Chronicles of Legends

Volume 7 Chapter 10 - The Strongest

As the Council meeting concluded, Arthur and I ventured towards Gideon's laboratory to procure the necessary blood sample. The cluttered space was a testament to the scientist's brilliance and creative chaos. Gideon himself was deeply immersed in his work, aided by the ever-efficient Emily, who darted around the lab, handling various instruments and tinkering with the cannons based on Gary's original designs.

Arthur's voice rang out, resonating with authority, instantly capturing Gideon and Emily's attention. Surprise flickered in their eyes as they realized that Arthur had indeed survived the perils he faced.

"You're alive," Gideon exclaimed, his eyes widening in a mixture of astonishment and delight. Emily, too, rushed toward him, her features mirroring a blend of shock and relief.

"Yes," Arthur replied, a subtle warmth softening his words. "It's good to see both of you again. But now, I have a task that requires your expertise."

Gideon's brow furrowed, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "What task might that be?" he inquired, his scientific mind already whirring with possibilities.

"We need to separate the Asuran blood from my mixed heritage," I interjected, my voice filled with a sense of purpose. "That Asuran blood is crucial for the revival of my mother."

Understanding dawned upon Gideon's face, his expression shifting to one of focused determination. "Very well," he consented, wasting no time on further queries. He swiftly retrieved a syringe, prepared to collect the necessary blood sample. I closed my eyes, steeling myself for the slight sting of the needle.

But Gideon's reprimanding voice halted my instinctive reaction. "Don't reinforce yourself," he admonished firmly, reminding me not to employ any enhancements or defenses.

"I'm not," I reassured him, my voice tinged with both surprise and frustration. "It's just that my skin is too strong."

Gideon sighed, realizing the implications of my statement. He exchanged a knowing glance with Emily, who swiftly retrieved a larger syringe, her eyes filled with concern. Handing the oversized instrument to Arthur, Gideon directed him, "Puncture his skin carefully, exactly where I instruct you to."

With meticulous precision, Arthur followed Gideon's guidance, puncturing my skin with the oversized syringe and extracting the vital blood that held the essence of my Asuran lineage. The process was carried out with utmost care and focus, the atmosphere in the laboratory heavy with anticipation and a shared understanding of the significance of our actions.

As the crimson liquid filled the syringe, I couldn't help but feel a mix of hope and apprehension coursing through my veins.

Gideon's unwavering gaze remained fixed upon the vial of blood in his hands, his brows knitted together in deep concentration. "I will deliver the separated blood to you once the process is complete, or inform you immediately if I encounter any difficulties," he told us, "Now shoo! Let me work." 

Accustomed to Gideon's idiosyncrasies, Arthur and I exchanged knowing glances before stepping out of the laboratory, leaving the eccentric scientist to his work. However, just as we were about to make our exit, a gentle tap on our shoulders caused us to turn around.

Emily, a familiar warmth gracing her features, offered us a tender smile. "Don't pay too much mind to Master Gideon's gruff exterior," she advised, her voice filled with genuine affection, "He's genuinely thrilled to have you back, Arthur. And so am I."

Returning her smile, Arthur's eyes softened, revealing the vulnerability that lay beneath the surface. As we departed from the bustling laboratory, I couldn't help but notice the absence of the detached and cold mask that Arthur had worn since Claire's tragic demise.