Among the members of the Hexenzirkel, Alice was the most versatile genius. She was proficient in everything, not a "jack of all trades, master of none," but truly proficient in every field.
However, precisely because Alice had mastered so much, she could not quite match the others when it came to pure specialization. Compared to Witch B's astrology or Witch R's alchemy, Alice fell slightly short in those specific domains.
As for Rhinedottir, she was a being who had already reached the stage of creating life from nothing through alchemy. What more needed to be said?
The Takagi mother and daughter, who were originally intended to be the main force, were now simply responsible for acting as assistants. Rhinedottir would give them a pointer or two every now and then, which was already enough for them to reap massive rewards. They felt as if their brains had never functioned at such high speeds before.
Black Earth, Chalk, Red Earth, Gold. These were the four levels of alchemy classified in Teyvat.
According to Rhinedottir, the talent of the Takagi mother and daughter would allow them to reach the Chalk level. With long-term research and slow accumulation, there was hope for them to reach Red Earth. Of course, since the Takagi mother and daughter had absorbed a "Cosmic Core" and begun a transformation of their life essence, Red Earth would not be an issue.
As for Gold? Rhinedottir felt it was almost impossible. Of course, she used the word "almost" because, in a long life, no one knows if a miracle might occur. If it did, then it would go without saying.
With that, the six women of the [Apocalypse] Universe were all settled.
Yuriko Takagi and Saya Takagi followed Rhinedottir to study alchemy.
Saeko Busujima, Rika Minami, and Rei Miyamoto were sent to the [Saint Seiya] Universe to study Cosmo.
As for Shizuka Marikawa? She was content to honestly be a beautiful "vase," responsible for being cute and ditzy every day.
In the newly established laboratory not far from the [Undead Central Hub], the Takagi mother and daughter were busy moving in and out. When Riku and Alice arrived, they could sense the changes throughout the entire [Apocalypse] Universe.
"I should say, as expected of a professional like Rhinedottir?" Riku could not help but remark.
Indeed, professional tasks should be left to professionals. Rhinedottir truly lived up to her title as the "Gold" alchemist. Having just come into contact with the outside world and escaped Teyvat, her rate of progress was simply meteoric.
"She is 'R' after all. When it comes to alchemy, she's the expert," Alice said with a grin, showing no dissatisfaction as she gave a thumbs-up.
"Let's go take a look."
"Mm!"
The two walked into the interior of the laboratory. Upon entering, rows of incubation tanks immediately caught their eyes.
Riku was stunned by the sight and subconsciously asked, "Rhinedottir, what are you doing?"
Rhinedottir seemed to be recording something; she did not even look up, completely immersed in her work.
Yuriko Takagi, having finished her current task, walked over and said, "Mr. Riku, the Teacher is cultivating the Dead. According to the Teacher's research, rather than calling the Dead living organisms, they are more like a form of artificial life."
"Artificial life?" Alice blinked her beautiful eyes, equally curious.
"Yes," Yuriko Takagi continued her introduction. "Any living organism, given enough time, will evolve intelligence. Regardless of the direction of evolution, intelligence is bound to appear. However, according to the Teacher's research, there is no such possibility for the Dead."
"So..." Riku thought of the creatures Rhinedottir had created—Durin, Rifthound Whelps, Rifthounds, and the Golden Wolflord. He mused, 'Rhinedottir plans to use the Dead as a foundation to create something according to her own ideas?'
"The Teacher does have that intention," Yuriko Takagi nodded in confirmation.
Of course, the Takagi mother and daughter did not understand the deeper details. For an alchemist of Rhinedottir's level, even if she explained it in detail, it was normal for them not to understand.
"Alright then, as long as you're happy," Riku said, having no objections. As long as it did not affect his "shepherding," nothing else mattered.
"Interesting..."
"Interesting..."
"The existence of the Dead is simply too interesting."
The more Rhinedottir researched, the deeper the smile on her lips became, even carrying a slightly frenzied vibe.
Riku and Alice exchanged a glance.
Time to go.
Time to go.
With an alchemy nut like this, it was best to just let her do her research, as long as she did not mess with the internal structures.
"Go on!"
After the two left, Rhinedottir looked up at the Takagi mother and daughter and said calmly, "You two take a few days off."
"Thank you, Teacher," the two replied in unison.
The Takagi mother and daughter nodded obediently and left together. Rhinedottir did not spare them another glance; she looked at the Dead inside the incubation tank before her, and a series of different lights began to flicker in her golden eyes.
...
[Longhuang Universe]
Riku and Alice had just returned. And then? Alice promptly kicked Riku out.
Thinking about it? Do not even think about it.
This damn man was truly ruthless with his "attacks."
In any case, Alice was stuffed to the brim. He could go hunting wherever he wanted, as long as he stayed away from her. Was it not better for her to sleep while hugging her soft, fragrant daughter?
"Really now..." Riku shook his head helplessly.
He was not some kind of pervert; it was just that Alice was always provoking him. She talked big every day but was a total weakling in battle. What else could he do? Naturally, he had to give her a "harsh lesson."
He had intended to wander around and perhaps visit the neighboring [Saint Seiya] Universe. However, the Takagi mother and daughter sent him an invitation, asking him to attend a dinner banquet that evening.
And they emphasized strongly: the main dish was a "Rice Bowl"!
A Rice Bowl? (Gaifan)
Hmm! This was something that definitely had to be tasted.
For Riku, if one were to ask what the greatest change brought about by becoming the Lord of the Universe was, it would probably be the change in his mindset. Roughly speaking, he was becoming more and more shameless?
Mm... scratch that! That probably was not it.
In short, since the meal had been delivered to his door, there was no need for any fancy talk. Eat, eat! Everything else could wait until after the meal.
Man is iron and rice is steel; missing a meal makes you feel the ordeal.