You You, you’re dressed so lightly?”
Liyun shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
“The heater’s on; it’s warm. Wearing more would be too hot.”
Luo You acted as if she were at home, lying back on the sofa, her two adorable feet crossed together, casually enticing.
Noticing more and more eyes fixed on her, Luo You smiled quietly and asked, “By the way, where’s the hot water heater?”
“Oh! Sorry, it’s been a long time since anyone came here. I’m not used to it. No need for you to do it—leave it to me!”
Liyun rushed to the kitchen, fussing over making tea despite it being a simple task.
Her demeanor was exactly like a daughter-in-law showing off her cooking skills to the mother-in-law, despite not really knowing how to cook.
By the time she brought the brewed honeyed citrus tea over, ten minutes had passed.
“Sorry… for making you wait.”
Liyun took a sip, the sweet and sour taste invigorating her palate.
“Already prepared?”
Luo You asked.
“Yeah… Please listen. This is about my friend… Ah, forget it—it’s really just my own matter!”
Seeing Luo You’s expression saying ‘You actually have friends?’
Liyun sadly revealed the truth little by little.
“Actually, I once…”
Liyun concealed key facts, describing her story without revealing that she was a Magic Girl, but enough for Luo You to understand.
From being taken by a wicked woman and brainwashed overnight, to a drastic change in character, neglecting her main responsibilities and becoming a shut-in.
She had recently been scolded awake by her sister.
Of course, she didn’t mention her infatuation with the wicked woman—that was too embarrassing.
“Hmm, hmm… so you went through that.”
Luo You sympathized, “That Elira woman is really terrible!”
“…Yeah.”
“That collar from yesterday, it was actually meant for you, right?”
“Huh? Th-This—”
“Don’t deny it so quickly. Your name is written right on the collar.”
Looking closely, Luo You’s hand suddenly held the collar, inside which ‘Liyun’ was inscribed.
“Why do you have it?!”
“I happened to see it when I went to the bathroom.”
Luo You blocked Liyun’s hand as she tried to grab the collar back and asked, “Why do you still keep it?”
“Th-This is because—”
“Because Elira ‘trained’ you overnight?”
“Wh-What?! You’re way too blunt!”
Liyun’s deepest shame was ruthlessly exposed by Luo You, and she was both angry and embarrassed.
“Well, the more you avoid such embarrassing things, the less you can face them properly,”
Luo You soothed her expertly, “Do you still want her to enslave you? Be honest.”
Liyun’s face turned redder and redder.
“…I don’t know.”
“Good! Giving that answer means you’re no longer stuck in the past!”
“Eh? Is that so…?”
“Exactly. I guess the old you would have nodded without hesitation. So if you say ‘I don’t know,’ it means you’re steadily moving forward!”
Luo You spoke like a master persuader, convincing Liyun who was left stunned.
The groundwork was set, and Luo You thought it was time to raise the stakes.
“If you, Big Sister, were to meet Elira again, and you happened to be holding this collar, what would you do?”
“I think…”
Liyun opened her mouth to answer, but countless thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant.
Her answer would become the blueprint for her future, merging countless parallel possibilities into one.
She had to follow her heart, never reverting to her old self.
With the following response, she would sever her karmic ties with Elira once and for all.
Seizing this rare chance, her rebirth was at this very moment—
“I think… I would return this collar to her…”
After saying this, Liyun exhaled deeply.
This had to be her truest feeling.
The new Magic Girl Liyun was about to reborn…
“Pathetic… too pathetic!”
“Huh?”
Luo You shook her head, then suddenly stood up and shouted,
“Be bolder! If you see her, you should beat that woman to her knees, flip the collar around, fasten it to her neck, and make her kneel like a bitch, begging you to be her master!”