"To have this ready in just one night..."
Kyokotsu, standing behind Hagoromo Gitsune, clicked her tongue in astonishment.
Her ladyship had only returned at 2 a.m. last night, and now it was just past 7 a.m. In five hours, they'd prepared a body capable of bearing Nue... and judging by its aura, this vessel was freshly created?
Is this the capability of the SDS?
As Kyokotsu marvelled, Luo Shu stepped forward and pressed a button on the base of the incubation pod. A gurgling sound echoed from within the chamber.
Crimson liquid was injected into the pod, making the faceless body floating in the nutrient solution appear even more terrifying.
"This is the SDS Research Department's latest prototype, Substitute Vessel Type-1. It can mimic the functions of a target with an infusion of Demon Power and, of course, possesses reproductive capabilities."
"The drawback is some delay in control due to underdeveloped brain functions."
As Luo Shu spoke, he glanced at Hagoromo Gitsune before continuing:
"This is a version specifically developed for yokai, although the power source has been designated as Demon Power."
"Will it work? This thing."
"Producing a small amount of Demon Power isn't particularly difficult."
Hagoromo Gitsune observed the faceless body before her with a hint of nostalgia:
"This Demon Power aura... It's from a Heian-period yokai. How long has it been..."
Hearing this, Luo Shu suddenly realised: "I almost forgot you're familiar with Demon Power too."
In the world Hagoromo Gitsune and the Nura Clan originally came from, yokai cultivated spiritual energy called Fear. But in earlier times, they practised Demon Power cultivation similar to Inuyasha's world.
It seemed environmental changes made Demon Power synthesis difficult, eventually forcing yokai to switch to Fear cultivation. This led to Warring States-period yokai and later generations only knowing Fear, believing it innate.
But for reincarnating yokai like Hagoromo Gitsune from the Heian period, Demon Power remained her truly familiar energy.
"Just an obsolete power now."
Hagoromo Gitsune's tone carried unnatural emotion as she spoke.
She vaguely remembered that during the Demon Power era, she'd been a weak fox spirit among yokai, easily slain by a human Onmyoji. Only after the Fear system emerged, leveraging her identity as Nue's birth mother and human fears, had she grown to her current stature.
Now, though still capable of synthesising Demon Power, using it felt distinctly uncomfortable.
"Obsolete or not, as long as you can use it."
Luo Shu stepped aside, allowing Hagoromo Gitsune to approach the incubation pod while adding:
"Oh, and don't worry about me tampering with this body. Even if I had, you wouldn't detect it anyway."
"Hmph!" Hagoromo Gitsune snorted coldly, stepping forward to place her hand against the incubation pod's glass, channelling her newly synthesised Demon Power.
Upon contact, the featureless, genderless body within began transforming amidst bubbling fluid. Within four or five seconds, a perfect replica of Hagoromo Gitsune lay peacefully sleeping inside.
"Eek!!" Kyokotsu immediately covered her eyes, not daring to look. This was her elder sister's sacred form - far too improper to gaze upon.
In contrast, Luo Shu observed brazenly, index finger resting contemplatively on his chin as he remarked:
"Frankly, your aesthetic sense is excellent! That figure would make a fine nursing mother."
Since the faceless body created an exact copy, the pod's contents perfectly mirrored Hagoromo Gitsune standing beside Luo Shu, warranting thorough appreciation.
"While I appreciate your flattery, kindly remove your eyes from that counterfeit now."
Hagoromo Gitsune's expression darkened uncomfortably. Aware of Luo Shu's designs on her, his scrutiny made her feel appraised like merchandise - an intolerable sensation regardless of their partnership.
"How cruel. Can't you see the admiration in my gaze?"
"Apologies, all I see is filthy desire." Hagoromo Gitsune sneered, even adding mockingly: "Though if you truly wish to play with such meaningless flesh, I wouldn't mind."
"Then my apologies, I prefer the original." Luo Shu immediately took a step back upon hearing this.
Him playing with this fake? He'd be sickened to death - this thing was cultured from Naraku's cells. His tastes weren't that bizarre.
"Hmph!" Hagoromo Gitsune snorted coldly, though inwardly wary of Luo Shu.
After controlling the faceless body, she'd discovered this body contained traits of various yokai powers, functioning like a universal interface capable of containing her reincarnated strength. That such a rare tool could be created in mere hours made her deeply apprehensive of Luo Shu's backing.
But what she feared most was this man before her - inwardly dark and gloomy, perpetually vigilant against all threats.
Hagoromo Gitsune knew well that while Luo Shu harboured some desire towards her, it was just that - mere desire. The moment she threatened his safety, this man would be the first to strike.
This man loved himself far more than he could ever love anyone!
"By the way, I've prepared some temporary raw liver. There might be a slight porky odour, but care to try?"
Luo Shu pointed at the pig livers soaking in a freezer, blinking at Hagoromo Gitsune.
The image of a beautiful girl gnawing on pig liver? Now that was a bizarre sight Luo Shu wanted to see.
As if guessing his thoughts, Hagoromo Gitsune merely glanced at him before saying:
"Save such trivial matters for later."
Her expression then turned coldly elegant as she added:
"I've already notified the Gokadoin children. Your borrowed time is limited. If there's anything requiring my participation, speak now."
Hearing this, Luo Shu stroked his chin before replying:
"In that case, we'll need to accelerate slightly."
"Care to accompany me for some collaborative negotiations?"
"With whom?" Hagoromo Gitsune frowned.
Luo Shu's lips curled into a smile:
"The Nura Clan."