Chapter 101
Chapter 101
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Mod7
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: Chapter 10 - Body Aches
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps it was because of the emotional outburst.
I felt a mixture of relief and shame, my face flushing.
But Amy, unfazed, simply wiped away the tears and saliva, her touch gentle and soothing.
“…F-forget it. Just forget about it.”
I couldn’t shake the awkwardness. I picked at the preserved rations, trying to appear nonchalant.
It felt like a strange, uncomfortable party, where I kept drinking water to avoid conversation.
It was strange, feeling awkward around Amy, but her kindness, her gentleness, had taken me by surprise.
Her demeanor, so different now, reminded me more of a dedicated servant than a cold, emotionless machine. My cheeks burned, though I couldn't remember why they had turned red in the first place.
“It wasn't… your fault. It was Homunculus who sent her soldiers. If it weren't for her, Nefer and I would have already reached the temple.”
The blood rushing to my face seemed to have cleared my head.
Or perhaps, having released all my pent-up emotions, I could finally think clearly.
“For now, the best thing we can do is stay safe, until we can reunite with Nefer.”
I had finally accepted the reality of our situation,
And I could now make rational decisions.
“It’s okay. There must be another way to reach the temple. Yes…”
“Correct. Rest is our top priority.”
Amy wouldn't betray me.
While her excessive kindness and cold logic could sometimes be hurtful, I had to trust her, to rely on her, to overcome the challenges ahead.
“Alright. Let’s do this.”
Even without my limbs, I could still think,
Still speak.
I wasn't dead,
I wasn't finished.
I just had to keep fighting.
“We’ll rest here for a few days, finish our business in Aaptukemen, and gather more supplies. Then, you can carry me. We’ll go look for Jenny and Nefer.”
“Understood.”
Finding my severed limbs seemed unlikely, so I excluded them from my plans.
But it was okay. Alraune’s essence was still within me, and I would eventually regenerate them.
Even if it took weeks,
Or months.
I just had to wait. It wasn't that difficult.
Eat well, rest well,
And sleep well.
And now, with Amy by my side, I could survive, even in the presence of the hostile desert women. I could afford to rest and recover.
And Amy, not needing sleep, would protect me even in my most vulnerable moments.
“I will do my best, Doctor.”
…There was only one problem.
Amy’s gaze, her unwavering attention, her open affection,
Was a little overwhelming.
I couldn't help but avert my eyes.
***
Evening fell,
And a cool breeze swept across the desert.
The cold air seeped through the cracks in the sandstone, lowering the temperature within our shelter,
And I burrowed deeper into the thick furs, my body trembling.
“It’s colder tonight…”
Achoo-
My immune system, weakened by the stress and trauma, couldn't handle the sudden drop in temperature, and I sneezed.
My throat was scratchy, my head stuffy.
A fever, a sensitivity to cold.
Classic symptoms of a bad cold…
“My apologies. I failed to properly regulate your body temperature.”
“It’s not your fault. But… could you run a more detailed scan? Just in case. It’s not some kind of native disease, is it? I hope it’s just inflammation…”
Amy scanned my body, checking my internal systems,
“…”
And fortunately, it wasn't a virus. Her expression remained calm.
Though it was difficult to tell, considering her usual impassive demeanor.
“Do not worry. There are no signs of bacterial or viral infection. The inflammation is likely a result of physical exertion and dehydration.”
Her report was reassuring. She sat beside me, tending to my needs.
I hadn't had time to be sick until now, but with Amy by my side, I could finally allow myself a moment of weakness.
She would protect me. If I couldn't sleep, if I tossed and turned all night, she would stay with me until dawn.
“Doctor, you should rest now.”
“Mmm… I guess so…”
Whether I liked it or not, Amy was my greatest ally. While she sometimes caused trouble, she was…
Cough- cough!
Damn it. Now I was coughing.
While it wasn't a bacterial or viral infection, I still felt the symptoms of a cold.
Perhaps it was a psychosomatic reaction, my body’s memory of past illnesses.
“Doctor, there are no abnormalities in your throat or nasal passages. The coughing is a temporary symptom. Do not worry.”
“Yes… thank you…”
Easier said than done.
Knowing something and actually believing it were two different things. Especially when you were sick.
“Are you cold?”
“Mmm…”
I had no reason to hide my symptoms, so I told her the truth. My voice, weak and trembling, held a sliver of hope that she could do something, anything, to help.
“Yes.”
And Amy, as always, offered a solution. Without a moment’s hesitation, she began removing the desert women’s clothes she had been wearing…
“…”
Removing?
Her clothes? Wait a minute.
“Uh? Amy? What are you-”
“I will raise your body temperature.”
“No, it’s okay! It’s just a temporary chill, there’s no need to go to such extremes. I’m feeling better already. I’ll be fine. Besides, with a chill, it’s better to lower your body temperature a bit-!”
I protested, waving my hand dismissively, but Amy was already slipping into the fur beside me.
Her soft skin and hard, synthetic joints brushed against my chest,
And her breasts, perfectly sculpted, rested against my pounding heart.
“I will keep your forehead cool. Lowering the temperature of your head should be sufficient.”
She lay facing me, our foreheads touching. We were covered by the same fur, our bodies close, our breaths mingling.
It didn't take long for the sweat to begin to form, our combined body heat warming the air beneath the fur.
A warm body,
And a cool forehead.
I squeezed my eyes shut, unable to look at her. My lower body, even after the brutal torture I had endured at Homunculus’s hands, was responding to her proximity, and I felt a surge of shame and self-loathing.
Amy was beautiful, of course,
But I had never reacted to her like this before.
But things were different now.
Her gentle touch, her warm body, were undeniably… female.
I covered my eyes with my hand, unable to bear the sight of her.
After all the angry, cruel things I had said to her this morning, I was now aroused, my erection pressing against her.
“Ah-”
Amy gasped, surprised, then,
Her eyes darted around, her processors working overtime, trying to find a suitable response.
“It is alright. This is a normal physiological reaction for a male of your age. I do not feel any revulsion or embarrassment, and I am not-”
“Just… be quiet, will you…?”
But I didn't tell her to leave. Honestly, this… wasn't so bad.
Having someone to hold,
A companion to share warmth with,
It was a small comfort, but it was enough.
“…”
“…”
We lay there in silence, the night passing slowly.
Amy, unable to remain completely still, her internal mechanisms whirring softly, her vents releasing a soft hiss of steam, continued her silent vigil, but I didn't mind.
“Doctor, I would like to make a correction.”
“…What?”
Amy’s soft words filled my mind,
And I couldn't focus on anything else.
“I was not… unconcerned.”
…Amy, it seemed, was feeling much more than she had let on.
“Honestly, I was… pleased.”
“…”