"So, boss, you've got a new breakthrough?" Roselle asked tentatively, not foolish enough to miss the implications in Alaric's words.
"I've devised a new treatment plan, inspired by myself. It balances the corruption from me with the Outer Deity's corruption in you, creating a counterforce to neutralize its influence. Think of it like using an anchor to counter a primordial being's will." Alaric said, setting down his teacup with a measured tone.
Roselle listened quietly, his brow furrowing. After a long pause, he looked at Alaric, hesitating before saying, "Boss, no offense, but is this plan really reliable?"
Having experienced Alaric's corruption firsthand, Roselle knew its madness and distortion were even more unsettling than the Outer Deity's. While using it to consume the corruption had worked before, balancing them sounded risky... like it could backfire spectacularly.
"It's called fighting poison with poison." Alaric said candidly, meeting Roselle's gaze calmly. "And if it were reliable, why would I test it on you first?"
"..."
He'd almost forgotten he was the less-favored Experimental Subject No. 2.
Roselle's mouth twitched as he grumbled, "Come on, man, I know you favor Mr. Door, but do you have to be so blatant? Aren't you worried I'll rebel?"
Alaric chuckled, his smile warm and radiant. "You could try."
Try? Try and die?
Roselle's mouth twitched again. He stared at Alaric for a few seconds, realizing the man seemed genuinely eager for him to try. Deflating, he slumped onto the table. "Try what? I'm not that dumb! You think I don't know you've been itching to turn me into a characteristic the moment I step out of line? No way I'm falling for that."
Then he caught Alaric's expression... one of regret, as if saying, "You figured it out?"
"..."
That's too much! You're such a good actor... can't you pretend a little?
Fine, he was a rotten guy who didn't deserve it!
Roselle was too tired to be angry. After all this time, he'd seen through Alaric's traits: a fondness for good people, fiercely protective, a lover of mischief, twisted yet oddly human-like in his values. At first glance, he seemed normal, but in truth, he was anything but. Most importantly, Alaric despised bad people, treating them as less than human.
And Roselle, unfortunately, fell into the "rotten" category, firmly on Alaric's dislike list.
You really do pay for your actions, Roselle thought ruefully, though he harbored no real resentment. Despite his flaws, he understood gratitude and knew some of his punishments were deserved.
Alaric smiled, pouring tea for everyone, including Amon, who'd been silently watching the drama unfold. After a sip, he looked at Roselle. "I'm not forcing you to undergo the procedure. You can refuse."
As one of Alaric's subordinates... half an ally... Roselle was afforded some leniency. An enemy would've been used as a disposable test subject without a choice.
Roselle, who'd been full of complaints, fell silent. He downed his tea in one gulp, drinking it like a shot of liquor, then wiped his mouth and asked, "If it works, can I really move freely outside?"
"In theory, yes. I can't guarantee the outcome, but even in the worst case, I can at least keep you alive." Alaric said honestly, without exaggeration.
"Sounds pretty unreliable…" Roselle muttered, sighing. He looked at Alaric. "But what choice do I have? I'm stuck with an unreliable boss like you!"
He laughed, adding, "Alright, boss, my life's in your hands."
Roselle admitted that, compared to being trapped in the tomb waiting for an uncertain freedom, he'd rather take the risk. It was his nature... why else would he have jumped to the Black Emperor pathway after being corrupted?
And though he'd never admit it, deep down, Roselle trusted Alaric's reliability. If anyone could pull this off, it was this shady boss.
"A wise choice." Alaric said, unsurprised. He leisurely finished his tea, then snapped his fingers. A wooden operating table appeared beside them.
"Uh, an actual surgery?" Roselle eyed the table, equipped with restraining straps that looked designed for a madhouse, feeling a growing sense of dread.
"Don't worry, no knives. I just don't want you thrashing too much from the pain, so I prepared in advance." Alaric said, smiling and gesturing toward the table.
Gulp.
Roselle swallowed hard, muttering, "I'd rather you used a knife…"
Honestly, he was already feeling phantom pain, haunted by memories of past treatments.
But Roselle was Roselle. Despite his apprehension, he dutifully lay on the table, only to notice something off. "Wait, this bed has sealing properties?"
His bad feeling intensified.
"Oh, because I had Mr. Door craft it specifically. How else could it restrain Kings of Angels or Sequence 0s like you?" Alaric said, giving him an odd look, as if it were obvious.
"..."
It made sense, but…
He looked at Alaric, whispering, "Can I back out now?"
Just how painful was this going to be to need this bed?
"Sorry, too late." Alaric said, shaking his head with a smile.
"Then… go easy on me…" Roselle said, not really backing out but sounding hesitant.
"Don't worry, I'll be gentle." Alaric assured, still smiling.
Amon, standing by, adjusted his monocle and said, "Are you two flirting?"
Alaric glanced at him, pausing before saying, "If you've got nothing to do, go chew on a lighter."
"???"
What lighter?
Ignoring him, Alaric turned to the visibly nervous Roselle and began the procedure in earnest.
***
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