Apollyon's steps were purposeful as he made his way to the front of the auditorium. The lecture had left him with a lingering sense of curiosity and a determination to pursue the opportunity Seraphina had mentioned. He approached the stage where Seraphina and James were engaged in conversation about the lecture and its reception.
Seraphina noticed him first, offering a warm smile as he drew near. James, with his perpetually serious demeanor, regarded Apollyon with a raised eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Decurion Seraphina, good afternoon" Apollyon offered a humble greeting, his voice respectful before he gave a similar gesture towards James; "Decurion James, a pleasure to meet you".
Seraphina's eyes lit up with recognition as she turned to James. "James, this is Apollyon. He's expressed interest in being my assistant."
"Assistant? How peculiar", James's initial curiosity transformed into a thoughtful nod as he returned a simple greeting towards Apollyon. "A pleasure to meet you, Apollyon. I assumed you were Seraphina's disciple."
Seraphina chuckled softly. "Not quite, James. I have a different role in mind for the kid."
Apollyon nodded in agreement; his resolve evident. "Yes, I believe I can learn a great deal from decurion Seraphina while assisting her in her work."
James's inquisitive nature extended to the people he encountered, and the prospect of Seraphina taking on a disciple piqued his interest. He regarded Apollyon with a thoughtful gaze, wondering about the young man's potential in a place like this, where promising individuals were often scarce.
"Seraphina," James began, his tone laden with curiosity, "I must admit, I'm intrigued. Although uncommon, you've chosen to take on a disciple in this remote outpost. It's not often one finds promising individuals in such places."
Seraphina's eyes sparkled with a blend of understanding and conviction as she responded, "James, Apollyon may not be your typical 'seedling,' but he possesses qualities that caught my attention."
James's gaze shifted from Seraphina to Apollyon, his skepticism gradually giving way to a hint of curiosity. "Very well, Seraphina. I trust your judgment in this matter. If Apollyon can contribute to our cause, then I look forward to witnessing his progress."
"Decurion Seraphina; I was wondering when I can start contributing in the field of healing?" Apollyon asked, his enthusiasm palpable.
Seraphina looked at him in wonder, his impatience surprised her, and she couldn't help but be curious about the young man's eagerness. Before she could respond, Apollyon explained his philosophy, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities when they arose.
"I believe in striking when the iron is hot," he concluded, his determination evident.
Seraphina regarded him with a thoughtful smile. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Apollyon. It's a valuable trait. However, at the moment, I don't have any tasks suitable for you."
Before Apollyon could express any disappointment, James intervened. His interest in Apollyon's potential hadn't waned, and he saw an opportunity to both evaluate the young man's abilities and enlist some help for his own work.
"Well, since we're discussing potential," James began, his tone suggesting intrigue, "I have a proposition for both of you. I'm currently studying a recently captured monster in my lab"
He turned to Seraphina, "Besides, I was planning to ask you for your insights anyways" he glanced at Apollo giving him a knowing wink, "Having new assistance in our field of work is no problem, especially if they possess passion and potential."
Seraphina hesitated for a moment, considering James's proposal. The opportunity to work alongside Apollyon could prove beneficial for him, and she trusted James's judgment.
She looked at Apollo who seemed to be enthusiastic about the proposition. After a brief pause, she nodded in agreement. "Very well, James. If you believe Apollyon can be of assistance, then we are willing to join you in your lab."
"Great! Follow me" gestured James offering an odd smile that Apollyon found somewhat eerie. He felt something amiss, he had a gut feeling that the decurion in front of him had ulterior motives but since Seraphina was accompanying him; he felt reassured.
'What could go wrong?' he thought inwardly 'This is good for some experience' he tried to convince himself.
Apollyon and Seraphina followed James, their destination? An underground bunker that was secured heavily. Inside was a single lone corrider lined with at least a dozen locked rooms, each guarded by two guards each. He often saw the presence of individuals in medical gowns which only added to the intrigue.
