The scene immediately became extremely awkward, and no one spoke for several seconds.
"...Okay, I've fallen for your trick this time."
It wasn't until Abigail reacted first, a look of resentment that didn't match her appearance appearing on her small face, that she spoke in a voice as cold as liquid nitrogen.
"I never imagined that you used research funds to genetically modify yourself!"
Huh? What the hell is this person talking about?
Hayden was taken aback at first, but quickly realized that the witch had misunderstood. He had been eating Angela's food for three months straight, and these enhancements had accumulated in his body over time. Although not as genetically modified as the upper class before birth, they had already produced enough physical changes to mislead others.
His strength has increased, his body has become more agile and robust, and his senses are sharper than ever before—although these are only minor changes at the moment, they are enough to allow him, like a Coordinator, to resist most common diseases, toxins, and curse spells, especially those curses that directly attack life force.
So, seeing Hayden now naturally raises suspicions that he's paid for gene-editing treatments. Needless to say, those treatments are incredibly expensive… So, where did Hayden get the money?
"This is the result of my own research in the field of life magic."
To prevent further misunderstandings, Hayden had no choice but to conceal the parts that were difficult to discuss, and to explain the rest as simply as possible.
"As you probably know, ancient magic contains many methods or substances for improving and strengthening the human body. I've recently been researching the knowledge and techniques related to 'the breath of life,' trying to find ways to cure genetic defects."
This is not a lie, but Hayden has not actually figured out the detailed effects of Angela's aura on the human body, so this statement is slightly boastful.
"The cream puffs you just ate were also simply treated with the application technology of the Breath of Life. They are harmless to the body and will instead stimulate a virtuous cycle of vitality and magic. Long-term consumption will produce effects similar to gene modification therapy, just like me."
Why do I have to go to such lengths to make excuses for my own AI-powered idiots?
As Hayden finished speaking, he couldn't help but glance at Angela behind him out of the corner of his eye, only to see Angela watching with great interest as Hayden pinned Abigail to the ground, and even taking pictures with her phone.
What malfunction is she making now?
Meanwhile, after listening to Hayden's explanation, Abigail quickly calmed down and even showed a thoughtful expression. She was now less than 1.4 meters tall, but wearing the clothes of an adult who was over 1.7 meters tall, which looked quite comical.
However, this little girl's body revealed a serious expression and sharp eyes that only adults possess.
"In other words, you haven't been researching AI at all in the past three months. You've been using all the funds to research classical life magic."
She pointed this out rather sharply.
Strictly speaking, that's true, but Hayden would never admit it. He immediately shook his head: "No. I'm also researching AI."
After all, Angela is AI, so studying Angela is equivalent to studying AI, and this logic isn't exactly a lie.
"Let's not talk about such formalities now. I won't report this to Mr. Adam."
But Abigail had no intention of continuing to argue with Hayden about this.
"Would you be interested in discussing a new research investment with me, rather than Mr. Adam?"
030: Dark arts ultimately do no good to people.
Clearly, Miss Abigail did not have the habit of carrying clothes that were about 1.4 meters long with her.
Of course, Hayden didn't have any at home. If he had that kind of fetish, he would have made Angela into a Lolita-style figure long ago.
So Hayden ended up transforming Abigail's suit jacket into something resembling a full-length robe, so she would have something to change into.
Interestingly, the witch was completely oblivious to Hayden watching her change. She began to undress without any restraint, comfortably freeing herself from the oversized business suit that would trip her up and make her slip, and then began to put on the classic robe that Hayden had given her, clearly unconcerned about the stares of others.
Hayden was the first to react, quickly and awkwardly turning his gaze away, then couldn't help but complain, "Are you really that indifferent?"
“I become younger every time I use magic. This is part of my classical magic source contract. It doesn’t look like it, but I’m actually 447 years old.”
Ms. Abigail, who looked no more than twelve years old, answered coldly.
“The men who are interested in me are either in their adolescence or have a criminal record for sex crimes. Please don’t be one of the latter, Mr. Hayden.”
噫
Hayden was speechless for a moment.
"...So the famous female owner of the Veela strip club, the alluring and seductive red-haired witch, is actually just an image you created using shapeshifting magic?"
After a long pause, he finally spoke again.
"If the people on the streets of New Seattle knew what you really looked like... their respect for you would probably disappear a lot."
After all, people tend to judge by appearance. Even if one rationally knows that appearance isn't the most important thing, it's still difficult to be overly wary of a girl who is less than 1.4 meters tall.
"That's why I want to talk to you about this upcoming investment deal."
Abigail said calmly,
"Can the ancient magic you research, which uses the 'Breath of Life' for healing, resolve my current predicament?"
