Incalculable | S.Ishigami x Fem OC

The Melting Jay

As the group trudged closer to their destination, it was evident they were on the right path when the river began to lack fish.

"It's okay."

They turned to Ginro, who was behind them, "It's okay, it's okay. It's not black yet. It's okay, it's okay-"

Amelie blinked in disbelief, "Why the hell is the sensor behind us, Ginro?"

"Well, you said I was gonna die! I'm scared!"

Kohaku looked less than impressed, "Want to switch places with me, then? Hand over the silver spear."

"Never!" his eyes narrowed, holding his spear away defensively, "I'll do it! I'll do it, all right?!"

With each step, the words 'It's okay' were uttered under his breath.

Until he paused.

The sight before them all was nothing like they'd seen, a beautiful blue-green pond.

They began to unpack their supplies, curious as to why the two scientists looked troubled.

And unknown to them, there was a member straying from the group.

"What's up, you two? Is this not our goal?" Chrome wondered.

"No, it is," Senku quickly affirmed before going into muttering aloud, "This is perfect. It's this green water that we're here to collect...it's just..."

Amelie's gaze looked distant, in her own head, "The geography's bugging you, too?"

"The poison gases that form here–hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide–are heavier than air. They settle in dips like this one."

Chrome's smile was a little shaky when he responded, "Is that what the silver spear's supposed to warn us about?"

"Speaking of the silver spear..." Amelie mumbled under her breath.

"Yeah. Silver reacts with hydrogen sulfide and reacts instantly..." Senku responded.

Amelie's eyes widened, "Ginro! When did he get that far away?!"

With abruptness, the spear began to turn black. Senku barked out, "Get back, Ginro."

But it fell on deaf ears.

But fortunately, Kohaku had quick reflexes and pulled him back a safe distance.

And of course, they couldn't be given a break, a few moments later a few birds flew over the lake, the vapor gripping them until they fell into the lake, melting away.

Ginro snapped the attention back to him with an outburst, waving his arms around, "Go away!"

Kohaku tried to calm him while Chrome reared on the duo for answers, "What's the deal with this spring's water, Senku, Amelie?!"

Amelie sighed, crossing her arms, "It was discovered around the 8th century, in the midst of alchemy research. Sulfuric acid was a widely used chemical in our time. Mainly it was used for mineral processing, oil refining, fertilizer manufacturing, and chemical synthesis. It was also used in printing inks, paper, paint, coated fabrics, and more. But this chemical is highly erosive and deadly..."

"Sulfuric Acid," Senku finished.

It was decided that they'd go back to camp until they found another way.

"And we can't make the cure-all drug for Ruri without this sulfuric acid stuff?" Chrome asked.

With a grimace, Senku replied, "Nope. We need to secure a source of sulfuric acid anyway, or chemistry won't develop any further."