As James led Apollyon and Seraphina through the dimly lit corridor of the underground bunker, Apollyon's curiosity was tinged with a growing sense of unease. He couldn't help but wonder about the existence of such a clandestine facility in the heart of the military camp. What secrets could lie beyond those imposing doors? His mind raced with questions, and a subtle anxiety crept over him.
Apollyon's imagination ran wild, contemplating what James might be leading them toward. Was it something to be feared, or merely a facet of military operations he had yet to encounter?
'James had mentioned a captured monster, but this atmosphere is quite an odd sight and a dozen rooms? Don't tell all of them have monsters inside.' As they drew closer to their destination, his heart quickened, and a flicker of trepidation tugged at his thoughts.
Upon entering the final chamber, Apollyon's eyes widened with fascination. The room was spacious and filled with an assortment of tools, ranging from delicate scalpels to heavy-duty saws and hammers. It was a place where the intricate met the robust, where the secrets of the unknown were unraveled.
In the center of the room, atop a large, raised platform, lay an enigmatic object shrouded beneath a thick black cover. Apollyon could sense that whatever was concealed beneath that veil was alive, as the cover moved rhythmically with the steady cadence of breathing. The sounds of respiration filled the chamber, and Apollyon's intuition told him that whatever lay beneath was not only alive but substantial in size.
James, sensing Apollyon's anxiousness, gave a knowing smile and offered some light chatter. "Welcome to my domain, Tiro. Here, we delve into the secrets of the unknown, unraveling the mysteries of the creatures we face. But first, let's uncover what lies beneath this shroud."
As James moved toward the covered object, Apollyon's inner thoughts echoed with anticipation, the unknown stirred a sense of fear within him, mingling with his insatiable curiosity. As they approached the covered object, his anxiety heightened, and he braced himself for the revelation that awaited them.
The air grew heavy with tension as James, with an air of anticipation, unveiled the monstrous creature beneath the covers. Seraphina's sharp gasp filled the room as she recognized the creature, its name escaping her lips in a mix of surprise and concern.
"A Dreadscale Croclith... I never thought I'd see one captured alive. This is incredibly dangerous, James. They're known for their ability to escape restraints with surprising speed" her voice trembled slightly as she recalled from memory.
"Our field comes with great risk Seraphina, I'm very much aware of the situation" James mentioned, his voice assertive and thoughtful. "This one was caught in a trap, we caught it munching on a few unfortunate souls previously. The same one the Baron gave a bounty to" he added his tone oddly devoid of sympathy.
Apollyon, however, was consumed by fear as he laid eyes on the Croclith, a creature that exceeded his wildest imagination.
The croclith's massive size, glowing eyes, and the sheer intensity of its presence sent shivers down Apollyon's spine. He felt as though those piercing eyes were locked onto him, as if the creature wished to devour him whole. The room seemed to grow darker, and the atmosphere was thick with an invisible killing intent that radiated from the monster. It struggled against its restraints, growling in anger, its every movement a stark reminder of the untamed power it possessed.
Apollyon couldn't tear his eyes away from the monster's fearsome form. The Dreadscale Croclith's scales were a mottled, dark green, resembling the swampy waters it dwelled in. Its jaws were lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, and its tail, adorned with that deadly blade, twitched with potential violence.
Apollyon's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he stood before the imposing Dreadscale Croclith. He couldn't help but ponder the significance of this moment. His thoughts raced:
'This is it, a real monster. Not a goblin or a simple opponent in training. A genuine monster.'
Fear gripped him, but it was a different kind of fear, one mixed with awe and fascination. The croclith's immense size and ferocious appearance had overwhelmed him. He marveled at the creature's sheer power and the primal energy that seemed to radiate from it.
'I've never seen anything like this before. It makes the goblin I saw earlier seem like a harmless creature. This... this is what we are truly up against in the world.'
Apollyon's curiosity battled with his fear, and he couldn't help but wonder about the secrets this creature held. What made it so fearsome? What were its vulnerabilities, its strengths, its habits? He knew that understanding such creatures was vital for the safety of humanity, and he felt a growing determination to learn everything he could about the Dreadscale Croclith.
