[It's safe to assume you've now made it onto Nanook's kill list. From now on, you'll need to be careful when going out—there's a real risk of being ambushed by multiple Emanators of Destruction and the Antimatter Legion.]
[After such a narrow escape, it's only natural to unwind. So, you pull out your Jade Abacus, find Hanya's number, and give her a call.]
[Given their recent achievements, Hanya and Xueyi should have at least received some recognition, if not promotions. Yet, the higher-ups' attitude has been… ambiguous.]
[At first, they used the sisters' injuries as an excuse, ordering them to rest and recuperate at home.]
[But this "rest" ended up lasting over half a year.]
[The Ten-Lords Commission is always swamped—handling Mara-struck cases, apprehending dangerous criminals—and perpetually understaffed.]
[The work is dirty, exhausting, and the pay isn't even as good as the Cloud Knights'. Few choose to join, leaving the Commission chronically short-handed.]
[Yet despite the manpower shortage, the sisters were given extended leave—a clear sign they were being sidelined.]
[Hanya quickly guessed that her decision to seek help from the Sanctus Medicus had cost them their superiors' trust.]
[She'd already braced herself for this outcome before going to them.]
[Her sister was safe—that was all that mattered. As for the Ten-Lords Commission's work? Endless overtime had left her with perpetual dark circles at such a young age. If they weren't assigning her tasks, so be it. Let someone else deal with the grind!]
[Xueyi, however, was a different story. The workaholic seemed lost without her duties.]
[So, Hanya shared her thoughts with her.]
[After a long sigh, Xueyi suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. She knew her little sister must have paid a heavy price to save her.]
[Words weren't needed—the understanding between them was absolute.]
[Then, an ill-timed ringtone shattered the moment.]
[Hanya glanced at the caller ID, her expression flickering before she forced calm.]
"Jiejie, I need to take this."
[Xueyi gave her a curious look. Who could be calling that she'd need to hide? But she just waved her off. "Go ahead."]
[Hanya hurried into the courtyard, making sure she was out of earshot before answering.]
["You took your time. Have you forgotten your place?"
The moment the call connected, a displeased voice reprimanded her.]
[Hanya didn't dare talk back. "My apologies, Master. There were… people around. It wasn't convenient."]
["People? Let me guess—your dear sister Xueyi, hm?"]
["Master, what do you need of me?" Hanya stiffly changed the subject, alarmed by the sudden interest in Xueyi.]
[Solon smirked inwardly. 'You sisters were born to be devoured by me.']
[But there was no rush. The little sister had just been tossed into the pot—she needed to be simmered thoroughly. Once she was cooked through, the elder sister wouldn't escape either.]
[With solemn gravity, he spoke: "As a novice, you must immerse yourself in Buddhist teachings—repeated study, repeated enlightenment—to ascend to paradise. Come to the Sanctus Medicus at once. I shall personally… enlighten you."]
[Hanya nearly crushed the Jade Abacus in her grip at the sanctimonious words.]
[But defiance wasn't an option. "…Understood, Master. I'll be there shortly."]
["Jiejie, I need to head out."
She called out to Xueyi, who was busy in the kitchen.]
[Xueyi blinked. "Now? Dinner's almost ready."]
[Hanya brushed her off. "Don't worry, it's nothing serious. I'll be back soon."
With that, she hurried out, leaving Xueyi frowning behind her.]
[By the time Hanya arrived at the Sanctus Medicus, night had fallen. The grand hall stood empty yet brilliantly lit.]
[Solon sat atop a lotus throne, gazing down at her like a golden Buddha—though his face remained shadowed, cast in darkness by the backlight.]
["Master…" Hanya clenched her teeth and bowed.]
[He smiled faintly. "You're here. Then let us begin."]
Reality Mode, Activated!
…
Two hours later, Solon reluctantly exited Reality Mode.
In that time, he and Hanya had… thoroughly explored the profundities of Buddhist doctrine and practiced some rather advanced yoga.]
["Your flexibility is lacking," he teased as Hanya lay limp on the floor like a ragdoll. "So many advanced poses were beyond you. Do you never exercise? For a young woman, your stamina is pitiful."]
[Her eye twitched. Ten-Lords Commission work had left no time for fitness—every spare moment went to overtime.]
[By the time she finally had freedom, the habit was too ingrained to break.]
[Noting her silence, Solon prodded further. "Your sister seems quite flexible, though. Maybe I should invite her next time?"]
[Hanya's face paled.]
["NO!"]
[Realizing her outburst, she backpedaled. "I-I mean, my sister's figure isn't ideal. She wouldn't… satisfy you."]
[Solon saw right through her but played along. "No matter. Petite frames have their own charm. So much more… fun to handle."]
[Hanya screamed internally: 'Damn lolicon! Disgusting!'
Outwardly, she remained obedient.]
[Summoning her last strength, she crawled over and clutched his leg. "Master, I'll train harder!"]
["Then I'll be watching." He patted her cheek, amused.]
[However furious she was, Hanya could only force a smile—though it looked more like a grimace.]
[An hour later, exhausted, she finally returned home.]
[Xueyi, drowsy, bolted upright at the noise. "Why so late?"]
["Complications," Hanya mumbled, shrugging off her crumpled coat.]
["You must be starving. Eat first." Xueyi didn't press further, though she frowned at the cold food and moved to reheat it.]
[But when she turned back, Hanya was staggering toward her room like a drunk.]
[Xueyi dropped the dishes and rushed after her. "Hey! Where are you going?!"]
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