Chapter Six
“A physical examination, huh… It’s been so long since I’ve had one of those.” Lisbeth mused, her fluffy fox tail swaying gently as she walked towards Olivia’s laboratory.
As a former hero, she had rarely fallen ill, making physicals an infrequent occurrence—perhaps once every few years. In fact, she had almost forgotten what the examination entailed.
Upon hearing her, Clotilde’s voice echoed in her mind.
[Oh, it’s nothing major. They’ll just measure your height and weight, check your eyesight, and so on. It’s not like they’ll make you do anything strange, so don’t worry so much.]
“It’s not that I’m worried; I just find it a bit novel,” Lisbeth replied. “Though, the thought of having a physical alongside Staros does feel a little awkward.”
[Awkward? Why is that?]
“Because, well, look at my body,” Lisbeth explained, gesturing instinctively in a circle.
“You see, for a physical examination, we’re bound to have to undress, right? I’m in a girl’s body now, and while Staros also has the appearance of a girl, he’s fundamentally a man on the inside. Wouldn’t it be incredibly awkward if my body were stared at during the examination by someone who looks like a woman but is a man within?”
[Honestly, I think your explanation just now was more awkward, but never mind that. Since both of you are in female bodies, there’s no harm in seeing each other, is there?]
Clotilde had a point; since both Lisbeth and Staros were currently in female bodies, there shouldn’t be any major issue with them seeing each other.
However, Lisbeth shook her head vehemently. “No, no, no, it’s completely different! Her meager body isn’t interesting to look at, but if my curvaceous figure is seen, wouldn’t I be the one at a disadvantage?”
[Hmph… suit yourself then… Though I don’t quite understand what you’re trying to achieve…]
As the two conversed, Lisbeth found herself unknowingly arriving at Olivia’s laboratory. Looking ahead, she spotted Staros stealthily crouched by the lab door, a tense expression etched on her face.
“Hmm? Staros, what are you doing?”
“W-wah! Who’s there?!”
Startled by the voice from behind, Staros let out a strange yelp.
However, upon seeing it was Lisbeth, she visibly relaxed. “Oh, it’s just you. Seriously, don’t just speak from behind people like that!”
“No, no, you’re the one acting all shifty for no reason, aren’t you?” Lisbeth retorted. “More importantly, what’s with this reaction?”
“Eh? Don’t you know we have a physical today? Or are you an idiot?”
Gazing at Staros, who was staring at her as if she were an imbecile, Lisbeth’s mouth twitched. She instinctively reached out and pinched Staros’s cheek. “Who are you calling an idiot?!”
“W-wah! You brute, stop pinching me!”
“What are you two doing out here? Hurry up and come in.”
While Lisbeth and Staros were still bumbling at the entrance, Olivia, who had been waiting inside the lab, emerged with an exasperated sigh. “Though you two might have nothing to do, I’m quite busy. I have a pile of things to get done after this examination, so could you please stop wasting my time?”
“Ah, our apologies. We’re coming in now.”
Noticing Olivia’s prominent dark circles, Lisbeth intended to pull Staros straight inside. However, before she could, Staros vehemently shook her head. “Lisbeth, wait a moment! Have you forgotten how badly she messed with us last time? What if we’re suddenly thrown into that strange space again the moment we step inside?”
“Eh? So what if we were?” Lisbeth asked, gazing at Staros with genuine confusion. “To be honest, it was wrong of us to sneak into her lab last time, so we couldn’t blame her for setting a trap.”
“But now, we’ve been invited in, so there’s nothing to worry about, right?”
Despite Lisbeth’s words, Staros still shook her head uneasily. “No, no, no, you’ve forgotten how often I used to offend her, haven’t you? While you might not have any grievances with her, there’s a good chance I could be…”
“Staros… I don’t care what you’re thinking, but if you don’t get in here within a minute, then I’ll consider turning your body into some kind of insect.”
“W-wah! Wait! I’m going in now!”
Thus, after Olivia’s severe threat, Staros bolted into the laboratory. Lisbeth, shaking her head helplessly, followed her inside.
****
“Eh? Is this really the same lab we visited last time? It looks completely different!” Lisbeth exclaimed.
Gazing at the laboratory, filled with an array of bizarre and peculiar objects, both Lisbeth and Staros gaped, momentarily speechless. Even Lisbeth, a former hero with extensive worldly experience, found herself at a loss for words.
Before them were monstrous creatures floating in various jars and cabinets overflowing with unseen materials and potions.
Yet, beyond all these wonders, what truly captivated them was the inexplicable transformation of the space.
Observing their bewildered expressions, Olivia simply shook her head. “Of course, it’s completely different. I always isolate my true laboratory in a sealed space whenever I leave, replacing it with a false one—which is what you saw last time.”
“Eh!? You keep it *that* secret? Isn’t that a bit excessive?”
Hearing Olivia’s revelation, both Lisbeth and Staros gasped in astonishment.
Olivia, however, merely shook her head once more. “What kind of reaction is that? For a magician, a laboratory is as vital as their own life. If I just let thieves waltz in, I might as well give up my profession entirely.”
“Ah, that makes sense. So, this is your *real* laboratory now?”
“Yes, that’s right. Generally, outsiders aren’t permitted here. However, since you two are relatively close to me, I’m making an exception today and allowing you in. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Seeing their nods, Olivia turned her back and began rummaging through a cabinet not far from the lab’s entrance.
Presumably, she was searching for magical tools specifically designed for physical examinations.
However, even more pressing than Olivia’s task, the moment she had spoken those words, both Lisbeth and Staros simultaneously exchanged a wicked grin.
They locked eyes, beginning a silent conversation through their gazes.
‘Staros, you know what to do, right?’
‘Oh, of course. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
Though not a single word was uttered, their thoughts were perfectly conveyed to each other. Indeed, just as they had communicated, this was a golden opportunity.
They recalled how their previous attempt to steal the growth and stability potions had been thwarted by Chris, leaving the matter unresolved.
They had long given up on acquiring those two elixirs, but this sudden chance rekindled the flame of hope within them.
Having made their decision, Lisbeth first gestured towards Olivia, then turned to give Staros a meaningful look, before subtly pointing towards the cabinet laden with potions.
‘Understood.’
Staros nodded in acknowledgment, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Swiftly, Lisbeth walked directly over to Olivia’s side and offered, “Olivia, do you need any help? If it’s something heavy, I can assist you.”
“Ah, thank you. Could you please get this scale for me first? For some reason, its wheels seem to be stuck, and I can’t pull it out no matter how hard I try.”
“Is that so? Then let me help you.”
Having successfully diverted Olivia’s attention, Staros flashed a mischievous smile and quietly began to approach the cabinet filled with potions.
Their plan was simple: Lisbeth would create a diversion, allowing Staros to retrieve the desired elixirs.
“Ah…”
After searching for a moment, Staros failed to find the desired potions on the first shelf of the cabinet.
Even worse, Staros’s current appearance was that of a mere ten-year-old girl. Consequently, her height simply wasn’t enough to reach the second shelf, making it impossible for her to grab the elixirs.
Witnessing this predicament, Lisbeth’s eyes flashed dangerously. She shot Staros a look, silently urging her to just fly up there.
However, in response to Lisbeth’s gaze, Staros merely shook her head, indicating that she couldn’t fly at all.
At this, Lisbeth instantly covered her face, then spoke to Clotilde in the most indignant voice she had ever uttered.
‘That useless thing! What kind of magician can’t even fly?!’