“No, it got worse after they started injecting the waves,” the researcher replied, with a thoughtful expression.

“Could it be that the body is under stress as the waves continue to leave the body? The numbers also indicate that…” Leila trailed off.

“Well, it’s hard to say for sure because there have also been increased stress factors since then,” the researcher responded.

Despite her rationality, her emotions expressed discomfort.

“We will conduct a wave examination. Please come this way,” Leila directed.

“…Yes.”

This was a particularly difficult moment.

“I have already heard about Investigator Cassilia from others. You don’t have to worry too much,” Leila tried to reassure her.

She understood that it was an attempt to put her at ease, but it only made her more uncomfortable.

“Yes.”

Her mouth felt dry.

'It’s not like it’s a weakness.'

She felt discomfort in situations like this.

However, unlike when she was younger, she was now an adult. She could skillfully conceal her discomfort.

She painted a smile on her face.

* * *

Leila's examination was finished much faster than Arcangelo's.

It was only a simple health and condition check, so it was to be expected.

"Well, go ahead and get angry!"

"......."

However, Leila wondered if there was another reason why Arcangelo's examination was delayed, unlike hers.

"Get angry," she said.

As soon as she heard that, she laughed at the crumpled face of Arcangelo.

No matter how irritating the examination subject was, he couldn't get angry as he pleased.

Just thinking about that image made her laugh for a while.

"Now, we're trying to see how emotions affect brain waves, right?"

"Yes, but it doesn't seem easy."

Unlike Leila, the researcher had a serious expression on their face.

Seeing that, she felt a little embarrassed about laughing.

"Well, it's research, after all."

It was also an important study involving human life.

For now, it was only one person's life, but there was no guarantee that it wouldn't happen in the future.

"There's no guarantee that this anomaly will only happen to Arcangelo in the first place."

When you can investigate, you should definitely do it.

"121 is an unusual poison in many ways. It attacks brain waves, so if we investigate it well, we may be able to obtain various things."

She also wiped the smile off her face.

But as she looked more closely....

"Am I mistaken that it seems like you're teasing me on purpose?"

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"It's probably on purpose. Our teacher has a bad personality, you know."

It was a muttered comment that she didn't expect to get a response to.

So she was slightly surprised when the researcher replied. She soon composed herself and pondered the researcher's words.

"Ah."

As a Korean to US English translator, I will convey the meaning of the original text in a more literary way, while also correcting spelling and grammar errors. I will use descriptive language and Harper Lee’s style to enhance the quality of the translation.

As I spoke with him, memories of what I had suffered at his hands came flooding back.

"I don't think he enjoys teasing on purpose, but he can't stand not knowing something he's curious about. He will dig into someone else's trauma just to find out.”

Of course, that was the case. Having experienced such things, it was easy to understand.

"You must be going through a lot."

"What?"

The female researcher shrugged her shoulders.

"We endure it because we gain a lot. Besides, we owe it to the teacher for bringing us this far on the topic of amphibious humans."

"Amphibious humans?"

"Yes. And we are venomous amphibious humans."

Unconsciously, I flinched at her words. Then I realized my reaction was rude and apologized.

The female researcher seemed to notice and smiled slightly.

"It's okay. I know what it means to be an amphibious human with a venomous mother."

Amphibious humans typically live together with others who share the same mother. However, there is one exception: amphibious humans with venomous mothers.

For example, while frog-like amphibious humans live in frog areas, venomous frog-like amphibious humans cannot.

This is because they can produce venom in their bodies.

"It's dangerous, so we live in a place where only venomous amphibious humans reside."

Especially with young amphibious humans, there are many cases of accidental poisonings. So, it's necessary for them to live together separately.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Leila made a twisted face.

"It's my fault."

However, that is only the case for immature young merfolk.

Even though adult merfolk can control their venom, people still look at them with discrimination and suspicion.

In modern times, this has become deep-rooted discrimination and hatred.

"It's okay. Really," the researcher said with a familiar shrug of their shoulders.

"I didn't mean to, but I mentioned Investigator Cecilia's secret because I found out about it."

"That is..."

Leila paused for a moment.

"While they're in that state, I'll continue to handle the Investigator's health checkups. It's best to narrow down the distance somewhat."

Unlike what she had told Congressman Urseau, Leila didn't explicitly mention that it wasn't a secret to the researcher.

"…Yes."

Instead, she smiled slightly.

"Please take care of yourself in the meantime."

As Leila smiled, the researcher also showed a slight smile.

Their facial expressions looked somewhat awkward, but not uncomfortable.

"Hmm."

She turned her head to look at the researcher, who was engrossed in their research.

"Although they can be rude, maybe they're not entirely bad."

It seemed like she could release some of the resentment that had been building up towards him.

Researcher Hakan.

The name of the dear human researcher who cooperates with 121 was the first to be etched in her mind

It was a somewhat positive feeling.

* * *

Tap, tap.

As the investigation of Arcangelo was drawing to a close, someone knocked on the door of the laboratory.

Unlike Leila, who looked around, the two researchers immediately recognized who it was.

"Ah, you finally came."

"Who is here to see us?"

Arcangelo's condition was clearly a highly confidential matter, so there wouldn't be many people who would come to visit him during the investigation.

"Who could it be? ...Oh?"

Their heads, which had been rolling around, stiffened as soon as they saw the visitor.

"...Director Robert?"

It was Robert.

"Ah, the investigation isn't over yet?"

"It's almost done."

Robert, who had suddenly appeared, spoke condescendingly to the researchers as if he was familiar with them.

"Then it would be best to wait. I want to talk to Detective Cassilia until Urseau's investigation is over. Is there a suitable place?"

"I will guide you."

Leila's head tilted to the side. Robert signaled for her to follow him with a flick of his head.

Leila followed behind him and the researchers for now.