"So this is... some potent aphrodisiac?"
In the dining hall, while waiting for their meal, Zeke finished reviewing the surgery's pharmacological test report and glanced at the few transparent pills inside the small glass bottle on the table, his eyes reflecting astonishment.
"Mm-hmm."
Bronya nodded expressionlessly, her usual stoic demeanor serving as a perfect mask to conceal all internal turmoil.
Even Zeke couldn't detect the hidden tension and cautiousness beneath Bronya's facade.
"Infused with Honkai Energy components and specifically targeted against Honkai Beast tissues, it would be highly toxic to regular humans. But using such a substance merely to poison ordinary people seems like a colossal waste. When deployed strategically... even MANTIS operatives might struggle against its instinctual effects, wouldn't you say? Which genius invented this? I'm genuinely curious to meet them."
Zeke picked up the small bottle, shook it gently, crossed his legs, and remarked with evident interest.
Maintaining a blank face, Bronya subtly shifted her gaze where Zeke couldn't see, and said,
"It was an unexpected find during a crackdown on black-market Honkai Energy traders. Unfortunately, they reacted violently, leaving no chance to hold back. As a result, tracing the exact origin and details became impossible."
"Selling Honkai Energy items without authorization is considered a crime against humanity. If caught by Anti-Entropy, even life imprisonment would be the minimum sentence—nothing unusual there. Are there no other leads?"
"Based on his background, it might have come from some unique storage device within ruins of the previous civilization... That's the most plausible explanation. Bronya believes he wouldn't have had access to high-level researchers."
Bronya spoke with unwavering seriousness, relying on Zeke's absolute trust in her.
Her gamble clearly paid off.
Zeke did not suspect Bronya and continued along the narrative she crafted.
"A potent aphrodisiac produced by the previous civilization, one strong enough to affect MANTIS operatives... Perhaps it was intended to force them to spread their genes, enhancing humanity's combat capabilities and chances of survival? It's possible. As the environment deteriorated under Honkai's relentless pressure, eventually, they likely resorted to any means that could potentially work, including drugging the MANTIS warriors."
Zeke nodded, finding this hypothesis reasonable.
Consider Fu Hua's indifferent nature, uninterested in worldly affairs. If not for some potent aphrodisiac, chances were she would never have initiated any romantic encounters throughout her life. The primary attribute required of MANTIS operatives was strong willpower—there must be many similar individuals among these monstrous beings. So, could it be that the Elder Immortal had already fallen prey to such tactics in the previous civilization?
Zeke stroked his chin, the corners of his lips curving slightly upward, and decided to raise this question during their next meeting. Although Fu Hua undoubtedly wouldn't remember anything, and according to the Book of Fuxi, she practically embodied lifelong celibacy, the answer seemed quite obvious—but her reaction at the time would undoubtedly be exceptionally entertaining.
Bronya paused momentarily before nodding.
"...That makes too much sense."
Zeke put down the drug analysis report and small medicine bottle, then looked at Bronya.
"So, what's the meaning behind giving me this? Do you need something specific?"
"Firstly, conduct a thorough efficacy test to determine its exact effects, potential hazards, and side effects. Secondly, analyze its composition to see if improvements can be made and mass production is feasible. Medicine isn't Bronya's area of expertise, so relying solely on myself may not suffice."
Bronya responded without batting an eyelid.
Zeke raised his eyebrows.
What was she implying by asking him to research aphrodisiacs?
Could it be that beneath her innocent appearance, this stoic little girl had developed some extraordinary interests unbeknownst to everyone?
"Snap!"
Bronya lightly smacked Zeke on the head.
"Don't read too much into it. Bronya just wants to add this to the list of special strategic weapons."
Zeke nodded in understanding.
He was familiar with Bronya's special inventory, theoretically meant for handling extreme and unforeseen situations. Given the wide range of potential scenarios, the arsenal she prepared encompassed diverse weaponry—including potent aphrodisiacs, albeit unusual, but not entirely incomprehensible.
"This substance likely won't have much effect on conventional Herrschers due to their distinct biological structures and compositions. However, against Valkyries and MANTIS operatives, indeed, it could prove highly useful."
"And what about Zeke?"
"Me? If caught off guard, once its effects kick in, my rationality and combat awareness would significantly diminish... As expected from you!"
Zeke's eyes suddenly lit up, and he gently patted Bronya's head with a smile.
Bronya stiffened momentarily but quickly composed herself, her expression stern as she asked,
"Why do you say that?"
"You've already considered the possibility of me losing control. In extreme situations, this drug could indeed weaken my combat abilities, increasing the chances of escape or even capture. That's why you wanted me to study its potential side effects, fearing it might cause irreparable harm to me under such circumstances, right?"
"...Yes, Bronya did think along those lines. I apologize, but from a rational standpoint, measures for handling Zeke's potential loss of control must be considered."
"You're doing great. I'll thoroughly test and refine the drug, aiming to make it potent enough that even I can't resist. Don't worry about the side effects; the MANTIS physiology...or rather, my own resilience and recovery capabilities, are stronger than you imagine. No matter how powerful the effect, there shouldn't be lasting issues once it wears off."
"Alright, thank you, Zeke."
Bronya nodded, gently rubbing her head against his hand as a faint smile graced her lips.
Zeke patted her affectionately, pleased with her response.
Just as he had discovered a potential entity capable of interfering with a Herrscher's consciousness, Bronya was already preparing measures to handle her own possible loss of control. Remarkably, she achieved this without any prior knowledge or access to relevant intelligence, showcasing her exceptional strategic thinking and foresight.
Feeling immensely satisfied, Zeke realized that all those years of meticulous guidance were not wasted; this child had truly blossomed remarkably!
"Zeke~"
"Zeke?~"
At that moment, Kiana, who had just returned with Theresa, and Sin, who had arrived at the dining area after waking up, simultaneously wrapped their arms around Zeke's two limbs.
With one on each side, their captivating eyes sparked with electricity as they glared fiercely at each other.
"Ah..." Zeke sighed.
Despite receiving similar upbringing, why was Bronya so mature and intelligent, while these two continued to give him endless headaches?
Indeed, individuals varied greatly.
Standing nearby, Theresa rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
'Sin Mal poses a significant threat to Kiana. Come to think of it, Wendy likely has feelings for him too. And there's gentle Seele—just one glance is enough to tell she definitely likes... Hmm? But Bronya...'
As she exchanged glances with Bronya, who stood at a similar height, Theresa observed an unwavering calmness in her demeanor.
'Uh-oh! The others might not be much competition compared to Kiana, but Bronya enjoys Zeke's deep trust, coupled with her exceptional intellect... She's Kiana's true rival!'
Theresa's antenna-like hair strand perked up momentarily before gradually relaxing again, acknowledging her limitations.
Oh well, let their youthful squabbles run their course. If Kiana really couldn't hold her own, Theresa could always find a way to give her a nudge when the time came.