Chapter 560
In Aivina's eyes, Shaer was more suited for potions like "Adventurer," "Detective," "Performer," or even "Avenger" and "Assassin." These choices would not only avoid the disdain of most organizations but also provide ample experience to draw from, while his combat abilities would remain formidable.
"I have a way to reverse the effects of the potion," Shaer said, "but it's just a trial."
"…That works," Aivina nodded, trusting Shaer without hesitation. "Just let me know when you're ready."
Shaer returned to the bathroom and changed into the clothes Aivina had handed him. They seemed to be Aivina's own dress, slightly oversized for Shaer but still fitting enough not to look awkward.
Aivina went to another bathroom to change, while Shaer headed back to the room. When he opened the door, he found Adele and Tara just getting out of bed—one sitting on the edge of the bed, the other on the floor, both looking half-asleep as they stared at Shaer.
"Adele, could I take a look at your research journal from this past while?" Shaer asked, smiling at Adele.
"Ah? Sure..." Adele nodded, groggily climbing off the bed, her hair a mess as she headed straight for the laboratory.
Once Adele left, Shaer turned to Tara and asked, "Did you sleep well last night? You look a bit cold."
"Ah?" Tara suddenly realized she was wrapped in the blanket that had originally covered Shaer.
She quickly struggled to free herself from the blanket, propping herself up against the bed as she stammered, "I'm sorry... Lord Shaer, I didn't mean to..."
At that moment, Tara was wearing Adele's clothes, but for her, the oversized nightgown barely reached her knees, and the loose neckline exposed her collarbone. Perhaps it was mainly because Tara was so small; it was hard to tell why she looked so childlike.
Tara kept apologizing as she hurriedly clutched her oversized bishop's robe and dashed toward the bathroom, nearly colliding with Aivina on her way back.
Once everyone had tidied themselves up and had a light breakfast, Shaer followed Adele to the laboratory, where they began organizing the research logs together.
As they sorted through the materials, Shaer occasionally asked Adele about certain confusing points, seeking her explanations to better understand, or at least to memorize her insights even if he didn't fully grasp them.
During this process, Shaer noticed that in the simulation, he seemed to be the bridge relaying the research progress of Adele, Aimi, and Ashford. This research outcome, a collaboration between Ashford's institute and Adele and Aimi, was why the progress was so swift.
After all, in the simulation, there was no need to consider so many factors; the goal was simply to produce results as quickly as possible.
Aimi played a crucial role in this as well; her knowledge of plants and herbs helped streamline the research significantly. Moreover, her "Gardener" ability allowed her to quickly cultivate plants resistant to "Rotting Plague"—in fact, the antidote was extracted from these antibody-rich plants.
After reviewing all the paper documents, Shaer had memorized their contents.
Once everything was done, Shaer joined the others at Aivina's home.
The relationship between Aivina and her father, Charles, had improved considerably, but Aivina still retained her rented residence and hadn't moved directly into the Russell estate.
Living in the Russell estate would make it inconvenient for Aivina to invite Shaer over whenever she wanted to see him. Having her own place meant she could call Shaer over anytime.
Now leaning against Charles, Aivina didn't need to maintain unnecessary formalities, so there weren't many maids in the house. After calling the butler and giving the maids a day off, only Shaer and the others remained in the residence.
Tara produced two vials of potions, which Shaer had requested her to prepare in the simulation.
Aivina looked curiously at the two completely different potions in Shaer's hands, a hint of confusion on her face.
Wasn't he supposed to drink the "Listener" potion? What was the other vial of "Pious Scholar" potion for?
---
"Are you ready?"
In the study, Aivina's voice came from across the room as she looked at Shaer, who had changed into light, form-fitting clothes suitable for observing bodily changes. There was a hint of worry in her eyes.
Though she wanted to trust Shaer, her education and experiences since entering the extraordinary world told her that one person couldn't digest potions from different paths, even if they were both first-tier potions.
These were two entirely different powers; when different potions entered the body, they would fiercely compete for control over the body, mind, and spirit, driving the drinker to madness and causing their body to rot away.
Thus, Aivina had to be fully prepared, closely monitoring every slight misstep in Shaer's mental state—at least that would help preserve his sanity... though in the end, he might end up like Nia, completely eroded by the potions, losing all semblance of humanity.
Adele, too, was ready with a full set of restraints, prepared to bind Shaer should any transformations occur.
Now, Adele regretted not attempting to advance to "Newborn." If she were a "Newborn" now, she could assist Shaer more effectively... This was the first time Adele felt dissatisfied with her own strength.
Among them, Tara seemed the calmest. She firmly believed that Shaer could digest both potions simultaneously—she thought this wasn't about digestion; it was merely reclaiming his original power.
"I'm ready..." Shaer said, observing the tense atmosphere between the two without saying much.
Digesting two potions wasn't particularly difficult for Shaer, as he had done similar things in the simulation, even achieving the feat of digesting three potions in a single day.
Of course, he understood how astonishing this would be for an ordinary extraordinary being, so he didn't think Aivina and Adele were overreacting.
Shaer raised his left hand, looking at the "Pious Scholar" potion.
Unlike the "Avenger" potion, the "Pious Scholar" potion wasn't monopolized by the Goddess of Salvation Church or the Holy Ascendancy. Many churches had access to potions and replication rituals related to "Pious Scholar" and its subsequent paths.
This path's second-tier "Missionary" was indispensable for all organizations and churches, facilitating their various activities, including evangelism.
However, in all existing replication rituals, they typically began at the "Pious Scholar" stage, promoting one core concept—faith.
Both "Pious Scholar" and "Missionary" required an extremely devout belief, and the subsequent third-tier "Luminous Bishop" demanded even more, requiring one to see themselves as a "symbol" or "incarnation" of faith to complete the replication ritual.
For Shaer, who had no divine faith, this posed the greatest challenge.
The crystal vial contained a pure white liquid swirling within, contrasting sharply with the black mist of the "Avenger" potion.
He uncorked the vial, and at that moment, a silver dial appeared in his right eye.
Click—
The Echo of Time.
As the Echo of Time activated, Shaer raised his head and downed the potion in one gulp.
Shaer had already consumed nearly twenty potions, but the moment the "Pious Scholar" potion entered his mouth, it still brought a sense of surprise.
This... could be considered the sweetest potion Shaer had ever tasted... it was even somewhat pleasant.
The warm "Pious Scholar" potion flowed down Shaer's throat, and unlike the suffering endured in the "Pious Scholar" replication ritual, this potion felt more like a delicious nectar savored after enduring great trials.
However, this illusion vanished in an instant within Shaer's mind.
Because the side effects of the potion had already begun to manifest in his body.
Yes... Shaer had hardly ever completed a "Pious Scholar" replication ritual, and even the concept of "suffering for others" was something he rarely experienced.
Table of Contents
