Cyber Era Witch
Chapter 236 - 210 Forbidden Transformation

Chapter 236: Chapter 210 Forbidden Transformation

"Eh? Eh?" Kojima Kanako was stunned, "To... to make my mother..."

"You heard me right." Farosa stood tall, her expression calm, as she clenched her black tie and slid her hand down from the top to the end, straightening it with an air of unquestionable authority, "Your mother, she will become a witch."

Upon hearing Farosa’s words, Kojima Kanako’s expression became exceedingly intricate, and she straightened up seriously.

"Hold on, hold on..." She raised a hand, signaling that she needed time to think.

Even within Xisheng, this topic was taboo. Over the years, many had tried to introduce various life-extending methods to Lady Honma Noriko, but not all means led to a good outcome; many increased the risk of Lady Honma Noriko’s death. Among these numerous plans of unknown consequence, the idea of "Witch Transformation" was something that had never come up before.

"There’s no need for thought," Farosa said resolutely, "This is the best gift, the best opportunity. We all know that witches can live up to 200 years and maintain eternal youth and beauty. I’ve heard about Lady Honma Noriko’s endeavors; she once tried to transfer her consciousness into a mechanical body, but failed due to physical limitations. Once she becomes a witch, that gap will be filled. She could transform into a witch, regain her youth, then proceed to upload her consciousness onto a chip, achieving technological ascension and becoming an eternal divine being of this world!"

Kojima Kanako held her breath.

This was no joking matter...

"Are you certain?" Kanako sought confirmation, "By what means?"

"A stone," Farosa stated calmly while standing with hands clasped behind her, "A Star Crystal Stone imbued with the power of the stars. We all know that the witch’s power has a close connection with the celestial bodies; this stone is derived from the supreme galaxies. I can perform a ritual to graft the witch’s power onto your mother, allowing her to establish a connection with the stars and become a new witch."

Kanako’s training over the past weeks allowed her to maintain composure; she managed a faint smile, but inside, a tempest surged, spreading countless thoughts like sprawling vines, thought after thought bursting forth, making it hard for her to decide in short order.

To let her mother gain double the lifespan? To live for 200 years like a witch?

Her mother had already consumed a large amount of spices to prolong her life; plus, with a complete transformation into a witch, this time her mother could potentially live for centuries and continue to control the massive Xisheng Investment Group.

Such an absurdity.

Kanako weighed the pros and cons over and over. Undoubtedly, if her mother continued to live, the hegemony of Xisheng would never fall to others, and she herself would have no chance of taking control of it. But as the "dutiful daughter" who offered this scheme, she would gain her mother’s eternal favor.

This was the real predicament, fighting toxicity with toxicity. Presenting such a perfect opportunity to her mother would exchange for her highest level of favor, allowing her an easy rise within the Xisheng hierarchy, but at the cost of living in her mother’s shadow for centuries.

And yet, it was also an opportunity to break the deadlock. The time Kanako had to grow was so short; compared to her calculating siblings, Kojima Kanako was regarded as the most innocent and weakest in terms of power. If her mother were to really leave this world, she would lose her only umbrella of protection.

Observing Kanako’s indecision, Farosa let slip a mocking smile, as if she scorned her hesitation.

"That’s not the attitude of someone who achieves great things," Farosa said softly.

"How can I ensure you won’t harm my mother?" Kojima Kanako furrowed her brows.

"An oath," Farosa replied, "The dealings between us are established through unbreakable oaths."

"Too complicated, my mother won’t take that risk," Kanako said, "You must be loaded with control chips, shackled thoroughly, before you get the chance to serve my mother."

"How cautious, yet caution too has its limits," Farosa remarked indifferently, "I believe some people will hesitate and dither until they die of old age, but your mother won’t. After going through hardships and numerous attempts to survive until today, she surely knows that eternal life comes with a price. How could such a coveted thing come without risks?"

"This..." Kanako felt uneasy.

"Either take the risk or meet in the grave," Farosa gestured dismissively, "Stop wasting words with me here, Kanako, go and tell your mother that you’ve found the best gift for her."

"...I still don’t understand how you’re going to do it," Kanako said, "Write down your ideas in a proposal, then hand it to me, and I’ll take it to..."

Talking this far, Kanako herself fell silent, because Farosa’s malevolent and scornful expression had become even more pronounced.

"..." Kanako sighed softly, "...then, I will mention this matter to my mother, but you also need to provide me with some evidence."

"’Star Crystal Stone’ and ’Rebirth Witch Secret Ceremony,’" Farosa said, "You can use the channels of Xisheng to investigate it slowly."

"I understand." Kanako nodded slowly.

She did not trust Farosa to fulfill her promise so readily. The entire ritual might harm her mother. Kanako did not want to bridge the gap between Farosa and her mother; any mishap would disgrace her in an undignified way and provoke backlash from the whole of Xisheng.