James, standing beside the bound Dreadscale Croclith, began to share his knowledge, albeit limited, about the creature. His voice was measured, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"As you both know, this is a Dreadscale Croclith," he began. "They are extremely rare and elusive creatures, and our understanding of them is mostly based on limited observations and ancient texts. This specimen is a valuable opportunity to gather more information."
He continued, "Dreadscale Crocliths are known for their incredible size and strength. They are apex predators in their ecosystems, feared by both humans and other creatures. Their scales are incredibly resilient, capable of deflecting most attacks, and their tails, as you can see, have evolved into formidable weapons."
James gestured toward the blade-like protrusions on the croclith's tail. "These sharp blades, made from the creature's own bone material, allow them to perform a 'death roll.' When they latch onto prey, they spin rapidly, tearing their victims apart."
He glanced at the creature's eyes, which seemed locked onto Apollyon, before continuing. "They are also known for their excellent night vision, which is why they possess these glowing eyes. They are skilled ambush hunters, often waiting for their prey to come close before striking."
James admitted, "I must clarify that my direct experience with a live croclith is limited. Most of what I know comes from historical accounts and reports. However, we have a unique opportunity to study this specimen more closely and learn about its behavior, vulnerabilities, and any adaptations it may have developed."
Seraphina, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, joined in to complement James' explanations. "Indeed, this is a remarkable opportunity for us all. I'll focus on the medical aspects of our examination."
She turned her attention to Apollyon and began to instruct him. "First and foremost, Apollyon, we need to observe its breathing pattern and pulse, if we can detect it. This will give us insights into its metabolic rate and overall health."
As she spoke, Seraphina pointed to different parts of the croclith's anatomy. "Notice the scales; they're not just for protection. They might have unique properties, so we should examine them closely. Look for any discolorations, lesions, or irregularities."
Seraphina moved closer to the creature's head, her fingers lightly touching the ridges of its armored skull. "Its eyes are fascinating. They seem adapted for low-light conditions. We should examine their structure and see how they differ from the eyes of other creatures."
She then gestured toward the croclith's mouth. "Its teeth are undoubtedly its primary weapons. Let's check for the sharpness and durability of its dental structure. We'll need to assess its bite force as well."
Seraphina's voice was filled with enthusiasm as she continued her guidance. "We'll also need to take samples of its saliva and blood to analyze later. These could reveal valuable information about its diet, potential diseases, and even venom if it possesses any."
Turning to Apollyon, Seraphina added, "Remember, we must work cautiously. Despite its restraints, this creature is extremely dangerous. We don't know how it might react, especially if it feels threatened."
She glanced back at the formidable creature before them, her curiosity mingling with a healthy dose of caution. "Let's proceed with care and precision. There's much to learn here, and I'm eager to see what insights we can gain."
With a sense of shared purpose, the trio began to analyze the croclith's major features, each taking on a specific aspect of the creature's anatomy. It was not only an examination of the monster but also a test for Apollyon's potential and passion in this field of work.
James, the seasoned pathologist, directed Apollyon's attention to the creature's skin and scales. He showed him how to carefully lift a small section of scales with a pair of specialized forceps. "Observe the texture, the color, and any signs of wear or damage," he instructed. "This could tell us about its habitat and how it interacts with its environment."
Seraphina focused on the creature's vital signs. She guided Apollyon in measuring its breathing rate and pulse, all the while explaining the significance of these indicators. "Steady hands and a keen eye are essential in our line of work," she remarked, offering encouragement as he made the measurements.
James, intrigued by the creature's teeth, handed Apollyon a series of bones, specially designed for assessing bite force. "This will help us gauge the strength of its jaw," he said. "Remember, Apollyon, safety is key. These bones all have different degrees of hardness, they indirectly tell us just how much bite force this creature has. Now come, Ill pry its mouth open while you slide these bones in."
As they worked, Apollyon felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He found himself drawn into the intricacies of the examination, his curiosity overcoming his initial fear. The creature's unique features challenged him, and he was determined to rise to the occasion. Although he did feel that James was giving him slightly dangerous jobs on purpose.
