"Is this... a potent aphrodisiac?"
At the restaurant, while waiting for food, Sigurd flipped through the drug analysis report from the operation, then glanced at the small glass bottle on the table containing a few transparent pills. His eyes lit up with a trace of surprise.
"Mhm," Bronya nodded, expressionless. Her usual stoic demeanor served as the perfect mask to hide any internal fluctuations. Even Sigurd didn't notice her concealed nervousness and caution.
"These pills are infused with Honkai energy and contain elements targeted at Honkai beast tissues. For ordinary people, they would be deadly poison. But it would be wasteful to use these on regular people. When used on the right targets... not even the physique of a fusion warrior could withstand the body's natural urges. Who's the genius behind this invention? I'd like to meet them."
Sigurd picked up the small bottle, shaking it slightly, and crossed his legs, intrigued by the discovery.
Bronya kept her face blank, her eyes briefly shifting before she replied, "We seized it when taking down criminals who were selling Honkai-infused goods. Unfortunately, they resisted fiercely, and we couldn't capture them alive. We can't trace the origin or gather further information."
"Illegally selling Honkai-infused goods is a crime against humanity. Being caught by Anti-Entropy would at least get you life in prison. Sounds about right. No other clues?"
"Given the culprit's background, it's possible they retrieved this from a specialized storage device from the previous civilization. That's the most plausible theory. Bronya believes they didn't have the credentials to access high-level researchers."
Bronya spoke with complete seriousness, relying on Sigurd's absolute trust in her.
And indeed, Sigurd didn't question her, instead following the logic she'd laid out.
"The previous civilization creating powerful aphrodisiacs that work on fusion warriors… maybe they were trying to force them to spread their genes, boosting humanity's combat power and survival chances? That's plausible. When the Honkai pressure was on, they probably resorted to any means, even drugging fusion warriors."
Sigurd nodded, feeling the theory was reasonable.
Take someone like Fu Hua, for instance—her indifferent personality would never lead her to engage in romantic relationships willingly. And given that willpower is the primary trait for fusion warriors, there must have been others like her. So... did Fu Hua experience this during the previous era?
As Sigurd pondered this, his lips curled up slightly.
He decided to ask her about it next time they met.
Although she likely wouldn't remember, and according to the Book of Fuxi, Fu Hua was as pure as they come, her reaction could still be amusing.
Bronya blinked, then nodded. "That makes a lot of sense."
Sigurd put down the report and the small bottle, turning to Bronya.
"So, why give me this? Do you have any particular requests?"
"First, I need a complete analysis of its effects, including any dangers or side effects. Second, we need a breakdown of its components to see if it can be improved and mass-produced. Medical expertise isn't Bronya's forte, so she needs your help."
Bronya said this without breaking a sweat.
Sigurd raised an eyebrow.
Why was she asking him to study aphrodisiacs?
Could it be that this seemingly cute, emotionless girl had developed a peculiar interest?
Smack!
Bronya slapped Sigurd on the head.
"Don't overthink it. Bronya simply wants to categorize it as a strategic weapon."
Sigurd nodded. Bronya's list of special weapons was extensive and included items for dealing with all kinds of extreme situations. Considering the vast range of scenarios she envisioned, it made sense for her to collect a variety of tools. The aphrodisiac was strange, but it wasn't incomprehensible.
"This probably wouldn't work on actual Herrschers, given their different body structure and composition. But against Valkyries and fusion warriors, it would be effective."
"What about on you, Sigurd?"
"Me? If I'm caught off guard and the drug takes effect, it would definitely reduce my combat effectiveness and mental control... as expected of you!"
Sigurd's eyes lit up, and he affectionately patted Bronya's head.
Bronya froze for a moment before regaining her composure, her face remaining stoic as she said, "Why would you say that?"
"You've already considered the possibility of me losing control. In extreme cases, this drug could weaken my fighting ability, increasing the chances of escape or capture. That's why you wanted me to study the potential side effects, to ensure it wouldn't cause irreversible damage to me, right?"
"... Yes, that's exactly how Bronya thought about it. Apologies, but from a logical standpoint, Bronya had to consider contingencies if you were to lose control."
"You did great. I'll help you analyze and refine it, aiming to make the drug so potent that even I can't resist. Don't worry about side effects—my body's healing capabilities are stronger than you think. No matter how powerful the drug, I'll recover once it wears off."
"Thank you, Sigurd."
Bronya nodded, her small head nudging against Sigurd's hand, and a faint smile curved her lips.
Sigurd felt deeply satisfied as he patted her head.
He had just uncovered a substance that could potentially interfere with Herrscher consciousness, and here was Bronya, already preparing a countermeasure for him losing control. Even more impressive, she did so without knowing any of the classified information he held. It was a testament to her excellent strategic foresight.
Sigurd felt proud. His years of nurturing and guiding her had truly paid off—Bronya had grown into an exceptional person.
"Sigurd~❤"
At that moment, Kiana and Sin Mal, who had just arrived at the restaurant, both clung to Sigurd's arms, nearly at the same time.
Two pairs of pretty eyes, filled with electric sparks, glared at each other.
Sigh... Sigurd sighed.
Despite receiving the same education as Bronya, why were these two still giving him constant headaches?
Clearly, people are just different.
Standing nearby, Theresa rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"Sin Mal is quite a strong rival for Kiana. Come to think of it, even Wendy seems to be in love with that brat too. There's also that soft and gentle Seele… it's obvious she's also into him… hmm? And Bronya..."
Exchanging a look with Bronya, Theresa saw the calm and composure in her eyes.
"Oh no! The others might not matter much, but Bronya... with her intelligence and Sigurd's trust in her, she's the real challenge for Kiana!"
The ahoge on Theresa's head twitched, then slowly relaxed.
Oh well, these younger ones will have their entanglements. Let things play out naturally. If Kiana really can't handle the other girls, she'll step in when the time is right and help her.
<+>
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Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 284: The Herrscher… is Me!?[2]
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