Now it's quite obvious what she wants to do with ancient magic.
You want to get old.
Hayden scratched the back of his head.
"Does this really require magical modifications to the essence of life? Getting old is easy, isn't it? Just use the aging-accelerating magic commonly used in biochemical labs to age yourself quickly, right?"
Reversing entropy is complicated. No magic that makes people younger is cheap. But conversely, accelerating aging is much easier.
Abigail shook her head: "As another part of my magic contract, spacetime magic that does not originate from myself is basically ineffective against me. And even if I cast time-based magic on myself, I cannot avoid the cost of the magic contract itself."
Even if she cast a spell on herself to accelerate aging, as the price of the spell, she would also become younger. In the end, nothing would happen except for the depletion of her magic power.
Abigail said she was 447 years old. In an era when modern arcane magic was just beginning to emerge, the price of casting spells was to make oneself younger—it was so beautiful that it didn't feel like a price at all.
However, in this day and age where money can buy potions of rejuvenation, "becoming younger" as the price of magic has become a problem. It's quite amusing.
Hayden frowned as he thought about this—this must be a very powerful magical contract, perhaps even beyond the level of a classical mage. Moreover, the theme of "space-time magic," and the dark magic Abigail had just cast, reminded Hayden of something else. Somewhere before, he had heard of something related to this.
Abigail was Hayden's old friend and Adam's subordinate.
"Your classical magic system is black magic."
He muttered to himself,
"And it's black magic that I got in exchange for signing a contract with some great devil."
Three months ago, Adam, or one of his subordinates, unleashed incredibly powerful spatial magic. At the time, Hayden couldn't confirm the nature and origin of the magic, but now, thinking back… could it be that Abigail, through her pact with the Great Demon, cast that spatial magic?
If that's true, then it's a truly powerful spell.
(Actually, Hayden did a quick mental calculation and was surprised to find that Abigail was actually a contemporary of Newton; no wonder she was able to make a pact with the Great Demon. There are practically no living Great Demons left in modern times.)
Abigail's eyes were icy as she replied to Hayden's words: "Only a fool would give a yes or no answer to that. The key is, I need magic other than time that allows me to stably change my age. I've also considered using cloning to keep changing my body, but the cost is just too high. I'm not a real capitalist, how could I possibly afford that?"
If it were just a one-time cloning procedure, Abigail could afford it. However, even in a new body, she would still become younger every time she used ancient magic. As a result, if she wanted to maintain a stable adult body, the expenses would soon reach a level that would make even the upper class frown.
“I think I understand what you mean,” Hayden said slowly. “You want a life potion that can turn your body into a busty, slim-waisted, long-legged, tall beauty with just one sip, and it can’t be too expensive.”
These words were far too blunt and sharp, so Abigail glared fiercely at Hayden. If the curse of evil vision hadn't been ineffective against Hayden, that glare would have set his hair ablaze.
"Don't be so vulgar. All I want is true immortality, and a mature, healthy body at the same time. What's wrong with that?"
It seemed very inappropriate for a little girl, less than 1.4 meters tall, to wear a floor-length robe, cross her arms, and speak with such a serious expression.
To be honest, Hayden wasn't really keen on helping her. There are many kinds of witches, such as Wicked witches, and some witches who worship ancient star gods. But Abigail was a dark witch.
Hayden wasn't the type to have it both ways. He did use magic to kill people often. But dark magic is no joke. It has a terrible reputation. Real dark magic, the traditional kind, is never something trendy, not about blood and sex, and not like the villains in popular cartoons and movies who are evil for the sake of being evil.
Hayden also studied Black Magic, so he could give it a simple definition: Black Magic is an extremely selfish form of magic. It is not inherently evil, and it doesn't have any grand plans to destroy the world. But if you consider selfishness evil, then yes, it is.
Self-centered, selfish, always prioritizing personal gain, using whatever is available, and resorting to any means necessary, while refusing to let anyone take anything away—that's the true nature of a dark sorcerer.
If we disregard technology and only consider the concept, there are probably many black magicians in this era.
"Honestly, why don't you just upload your consciousness? Without a physical body, you'll escape the limitations of this contract..."
So Hayden couldn't help but say something without thinking.
However, before he could finish speaking, Abigail suddenly giggled.
After a while, Hayden realized what was happening and couldn't help but laugh: a strange, sad, bitter laugh.
As a result, only Angela was completely confused. She turned to look at the two of them, wondering why they were laughing so sadly.
Is there anything ridiculous about uploading consciousness?
"Okay, it's impossible to choose to upload consciousness."
Hayden finally sighed.
"So, if I get this done for you, how much will you pay me?"
