Himeko stood silently, her expression unreadable. She knew she'd been relying on alcohol to numb the pain in her body, but that was never a long-term solution.
Now, an unprecedented opportunity appeared before her — like a glimmer of dawn in the darkness, offering her hope for liberation.
Theresa picked up the oral solution and handed it to Himeko, urging, "Himeko, what are you spacing out for? If this stuff really works, you might even leap straight to S-rank Valkyrie after drinking it!"
Kiana and the others also chimed in one after another, looking at Himeko with the same concerned gaze, persuading in unison, "That's right, Teacher Himeko, hurry up and drink it!"
--------------------------------
Himeko looked at everyone's concerned expressions, silently put the drink back into the box, pushed it in front of Theresa, and said firmly, "Principal, take these two potions for research. If the ingredients can be analyzed, we can find a way to mass-produce them."
"This way, future Valkyries can all improve their Honkai energy resistance and adaptability, and won't have to fear the erosion of Honkai energy anymore. By then, it won't be too late for me to drink it either."
"Uh… why didn't I think of that? As expected, Himeko, you're more thorough!"
After hearing Himeko's words, Theresa seemed to awaken from a dream. Now that she had such a precious sample on hand, as long as they could successfully analyze the active ingredients one by one, perhaps they could hope to manufacture and mass-produce a potion with the same effect and distribute it to the students under her command. By then, everyone would have the strength of an A-rank Valkyrie, and her grandfather would surely be shocked.
Thinking of this, Theresa placed her hands on her hips, wore a silly smile on her face, and let out a "hmhm" laugh.
At this moment, Fu Hua suddenly spoke and said, "Himeko, I once heard that Schicksal Headquarters has already developed a serum with a similar effect…"
"This potion that purifies Honkai energy erosion—you should drink it now."
Before Himeko could respond, Fu Lin, propping his chin with his hand, casually said, "You mean the HSN-b46 serum, right? That one can only suppress the effects of Honkai energy, but it can't eliminate the erosion of Honkai energy on the body."
Under Fu Hua's stunned gaze, Fu Lin continued, "But this one can purify the erosion of Honkai energy on the body—it's different."
"I see, then take both of them for research." Himeko scratched her head, figuring she had endured it for years anyway, so waiting a little longer wouldn't matter.
Fu Lin stared directly at Himeko, his gaze becoming a little complicated, and couldn't help but sigh, "Aunt Himeko is truly great. But even if you don't drink it, it's okay—I actually have a way to eliminate the erosion of Honkai energy too."
Hearing Fu Lin's words, a hint of doubt surfaced on Theresa's face. She frowned, her face full of disbelief, and said, "Didn't you say you're just an ordinary person?"
Kiana chimed in, "Exactly, exactly, Fu Lin, stop joking around."
Fu Shi also looked doubtful, and asked via telepathy, "Since when did you have this ability?"
'Just sit back and watch me show off.'
Fu Lin winked at Fu Shi, then stood up, walked around the table to Himeko's back, and under everyone's surprised gaze, light began to glow from his hands.
"I'm done pretending, I'm revealing my cards now. Across the world, the one who connects heaven and earth, commonly known as an ordinary person—that's me, watch closely!"
Sensing everyone's astonished gazes, Fu Lin's lips curled slightly, his eyes gleamed with confidence and pride, and an almost imperceptible smile appeared, as if declaring to everyone,
This is my power!
However, just as Fu Lin was immersed in this beautiful fantasy, a crisp voice suddenly shattered the tranquility.
Kiana, blinking her bright eyes, stared at Fu Lin's hands and curiously asked, "Fu Lin, did you apply glow powder on your hands? You better wash them clean before eating later."
Fu Lin's face instantly darkened, a few black lines even appeared on his forehead, and the atmosphere he had worked so hard to create was completely ruined by Kiana's unintentional remark.
He couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "No way... damn it!"
The stunned crowd also couldn't help but chuckle at Kiana's words, and the once tense atmosphere instantly eased.
Theresa couldn't hold back her laughter, "Hahaha, don't tell me Kiana hit the nail on the head. If you really can eliminate the Honkai energy erosion from Himeko's body, I'll pay you a salary…"
"Theresa, you better mean that."
Fu Lin's eyes lit up, and then he slowly extended his hand, gently placing his palm against Himeko's back. His long and slender fingers were firm, and a faint light radiated from his palm.
At first, Himeko didn't pay much attention, but soon she felt a warm current flowing from behind.
That warm current was like a spring breeze, gently brushing across her skin, bringing a sense of comfort and relaxation.
As time went by, the warm current gradually grew stronger, flowing down Himeko's spine and spreading to every corner of her body.
This intense comfort originating from within made Himeko subconsciously murmur softly, "Mmm~ It's been so long since I've felt this comfortable~"
Hearing this, Fu Lin turned his head and muttered, "Hey, could you not say something so easily misunderstood?"
Himeko tilted her head slightly, glanced at Fu Lin's blushing cheeks, and teased with a smirk, "Mmm~ But it really feels great, like my body has returned to its younger days. Were you thinking something dirty?"
Fu Lin retorted, "No way, I'm a proper and decent person. You're the one whose mind is in the gutter, Himeko."
Kiana stealthily walked up to Theresa, lowered her voice, and mumbled, "Auntie, it seems Fu Lin really can cure Honkai energy erosion. How much salary are you planning to give him? Also, you've been delaying Himeko's salary for a long time, haven't you~"
Upon hearing this, Theresa glared fiercely at Kiana, but soon replied nonchalantly, "Salary is no problem. As long as Himeko can be cured, that's all that matters. As for Himeko's salary, I'm just keeping it safe for her—otherwise she'd just spend it all on alcohol again."