For a long time, nothing happened. The scientist simply stared at Starfania. And she stared right back. Aeron shifted slightly beside her, already bracing himself for the inevitable disbelief. Violet held her breath, expecting the same reaction they had gotten from nearly everyone else—doubt, rejection, maybe even ridicule. Even Atlas tensed ever so slightly, his body lowering just a fraction, ready. Waiting. Then—the scientist burst out laughing. Not a chuckle. Not a polite reaction. A full, unrestrained laugh that echoed across the laboratory.
" Oh—oh, this is priceless!" he said between breaths, wiping the corner of his eyes. " I would've paid to see Lizard Boy's face when he realized this!"
Aeron blinked. " …We're sorry—what?"
The scientist straightened, still grinning.
" I can already picture it," he continued, pacing slightly. " Lyam standing there, completely convinced the Dragon Savior would be some grand, battle-hardened legend—only to be handed…"
He gestured vaguely toward Starfania. " …a teenage girl."
He shook his head, amused. " Oh, he definitely denied it at first."
Starfania, Violet, and Aeron exchanged looks. Even Drogo let out a confused rumble. Atlas tilted his head. None of them had expected this. Starfania crossed her arms slightly, narrowing her eyes.
" You're…not mad?" she asked. " I mean—apparently I have the fate of all of Avalon in my hands."
The scientist looked at her. Really looked this time. Then shrugged lightly. " Why would I be?"
The answer alone caught them off guard.
" Cantina chose you," he continued simply. " That alone means something. She doesn't make decisions lightly."
He turned back to the workstation briefly, adjusting a dial before glancing at her again.
" If anything," he added, " perhaps she realized someone older would just repeat the same mistakes…same thinking…same limitations."
A pause. " Maybe Avalon doesn't need experience right now."
His gaze sharpened slightly. " Maybe it needs a new perspective."
The words settled deeper than expected. Then—his attention shifted. Slowly. Landing on Atlas.
" …And I assure," he said, a hint of intrigue slipping into his tone, " this is the dragon who chose you."
Atlas stepped forward almost immediately, as if responding to being acknowledged. He moved beside Starfania, settling there with quiet confidence. His sapphire eyes locked onto the scientist—calm, but filled with something ancient…something knowing. The scientist blinked. Just once. Starfania nodded. A small smile touched his lips.
" He's quite the beauty," he admitted. " What species does he belong to?"
Starfania gave a small shrug. " Honestly…I have no idea. Cantina just told me he was mine to care for."
That made him pause. One brow lifted.
" …That's quite remarkable," he murmured. " I've studied records of previous Dragon Saviors, and none of them were ever gifted a dragon directly."
His gaze returned to Atlas, sharper now. " And you've been caring for him since?"
Starfania nodded again, her hand instinctively brushing along Atlas's neck. The dragon responded immediately, shifting closer and curling his tail protectively around her. The bond between them was unmistakable. The scientist took a careful step forward.
" May I?" he asked, his tone softer now. Starfania hesitated—just briefly—before nodding.
" It's alright, Atlas," she said gently. " He means no harm."
Atlas studied the man for a moment. Then—slowly—he lowered his head. Allowing it. The scientist reached out his gloved hand, brushing lightly against the shimmering scales. He froze.
" Fascinating…" he whispered.
His fingers traced the surface carefully, eyes narrowing in focused wonder. " The structure…the patterns…this isn't documented anywhere…"
He stepped back slightly, almost in disbelief. " His physical traits don't align with any known dragon species."
His gaze flickered between Atlas and Starfania. " Whatever he is…"
A small, intrigued smile formed. " …he's something new entirely."