After developing a device that could turn water into bitter melon juice, Lierre, who was already the center of attention, suddenly became the primary subject of discussion among Schicksal personnel.
Even Nagamitsu, the director of Schicksal St. 1504 Research Institute, took an interest in this technology.
After looking into it, Nagamitsu concluded that Lierre's talent and reservoir of knowledge were, without exaggeration, already on par with frontline researchers like herself.
"No wonder Overseer Otto is so attentive to her; even the share of research funding he gave is at an envious level."
Nagamitsu sighed as she set down the documents in her hand. She brushed a strand of long red hair behind her ear, a depressed expression surfacing on her beautiful face.
"But... but isn't this technology that can only turn water into bitter melon juice a bit of a joke? If seawater could be converted into oil, the value of this technology would be unprecedented!"
What a pity...
Nagamitsu shook her head. This technology could only benefit those who enjoyed "dark cuisine" like bitter melon juice.
And the only finished product created had ultimately been given to Theresa by Lierre.
"They're just flaunting their affection in front of us single women!"
As expected of the first "lesbian couple" officially recognized by the Schicksal organization, even their displays of affection were high-tech.
However, Nagamitsu's special trip to Lierre's research institute wasn't without gain. The technology for one-click clothing changes was fantastic; it directly eliminated the time spent changing clothes.
Moreover, this technology could be applied to Valkyrie armor. If successful, it would be incredibly convenient.
Once she invited Lierre over, she would start arranging staff for experiments!
"Director, Lady Lierre declined your invitation. She said the scientific research project she's currently working on is focused on compensating for the defects in artificial stigmata."
A staff member walked in quickly from outside and reported with a look of regret.
"What?"
Dumbfounded, Nagamitsu adjusted her monocle and confirmed again, "Are you sure?"
Was the jump in fields really that large?
"Absolutely certain! Lady Lierre has already had people prepare the relevant medical equipment. I heard that another sum of funding issued by Overseer Otto arrived the day before yesterday."
"Another sum of funding..."
Hearing that Lierre had received yet another injection of funds, Nagamitsu couldn't help but feel sour.
The gap between people was truly vast.
Both were cutting-edge scholars in the scientific field and both were directors of research institutes, so why was the treatment so different?
"The defects of artificial stigmata haven't been solved by anyone to this day. Can the Apocalypse Research Institute led by Lierre really pull it off?"
Although Nagamitsu wasn't familiar with this specific field, she could guess that the difficulty was no less than moving a mountain.
After all, Valkyries were the vital combat force of Schicksal. If there were any other way, how could they allow Valkyries to die young one after another due to the flaws of artificial stigmata?
Apocalypse Research Institute.
Lierre, wearing a white lab coat, was directing logistics personnel to place various expensive pieces of equipment in their proper positions.
Without using her Authority, she had to rely on the assistance of this equipment to successfully produce a medicine that could compensate for the defects accompanying artificial stigmata.
It's better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish.
Although the Panacea was universal, no one but Lierre herself could make it.
To make this sustainable, she had to find another way.
The reason she didn't do this at St. Freya Academy was simple: Theresa had no money!
"Lady Lierre, this is the final batch of equipment you requested. If you need anything else in the future, please contact me."
Amber stood straight beside Lierre, respectfully handing over the checklist with both hands.
Lierre took it and gave it a brief scan. Confirming there were no issues, she felt satisfied with Amber's efficiency. "No problem. You can go back and report your mission as complete."
Amber nodded slightly. Before leaving, she said, "Rita has finished handing over her duties. Until the Immortal Blades squad is fully deployed, she will be responsible for taking care of your daily life and protecting your safety."
Is he that afraid I'll run away?
Lierre curled her lip imperceptibly. While she wasn't entirely satisfied with Otto's arrangement, having a beautiful maid personally look after her didn't seem like a bad deal.
"When Rita arrives, tell her to come inside and find me."
"Yes."
Amber nodded, then walked out of the institute briskly, bumping into Rita who was waiting at a corner.
Amber gave her a slight nod and then walked toward the Overseer's office without looking back.
At the corner, Rita walked with elegant steps in the opposite direction from Amber.
She didn't reject this task; in fact, she was quite satisfied with it.
Lierre had only been at headquarters for a short time, yet she had already revealed the tip of the iceberg to everyone. Even Rita was surprised by the abilities Lierre displayed.
After all, not long ago, Lierre's impression on her was merely that of a superpowered individual who could summon the dead.
Rita entered the interior of the institute and soon found Lierre, who was busy with something.
"Lady Lierre, Rita will be your exclusive maid during this time. Please feel free to command me if there is anything you need Rita to do for you."
Rita stepped forward and gave a slight, serious bow.
"You've come at the right time. Go change your clothes first, then come help me as an assistant later." Lierre didn't miss the chance to exploit Rita's labor.
Even if the person who came was Otto, she would have done the same.
"It would be my honor."
Rita agreed with a smile, then turned and walked toward the changing room.
By assisting Lierre, she could keep track of the specific progress of the experiment in real-time.
Whether Lierre ultimately had the ability to solve the defects of artificial stigmata would depend on the days they spent together.
In her heart, Rita hoped Lierre could accomplish this feat. Those Valkyries who fought bloody battles to defeat the Honkai, and those who were lucky enough to survive, shouldn't have to die at such a young age.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Using the principle of "shooting the arrow first and then drawing the target," Lierre successfully created a medicine.
It could compensate for the defects brought by artificial stigmata. The course of treatment was at minimum one week and at maximum three months.
The specific duration depended on the degree of Honkai erosion the artificial stigmata had caused the body.
This medicine had no side effects!
"Lady Lierre, I represent all the Valkyries in expressing our gratitude to you!"
Rita looked at the deep blue medicine in the glass container, a flash of pleasant surprise in her eyes.
Next, as long as it passed clinical trials, the drug could be officially injected into Valkyries who had poor adaptability to Honkai energy and suffered from artificial stigmata erosion.
The era of sacrificing a massive portion of one's lifespan for power via artificial stigmata might become a thing of the past starting today.
This medicine needed an accurate name, and Lierre was undoubtedly the greatest contributor.
Thus, Rita said, "Lady Lierre, please name it."
Lierre pondered for a moment. After a breath, she suddenly snapped her fingers and said, "As the saying goes, fight fire with fire. From now on, it shall be called—the T-Virus!"
Rita: "?"
Vi... Virus?!