D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Chapter 2198 Twin Issues Part 2

Kat ---

"Can I have some time to think about it?" asked Rocky.

Steel rubbed his left temple for a few moments, and Rocky instinctively stepped backward, as if anticipating an impending outburst. Nevertheless, Steel responded with composure, though his displeasure was evident. "Ten minutes. You have ten minutes to decide which of you is going. If you aren't done by then, I'll have Kat knock one of you out at random, and drag the other into the poison WITHOUT a suit."

Rocky winced and retreated from the room, dragging his brother along by the arm. Len mouthed a 'Sorry' towards Steel before being pulled out. Kat was genuinely impressed that he'd managed to convey that understandable sentiment. Perhaps her translation abilities were engaged because he was trying so hard to communicate clearly? Kat shrugged and turned to Steel. "What do you think will happen?"

"I'm hoping Len can talk some sense into his idiotic brother. Before this discussion, I would have considered the twins entirely interchangeable, but now? I suspect one of them holds significantly more value than the other," sighed Steel.

"Some might misinterpret that," chimed in Vanilla from the side of the room. "It could make someone think you're looking to offer them up as a sacrifice. If that's the case, consider me! I'm quite open to that, especially if it involves intense physical pain."

Steel rubbed both temples this time, his gaze drifting towards the ceiling. Vanilla chuckled at his reaction and ceased her teasing of the commander, likely influenced by Maryland's disapproving glance. Just as Kat was about to voice her own query, Steel decided to address Marigold's earlier statement. "That wasn't my intention, but I must admit, I'm wearing a bit thin these days. I was merely pointing out that if anyone's getting a raise, it's probably not going to be Rocky at this juncture."

"Pretty sure he can hear you, boss," added Maryland.

"Well," Steel took a deep breath. "Perhaps he should refrain from complicating matters unnecessarily!"

"Sorry!" came a voice yelling back down the hallway as Steel turned to fix Maryland with a deadpan glare. Maryland backed away slightly, hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

"Gee, I didn't mean anything by it. I just thought you might appreciate the heads-up. If you're tired, you might have missed it," Maryland explained.

Steel shrugged. "I'm simply informing him in advance that his actions carry consequences."

"You're kind of tipping the scales a bit, aren't you?" Vanilla stated.

Steel shrugged again. "I've stated my position, but if people present such convenient opportunities to elaborate, I'm going to take advantage of them."

Vanilla and Maryland exchanged a grin as more individuals began entering the room, having returned from donning their attire. The guards appeared particularly uneasy in their now significantly less armored forms. Kat's gaze fell upon Appoline, who had put on her own suit and was intently studying the box. "What's on your mind?"

"I'm contemplating whether I could devise an alchemical solution to this predicament," Appoline explained.

"Yeah, about what I expected... so, can you?" Kat inquired.

"Yes... however, I'm uncertain about its cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, given that they are regularly introducing new poisons into the atmosphere, I might not be able to create a solution for every variation without dedicating a substantial amount of time to research and development. It could certainly be accomplished; I have confidence in my abilities... but could it be achieved in time to be impactful? With an unlimited budget, perhaps... but again, do I possess such a resource?" Appoline mused.

"That's reasonable. No objections to using the suit instead?" asked Kat.

Appoline shook her head. "I'm not so conceited as to reject functional equipment simply because I believe I could replicate something similar. Perhaps if I had it at the ready, the situation would be different. After all, I prefer to rely on my own creations over those of others... but that's hardly the case here. Besides, I utilize numerous alchemical tools that I haven't personally manufactured. While my expertise likely allows me to assess their quality better than their creators, it still supports my point."

Kat nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. So, you believe it would take several days?"

Appoline shrugged. "The challenge lies with the potential additional substances they might be developing. While general antidotes are feasible... they aren't typically designed for prolonged exposure. Their function is to forcefully expel foreign agents from the body... and often, even naturally occurring ones. Depending on their potency, they can be quite hazardous."

"The problem is, you can't simply eliminate it once; you must create something that either aids in metabolizing the poison or... hmm... I intended to say neutralize it, but crafting a coating to prevent the poison from contacting you might be more effective. I'm uncertain how to ensure you don't suffocate during that process... however, if I were to develop a more advanced water-breathing potion... I believe it’s achievable... though difficult to test."

"Ooh, why?" Vanilla inquired.

"If I mish anage the ingredients, the wind could potentially tear apart your skin as the layer meant to repel the poison destabilizes... why are you looking at me like that?" Appoline gazed at Vanilla, her eyes practically gleaming. A wild smile played on her lips, and a bit of drool escaped the corner of her mouth.

"She's always like that..." Maryland sighed.

"Could I place an order for one of those potions?" Vanilla asked.

"It doesn’t exist yet... and we have the suits for that purpose," Appoline responded, somewhat bewildered.

"No, I mean the one that shreds your skin with somewhat controlled wind. That sounds... delightful!" Vanilla explained, a grin and a shiver accompanying her words.

Appoline shivered back, though for an entirely different reason. "Oh... um... hmm..." Appoline found herself conflicted. On one hand, this was a rather peculiar request, and one that wouldn't necessarily be inexpensive to research thoroughly. On the other hand... it could potentially be classified as a very unusual type of poison, making it potentially worthwhile to investigate. "Let's discuss it further after we conclude this... mission. I possess a tentative interest, but acquiring the necessary ingredients could be troublesome initially."

Kat sighed, recognizing the implication in the wording. At least 'Vanilla' seemed exceedingly pleased with the response. Kat supposed it also benefited Vanilla, so it worked out for both of the eccentrics. At least it was easier to overlook how mad Appoline was most of the time. Vanilla, however, hardly let you forget it.

As Kat was rolling her eyes, the twins re-entered the room. She hadn't been actively listening to their conversation, but based on the somewhat dejected expression on Rocky's face, it seemed he would be staying behind. This was confirmed when, without a word, Lan retrieved the last suit from the box and departed to prepare. Except... wait a moment. Kat's curiosity compelled her to replay her memories... and she discovered that yes. Just as Steel produced the box, he also vanished the top few suits... perhaps three? It was difficult to ascertain, but Kat did confirm they had been removed from immediate access. Did he already suspect that both twins were present? He must have been able to discern their voices.