"BS Value 1500, MI Value 2200?"
Verde stared at the data displayed on the instrument, his already large head seeming to swell further:
"Physical capabilities 150 times that of an average human, mental strength 220 times? And judging by these slowly fluctuating readings, these values are still increasing in real time?"
"This is impossible..."
"These figures surpass even those of high-rank demonkind?"
Verde slapped his chair armrest, causing wheels to automatically extend from beneath the infantile-looking seat as it slid sideways to a specialised computer terminal.
Frantically placing his hands on his custom keyboard, Verde began cross-referencing data:
"Cell activity is abnormal - the readings are more extreme than even combat-type demons. How can such a body survive in normal oxygen environments?"
At this point, Verde abruptly turned to Kirika Tachibana:
"What does he normally eat? Logically speaking, with his physical constitution, ordinary human food should cause severe malnutrition."
"How should I know!" Kirika blinked in confusion.
"Aren't you his superior?" Verde frowned before pressing, "You don't even know this?"
"He's only been in SDS for 4 days." Kirika's cheek twitched, her expression one of utter exasperation.
"Useless!" Verde shot Kirika a cold glance before casually tapping the chair's armrest, which slid open to reveal a dozen test tubes.
Randomly extracting one, Verde tossed it to Kirika:
"Go collect his genetic material. I need samples for detailed analysis."
"Wait, what?" Kirika fumbled to catch the tube before freezing at his words. "Hold on, you don't mean...?"
"Use your hands or mouth, I don't care. I just need the sample."
Verde's glasses seemed to glint ominously:
"If we can prove these traits are heritable, then celebrate."
"We've discovered a new human species!"
"This will undoubtedly be recorded in history books - and you'll be immortalised alongside my research as the brightest blossoms in human civilisation!"
"Wait, what are you saying? What exactly do you want me to do?"
Clutching the test tube, Kirika stood completely dumbfounded.
"Unless you'd prefer Lacus to do it? Not that I personally care, but look at me - am I capable?"
Verde raised his infant-sized hands, voice dripping with disdain:
"You're the least valuable person here, hence why you're assigned this task."
Just then, Lacus stepped forward:
"Doctor, if I may interrupt."
"What?" Verde's heart skipped a beat as he adjusted his glasses, his expression stiffening as he turned to Lacus.
"Could the data be destroyed?" Lacus's tone remained gentle, her smile intact, but her gaze turned razor-sharp.
"The data is safest with me. Only you, Siegel and I have access privileges."
Lacus reiterated firmly: "I won't tolerate any leaks. Not even the slightest possibility."
"...Understood."
Verde scratched his head in frustration before replying:
"I will destroy the data, but only after I've memorised the specifics, as further research is still required. Additionally, I request the use of a Grade 3 Abyss Artefact, Memory Maze, to implement mental controls on me. That should suffice, shouldn't it?"
"My apologies, Doctor." Lacus nodded apologetically. "Until the Memory Maze is confirmed to be effective, please remain within my sight at all times."
"I understand. It's just that future research will have to be conducted by me alone without assistance, which is rather inconvenient. But never mind, since you're the Chairwoman after all."
As Verde spoke, he sniffled, sucking back his runny nose before continuing:
"However, there's one matter I must declare. If it's proven that this new human's genetic factors are inheritable, I'll advise Siegel to arrange his engagement to you directly, Chairwoman."
Hearing this, Kirika Tachibana's face darkened instantly as she snapped: "Verde, what nonsense are you spouting?"
"This is a necessary measure to secure the Clyne faction's future."
Verde's gaze was ice-cold, befitting his moniker as the Mad Doctor:
"Otherwise, in 20 or 30 years, when we're middle-aged, how will we face a generation of impulsive young new humans?"
"Don't be absurd. If the traits are truly heritable, given his mental aptitude, his descendants would more easily control powerful Abyss Artefacts, possessing greater innate talent and ability. At that point, who would truly command the SDS?"
"How could we suppress a generation smarter, stronger and longer-lived than us? Through mere words?"
