Without hesitation, the guard released the small dragon, watching as it chirped proudly before taking to the sky once more, disappearing into the horizon in a streak of sapphire blue. Then, with practiced efficiency, he turned and unlocked the massive doors. They groaned open. A breath of cool, unfamiliar air spilled out to meet them.
" Go on," the guard said, stepping aside. Starfania nodded once, then led the way inside. Atlas and Drogo followed closely behind, their colossal forms moving with surprising care as their eyes scanned everything with alert curiosity.
The moment they stepped fully into the laboratory…it was like entering another world. The space was enormous—far larger than it had appeared from the outside. Every corner buzzed with life. Metal tables stretched across the room, cluttered with beakers, glass tubes, and instruments that hummed faintly with energy. Strange liquid swirled in containers, glowing softly in hues of blue, green, and violet. Shelves towered overhead, overflowing with books, loose parchment, and ancient scrolls that looked like they hadn't been touched in decades. At the center stood a massive table covered in maps and intricate diagrams—lines, symbols, and notes layered over one another in organized chaos.
Starfania leaned slightly toward Aeron, lowering her voice. " This is nothing like VulcanFire's laboratory."
Aeron gave a slow nod, his eyes wide as they took everything in. " …It's incredible."
Violet let out a quiet breath, equally mesmerized. " You can say that again…"
As they moved deeper inside, the laboratory only grew more alive. Scientists rushed between stations, enveloped in their work. Some handled glowing weapons that pulsed with dragon-like energy, releasing controlled bursts of light into reinforced targets.
Others carefully mixed potions, their concoctions bubbling and shifting as if alive. Strange's device clicked, whirled, and pulsed—each one part of a system they couldn't fully understand. It wasn't just science. It was science fueled by magic. A living force. Then—amid the controlled chaos. A figure stepped forward. And instantly, the room seemed to shift around him. He wore a striking red coat that caught the light with every movement, embroidered with intricate patterns and tied neatly with a crimson sash. His short black hair, streaked boldly with purple, framed a sharp, composed face.
A black hat adorned with a red feather sat perfectly atop his head, completing a look that was equal parts extravagant…and commanding. His presence alone drew attention. Not loudly. But completely. His voice followed—deep, smooth, and filled with quiet authority. Starfania leaned toward Aeron, a small smirk tugging at her lips. " I think we found the head scientist Lyam told us about."
" Oh, definitely," he muttered. " But I'm pretty sure he's also leading a fashion revolution."
Violet stifled a laugh. They approached. When they were close enough, Starfania stepped forward. " Excuse me, sir."
The man turned toward them, his gaze sharp but composed.
" Ah," he said calmly, glancing between them, " I believe you're in the wrong place."
He gestured lightly around the lab. " This is a laboratory—not a gathering spot for curious younglings. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Polite. Firm. Final. But Starfania didn't back down.
" This is an emergency," she said immediately. " Lyam sent us."
That got his attention. One brow arched slowly.
" Lyam?" he repeated. Then, with a hint of amusement, " You mean the Lizard Boy?"
Aeron blinked—then broke into a grin.
" Ah, yes," he said, nodding. " The one and only Lizard boy."
The scientist rolled his eyes dramatically. " I don't even want to know what that boy has dragged me into this time."
Before the moment could stretch any further, Starfania stepped forward and raised the vial. The black liquid inside shifted slowly, catching the light almost unnaturally. The scientist's expression changed instantly. Gone was the amusement. Replaced with focus. He stepped closer, eyes narrowing as he studied it carefully. " …What exactly am I looking at?"
Violet stepped forward, her tone serious. " That's poison. From VulcanFire. It's designed to harm dragons."
His brows shot up.
" Poison? For dragons?" He looked between them. " You're joking."
" No," Violet said firmly. " They've been developing it for months."
Aeron crossed his arms slightly, leaning it. " So…can you figure out how it works? Maybe even reverse it?"
The scientist exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples.
" Something like this…" he muttered, eyes still locked on the vial, " …isn't simple."
He straightened slightly. " Poison of this magnitude requires deep understanding—its composition, its origin…and the biology of the creatures it's meant to affect."
Starfania stepped forward again, her voice steady—but urgent. " We don't have time to hesitate. Dragon's lives depend on this."
He remained silent for a moment. Just stared at the vial. Thinking. Calculating. Then, finally — " …Very well."
He reached out slightly, though he didn't take it yet.
" I'll need my notes. And if we're going to have any real chance at countering this…" his gaze sharpened, " …I'll need more than just these samples."
A pause. Then— " We'll need to understand exactly how VulcanFire created it."
The weight of that statement settled heavily between them. Because that meant one thing. To stop it…They would have to get closer to its source. Closer to VulcanFire. Closer to the truth.