Logically speaking, since she already knew the exact nature and purpose of this modification, Bronya had naturally braced herself, stepping into the enhancement lab with the grim resolve of a martyr.
The problem was, while she was mentally prepared, she wasn't this prepared.
Three hours! A full one hundred and eighty minutes!
In the deepest lab of ME Corp, surrounded by precision instruments and humming energy conduits, Bronya felt like an out-of-control fire engine blasting at maximum capacity.
During the modification process—a bizarre, overwhelming mixture of excruciating agony and inexplicable euphoria—she continuously unleashed all kinds of powerful "water magic," accompanied by high-pitched, involuntary "chants"!
If anyone out of the loop had witnessed this scene, they probably would have mistaken her for Imbibitor Lunae using his draconic powers to manipulate water.
Terrifying! Absolutely terrifying!
But the most unacceptable part was that after enduring this absolute torture, not only was she forbidden from complaining, but she also had to grovel in gratitude to the two main culprits! For a girl with such immense pride, the sheer humiliation brought on by this dual physical and mental baptism was no less than a legendary "Ultimate Insult."
Thus, when the modification—ominously dubbed "Heavenly Reconstruction"—finally ended, Bronya was a puddle of jelly collapsed on the cold operating table. Her eyes were unfocused, her mind a blank void, wearing a thoroughly broken, ahegao-like expression as if her soul had ascended to the heavens.
Mei, resolute and efficient as always, didn't waste a second. She stepped forward and hauled up the gelatinous test subject—ahem, her boyfriend's adopted sister.
First, she administered a micro-electric shock to precisely stimulate Bronya's neural nodes, snapping the girl out of her ecstatic, glazed-over trance. Then, she marched her straight to a specialized testing ground to evaluate the fruits of their agonizing labor.
The heavy responsibility of testing fell onto Fuli, who had tagged along. Over the next ninety minutes, the two engaged in multiple rounds of high-intensity simulated combat.
When the lights signaling the end of the test finally flickered on, Fuli supported a lightly panting Bronya back into the lab. Both of them were covered in the sweat of intense physical exertion.
Mei handed over a data report. "The results meet expectations. The margin of error compared to the theoretical simulation is less than one percent."
Through this modification, Bronya hadn't just firmly planted herself in the Critical Class. Her innate talent—which had previously "only" been on par with a Stigma Awakened—had received a monumental boost.
Even more pleasantly surprising was the fact that she had gained three distinct, specialized innate talents.
The first was [Data Sprint], a cognitive acceleration ability. When necessary, Bronya could subjectively stretch one second of objective reality into an entire hour. Within this hyper-extended mental timeframe, she could run countless tactical simulations and formulate complex strategies. While this severely drained her brain cells and required massive nutritional intake afterward to recover, its sheer tactical value was immeasurable.
The second was literal [Perfect Memory]. This wasn't just basic photographic memory; she could perfectly memorize anything with a single glance, right down to the most complex runic formulas and intricate magical energy circuits, permanently burning them into her mind.
"Feels a lot like Cousin Hua's hyperthymesia," Fuli muttered. The Celestial of Taixuan's Garuda gene granted her a similar ability, allowing her to mentally simulate battles in her spare time, endlessly refining her techniques and accumulating combat experience.
That talent was precisely why Hua could steadily advance her martial arts in an era of technological ignorance.
On the surface, however, [Perfect Memory] seemed a bit underwhelming, almost unfitting for the grand scale of the modification she just endured.
That was, until Fuli read the third talent.
[Accelerated Decoding: Construct Breach]. Upon activation, she gained god-tier analytical abilities. First came perfect analysis, followed by perfect replication.
In simple terms, as long as Bronya was within a certain distance and had an unobstructed view of her target's entire body, she could instantly copy any of their techniques, skills, items, machinery, or tactical mindsets.
The replica would possess near-identical power to the original and would last for a set duration before dissipating. Furthermore, as long as Bronya had the underlying aptitude, she could use that duration to permanently learn the copied skill.
The only caveat was that analyzing complex targets required a foundational knowledge base; she couldn't analyze the entirely unknown.
