With broad, triumphant smiles, Vlad, Jormungandr, Fafnir, and Ouroboros watched intently as the walls glowed brilliantly, illuminated by intricate, complex runic formations. Moments later, the solid stone split in half, slowly sliding apart to reveal access to a long, mysterious tunnel stretching into darkness.
Excitement surged through the Sky Seed Depravitas, yet their immense enthusiasm did not cloud their judgment. They maintained absolute vigilance, each of them keeping their senses at their peak and relying on the scanning power of their A.I. Chips to meticulously check every inch of their surroundings for potential traps.
Vlad and Jormugnadr had not forgotten the automation they encountered in the Mayor’s chambers and did not want to face something like that once more.
Leading the group cautiously was Ouroboros. His heightened senses and superior speed made him the ideal scout, capable of detecting threats swiftly and reacting instantaneously should danger appear.
Directly behind the white werewolf moved the ice-fire dragon. Fafnir’s piercing eyes narrowed in readiness, prepared to confront any ambush or unexpected attack without hesitation.
On the right side of the dragon strode Vlad, with the small yellow cat perched securely upon his shoulder. Together, they formed a versatile duo ready to intervene and Read the latest chapters on NovelHub - completely free!
With measured steps, the group advanced carefully down the hidden passageway, their eyes constantly sweeping every shadowy corner, scanning for traps or hidden dangers. They moved in disciplined silence, ever watchful, yet after almost an hour of cautious exploration, they encountered no threats whatsoever.
"Hmm, I suppose whoever built this secret tunnel never considered the need for traps," Jormungandr spoke up, thoughtfully breaking the silence. "After all, this passage begins within a secret dungeon beneath a powerful organization’s stronghold, accessible only through a hidden wall activated by very specific crystals. The chances of intrusion were minimal."
The other three Depravitas nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with the small yellow cat’s insightful analysis. Still, their cautiousness did not wane.
Approaching the end of the long passage, Vlad stepped forward with measured care, inserting the precious gem once more into a hidden slot on another seemingly solid wall. Immediately, intricate runic lines ignited across the stone surface, glowing vibrantly before splitting the wall apart once again.
As the wall parted, the Depravitas stared with astonishment into an expansive chamber—an enormous underground laboratory stretching far into the distance.
"Awesome!" Jormungandr’s excited voice broke the tension as the small yellow cat leaped lightly from Vlad’s shoulder, his eyes gleaming with intense excitement.
It was no ordinary laboratory. Glass vials, intricate containers, and equipment filled with mysterious liquids, bubbling concoctions, and otherworldly components confirmed immediately that this was an alchemy lab. Judging by the complexity and sophistication of the devices within, the place clearly belonged to a Legendary Alchemist.
Although the lab’s theoretical knowledge might offer little practical value to Vlad, Ouroboros, and Fafnir, the trio was still greatly energized by the discovery. After all, alchemy was an incredibly costly profession. The rare chemicals, exotic ingredients, and advanced equipment they saw here could undoubtedly be sold for extraordinary sums or else provided to Jormungandr for research and further refinement.
"Let’s first carefully analyze the place and take inventory of everything we can find," Vlad instructed solemnly, his voice sharp and commanding. "Touch nothing without thoroughly examining it first. Even though it’s unlikely an alchemist would rig his own laboratory with traps, we must remain cautious."
The other Depravitas nodded thoughtfully. Vlad, Ouroboros, Fafnir, and Jormungandr moved methodically through the vast underground laboratory, analyzing every object meticulously and vigilant against possible dangers.
Vlad noticed many exotic vials containing rare liquids that, centuries ago, might have possessed immense value. Unfortunately, the passage of hundreds of years without proper preservation had deteriorated many of them significantly, reducing their potency or usefulness. Fortunately, a few exceptionally resilient materials and substances had survived, maintaining enough value to justify collecting them for sale or future study.
Eventually, as Vlad reached the far end of the vast laboratory, something utterly unexpected caught his attention. Rising imposingly before him stood an enormous metallic monolith, its surface seamlessly blending polished steel with intricate, arcane engravings.
Astonishingly, despite centuries of neglect, this device still pulsed faintly with eerie luminescence, indicating residual energy still coursed through its ancient mechanisms.
"What is this...?" Vlad murmured, frowning as he studied the imposing structure more closely. It resembled an immense, industrial containment chamber—thick, reinforced metal doors sealed tightly shut.
The entire device vibrated subtly, hinting ominously at powerful forces restrained within. Thick cables and conduits extended outward from the monolith, disappearing into the floor or connecting to flickering control panels inscribed with cryptic symbols.
"Come here," Vlad called to his companions. In seconds, Ouroboros, Jormungandr, and Fafnir stood at his side, each adopting expressions of solemn curiosity upon seeing the strange artifact. Clearly, it was no simple construct.
Exchanging wary but determined glances, the four Depravitas nodded simultaneously, directing the formidable processing power of their A.I. Chips to interact cautiously with the device. Immediately, a cold robotic voice resonated within their minds:
[Beep! Taking control of the device...]
[Spiritual consciousness detected...]
[Overwriting spiritual consciousness...]
Upon the final message, a mechanical hiss echoed through the chamber, followed by the heavy metallic grinding of locks disengaging. The immense doors swung open slowly, revealing a shocking sight within.
At the heart of the machine stood three colossal tubes, symmetrically positioned. The leftmost tube imprisoned an ethereal being whose radiant form shone brilliantly with golden light. Massive wings, extended yet bound by intangible restraints, accentuated its majestic presence. Its solemn eyes were open but empty—utterly devoid of sentience.
"An angel..." The word simultaneously echoed through the astonished minds of Vlad, Ouroboros, Fafnir, and Jormungandr, awe mingling with uncertainty.
Turning their eyes to the rightmost tube, the Depravitas felt an instinctive shiver. Contained within was a strikingly sinister counterpart—a demonic humanoid figure whose entire body seemed composed of dark crystalline material. Like the angel, this demon’s gaze remained open yet utterly vacant, an empty shell devoid of consciousness or purpose, making it clear he would not awake anytime soon.