Charlotte stood there in stunned silence, watching as Alex laughed like a total lunatic for a solid minute. His laughter echoed through the sterile hallway like a madman who had just solved a cosmic riddle... or completely lost his marbles.
Okay. He’s lost it, Charlotte thought, cautiously inching closer. And here I thought today couldn’t get any weirder...
Then suddenly, as if flipping a switch, Alex stopped laughing. He turned toward her with an uncharacteristically calm expression.
"Char, I need you to do something for me."
Charlotte blinked.
He was speaking... normally?
She sighed in relief. ’Thank the gods he didn’t go fully insane—even though he’s already half-insane most days.’
She gave a small smile. "Alright. What is it? You can tell me."
"Do you know how to give an injection?"
Her smile faltered. "What?"
"I asked if you know how to give someone a shot."
"Uhh... no, I don’t?" she said, confused.
Alex nodded. "Then learn. In the next few minutes."
Charlotte squinted. "What?! Look, I’m already worried sick about Lily, and now you’re acting like some mad scientist, and—"
"Just do as I say, Char," Alex interrupted, his voice firmer now. "This is for Lily."
Charlotte froze.
That name—the reason they were all here—snapped her back to focus.
She sighed. "Okay, okay. Fine. I’ll do it."
---
Inside his mind, Alex was grinning.
System... you’re an absolute genius. I always thought you were just a useless voice in my head, but today... I’m actually proud of you.
A voice rang in his mind like a snarky wind chime.
["You absolute bastard. At least learn how to thank someone properly when you’re grateful to them."]
And of course you’re a genius. It’s me who’s the dumb one.
["Damn right. Keep going. I like the sound of that. Praise me more."]
Alex smirked inwardly. You, oh supreme and divine system, are the greatest existence in this cosmos. I, the lowly meat sack, bow to your radiant glory.
["Heh. That’s more like it. Looks like you’re finally starting to appreciate my greatness."]
Alright, alright. Enough gloating. It’s time to work.
---
For this plan to work... I’ll need Lily’s blood sample. The corruption is spreading through her legs—so there’s enough active infection to work with.
He turned toward Dr. Emma’s office and looked over his shoulder.
"Char, find a nurse and learn how to administer an injection. Meet me back here in five minutes."
Charlotte’s mouth twitched.
"Hey! I’m a princess, not your personal nurse, you know!"
Alex chuckled. "Personal nurse? I like the sound of that. That outfit would actually suit you quite well."
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed. "Shut up and go do whatever shady nonsense you’re planning!"
He winked. "See you in five, Nurse Princess."
As he turned away, Charlotte sighed and rubbed her temples. "Do I really have to do this...?"
Alex gave her a thumbs-up without turning back. "Please. It’s for Lily."
She groaned. "Ugh! Alright, alright, you bastard—just go!"
---
Left standing in the hallway, Charlotte glanced around until she spotted a nurse walking by with a medical kit in hand. She took a deep breath.
Why the hell am I doing this again...?
"Excuse me," she said, stepping forward. "Miss, can I have a word?"
The nurse turned, surprised. Her eyes widened slightly upon seeing Charlotte’s regal aura and shimmering white hair.
"Yes? How can I help—"
"My name is Charlotte Evans Avaloria, first princess of the Avaloria Empire."
The nurse’s breath hitched. She had seen this girl before in news feeds and magazines. But now, standing face-to-face, there was no doubt.
She immediately bowed low. "I greet the Princess! Y-Your Highness, did I do something wrong?"
Charlotte smiled gently. "No. Nothing like that."
She hesitated for a second, then added, "Actually... I wanted to ask if you could teach me something."
The nurse blinked. "Me? Teach... you?"
Charlotte nodded. "I want to learn how to give someone an injection."
The nurse stared at her like she had just been asked how to pilot a dragon into orbit.
"...I’m sorry, what?"
Charlotte’s eyebrow twitched. "You heard me."
---
Meanwhile, Alex was standing before Dr. Emma, trying his best to look like the most emotionally shattered brother in the history of the universe.
"Miss Emma," he began, his voice soft and fragile. "I... I know it’s against the rules, but I really need Lily’s blood sample."
Emma’s brows furrowed. "Alex, I understand you’re worried, but giving corruption-infected samples to an unauthorized individual—"
"Please," Alex interrupted, his tone desperate. He leaned forward, eyes large and glistening with fake tears. "I’ve met someone researching abyssal corruption... They might be able to develop a cure. If there’s even the slightest chance, I’ll do anything."
He clasped his hands together like a desperate monk.
Emma looked at him... then sighed.
He looks like a kicked puppy.
"Okay, okay! You can stop making that face," she muttered, rubbing her forehead. "If what you’re saying is true... and if that researcher really can create a cure, then this could help not just Lily, but countless others."
Alex beamed—this time, with real gratitude hidden behind the fake tears.
"Thank you, Miss Emma. Really. I’ll be forever grateful."
Emma stood and walked over to a secure cabinet. Moments later, she returned with three small, black-sealed vials glowing faintly with a sinister purple hue.
"Here," she said, handing them over cautiously. "These are Lily’s blood samples that we just recently took. Handle them with extreme care. A single drop on a normal person... could mean instant death."
"This box is locked," she added. "Only your fingerprint will open it. Keep it safe, Alex."
Alex’s expression turned serious. "I understand. I’ll make sure nothing happens."
As he carefully took the vials, something inside him surged.
This was it.
The first step.
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