This was precisely why [Perfect Memory] was absolutely vital. Along with [Data Sprint]'s time dilation, the three talents synergized into a flawless loop.
"This is basically like my Outer Path—wait, no, it's more like a 'Herrscher of Reason Lite' edition," Fuli said, setting the report down with a weird look on his face.
"Mei is the former Herrscher of Thunder, Kiana has the Herrscher of the Void core implanted in her, and now Bronya pulls this off. When did the Hyperion become a base camp for the Herrscher sequence? Should I Herrscher-ify myself too? Maybe turn into the Herrscher of Finality to liven things up?"
"If you did that, current human civilization could probably be declared officially over," Bronya deadpanned. However, the slight upward curve of her lips and the brilliant light flashing in her eyes betrayed her immense joy and excitement.
"Bro."
"Yeah?"
"Stand perfectly still." Bronya stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Fuli's waist, and pressed her cheek affectionately against his chest. "I'm going to ruthlessly copy you now."
Thanks to the ability's rule that proximity increased analytical depth, this sudden hug seemed perfectly logical.
But a moment later, she remembered that another condition was needing a full-body view of the target. Reluctantly, she released him and took two steps back. Her pale gray eyes scanned Fuli from head to toe.
Fuli didn't resist. Instead, he struck an aggressively stylish JoJo pose to accommodate her.
A few seconds later, the cascading data streams in Bronya's eyes settled.
"Whatcha get? Whatcha get?" The boy rubbed his hands together like a scheming cartoon villain, practically vibrating with excitement.
A sudden light flared around his little sister. An invisible yet tangible suit of energy armor enveloped her body, exuding a heat-haze-like aura.
Fuli raised an eyebrow. "The Invincible Golden Armor?"
"I'm not completely proficient with it yet. Currently, I can only unconditionally reduce the damage of Critical Class attacks and below by thirty percent, and the duration is very limited."
Bronya beamed with delight, though she quickly facepalmed and sighed heavily. "If I knew this ability was this ridiculously strong, I never would have wasted my Wardance points buying those skills from the shop. I should have just shamelessly farmed your skill library from the start."
She was referring to the two B-Rank skills she had purchased: the Embalming technique she used to snipe Phantylia, and "Judgment"—a skill that manifested a giant flaming eye to see through illusions and stealth, bought specifically to cover her lack of detection methods.
They seemed decent at a glance. But in terms of sheer power, versatility, and rarity, who in the universe could compare to her walking treasure-trove of an older brother?
"Farm away. Milk me dry. You can copy whatever you want," Fuli said, patting her head with a doting expression. "From now on, you're just 'Little Fuli 2.0'."
"Wrong. You're 'Little Bronya 2.0'," the girl countered, slipping effortlessly into their usual bickering. They looked at each other and shared a smile, the air thick with a "sibling" affection that had long since crossed the line into something far more complex.
Still, looking at her now—radiating a mature, womanly charm—Fuli felt a strange pang of nostalgia. "I knew you'd stabilize in your mature form, but seeing that little 'cutting-board' physique vanish for good... I actually miss it a bit."
Back then, she used to curl up in his lap just to play video games.
"Stupid brother, don't forget about Ether Editing. It's not like I can't change back," Bronya shot him a look, her voice dropping to a shy, hushed whisper as her cheeks flushed. "Besides... if it's for you, I can become any version of Bronya you want."
"Really?" Fuli's spirits instantly lifted.
He had actually been considering whether he needed a "backup" type—perhaps a certain silver-haired hacker from the Stellaron Hunters. Cherish the big ones, don't waste the small ones!
If Bronya could read minds, she probably would have used her new ability to give him an "Ultimate Insult" package right then and there.
Ahem!
A pointed, artificial cough echoed from the corner of the lab, shattering their intimate moment.
Mei had finished tidying up her instruments and was staring at them with a completely expressionless face. Whether it was about power or Seele, Bronya knew better than to offend the CEO at a time like this.
