The longer Lin Feng lay on the precision apparatus, the more densely the readings filled the display in front of him.
Ding-!!!
The crisp chime announced the end of the test.
"All right, Lin Feng, you can get up now."
Lin Feng opened his eyes. In only about a minute, the apparatus had compiled an enormous number of readings on his body's various functions.
Next, Seryu entered the code for the Hundred-Handed Giant into the comparison field, and the little stuffed dog's report immediately appeared on the screen.
The dog's readings were compared against Lin Feng's physical readings. Then numerous red values popped up, and a huge red cross appeared in the center of the screen.
"It looks like your body isn't very compatible with Koro... Lin Feng, if I can't pass this test either, the Empire's higher-ups might take Koro back..."
As she spoke, Seryu lay down on the precision apparatus in place of Lin Feng, who had stood up.
On the display, the readings changed rapidly. Even her measurements and weight were clearly visible.
This made Lin Feng instinctively avert his gaze. He didn't want people gossiping about him because he had accidentally seen those things.
Ding!
The minute soon passed.
Seryu got off the precision apparatus, picked up Koro from beside her, and waited for the test results.
To her delight, many readings displayed green "match" notifications, and a green circle appeared in the center of the screen.
"That means-"
"That means Koro and I are a very close match, right? This is wonderful, Koro! We never have to be separated again. You're my Teigu from now on!"
In the Empire, being chosen by a biological Teigu was an especially difficult thing.
"Maybe my heart of justice answered Koro's call..."
Seryu was so excited that she nearly cried. Her feelings for Koro ran far too deep.
"Master Ogre told me before that Koro was an advanced police-dog-type biological robot developed by the Empire to maintain public order and protect justice, and would only resonate with someone who possessed a heart of supreme justice..."
"I never thought Koro would really choose me! Sob, sob... Koro, I'm so happy!"
Standing beside her, Lin Feng was happy for Seryu too.
If this Teigu was powerful, Seryu's path ahead would probably be much easier.
Still, the way Seryu kept saying "Master Ogre" bothered Lin Feng quite a bit.
Since switching jobs from the restaurant to the Imperial Guard, the person who concerned him most was Captain Ogre.
There were too many mysteries surrounding this man, and he seemed to be making secret, shady deals with merchants.
He had to learn more about this man as soon as possible.
If he couldn't change him, then he would have to build up his own power and defeat this man fair and square.
"Seryu, are you close to Master Ogre? What do you think of him?"
"Of course! Master Ogre may be strict and demand a lot of us, but it's all entirely for justice, so we'll have the strength to punish evil!"
Hearing that Lin Feng was interested in Ogre got Seryu talking.
"Master Ogre is the one who taught me how to fight. He really is a wonderful person. Although he keeps urging me to modify my body to make carrying out missions easier, and I haven't done it yet, that's my problem, isn't it... I'm too weak!"
"I keep thinking that maybe one day, if I can train my body's strength to be as powerful as mechanical weapons and equipment... wouldn't I be able to avoid modifying my body? Ultimately, it's my fault. Master Ogre was only offering advice out of kindness. I've always respected him!"
Although Seryu spoke from the heart, what Lin Feng wanted to know was something else.
"Seryu, I heard Master Ogre takes bribes behind the scenes and does some shady business."
After Lin Feng said this casually, Seryu's face suddenly darkened, leaving him rather unaccustomed to the change.
"Who was it? Who's bad-mouthing Master Ogre?!"
"It's not just one or two people. All the merchants around here say it. They're all running legitimate businesses, which is why I found it strange."
"What do they know? Public order around here is such a mess. They're clearly all colluding and working hand in glove!"
As Seryu spoke, she began growing agitated, and her expression gradually twisted.
"Evil people just love gathering together to frame righteous people like us! One day, I'll pay them back double for every slander against Master Ogre. I won't let them off lightly!"
"Calm down, Seryu! It might just be gossip. Don't take it to heart! Captain Ogre is a public figure, after all. It's normal for people to slander him!"
Lin Feng worked hard to soothe Seryu and bring her back to normal. As he smoothed things over, her expression gradually settled, and she soon regained her usual energy.
"Those people had better stop talking nonsense... or I'll really get angry!"
Seeing this complete reversal in Seryu, Lin Feng suddenly felt rather astonished.
I never thought this cheerful, lively, optimistic girl would have such a sick, twisted side... She won't tolerate the slightest doubt about Ogre. That's far too extreme.
Could Ogre have brainwashed Seryu? No... even so, this sort of brainwashing focused on just one person...
Lin Feng thought to himself that he had to correct Seryu's mindset. One day, the truth about Ogre would surely come to light.
For the time being, he just needed to work hard at completing the Imperial Guard's missions and improving his standing within the unit.
After saying goodbye to Seryu and returning to his home not far from the guard station, Lin Feng suddenly felt a little tired.
"Even hunting Danger Beasts never wore me out this much before. What's going on today?"
Physical labor could hardly be considered anything at all to the vampiric power of the [Alucard Template].
What truly exhausted Lin Feng was thinking about how to deal with Ogre, how to adjust Seryu's emotions, and processing the whole series of complicated information involving accepting a Teigu and Seryu's emotional changes.
He stretched and was just about to sit down and brew himself a nice cup of tea, only to find Sheele standing in front of him for a long time, pouting.
"Sheele, you're awake."
"Lin Feng... you're so mean!"
"Uh... what did I do?"
Somewhat annoyed, Sheele picked up the "I've gone out" note.
"You tell me what this is supposed to mean!"
Beneath the words "I've gone out. I'll be back at noon," the words "Don't cook!" stood out plainly.
"Uh, I just didn't have an appetite, that's all."
"Is that really true?!"
"No."
"You?!"
In the end, Sheele couldn't bring herself to get angry with Lin Feng and could only keep puffing out her cheeks to vent.