Sylvester spoke in his usual calm tone. "Moreover, this regenerative ability is extremely potent. As long as the injury isn't fatal, it'll recover instantly to a perfect state. In other words—it can turn someone into an immortal warrior."
"Sounds impressive enough."
Although it was technically a compliment, Herta's face didn't change in the slightest—her voice remained cold and detached.
Fu Xuan's expression, too, could be described as still as an ancient well.
Indeed, the regeneration effect was powerful—perhaps even the Warhead Hoolay, imprisoned at the very bottom of The Shackling Prison, couldn't heal wounds that fast.
Aside from the Plague Author themselves, maybe only Shuhu, the Emanator of Abundance who once nearly destroyed the Luofu, could reach such a level. Possessing such power would be enough to grant anyone a firm place in the cosmos.
If this weren't a creation of the Doctors of Chaos, Fu Xuan admitted she would've been astonished—and then carefully selected the most suitable candidate to use it, ensuring its maximum effect.
However—
Her recent experiences told her the side effects were bound to shatter every idealistic thought.
Calmly, she asked, "And what are the side effects? Speak plainly."
"The side effect," Sylvester replied, "is that the user becomes a special kind of Self-Annihilators. Unless they go their entire life without ever being injured, each wound will trigger a process of self-annihilation. The power of Nihility will begin to disintegrate their body—gradually, but irreversibly. Unlike ordinary Self-Annihilators, this kind cannot prolong their existence by seeking meaning."
He stroked his chin, then the lunchbox Fu Xuan had brought. "The only simple way to slow this special self-annihilation is to eat—constantly replenish material matter to fill the 'existence deficit' created by Nihility. At first, it'll work. But as the injuries increase and worsen, a day will come when even eating nonstop around the clock can't stop the process. Eventually, they'll be assimilated by Nihility itself. And then…"
He clapped his hands once, then spread them before the two women.
Softly, he said, "Completely erased from existence."
"As expected…"
Fu Xuan finally understood why it was called the [Sooner-or-Later Capsule].
Sure, it technically had the caveat of 'as long as you never get hurt.' But who could protect themselves for hundreds of years without a single scratch?
Even off the battlefield, could anyone guarantee a lifetime without so much as a paper cut?
She glanced at Sylvester's lunchbox—people even bite their tongues while eating. Theoretically, that counted as an injury too.
Though the powers of full regeneration and rapid healing were indeed incredible, this wasn't truly treatment.
It was more like… borrowing life from the Aeon of Nihility.
Fu Xuan pondered for a long moment and could think of no better phrase.
But anything borrowed must one day be repaid—and anyone tainted by Nihility, still wishing to live? That was the one force in the universe truly beyond cure.
She pinched the pill between her fingers and let out a quiet sigh.
Undeniably, it was a life-saving miracle—but also a life-ending poison. It could save you first, then forever cut off your path back to normalcy.
Truly befitting of Nihility's power—existence is void.
Herta stood nearby, her brow slightly raised.
Her thoughts largely matched Fu Xuan's, except for one thing: in her eyes, this pill came closer than the others to the true nature of Nihility.
For the Genius Society, if there was one field of study that had seen no progress throughout countless Amber Eras, it was without question—the study of Nihility itself.
And now, this pill gave her a glimmer of hope.
The hope of seeing Nihility clearly.
Herta mentally reviewed the three pills.
The [Super Strength Pill] offered immense enhancement—but its side effect nullified its benefit. Still, the two were not fundamentally related.
The [Wisdom Capsule] increased intelligence but inverted emotional intelligence—tightly connected yet not fully opposed.
And now, with this [Sooner-or-Later Capsule], the main and side effects had finally become perfectly contradictory.
Herta felt she had grasped a pattern—and she was confident the next pill would come even closer to true Nihility.
"Sylvester, what's the last pill?"
While Fu Xuan was still lost in thought, Herta asked sharply.
The pink-haired man turned his head, glancing at her, then at the blue capsule in her hand.
Maybe, Fu Xuan thought, this next one really is tailor-made for this Genius.
But she didn't dwell on it. She already knew Herta's methods—and had mentally prepared herself days ago.
Fu Xuan picked up the last pill, a pale pink capsule that matched her own hair color. Her small face tensed as she silently prayed.
At least it's a blue-grade Curio, she thought. I'm not asking for miracles—just something I'd actually want to take.
Then, with hopeful eyes, she looked up at Sylvester.
Go on. Start your introduction.
Meeting the two women's expectant gazes, Sylvester smiled faintly.
This last pill's effect truly was rather unique.
"This final pill," he began, "was created based on feline traits. After ingestion, it triples the user's reaction speed, agility, and visual acuity. In short—once you take it, opponents who were once evenly matched will appear slow as snails. Every movement will be crystal clear, and you'll easily counter their techniques!"
Fu Xuan's eyes lit up with a spark of excitement.
This was indeed excellent! At her level, victory rarely depended on mere technique—battles were decided by precision, by who made fewer mistakes.
With this ability, she could dismantle every move her enemy made with flawless timing.
She could strike freely while remaining untouched.
This pill's value aligned perfectly with her expectations.
All she hoped now was that the side effect wouldn't be too outrageous.
"As for the downside…" Sylvester scratched the back of his head, grinning. "You'll turn into a catgirl."
"???"
Fu Xuan froze.
Had she heard that right? What word did he just say?
T-turn into a catgirl?
Eh?! Eh?! EH?!
This one's tone was way off from the others!
Sure, maybe it sounded barely acceptable… but still…
Images flooded her mind—catgirls in black-and-white maid outfits, soft cat ears twitching, hands curled into paws as they mimicked feline gestures with gentle "nyaa~" sounds…
Then, imagining herself like that—
The Master Diviner's face flushed bright red, her expression flustered beyond measure. Heat gathered over her head until—pop!—it was as if a puff of white steam burst out.