Both Seraphina and James observed Apollyon closely, gauging his reactions and assessing his potential. They noted his attentiveness, his careful movements, bravery, and his ability to absorb their instructions. It was clear to them that he possessed the qualities necessary for their line of work: patience, a thirst for knowledge, and the ability to work methodically.
As the examination progressed, Apollyon's passion for understanding these creatures grew. He was no longer just another recruit; he was becoming a promising student in the world of monster analysis under the grace of Seraphina and James.
Eventually, Seraphina undertook a different tone as she begun to harness her magical properties in order to analyze the monster. She explained her magical analysis to Apollyon and James as she gently placed her hands on various parts of the croclith's body. Her healing magic emitted a soft, radiant glow, and her eyes took on a distant, focused expression.
"Through my magic," Seraphina began, "I can establish a connection with the croclith's energy flow. This allows me to sense how mana circulates within its body. Any disruptions or deviations from the norm could indicate injuries or adaptations. It's like reading the creature's mana-based life story."
As she spoke, Seraphina's hands moved over the creature's scales, her fingertips lightly tracing patterns. Her brows furrowed slightly as she concentrated, and her words flowed with a calm certainty.
"My magic also allows me to detect pain or discomfort within the croclith," Seraphina continued. "If the creature has any injuries or physical issues, I can pinpoint their locations and assess their extent. This insight is vital for understanding how the croclith has evolved to thrive."
Seraphina's touch became even more delicate as she focused on specific areas, her healing magic resonating with the creature's energy. Subtle changes in her expression revealed the information she gleaned from her magical analysis.
"Some creatures leave traces of magic due to their unique abilities," Seraphina elaborated. "With my magic, I can detect these residues and interpret their significance. This will help us understand any magical defences or adaptations the croclith has developed over time."
Her hands now hovered above the croclith's body, fingers gently tracing invisible patterns in the air. Her eyes remained fixed on the creature as she channeled her magical senses to uncover hidden insights.
As Seraphina worked her healing magic, Apollyon and James observed in awe, absorbing the knowledge she shared. While Seraphina couldn't directly teach Apollyon magic due to academy regulations, her explanations and demonstrations served as valuable lessons, enhancing his understanding of the intricate relationship between magic and the natural world. This collaborative effort deepened their appreciation for the complexities of monster anatomy and adaptation.
After her thorough magical analysis, Seraphina shared her conclusions with Apollyon and James. Her voice carried a tone of professional confidence as she explained the croclith's condition:
"Firstly, the croclith appears to lack any inherent mana of its own however, I did sense the flow of activation energy within. This might explain its incredible physicality and resilience, relying solely on this energy to enhance its natural strength and potentially influence its adaptations for survival."
Seraphina paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, "I did detect massive traces of activation energy residue around its jaws and tail. These areas seem to be where it channels any potential energy for its abilities, such as its bladed tail. It's fascinating to witness how a creature without mana can still manipulate abilities in such a manner."
She then turned her attention to the croclith's physical state. "Regarding its injuries, the croclith did sustain some damage during its capture. I've identified minor lacerations and strains, most likely from the restraints used to secure it. They seem superficial and shouldn't pose a significant threat to its overall health."
Seraphina's eyes met Apollyon's briefly, recognizing his keen interest in the creature's magical aspects. While she couldn't teach him magic directly, her insights into the croclith's connection with mana served as an invaluable lesson, fostering his growing expertise in this field.
James nodded in agreement with Seraphina's assessment, impressed by her ability to discern these details and eager to continue their study of the croclith's unique biology and adaptations.
James, ever the meticulous researcher he was, proposed the next phase of their study. "Now, let's delve into how this creature reacts to various external factors. Understanding its responses will provide us with crucial insights into its behavior and survival mechanisms."
He began by activating a set of powerful magical lamps, flooding the area with blinding light. The immediate reaction of the croclith was evident as it hissed and writhed in discomfort, its large, menacing eyes squinting against the sudden brightness.
"Light sensitivity," James noted, "a common trait among creatures that spend significant time in water or dark environments. It seems to rely on its keen senses in low light conditions."
