[The Unforeseen]. The runaway hunters that formed a group as they have touched some of the most notorious experiments and stole the GEO's research regarding the monster's ecosystem. Though with such powerful knowledge comes equal price. For someone to touch one forbidden wisdom, that person must keep their sanity in check. Although for geniuses such as Alice, she could be able to achieve results, no alchemists could attain. One could safely say that she's very much qualified to be a member of one of the strongest guilds, even [Grim Fate].
But she chose to stay with [The Unforeseen] despite being acquainted with them for just a few months. Her reason for staying is because she has a deep love for the person leading the guild, Horan the {Mysterious}. With both of their wisdom combined, it's inevitable for them to achieve something unthinkable.
–Secluded Hut– (a year ago)
"My, how many times did we fail now."
A young and beautiful lady, dressed in a lab coat is currently testing on her new research regarding the composition of monsters. It could be seen as well that there was a cave troll chained on the wall, its mouth was also shut with a heavy lock. Monsters can't be brought outside, but there was a certain artifact that could allow a small area to be livable by monsters, a dungeon. This kind of effect being non-beneficial for humans, instead, provides a negative effect that makes this artifact one of the prohibited treasures, needed to be surrendered to the GEO.
"It doesn't matter how many times. We're going to achieve results. We're the smartest duo that the world has to offer. We might not be mighty like the legendary {Fate Threader} of [Grim Fate], but I can confidently vouch that our minds are stronger than his."
The other was a man of passion, donning a lab coat like the other person. Handsome and obviously, another genius. They are what the masses called: mad alchemists, those that dwell into studies, not suited for the majorities due to the dangerous risks it pose, however, they will do whatever it takes to acquire the certain knowledge they are seeking for, through the said study.
In just a few seconds, the monster they have brought ultimately dies and just like every monster, it slowly turns into an orb of light and disappears, giving a slight bonus to the main subjugator.
"I feel like we're about to achieve something, a feat that only we could possibly attain. So let's be patient and start over."
As the two nod in agreement, they gather their belongings once again and prepare for another journey inside a dungeon. Grabbing four members from their team, they have entered the |Cave of Echoes| once again, though their goal was not to clear it, but to grab another test subject.
"Oh, here's one!"
A member spotted a single Cave Troll.
"Come on, assist Alice in trapping that one."
As Horan gave the order, the members surrounded the troll and easily shackled it.
"Alright, time for the transfer. I'll make this quicker than usual."
Alice places both of her hands forward as if trying to cast a spell. After a while, a magical circle appeared below the troll and transferred it back to the hut.
"Alright, success as always."
"Jeez, your magic never fails to impress me, Alice. You're the only one in all of Navea that can wield a transference spell. Not even that {Fate Threader} can possibly do that I bet."
A member commented about her unique ability which makes her smirk a little.
"Hah, if it's something I could be proud of, it's my brains. Soon, I'll be able to master more of the secret elements." Alice proudly declared.
"That's one of the reasons I have fallen for you, Alice. Your confidence and determination to achieve results is truly admirable." Horan also remarked.
As a response to the sudden passionate praise by Horan, she pinches his shoulders and quickly walks out of the cave, hiding her flushed cheeks. As soon as she's out, Horan and the others slowly follow while the members keep staring at him. Weird thing is that no one ever commented about Horan's remark. But after a while, someone opened his mouth and in hushed voice, he talked-
"Boss, she's too smart to be used only as a tool. Maybe you should really love her for rea–"
When he's about to finish his sentence, Horan gave him a terrifying glare which made him immediately shut his mouth.
"When we're done. I'll be hailed as the most remarkable alchemist ever known, surpassing even the [Grim Fate]'s Sophia Horenstein. And only one shall bear that title…"
Once they returned to the hut, Alice's cat met them with its adorable gaze, seemingly asking for a snack.
"Oh, that cat's still here?" Horan asked.
"Yeah, I figured it would be the case." Alice then turns her attention towards the ring she's wearing. It is a ring-type artifact shaped like a fanged predator. This is one of the artifacts that they have stolen from GEO's ownership.
"Looks like this cat can actually adapt to any ecosystem as long as it's a dungeon, what an interesting specie."
"Well, as long as it won't hinder our progress then…"
"Don't worry Horan, I'll take full responsibility."
After a few days, they have stumbled upon many failures. Day by day they would apprehend a new test subject and restart their process. A month has passed since then, a new discovery has been found by Alice.
"I…I think I did it."
"....." Horan looks at her, speechless. He then slowly walks towards her and looks at it in awe. The dead cave troll that was shackled, is not disappearing even after death. Their goal of having to maintain a monster's physical body despite its death have been successful. With this, they can further study the anatomy of monsters without the worry of it disappearing even after death. But maintaining the corpse is difficult and impossible enough already, that is why Horan and Alice felt like they have achieved a peak highlight in their career.
"This is it!! We have taken a huge step towards advancement! I knew you'd be able to do it!"
After his remark, Alice tightly hugged Horan due to the sheer joy she's feeling at the moment. After having such a satisfying celebration, they never delayed, instead, the two continued as soon as they were ready again for the next part of the test. But then–
"The Cave Trolls are gone! The Cave has been cleared!"
One of their members reported to them.
"What? Well, we are hoping to delay the hunters from clearing the cave, but I guess we'll have to stick with this one." Alice commented, however, Horan looks displeased.
"Damn it, where are the others!? Why didn't you stop them from entering!?"
"H-Horan-" Alice interjected
"-we're not in a rush, also, the cave is not an important part of our research anymore anyway."
Horan's glare turns towards Alice, which she did not expect at all.
"...Horan..?"
After a while, Horan shakes his head as if to collect himself. "You're right, you're right…it's just that, one subject is not enough. Since we're already experts in the anatomy of this specific monster, they're the perfect test subjects for us."
"If that's the case…we have to move somewhere else to find a nearby rain dungeon to get more subjects…"
"No! Moving means delay! And we are unsure if the troll's body would stay like that if we lift the dungeon effect in this area!"
Alice sweats, she's nervous since it's the first time she sees Horan like this, not knowing that it's his actual nature. He then turns towards their team mate and asked-
"Are you sure it's clear!? Have you gone inside?"
"Y-yes boss, but before going inside, we saw someone going outside of the dungeon."
"A solo hunter?"
"I think so boss, also…I don't know why but, he's giving me the creeps despite assessing that he's just a normal human."
Little did they know that the certain hunter just spends time alone inside eating bread in peace since he thought that it was cleared.
"Boss, we have a discovery by the way. We may not have to move."
"What do you mean?"
"There was a nearby cave, a dungeon. Though we suspect it has a higher rank than the |Cave of Echoes|."
"Then, we're going there!"
After Horan's declaration, Alice had some second thoughts about what they are doing or what they are trying to achieve. It's as if there was a slap in her face that somehow wakes something up within her, but then when she takes a glance towards Horan, her loved ones-
"Come, my dear Alice." He offered him his hands, changing his expression in just a matter of seconds into a gentle one.
"y-yes, my dear Horan!" She was not able to resist her own emotions. With that said, that day will mark the first tragedy that befalls their group.