"Sigh, well, what can I say? For a purple-grade Curio, it's just… average."
Sylvester spoke with that same air of nonchalance. "Compared to things like the [Massacre Ruler] or [Avalon]—artifacts that work straight out of the box—the [Bari-Bari no Mi] may have a higher potential ceiling, but it comes with plenty of restrictions."
He crossed his index and middle fingers in demonstration. "To activate the fruit's ability, the user must make this hand gesture."
Rather than disappointment, Fu Xuan's eyes brightened with interest.
The most devastating attacks available to those who walk the Path of The Hunt aren't their own techniques, but rather the devastating summons they command—Spiritus like the Lightning-Lord.
She hadn't yet tested whether she could perform such summons herself, but she highly doubted she'd be the one exception.
In that case, such a minor condition was practically meaningless to her.
Herta, however, only grew more miserable at the explanation.
That's not nearly enough of a drawback to lower the value of conceptual power!
Her stare toward Fu Xuan brimmed with envy, the kind that made her almost want to jam the fruit straight into the girl's mouth and dissect her on the spot.
"Emanator Fu Xuan." Her voice was cold and measured.
"Is there something you wish to say, Lady Herta? Please, don't hold back."
Fu Xuan's tone was polite, but inwardly she tensed.
After all, this was the genius who had just formed a direct collaboration with the Xianzhou—and Herta was notorious for her unrestrained behavior, acting solely on impulse without any regard for others' sensibilities.
"Haaah…"
Herta closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before pointing at Sylvester. "The memory bubble I promised him—I can offer one to the Xianzhou as well. Please inform General Jing Yuan, or the Six Charioteers Council, that I wish to add an additional clause to our collaboration: a joint study on conceptual power. The Xianzhou will need to provide the necessary research materials."
Her voice, firm at first, softened slightly as she continued, "Of course, every experiment will be conducted under the Xianzhou's direct supervision. The memory bubble will serve as my collateral."
For a fleeting instant earlier, she had entertained far darker impulses—the desire to lash out, seize the [Bari-Bari no Mi], and flee.
But reason prevailed.
Not because she didn't want to—but because she couldn't.
The Xianzhou now had three Generals and four Emanators, and this little shop's keeper could casually produce relics of unfathomable power.
If she truly acted rashly, she would be courting death.
So instead, she pivoted—toward a joint development proposal.
She was confident the Xianzhou would agree. Back when her rejuvenation project first succeeded, they'd already tried to purchase the Herta Sequence along with her prior research. Her credentials alone carried more than enough weight to make this deal appealing.
Fu Xuan was mildly surprised by the sudden shift.
Just a minute ago, this same genius's expression had been full of simmering frustration.
But Fu Xuan could tell—this wasn't hypocrisy, merely a quick realignment of strategy.
And the proposal was enticing: the complete research legacy of one of the universe's greatest minds.
"I will relay your words to General Jing Yuan," she replied evenly.
Neither acceptance nor rejection—merely a diplomatic pause.
Better to consult with the Six Charioteers first; perhaps they could extract even more from this opportunity.
Unlike the Digital Realm project, this time, the Xianzhou held the initiative.
"Thank you."
Herta's words were polite, though her tone was still ice-cold—formality, nothing more.
But inwardly, she exhaled a breath of relief.
The Xianzhou had no reason to refuse.
Sigh… what a pity.
Her gaze drifted toward the last unopened trash can on the shelf.
If only she had opened them all earlier, she wouldn't have lost control of the negotiation table.
Ever since she'd joined the academic sphere, she had never experienced this feeling of subordination. Other factions practically groveled before members of the Genius Society, treating them like living treasures.
Now here she was—asking others to accept her work. A novel kind of humiliation.
Leaning back in the rest area, she rested her chin on one hand, eyes closed, collecting herself. Her emotions wavered between resignation and pride—adjusting to this new balance of power would take time.
She could only hope she'd truly unravel the mysteries of conceptual force someday.
Fu Xuan, on the other hand, was in excellent spirits.
Just moments ago, she'd been envious that Sylvester had secured Herta's cooperation—but now, she'd obtained a share of that very genius's work for herself.
She threw Sylvester a discreet, thankful glance.
If he hadn't refused the handwritten manuscript earlier, insisting instead on the memory bubble, the Xianzhou might've been stuck cataloging that mountain of data for decades among twenty ship-fleets' archives.
Sylvester caught the look instantly.
He tapped the lunchbox on the counter and raised a single finger. The meaning was clear.
A look of thanks was nice and all—but how about something practical? Say, one week's worth of meals.
He'd smelled the aroma from Qingque's lunchbox earlier—it put every restaurant in the Exalting Sanctum to shame. Judging by his own portion's scent, it had to be even better. And good food, of course, was meant to be freeloaded.
Fu Xuan first glanced at the meditating Herta, then frowned at Sylvester.
A whole month? That's too much.
The food had come from Jiaoqiu, and she couldn't just show up to pack takeout every day—that'd be humiliating.
Besides, while she could cook, she was a busy official. Daily meal prep would eat into far too much time.
She raised two delicate fingers in counteroffer.
Two weeks. No more.
Sylvester's brows knit. Only two days? Come on.
Turning that manuscript into a memory bubble had saved centuries of effort—surely that was worth a little more compensation.
He pointed at himself, then raised three fingers.
At least three days.
Fu Xuan looked from his fingers to his face, inwardly sighing.
Thick-skinned, aren't we? Trying to upcharge with a smile?
She thought for a while. Three consecutive weeks, daily deliveries, maybe even eating together here to save time…
Fu Xuan touched her chin lightly.
She wasn't entirely sure why—but somehow, she managed to convince herself.
Fine. Three weeks it was.
After their wordless haggling, the two exchanged a faint smile.
Herta's deal with the Xianzhou might still be pending, but theirs—was already sealed.
Sylvester was more than satisfied with the outcome.
Perfect. Three weeks of free food!
It might not be worth much in credits—but freeloading was always a joy.
And freeloading from the Arbiter-General herself?
Even better.