Zi Tian and Zi Xuan knelt on the cold, slick floor, retching dryly for quite some time before barely suppressing the nauseating, sticky sensation in their lungs and esophagi. The specially formulated resurrection nutrient fluid seemed alive as it clung to their mucous membranes, carrying a strange stench of rust mixed with rotting plants. Naked, their skin was abnormally pale from having just emerged from the culture fluid. Trembling slightly, they supported their weakened bodies and staggered toward their nearby changing rooms. The brief period after every "resurrection" was when they were at their weakest—and hated themselves the most.
"Ha! You two, how many times has this been this year? Can't you cherish your 'slots' a little? This stuff is a pain to make and even more disgusting to clean up!" A black-robed man guarding the entrance to the Blood Saint Pool pinched his nose as he used a special cleaning Soul Tool sprayer and suction device to clear away the filth flowing from the shattered culture vessel: leftover tissue mixed with viscous nutrient fluid. His tone was clearly impatient and complaining, though not personally directed at them. He was more irritated by the repetitive labor and waste of resources. He was one of the few low-ranking members in the Holy Spirit Cult who knew some of the Blood Saint Pool's secrets and was responsible for its daily maintenance.
"Urgh... y-yes, sorry... cough, cough..." Zi Xuan coughed up another mouthful of liquid and apologized hoarsely, guilt written across her face. They had indeed "died" rather frequently, especially this year. Including this time, the resurrection procedure had already been activated four times. Every time meant a massive drain on resources and an unknown burden on their bodies. Zi Tian merely leaned silently against the wall and nodded with an ugly expression.