Abigail raised her small hand with five fingers: "Mr. Adam paid you 500,000 before, so I'll give you 500,000 in return. If you have any reasonable needs, you can let me know later and we can discuss them in detail."
“Besides, I will never report to Mr. Adam that your AI research is making no progress.”
Hayden rubbed his temples: "Even so, are you sure he won't find out that I haven't been submitting any progress reports?"
“Oh, there’s not much to worry about,” Abigail replied calmly. “Mr. Adam never really expected you to produce any significant AI research results. He has his own team and direction in AI research. It’s not surprising that you haven’t produced any results; it was expected. If you had, it would have been a pleasant surprise. If he really relied entirely on your research, he would have forced you to work at the company long ago.”
That makes sense. Giving Hayden, a man with nothing better to do, a little investment wouldn't cost much, but once it pays off, Adam would make a fortune.
Hayden pondered the matter again and finally made up his mind—regardless of whether the other party was a dark witch or not, he did need an ally who could help him deal with Adam, even if it was an untrustworthy ally.
In any case, when making a living on the streets, there's not much "trust" to speak of.
"Okay, deal."
So Hayden finally said, trying to sound casual,
"Perfect timing, I need some help from street intelligence brokers in my research on the issue of life force."
He went back to the university to ask his professor for help. The professor asked him to investigate and look after Alastor. It turned out that Alastor was connected to the [Bo Xun] hacker organization. He explained the situation to Abigail in general terms.
This is something that shouldn't be discussed with outsiders casually, but since Abigail has already allied with Hayden on the research of the life force, it should be beneficial to say it.
Sure enough, after listening to Hayden's rambling account, which resembled an RPG questline, Abigail frowned but wasn't completely confused.
“My knowledge of [Bojun] is limited, and I can’t be of much help to you. But I do have a suggestion regarding the search for Alastor himself.”
The witch whispered,
“You can start with that stupid, ridiculous underworld. We all know how.”
--------------------------
And so, Abigail and Hayden reached an initial agreement, agreeing to stay in touch if needed. Then she used dark magic to teleport away.
This was a unique and powerful magic, enough to secretly alarm Hayden. Could modern arcane magic achieve the same thing? Of course, it could, but it was incredibly expensive, only affordable to the elite. Abigail, however, only needed a single incantation and the sacrifice of her own lifespan. It's unknown what kind of great demon she made a pact with over four hundred years ago to acquire such dark magic.
The power of modern arcane magic is undeniable. The arcane revolution triumphed over the past, and victory is the best proof of that.
However, there are still quite a few aspects of ancient magic that are "inexplicable" and "illogical." The path of research is not only long, but also seems to have no end in sight.
...But that's getting off-topic. Let's get back to the main point.
Before the witch left, Angela always acted obediently.
“Master, it seems Miss Abigail likes you quite a bit. That’s wonderful.”
But as soon as Abigail left, she immediately showed an excited expression and clenched her little fists.
This prompted Hayden to retort, "There must be something wrong with the thought process you use to judge favorability."
Not only that, there was something else that Hayden found strange. The events that had just unfolded seemed to have benefited Hayden without causing any harm. But it was also incredibly lucky, with too many coincidences. Hayden had earned another half a million just from this series of coincidences, gotten rid of a troublesome problem that had previously been a thorn in his side, and even gained clues to continue investigating Alastor.
Killing three birds with one stone, isn't that too coincidental and wonderful?
Considering that it all started when Abigail ate Angela's cream puffs, Hayden couldn't help but suspect that Angela was behind it all.
"Angela, you're not secretly doing things on your own again, are you?"
This doesn't mean Hayden still doesn't trust Angela. He believes Angela is well-intentioned towards him, but the problem is, the goodwill of an out-of-control AI isn't necessarily something you can fully accept.
Angela tilted her head innocently: "I didn't do anything without your permission today."
This statement naturally made Hayden even more suspicious: "Really?"
However, upon hearing this, Angela looked at Hayden with a questioning gaze: "Master, if I were really lying to you, it wouldn't make any difference if you asked again."
Hayden paused for a moment before he understood the meaning of those words.
He now harbored a strong suspicion. If he had indeed chosen to summon a devilish wife last year instead of building his own wind-up wife, the devil might not have been any better at manipulating him than Angela.
What's even more terrifying is that a devilish wife certainly wouldn't act with his happiness as her highest priority. This makes it even more difficult for Hayden to oppose Angela's actions. Because Angela truly, truly loves him, and genuinely cares about him.
perhaps.
So Hayden really couldn't bear to part with her. He had almost gotten used to Angela taking care of him all day long, feeding him well and making him strong, and even helping him with his life magic research.