In the dining hall, Liam sat at the sleek metal table while AISAR rolled in with a tray holding a glass of thick, pastel-colored liquid.
"AISAR, what's this? I asked for food, not some kind of smoothie experiment."
"Sir, liquid nourishment is recommended for initial consumption. It will aid in calibrating your new digestive system."
Liam sighed, accepting the glass and pulling a metal straw from his coat pocket. "What's in it?"
"A blend of milk, banana, apple, and kiwi. Nutritious, easily digestible, and optimal for baseline system adjustments."
He took a sip. "Hmm... tastes pretty good, actually. Bring me another."
"Right away, Sir."
Just then, a melodic chime echoed through the hall.
Ding! Dong!
"Sir, Miss Layla Ackerman has arrived at the entrance."
Liam blinked. "Layla? AISAR, open the door and guide her to the dining room."
"Right away, Sir."
At the front of the house, the door hissed open automatically.
"Welcome back, Miss Layla Ackerman," AISAR greeted.
"Thanks, AISAR. Where's Liam?"
"Sir is currently in the dining hall."
Layla walked briskly toward the dining area, her long crimson hair swaying behind her.
"Liam, it's chaos out there—"
She froze. So did he.
"Who... are you?" she asked warily.
"I was about to ask the same," Liam replied, standing.
"I'm Layla."
"And I'm Liam."
Liam's voice rang out. "AISAR!"
"Sir, facial recognition confirms this is indeed Miss Layla Ackerman, based on a 99% match with her younger face using polygonal mapping. DNA confirmation stands at 90%. Her mana signature also matches at 95% accuracy."
Liam exhaled, tension leaving his shoulders. "So, you really are Layla. And only I can command AISAR... What happened to you?"
"You first."
"I created a bionic body using alchemical research and necromancy. Then I transferred my soul into it."
Layla raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. My turn, then—I used a DNA serum to transform myself into a demon."
Liam glanced at her hair. "That explains the red."
"Side effect of the serum. But I like the look."
"It suits you. You look beautiful."
She smirked slightly. "Thanks."
"But... I can't sense any mana from you," she added, tilting her head.
"This body has no mana pathways. No mystical circuit. When I transferred, I lost all my magic. Seventy years of effort—gone. It was… not an easy decision."
Layla nodded, solemn. "I understand. As for me—" she pulled a vial from her coat and twirled it between her fingers, "—I spliced demon DNA extracted from survivors deep inside the Forbidden Zone. They evolved to live in that miasma-saturated hell. I used their genetics to craft a serum, injected it, and entered a month-long hibernation."
Liam blinked. "And now your body's as young as...?"
"A twenty-year-old demon."
He leaned forward. "What kind of demon?"
Layla gave a sly smile. "Succubus."
"...Did you also get their—abilities?"
She gave a playful wink. "My mana mutated. I now wield enchantment magic. Befuddlement. Manipulation. Psychological snare spells. Very useful in a fight... or a negotiation."
He chuckled. "Okay, one more question—feel free to skip if it's personal. Are you going to grow horns or a tail?"
She laughed. "Possibly. Not sure yet. The transformation's still evolving. And yes, it might affect my psyche too."
Liam frowned. "That's… a lot. But you said your mana aptitude skyrocketed?"
Layla nodded. "With the world becoming saturated with miasma, my mana reserves are thriving."
Liam turned to AISAR. "Did I hear that right? The world's becoming a Forbidden Zone, and she's happy her mana's mutating?"
"Affirmative, Sir. Your hearing is functioning optimally. Would you like me to replay the conversation?"
"It was sarcasm, AISAR."
"Understood, Sir."
Layla smiled softly. "It's alright, Liam. Demons naturally resist miasma. What's poison to you is power to me."
"That may be true at moderate levels. But even demons can't survive in the heart of the Forbidden Zones."
"I'll manage. I've planned for every possible outcome. And… if things go wrong—big if—you'll be there for me, right?"
Liam gave her a crooked grin. "After 56 years of friendship, yeah. I suppose I should at least keep an eye on you."