"I'm going to go organize the Hyperion's recent financial reports," Mei said tactfully. She completely ignored Fuli's "Don't leave me!" puppy-dog eyes and turned on her heel, exiting the lab.
She didn't actually go to the accounting office. Instead, she hurried back to her room and locked the door with a decisive click. She dove face-first into her soft bed, wrapping herself tightly in a thick duvet, leaving only her flushed, beautiful face exposed to the air.
Three hours! Three full hours of "Star Holy Path" development!
The fragmented images, the surge of raw emotion, and the unintentional touches during Fuli's guidance... How was she supposed to just wipe that from her mind?
"..."
Mei bit her lower lip. With a trembling finger, she tapped the air to bring up a holographic screen. It was filled with photos and short clips of Fuli she had secretly taken over the last six months.
Sleeping faces, training sessions, eating, and even rare moments of him daydreaming or laughing heartily.
Gulp.
Gulp.
Gulp.
The girl grabbed a water bottle from her nightstand and chugged it, trying to hydrate a body that felt like it was on fire. Her gaze locked onto a specific photo in the center of the screen: a candid shot of Fuli during an afternoon nap. He was sleeping unguarded, his collar slightly open, faintly revealing the defined, powerful contours of his chest.
Mei took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, a thin, scorching mist of heat accompanying her breath. Unable to withstand the emotional onslaught any longer, she buried her burning face into the pillow, curling up tight like a bright red boiled lobster.
"Ah, she's gone."
Back at ME Corp, seeing Bronya leave, Fuli decided he was in the clear and stood up to head out. He planned to slip back to his room, catch up on sleep, and prepare for tomorrow's rounds of visiting and thanking his allies.
"Wait."
Mei stopped him. As he turned around, she held out her fair palm. "The Enhancement Magic Crests."
"Huh?" Fuli blinked, instinctively asking, "You knew about those? How?"
Mei sighed. "Did you really think you could hide something like that from me?"
Wait, then when I was with Kiana at the Starforge...
Recalling the perfectly timed interruption from earlier, Fuli's heart skipped a beat. He looked up and met her half-smiling, knowing gaze. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Can you actually handle the workload?"
As he spoke, he extracted the Magic Crest data and handed it over as a physical Light Cone.
Mei waved it away. "No need. Just give me a copy of the blueprints."
"As for whether I can handle it... I have to act like I can, even if I can't," she said, her voice tinged with a mock-woeful longing. "What if one day, because my level isn't high enough, our 'King of Hyperion'—who loves the new and hates the old—decides to dump me?"
"That would never happen!"
Fuli, heart aching at her pitiful expression, rushed over to comfort her. But the moment he got close, a hand clamped firmly onto his collar.
With a sharp tug, she pulled him down. Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling. It was clearly another one of Mei's calculated moves. Knowing this, Fuli didn't resist; he actually wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her closer into his chest.
Then—
SLAM!
The lab doors were flung open with the full force of Kaslana-brand strength.
"Li! Li! I heard Bronya's modification is done! How'd it go? Let me see!"
A high-energy Kiana stormed in, her signature silver-white hair swaying as she scanned the lab with an air of "curiosity" that looked a lot like surveillance.
"She went to the accounting office," Fuli replied, suddenly sitting primly on a nearby sofa, sipping a cup of freshly heated black tea with a perfectly solemn expression.
Mei stood by the lab table, her hair looking slightly more disheveled than usual. She lifted her deep purple eyes to meet Kiana's gaze.
[Your timing is absolutely impeccable! My! Dear! Kiana!] Mei sent a silent, psychic greeting to her "plastic sister."
[Right back at ya, hehe~] Kiana scratched her head, a cute, dim-witted smile blooming on her face.
This was what you called "fighting fire with fire"—or rather, "using a Kiana to treat a Kiana."
That night, in Fuli's room—
The boy lay on his side, fast asleep. He was hugging Evernight (which had transformed back into the red killer whale plushie) between his legs, his lips smacking unconsciously as if he were dreaming of some delicacy.
Little March, the pink-and-blue jellyfish, was also fast asleep on the other side of his pillow, a few dream bubbles popping up above its head.
