Helden stared at the evil creature lying at his feet. It was massive, and it was also dead. He had slain it by himself without the aid of his party mbers. There was an odd expression on his face, and he turned his head towards Vur. Helden had heard of people who had made contracts with elentals, and they were rumored to have an aura around them that increased the abilities of their allies. It seed like the rumors were true. The humanoid dragon didnt have only one elental with it; there were four. Not only that, but silver wisps were occasionally flowing around Heldens body, and he could feel himself becoming faster or stronger whenever it happened.
Whyd you stop? Stella asked from atop Vurs shoulder. She crossed her arms in front of her chest. Theres no way youre tired, right?
Weve been fighting nonstop for three hours, Forster said and made a face. We might not need to rest because the fire elental is recovering our stamina, but this is tiring ntally. If we make one mistake, we can receive a lifelong injury or even die here.
That wont happen, Stella said and rolled her eyes. Stop making excuses. With Vur around, even if you die, he can bring you back to life. You dont have to fight so carefully. All those little scrapes and bruises will automatically recover thanks to Mistle.
Blau raised her head, looking away from the piece of paper in her hands. Is this accurate enough? she asked and turned the paper around. It was a map, and she had drawn it based on Zilphys description of the structure.
Stella snorted. Maps are useless, she said. I dont know why you insisted on drawing one. With Zilphy and Deedee, its impossible to get lost. Zilphy can always find a way out, and if there isnt a way out, Deedee can create one.
Ingwer pursed her lips. This whole ti, she had only raised her staff a single ti to cast a protective spell on Helden. Are we even needed?
No, Stella said. If Helden didnt insist on leading the way, then you wouldnt be fighting at all. She rubbed her chin. I suppose you can be here for comic relief. Usually, theres a pretty funny skeleton around Vur, but hed been busy with wedding planning. Do you know any jokes?
Uh. Ingwer scratched her head. What did the crocodile say to the zebra?
What? Vur asked before Stella could say anything.
Ingwer bared her teeth. Om nom nom nom nom nom nom!
That was terrible, Stella said and made a face. She glanced at Vurs face. There was the faintest hint of a smile on it. Stella nodded at Ingwer. Tell another.
Before Ingwer could co up with another joke, Blau cut in. Isnt comic relief used to relieve tension? Theres nothing tense about this situation.
Ingwers gaze shifted back and forth between Stella and Blau. Should I tell a joke or not?
Heads up, Helden said. I think weve caused too much of a commotion. I think the owner of this place is coming to et us.
Stella raised her head, and her brow furrowed. A giant bird had erged from the top of the spire, and on top of the birds back, there was a man dressed in white robes. The bird flew towards the group, descending and landing not too far away. Helden and the rest of the Generis Squad stood in a defensive formation and waited for the white-robed man to approach. How strong would he have to be for him to confidently approach the group instead of running away on the bird?
The white-robed man ca to a halt a few ters away from the group just out of Heldens lunging range. He was a balding man with thin wisps of hair protruding from the sides of his head. Who are you? Why are you killing my research subjects?
Im Helden of the Generis Squad, Helden said, staring at the white-robed man with wary eyes. Who are you?
Im Tobin, a researcher.
The Generis Squad exchanged glances with each other. Youre a researcher? Blau asked. Whats your field of study?
Hair growth, Tobin said. He gestured towards his own head. Im trying to create a serum thatll regrow ones lost hair. He sighed. Holy magic is capable of bringing the dead back to life, but its not capable of regrowing a bald mans hair just like its not capable of healing soone to the point of them growing a third arm.
What the hell? Forster asked. Youre creating evil creatures in the na of hair growth?
Evil creatures? Tobin asked. No, no. These are bald people whove voluntarily signed up to test my products. Although the serum isnt quite working yet, Im getting closer and closer to a finished product. He frowned and muttered, The first few tries were horrendous, I have to admit. I didnt think their head would grow the body of a spider, leaving only a face behind.
Ingwers face paled. Wait, we havent been killing dented creations? These beasts are suffering people?
Im not sure if you can call them people anymore, Tobin said. But yes, they used to be human.
Ingwer turned her torso to the side and vomited. Thats horrible!
Its science, Tobin said. Theres never progress without sacrifice.
Blau shook her head. Theres other ways to progress, she said. As a scholar, I wont allow you to continue with such unethical practices.
Tobin sneered. Well, if you can get past my strongest line of defense, I might listen to you. Behold!
Helden raised his sword, and the rest of the Generis Squad readied their weapons. They wore grim expressions on their faces, and their fingers were white from how tense they were. A portal appeared beside Tobin, and the balding man raised an eyebrow. Dozens of pale people walked through the portal in a single-file line. They glanced around, taking in their surroundings while cautiously walking forward. They were half-naked, and they seed to be made of only skin and bones without a single ounce of muscle on their bodies.
This is your final line of defense? Helden asked and sneered.
Um. Tobin furrowed his brow. This has nothing to do with . He blinked at the pale people who were still coming out of the portal. Who are you? What are you doing here?
Hey, Vur, Stella said and tugged on Vurs ear. Isnt that Tafel?
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