Seraphina, observing closely, added, "It's likely a part of its hunting strategy. Crocliths might prefer to strike when their prey is less likely to detect their presence."
To further test the creature's resilience, James adjusted the temperature in the chamber by stoking a flame from a furnace, causing the temperature in the room to drop. The croclith's behavior shifted again, this time displaying signs of discomfort and sluggishness as it attempted to adapt to the changing conditions.
"Temperature-sensitive," James remarked, making notes on a nearby clipboard. "This adaptation suggests it might be more active in warmer climates and less so in colder ones. Understanding its preferred environment could aid in predicting its habitat."
"Concerning flames, crocliths are surprisingly resistant to fire, thanks to their thick, protective scales. It's unlikely that standard flames alone would cause them much harm," James noted after trying to burn the creatures hide with a burning torch.
As for poisons and medicines, James explained, "They don't seem particularly susceptible to common toxins. Their biology appears to be resilient against many forms of poisoning. Conversely, administering medicines would require more in-depth study to determine their effectiveness" he noted after subjecting the Croclith with various poisons and medications.
"Now for the fun part" James muttered aloud; his voice tinged with an obvious sense of sadism as he eyed a set of 'tools' on a nearby wall.
"How are you with blood kid?" he motioned towards Apollyon with a playful grin.
Caught in a surprise, Apollyon could only few words of reassurance to the sudden question: "I-Im, alright decurion…" he stammered.
'I should be fine…I studied forensics after all' he thought convincingly but he would soon regret saying such words.
James chose a set of specialized tools nearby and, with calculated precision, made several quick incisions and inflicted various degrees of superficial injuries on the creature drawing blood, some of his motions caused splutters of the thick crimson liquid. The croclith's reaction was immediate and intense.
As the first few cuts were made, the croclith's massive form tensed up, its muscles rippling with agitation. It let out a guttural growl that reverberated through the underground chamber. The gleam in its eyes, once fixed on Apollyon with predatory intent, shifted towards James, now filled with a more focused and lethal rage.
With every subsequent injury inflicted, the croclith's aggression grew. It snapped its powerful jaws, attempting to bite at the source of its torment, but the restraints held firm. Its tail, armed with the sharp bone blade, slashed dangerously against its durable restraints, attempting to rend flesh in retaliation. Each of its desperate actions only increased its leaking blood flow as it soon begun to 'swim' in its own puddle of blood.
Apollyon watched in horror as the creature's primal instincts kicked in. He had never witnessed such a display of raw fury, brutality and survival instinct. It was a chilling reminder of the reality within these research sessions and the importance of their conclusions.
James, unfazed by the creature's ferocity, continued his ruthless demonstration, all the while explaining to Apollyon and Seraphina the significance of the croclith's reaction to injuries, particularly in understanding how to deal with such creatures in the field.
"See here," he pointed to a softer section of the creature's underbelly, "this is a potential weak point. Crocliths, despite their formidable appearance, have areas of less-armored skin that can be exploited if you're quick and precise" he mumbled seemingly enthralled by his actions.
Finally after a couple minutes of extended 'examinations', with a somber tone, James voiced a difficult decision. "As much as I'd like to keep this creature alive for further study, we can't afford the risk it poses. It's just too dangerous."
He took a deep breath and then, with brutal precision, he stabbed the croclith in its heart, right at the soft underbelly that he had identified earlier. The creature convulsed, let out a final, agonized growl, and then fell limp.
"Another vulnerability" he remarked.
Apollyon's gaze shifted between James and Seraphina in bewilderment of the scenes he had just witnessed. He gazed at Seraphina for some explanation but all he could find was a silent stare of approval. Then he looked at the now bloodied James with some sense of apprehension and fear.
'What a psycho' he thought inwardly. 'He was definitely enjoying it.'
Apollyon understood the necessity of the action, but he felt like the creature had more importance alive than being dead.
James sighed and said, "Sometimes, to protect humanity, we have to make such hard choices. Now, let's document our next findings thoroughly" he uttered whilst staring at the corpse with glee.