Unnoticed, the window slid open with a silent glide.
Moonlight poured in like liquid silver, coating the cold swordswoman who had just intruded. The light enhanced her aloof, solitary aura, adding a dreamlike elegance and an indescribable, dangerous charm.
The swordswoman moved with light, effortless steps, like a feline prowling the night. She reached the bedside and extended a leather-gloved finger to gently poke the sleeping Little March.
The little creature rolled over groggily, its tentacles waving haphazardly, clearly annoyed at having its dream interrupted. But the moment it saw the intruder's face, the jellyfish's entire body shuddered. It immediately began frantically poking Fuli's cheek with its tiny tentacles.
"Mnn... what is it..."
Annoyed, Fuli instinctively grabbed Little March and pulled it into his arms, clamping it between his legs to replace the killer whale plushie.
But then, he realized the texture, size, and temperature were all wrong.
He blinked his eyes open, and the first thing he saw was a pair of crimson eyes—eyes just like his own. They were currently shimmering with amusement, studying him from a very close distance.
"Ma-ma-ma-ma—"
Fuli's sleepiness vanished instantly, replaced by a shock that made his tongue tie in knots.
"Shh..."
Jingliu pressed a finger against his lips, silencing his potential scream. A faint smile—one that made Fuli's heart skip a beat—curled her lips. She lowered her voice. "Keep it down... your little girlfriends are right next door, you know?"
Once he calmed down, the boy muttered, "Master, why are you so practiced at this?"
"Because I've already broken in here once before, you forgetful, traitorous Disciple," Jingliu answered matter-of-factly, almost with a sense of righteousness.
Fuli broke into a cold sweat, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. He sat up abruptly, crossing his legs and leaning forward, his body swaying with eagerness.
"Master! Master! Did you receive my apprenticeship gift? The Living Planet! I took care of it! Heh, I'm pretty amazing, right?"
As always, Fuli could have stayed out of the Living Planet crisis. The primary reason he had thrown himself into the fray was that Cangcheng—Jingliu's hometown—had fallen during the war against the World-Devouring Rahu.
He had fought for her.
"..."
Jingliu gazed silently at the boy's radiant smile under the moonlight. Deep emotions surged within her like an undercurrent. This purity—the fact that he would swing his sword and risk his life solely for her—how could she not understand it?
The "Cloud-Sovereign" was no longer the easily swayed girl of the past. She had long since overcome the mental demons related to the Living Planets during her time with the Five Sovereigns.
But in this moment, a long-forgotten, warm throb pulsed in her heart, like a warm current flowing beneath a frozen lake. Moreover, seeing Little Li's cloudless face, practically screaming 'Praise me! Praise me!', with his flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, Jingliu suddenly understood Feixiao. She understood why that woman looked at her traitorous Disciple with a gaze that was almost... predatory.
Because right now, even a weathered swordswoman like her felt an indescribable...
Hunger.
Meanwhile, Fuli, seeing that Jingliu was just staring at him with a strange look, tilted his head and let out a confused, soft call. He looked exactly like a giant, fluffy cat voluntarily exposing its soft belly.
Jingliu didn't answer. The playful smile on her face simply deepened.
She reached out. The movement seemed gentle, but it carried an irresistible force as she pinned Fuli's shoulders down.
"! Master?!"
Caught off guard, the boy was pressed back into the soft mattress.
Indeed, since she was hungry, it was only natural that she should taste.
Jingliu looked down at him, her crimson eyes flashing with a dangerous yet mesmerizing light.
My traitorous Disciple... your master spent so much heart and soul teaching you my unique sword arts. Now, allowing your master to be happy for a while, as a gesture of your filial piety... is that not only natural, but just?
You... will be a good boy and obey me~
The cat on the tree had cat-fruit; poor Little Li has nowhere to hide.
Tonight, the "predators" had converged.
It wasn't until the next morning that Fuli confirmed a piece of rare intelligence:
The famous blade, Evernight, performs better in high-humidity environments.
And Master's chantless water magic... is also water.