Yet... the idea was too tempting. Her mother, now at her wit’s end, was indeed willing to try new methods.

"You must also be careful with what you reveal," Xu Yang said, "Do not divulge specifics about Farosa to avoid complications and to prevent malicious thoughts from arising."

"By that time, nobody will know how things will unfold," Farosa smiled.

"Oh, of course." Kanako had grown wiser, "Candy must be unwrapped slowly."

"Next is the business side." Xu Yang handed Kanako the plan drafted by Lila, "Nestor Corporation needs further investment to achieve breakthrough development and we have already found a resource worth investing in. Xisheng Group is always famous for searching for valuable highlands and this plan will surely satisfy you."

"Oil..." Seeing the proposal, Kanako was intrigued; the report Lila wrote was detailed and complete, leaving her unable to find fault, "You actually found it. The company’s exploration plan also mentioned this aspect but it’s still theoretical. Ah, I wish Black Fire Innovation would stop already. Isn’t this just spewing money from the ocean?"

"Indeed, the situation is risky. By ourselves, even if we extract it, we would be attacked by Black Fire Innovation’s ships or forcibly acquired by other large companies." Xu Yang said, "That’s why we need you to invest and lend your name to certify the Xisheng background of this asset, ensuring that the initial construction work goes smoothly."

"How did you find it?" Kanako was curious, "So many ships have already gone there."

"Observation." Lila looked at Kanako calmly.

This was Kanako’s first encounter with Lila’s new form, and she didn’t recognize her at first, but her ethereal and transcendent aura had already impressed Kanako.

"Is it Magic Power?" Kanako asked.

"You may not recognize me, but I am Lila Nestor," she said, "A new appearance with abilities that have also undergone iteration."

Both beautiful and so powerful... Kanako secretly admired. It had to be Sister Lila, covering the whole world with her unparalleled sense of perception.

"I will give instructions to the people at Enomoto Bank," Kanako promised, "The first round of financing will be handled by us."

Enomoto Bank was one of the largest banks on the Archipelago Continent, essentially controlled by Xisheng. It had already announced the suspension of all forms of loan and financing-related services, so borrowing money through normal means was truly not easy.

"Thank you very much." Xu Yang said.

Kanako sat upright with seriousness.

Whether it was Xu Yang, Farosa, or Lila, they had all given her many surprises this time. To carve out a path of her own in this cold world, they needed to cooperate.

"So, I..." Kanako was preparing to wrap up.

"There is one more thing." Farosa said, "I’ve heard about the economic turmoil; Kyoto Infinity is selling off its assets."

"To collect cash, of course." Kanako had no idea how Farosa was connected to this.

"There must also be ’Witches’ being sold off," Farosa was eyeing the vacant spot in the Seven Witches’ Ritual; currently there are five. Find one more witch, and rescue Pan Ruiyi, and everything will fall into place.

"Yes... there are." Kanako hesitated, "You want to buy a Witch?"

"No matter the cost," Farosa said, "as long as the Magic Power is special and has great potential for development. I need such a character."

The other aspects of the witches did not matter, Farosa believed that they would be impressed by her.

"Also," Xu Yang added, "they should have research abilities, preferably skilled in developing military tech, to supplement our shortcoming in research and development."

Xu Yang’s plan was clear; Nestor Corporation was growing in all aspects, with the only shortfall in research. Considering the current chaotic backdrop, a military background would be preferred. After numerous battles, the company had seized countless items, and needed a Witch Researcher in the logistics to engage in research and design work, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

"There should be." Kanako thought for a moment, "Kirino Reisei has reduced the funding target of the research institute, and many Witch Researchers have entered the trading market."

"That’s exactly the talent we need." Xu Yang nodded.

"Furthermore," Farosa’s mouth curved into a smile, "I don’t want those with strong moral sensibilities or a strong sense of justice; such fools."

"Someone who understands basic research logic, is proficient in military tech, possesses mysterious Magic Power, and lacks shame," Kanako summarized, "Quite a few conditions, but I will find such a Witch and introduce her to you. Then, Farosa, you must get your ritual ready and provide persuasive evidence to prove that your ritual will not pose a threat, and that it has an absolute optimistic chance of success."

"Understood." Farosa nodded at Kanako gracefully, "I am looking forward to it."

"Also, this matter must be kept secret," Kanako emphasized earnestly, "No one must know, no information can leak..."

"Of course," Farosa smiled, "We share a common interest, this is the foundation of our cooperation. Let’s work together towards a common goal."

"By the way, Sister Lila, why aren’t you wearing the jewelry I sent you?" Kanako asked curiously.

"It was somewhat worn." Lila had already discarded that piece of jewelry, but she kept her composure.

"Well then, I’ll send you a new one next time! So, until we meet again." Kanako ended the communication.