[Audio]

[original_is_best]

M.E. 723-V-3rd
2-Achtom-7th

While we are all aware of the monetary benefits of physical contact, I would like to better measure the precise amount of that benefit.

For that reason I will require the following:

1. Volunteers who can arrive for scheduled appointments in a timely and consistent manner.
2. Volunteers who can keep an accurate record of their contact.

I will be measuring a number of variables, the main ones being whether different forms of contact generate a greater reward, or if contact with multiple bodies at once changes the amount. Types of contact will vary over separate spans of time so they can be compared. I will start with contact between hands.

Post here if you are able to assist.

Comments

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

Most likely.

[astralera]

Have you considered hemodialysis for the very recently infected, with the dialysis machine equipped with an array of powerful UV lights to eradicate the Scourge?

Or even just a full blood transfusion prior to the Scourge reaching muscle tissues.

I haven't the faintest idea how to cure those whose minds are lost and bodies transformed, but for non-magical/'divine' methods those are the first to come to mind. This is under the presumption that the infection does not take root too deeply within the first twenty-four hours.

[original_is_best]

[He certainly had his theories based on light. After all, daemons didn't do so well in his sunlight irradiator. It was a blaring weakness that they had that he believed he could take advantage of.

He wasn't exactly a doctor, but he was very familiar nonetheless.

He stayed silent for a moment, because it was rare for others to pitch ideas like this to him. Fortunately, he was not one to overlook input from others.]

You are an intelligent woman.

[He could respect that. He did respect that.]

Being separated from my world I am unable to test any methods - unless it is possible to convince Ardyn to assist. However, there would be time to treat those afflicted. It normally takes weeks for them to be fully transformed. [When Ardyn wasn't accelerating the process.] I doubt the ability to save those who have been fully consumed exists - their bodies are far too twisted and malformed. Even if the scourge was cured I'm afraid they would be long dead.

[astralera]

I find modern medicine interesting, and had a wonderfully ruthless teacher.

I explained the concept of immunity to him once, as I have a strong suspicion that I am immune to the Starscourge. But even if my theory is correct it would be of little use to your world, and I will hardly put my brother through unnecessary duress.

I cannot think of a reasonable way to create immunity amongst Eosians.

There is no cure for Sin Eaters in my realms. Once the body is fully transformed the soul is destroyed along with it. There is no reversing that process. The kindest fate for those transformed by Scourge or Blight would be death.

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

It is a fascinating subject. [Weren't all the sciences?]

Tell me of your immunity. I tend to find that there is always a way when one puts one's mind to it. It may take ten thousand failures, but that doesn't mean that the ten thousand and oneth attempt won't succeed.

[astralera]

The things that people without magic invent with science are fascinating.

My likely immunity. It is impossible to replicate. Your world has the Scourge, which is a disease of Darkness that infects the body. The Blight was an illness of Light that infected one's aether and soul.

The most succinct summary I can offer is that I absorbed vast quantities of the Blight unto myself, similarly to Ardyn. Unlike Ardyn, I had a divine blessing that largely shielded me from it. Eventually I expended most of the corrupted Light defeating an enemy of Darkness.

It is a matter of elemental balance — Light and Darkness can neutralize one another and create equilibrium.

[original_is_best]

Would you be willing to undergo some tests? I would very much like to see this Blight.

[astralera]

'Some tests' is vague. Elaborate.

Regardless, it is an imbalance of aether. It is not something visible by any means, unless the symptoms progress to a point beyond what my infection is capable of.

[original_is_best]

I'm limited at the moment. However, I would like to take various samples. Hair, skin, urine, and such. As well as check you under infrared, for example.

[Oh, there would be a lengthy list of "What about this?", but he wasn't about to go crazy when he needed to her to be willing.]

[astralera]

I will confer with my betrothed, and if he is agreeable I will offer the following:

» A few strands of hair
» One scale
» Saliva
» A single, standard-sized vial of blood

The conditions will be:

» I will be present during testing
» Samples will be destroyed once testing is completed. If more samples are required at a later date, request it and I will consider it.

If it appears anywhere it would be within the blood or saliva.

Infrared would be unreliable for detecting it, but admittedly I would be interested in seeing the results of such a test all the same. If nothing else, I will see if Ardbert would join me in indulging the request for an infrared check as it would be pretty neat to compare our results.

[original_is_best]

[Hmm. Perhaps not everything, but it was something, and enough to work with. So she was protective. That was fine. At the moment he had nothing in particular he could do with her blood besides different tests.]

Then as I have greater access to equipment I shall let you know. As you can imagine, it takes time to rebuild a lab from scratch.

There is nothing disagreeable about your presence. Perhaps we will be able to discuss the results. [Because he saw nothing particularly personal about the tests. It was simply gathering knowledge, and were he testing on himself he would discuss the results fairly easily.]

Your cooperation is appreciated.

[astralera]

In this world everything takes time to build.

If there are particular components that need to be forged you are welcome to contact me. I have experience in metalworking ranging from clockwork parts to large swords.

I will be wed in the coming weeks so shall be preoccupied until then, however it should not be difficult to find time before then.

[ And shortly after: ]

Ardbert is agreeable to the terms I set. We can arrange something at your convenience, provided we are allowed to play with the infrared a little bit.

[original_is_best]

I shall speak with you then should I need your skills. Currently I have been welding with the assistance of Arche. It is not ideal, but it has been working well enough for my general needs.

I would certainly like to involve myself in more precision work again.