D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Chapter 2194 Poisonous List Part 2

Kat ---

"It hinges on the specific potion in question, you see. Take, for instance, the 'Crystal Growth Solution,' a deceptively harmless name for a particularly agonizing poison. Upon contact with ample blood, it begins to form crystals that absorb more blood, thereby increasing their size. It's a brutal way to perish, and even extraction involves painfully pulling sizable crystal structures from one's body. The more elaborate version, fitting this category, is the 'Delayed Crystal Growth Solution,' which... well, a less imaginative alchemist coined that name.

"Its mechanism is similar, but the crystals only materialize when the poison is purged by fire. From my understanding of the components, it functions like concentric spheres. The outer layer is the poison inflicting damage, while the inner layer contains the crystal-forming agent. Should a healer's regeneration attempt to expel the outer layer, the crystals instantly erupt to occupy the void, likely lacerating surrounding tissues in the process,"

"And you believe this might have been what afflicted me?" Kat inquired.

"Perhaps?" Appoline offered. "You didn't erupt into crystal growths, but that could stem from your body's unique composition. Then again, the pain might have been your regeneration suppressing it... but why would the burning sensation persist and spread? It's a perplexing situation where I'm attempting to reconcile the potency of your regeneration with this peculiar poison.

"In this instance, I presented a straightforward example. My best hypothesis is that the poison you ingested possessed a potent secondary effect that your body battled as it disseminated. Perhaps the burning wasn't the poison itself, but its residual manifestation. Instead of addressing the initial damage and causing harm later, it inflicts injury only when being neutralized."

"But... it truly seemed to be spreading..." Kat mumbled.

"Indeed it did... yet your blood circulates rapidly, and the spread was quite contained. Surely it would have covered more territory if left unchecked? Or perhaps I'm mistaken. Not all alchemical poisons adhere strictly to logic. Maybe instead of causing further issues, additional poison would have seeped from your pores, and your body prioritized Lily's safety above your own..." Appoline mused.

"That..." Kat's brow furrowed. For a fleeting moment, her thoughts drifted to KatE. It felt... absurd to suggest her body lacked sagacity, given that her soul apparently possessed a measure of independent thought. It wasn't hostile to her interests, but it was distinct. Could her body be similar? Or was she anthropomorphizing an inanimate substance merely to align with an expert's eccentric theory? "I wouldn't dismiss it entirely, but I'm uncertain."

"Isn't there... anything at all that resembles my experience?" Kat sighed.

"If there were a simple answer, Kat, I would have readily provided it. The limited reaction you experienced is peculiar, but so is the fact that it affected you at all. Although... hmmm..." Appoline hesitated.

"I sense you're formulating an idea?" Kat probed.

"Not so much an idea... but a whisper of a rumor," Appoline stated slowly. "I am aware of demons, naturally. You are here... and I also know that demons have adversaries, inherent ones. I... no, well. Okay, so my initial theory now seems far less probable than my second. My original thought was to discuss angels and their antithetical nature to your kind... but I have no certainty if this holds true; it's merely something I've encountered.

"What I ponder... is if you can summon a demon for aid... why can't Greaves? What are the odds she sought a demon, for weaponry against another?" The unsaid phrase, 'Specifically, against you,' resonated clearly, even without Appoline's utterance. It was... skirting the boundaries of propriety. Now that Kat considered it, it was strange she could even discuss the duels... but perhaps there was an explanation, or maybe Appoline was deliberately sidestepping that aspect.

The disconcerting aspect was that Appoline's conjecture held considerable weight. 'Troll's Bane' seemed plausible, but Appoline, an expert, noted the symptoms never quite aligned with something originating from this world. If Greaves acquired her supplies from a demon, could it be something specifically designed to counteract succubus regeneration? Demonic energy? Her body had healed... but was that because the procured substances were only effective against Rank 3 demons? Kat's ascended status wasn't widely publicized... or perhaps the cost had simply been prohibitive?

Kat shook her head. *

User Kat is to be informed that she is correct. Current question does not pose a risk to world integrity and thus falls under standard protocols.

Kat realized she had no frame of reference for this situation. On one hand, demons possessed natural toughness, and her regeneration only amplified that resilience. However, the crucial point remained: a poison crafted by a demon would undoubtedly account for such abilities, especially since her regeneration was a known trait she never concealed. It was an intrinsic part of her, gained so early in her transformation. Unlike her dream walking, which she often forgot about, or even her water transformation, which saw occasional use but was similarly overlooked in moments of panic, regeneration was simply... a fundamental aspect of her being now. The notion of hiding it had never crossed her mind before, as there had never been a compelling reason. What could others realistically do with that knowledge? Moreover, she wasn't typically operating within the same realm. Yet, now, this could potentially become a significant issue catching up with her. Then again, Kat wasn't entirely sure she would have even reached the finals if she had concealed such a major trump card from everyone.

"I doubt it, but can you tell me anything about that type of poison?" Kat inquired.

Appoline shook her head. "I'm afraid I can only offer speculation. The most straightforward answer is 'stronger poisons.' I am quite certain the average demon would possess more exotic resources and experience in potion-making. Furthermore, if Greaves is truly as eager to spend lavishly as you suggest? There's no reason to assume she would summon an ordinary demon, especially for a brief transaction rather than a long-term contract."

"Ah," Kat acknowledged. This was something she hadn't considered at all. If Greaves was purchasing poisons, she wouldn't necessarily need to employ the demon for extended periods. They could simply pay for the poisons and conclude the transaction. This... might make obtaining something potent more plausible. The challenge, once more, was that Kat had never even thought to investigate the poison market. Was something capable of affecting her even considered expensive? Kat had to assume not, but it was an assumption she wasn't entirely comfortable making.