Chysis examined the crystal bottle, her experienced eyes taking in every detail of the glowing pink liquid. The soft glow casted patterns across her face as she turned it slowly in her hands.
"It's a healing potion," I said, trying to keep my voice casual despite the excitement bubbling beneath the surface. "Something I've been working on perfecting. I'd like you to try it, if you trust me enough."
Her eyebrows rose slightly. "You want me to be your test subject?"
"I trust my work," I replied with conviction. "But I understand if you'd rather not."
Chysis studied my face for a long moment, then set the bottle down on her desk. Without hesitation, she picked up a small letter opener and made a shallow cut across her palm. A few drops of blood welled up before she lifted the bottle again.
"Very well. I've lived long enough to recognize genuine confidence when I see it."
She uncorked the bottle and drank the entire contents in one smooth motion. Almost immediately, her eyes widened in surprise. The cut on her palm sealed itself instantly, leaving no trace it had ever existed. But more than that, I could see the change in her entire demeanor—her posture straightened, her eyes became brighter and more alert, and there was a vitality to her movements that hadn't been there moments before.
"Oh my" she breathed, flexing her fingers experimentally. "I feel... renewed. My mana reserves are completely restored, and there's an energy coursing through me that I haven't felt in decades. How did you create this?"
I gave her a mysterious smile. " Secret."
She laughed—a rich, genuine sound that filled the room. "Of course it is. But Akira, this isn't just a simple healing potion. The effects I'm experiencing suggest something far more potent. What exactly have you made?"
"A potion that can potentially cure any disease," I said, watching her reaction carefully. "Maybe even... the sleep disease you mentioned."
Her expression grew serious, the momentary levity fading. "Akira, the Devil's Sleep Disease isn't something that can be cured so easily. It's been plaguing our kind for centuries. If there was a simple solution—"
"Just give it a try. Make sure you drink it full or it might not work" I interrupted, leaning forward with determination. "What's the worst that could happen? If it doesn't work, then nothing changes. But if it does..."
Chysis fell silent, studying my face with those knowing eyes. Whatever she saw there must have convinced her, because she finally nodded slowly.
"Your determination is admirable. Very well—I'll return to the Underworld tonight and see if your creation has any effect on those afflicted." She paused, her expression becoming more cautious. "But I want you to understand that I'm not getting your hopes up. This disease has claimed too many for me to believe in miracle cures."
"I understand," I said, then added seriously, "But Chysis, keep this between us. Don't reveal that I'm the source of the potion. For my safety."
She nodded gravely. "Of course. Discretion is paramount in matters like these."
I handed her one additional bottle, keeping five for myself.
"Thank you, Akira," she said, carefully tucking the bottle away "Whatever the outcome, I appreciate what you're trying to do."
As I made my way back home through the quiet streets, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. If the Holy Water of Life could indeed cure the Devil's Sleep Disease, it would be groundbreaking. But more than that, it would put me in an extremely valuable position—one that could potentially secure me the Evil Pieces I needed.
---
Back in my room, I settled onto my bed and pulled up the system interface. The Rank 2 Gacha Ticket I'd earned from sparring with Kiba was still waiting in my inventory, practically burning a hole in my digital pocket.
"Time to see what Lady Luck has in store for me," I muttered, selecting the ticket.
The familiar spinning wheel appeared, its sections blurring together in a rainbow of possibilities. When it finally stopped, I had to blink several times to make sure I was reading it correctly.
**[GACHA RESULT]**
**Reward: Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū Techniques Scroll**
**Rarity: Rare**
**Description: A complete compilation of the legendary sword techniques from the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū school. Contains fundamental forms, advanced combinations, and secret techniques.**
A physical scroll materialized in my hands, its surface aged but well-preserved. I could feel the knowledge contained within, practically humming with potential. This was incredibly valuable—not just for me, but for others as well.
"Valerie!" I called out.
She appeared in my doorway within moments, her expression curious. "Yes?"
I held out the scroll, and her eyes immediately focused on it with interest. "I want you to take this and practice the basics with Asia in the backyard. It's a sword technique manual that should help improve your combat abilities."
Her eyes lit up as she carefully accepted the scroll. "Really? Thank you! Asia will be so excited—she's been wanting to learn more about combat techniques."
"Start with the fundamental forms," I advised. "Don't try anything too advanced until you've mastered the basics. I'll join you both in a few minutes to help guide your training."
She nodded eagerly and hurried off, practically bouncing with excitement. The sound of her footsteps fading down the hallway left me alone with my thoughts.
I leaned back against my headboard, staring up at the ceiling. The real reason I'd given Chysis the Holy Water of Life wasn't entirely altruistic, though helping people was certainly part of it. If this worked—if it could actually cure the Devil's Sleep Disease—then I'd have leverage. Real, substantial leverage.
Evil Pieces weren't just given away freely. They were precious resources, carefully distributed by the high-ranking devils of the underworld. But if I could provide something as valuable as a cure for an incurable disease... well, that changed everything.
The thought of finally being able to create my own peerage, to have loyal allies bound to me by the supernatural contract of the Evil Pieces system, was incredibly appealing. But more than that, it would give me the security and backing I'd need to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Of course, there was always the risk that Chysis would realize exactly how valuable what I'd given her truly was. The Holy Water of Life didn't just cure diseases—it extended natural lifespan by twenty years. For devils who already lived for centuries, that might not seem like much. But for someone like Chysis, who had been around long enough to appreciate the value of additional time...
I shook my head, pushing away the doubts. I'd taken precautions, asked for discretion, and made sure not to reveal the full extent of the potion's capabilities. If things went well, I'd have what I wanted. If they didn't, then I'd have to find another way.
Either way, I was committed now. All I could do was wait and see how events unfolded.
From outside, I could hear the excited chatter of Asia and Valerie as they began examining the scroll. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and despite my concerns about the situation with Chysis, I found myself smiling.
Time to go help them master some legendary sword techniques. After all, if my plan worked and I did manage to secure Evil Pieces, I'd want my household to be as strong as possible.
. . .
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