Chapter 141 : Anything for family

Chapter 141: Chapter 141 : Anything for family 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. Hope wasn’t just a dream anymore. It was real. And he was going to fight for it. Clutching the box carefully, he turned and left the office, his footsteps echoing softly down the quiet hallway. --- As he neared the spot he had promised to meet Charlotte, a strange sight greeted him. Charlotte was standing in the middle of the hallway, holding a syringe... and trying to stab the air with it. Her hand moved in hesitant, jerky motions—like someone trying to practice martial arts with a dinner fork. A voice echoed dryly in his head. [Looks like she’s trying to figure out how to give an injection.] Alex chuckled aloud. "I can see that." Strolling toward her, he called out with a grin, "Princess Nurse, I’m ready for my shot." Charlotte’s mouth twitched. A visible vein pulsed on her temple as she turned toward him with a glare. "Don’t. Call. Me. That," she said, pouting like a child denied dessert. Chuckling, Alex raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I take it you’re ready?" Charlotte crossed her arms. "You bastard. If I wasn’t a princess, they would’ve arrested me for medical malpractice five minutes ago." Alex raised a brow. "Wait... so you practiced it on a real person?" He gave her a suspicious squint. "How is he?" Charlotte gave a smug smile. "Let’s just say... it took a few trials. But I think she’s in good condition now." Then, after a small pause, she added, "Probably." Alex’s eye twitched. Did she just switch words mid-sentence? A voice echoed in his head. [Host... this fake nurse seems quite dangerous. Don’t you have any other options?] Alex sighed internally. No. Experimenting with abyss corruption-infected blood is illegal without high authorization. But Charlotte’s a princess. Anyone else in this hospital would report me—and I’d be executed for even suggesting it. The system paused, then said: [Can’t you just drink the blood yourself? Direct adaptation.] Alex gagged. You gross bastard. What do I look like to you? A vampire bloodsucker from a discount horror drama?! [...Alright, alright. Do it your way, drama queen.] --- Turning back to Charlotte, Alex said with a smirk, "Let’s go, Miss Princess Illegal Nurse." Charlotte rolled her eyes. "This is all because of you. And don’t call me that." They made their way into a small medical room nearby. Sterile, quiet, with dim blue lights and white cabinets lining the walls. Alex sat down on the examination chair and placed the high-tech box on the table. He pressed his thumb on the biometric lock. Beep. Clack. The box hissed open. Inside, three vials rested securely in grooves. Two of them contained a thick, almost black-red substance that swirled sluggishly, glowing faintly with violet veins. It didn’t look like blood. It looked... alive. Charlotte stared, wide-eyed. "What kind of medicine is this...?" Then she frowned. "And how is injecting that into yourself supposed to help Lily?" Alex’s playful smile faded instantly. His expression turned sharp, serious. "Char... please don’t ask too many questions. Just help me. I’ll owe you one. A big one." Charlotte’s brows knit together. "Will this... harm your body?" Alex didn’t answer. "...Alex," she pressed, "this is going to hurt you, right?" A pause. "I don’t know," he finally said. Charlotte closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She could already feel a headache forming. "Okay," she said quietly. "I’ll do it. But on one condition." She opened her eyes and met his directly. "When this is done—no more half-truths. You tell me everything. What’s going on. Why you’re doing this. How it’s supposed to help Lily. All of it." Alex stared at her for a second, then nodded. "I promise." Charlotte gave a soft smile. "Good." Then she walked over to the medical kit and pulled out a pair of disposable gloves. She slipped them on with a snap, then reached for the syringe. Alex sat still as she prepped the equipment, his heartbeat gradually picking up. The system whispered softly in his mind. [You’re really doing this, huh...] Of course. We only have a month, and I will not take any risks in the matters involving Lily. Alex replied, his gaze fixed on the swirling abyss-tainted blood. For her... I’ll do everything. Charlotte held up the syringe with shaky hands, then took one of the vials and began drawing out the contents. The blood slithered unnaturally, like it was resisting. "Okay," she whispered. "Ready?" ---------- A/N: So how was the Chapter? Tell me in the comments! Thanks for the ???? gift @Anju09 i really appreciate the support. Thanks for the golden tickets: @Goncalo0110, @Eventfullmars @BluuuuTea , JUST_justin @Ragnarock_22 , @Kyle_Yem @Dark_Ravin, @Anish_Hota @Ram_Cot , @Bjarne_H , @Peacej , @SleepyR26, @QueenMiMi_ , @mohammeddmmo75, @Capnmoonfire, @masken2007 I really appreciate the support, guys. ????