"Even if words were enough, ideologies are built upon material foundations. His descendants would inevitably possess greater power than ours - a stronger reality."
"If we don't seize control of this reality for Clyne now, shall we simply hand it to others?"
"Having Lacus bear his child, ensuring the next generation carries Clyne blood - this is the optimal solution, the most peaceful transition."
"With proper upbringing, rebellion risks are minimal. They could wait five hundred years, a millennium to assume power, while we'd inevitably perish first."
"Naturally, I'd first need to bypass the fertility limitations of first-generation Coordinators to ensure safe childbirth."
"Though that's trivial compared to my current research - a side project at most."
"Speaking of which, the data remains insufficient. Equipment needs upgrading again. Brand-new safety gear already obsolete? Perhaps the lab stock... No, with just one new human specimen, preservation is paramount. Priority must be developing advanced collection instruments first."
As Verde muttered to himself, Lacus parted her lips, then sighed:
"Understood, Doctor. I'll give your proposal serious consideration."
"Tachibana as well - please remain calm. The Doctor merely offered a rational suggestion."
Kirika Tachibana pinched her brow and clicked her tongue:
"My apologies. I lost composure."
With that, she turned towards Luo Shu, still lying in the apparatus, her mouth twitching slightly:
"This brat... has truly gifted us quite the predicament."
"That was just an act of trust towards me, though I'm not entirely sure why he trusts me so much... Perhaps because he's very familiar with me?"
As Lacus said this, her expression grew somewhat complicated.
What was supposed to be a simple genetic test and arrangement to produce the Adjuster Drug had somehow ended up like this?
Kirika Tachibana took out a cigarette and lit it, no longer caring whether Lacus was present or not. Her current mood was exceedingly subtle:
"Speaking of which, wasn't that kid trying to pursue you? This makes things easier. Before he even succeeds in courting you, you'll have to decide whether to have his child first. Heh, now that's interesting."
"Oh? There's such a thing? Then matters seem even simpler now."
Verde glanced towards Luo Shu with surprise before muttering:
"Quite good taste, picking Lacus at first sight. Hmm? Lust at first sight?"
Exhaling a smoke ring, Kirika finally calmed down:
"So what's next? Do we tell Luo Shu all the results?"
Hearing this, Verde replied calmly: "I recommend doing so. After all, having his cooperation would make my research much more convenient."
"Moreover, for someone this valuable, I personally suggest placing him in an absolutely secure department."
"His current worth, in my eyes, even surpasses the entire value of SDS. Of course, he still doesn't compare to me—because I don't plan on dying yet."
Verde tapped the keyboard rapidly while adding:
"And, call it intuition, but this new human might harbour even greater power that current methods simply can't detect."
"Heh, come to think of it, among demons, there's the concept of pureblood demons. Then he'd likely be what you'd call a pureblood human."
"Considering the entire human race, having him pass on his genetic material is of utmost importance."
Pushing up his glasses, Verde remarked, "Now I somewhat understand your respect for his personal agency, Lacus. Indeed, such a pureblood human's will must be respected."
"After all, I'd prefer conducting research safely with mutual cooperation rather than being crushed like a bug after approaching with ill intent."
After lengthy contemplation, Lacus exhaled softly and said:
"Let's disclose all the data to Luo Shu-kun, including the issues concerning him."
She paused before continuing:
"But don't mention the earlier suggestion. Consider this my personal request."
Noticing Lacus's troubled expression, Kirika's gaze turned subtle.
Verde, however, remained unperturbed:
"Need some dating advice? Though I've been single for over forty years, theoretically speaking, I'm quite formidable."
"I appreciate the offer, Doctor, but I believe your theories would serve best as paper waste."
Listening to Lacus's scathing remark, Verde removed his glasses to wipe them:
"Now that's what they call 'faithful words grate upon the ear.'"
'Women truly aren't to be trifled with...' Verde sighed inwardly, though given another chance, he'd still make the same suggestion.
Even if it meant killing the girl's love...