Artein was surprisingly generous in his praise, and I could see that he genuinely appreciated the insights I was putting into his chimera research. My theoretical knowledge and field experiments fascinated him, even though I deliberately kept certain aspects hidden. Rahit, however, was a very different person. His growing jealousy was evident in the glances he threw in my direction from time to time. It was clear that as Artein's first apprentice, he felt overshadowed by my presence. I could feel his suspicions gnawing at him every time I demonstrated a new concept.
It didn't bother me. I was focused solely on gaining as much knowledge as possible, learning their methods, and quietly continuing my own research.
In the dim light of the lab, surrounded by bubbling bubbles, strange diagrams, and half-living creatures in glass cylinders, I worked side by side with Artein and Rahit. Artain's experiments centered on improving chimeras-how to increase their strength, agility, and control. He spoke while measuring out the ingredients.
- We need to consider the mental abilities of chimeras, not just their physical features. If they can be made to think, even on a rudimentary level, they may become more effective.
I nodded, taking note of his thoughts. - Perhaps it's a balance between animal instinct and human intelligence. It could make them more adaptable on the battlefield.
Rahit grinned, wiping his hands. - That's assuming we can control them long enough to test it. The last two experiments failed before we even got any useful data.
His irritation was obvious, but I ignored it, offering a nonchalant reply. "Controls can always be improved. The real problem is ensuring their longevity."
Artein seemed to ponder this, his sharp gaze darting between us. "Perhaps... though durability is less useful than immediate effect. Still, it is worth exploring."
As night fell and the two of them withdrew, I returned to my secret project.
In the corner of my small workspace, I sketched the outline of my new alchemical circle with chalk. It was unfinished, several points still unresolved, and calculations were swarming in my head. The concept was ambitious - to create a circle that could be a soul gatherer, a reservoir of life force that could be drawn from without immediately turning it into red stone. It was almost like trying to design a dam that could hold back a river without flooding the valley.
I reviewed my notes in the flickering candlelight:
"Redirect the soul without using a stone as an intermediary... A living being, perhaps? But can the soul be preserved without being degraded?"
I furiously jotted down my thoughts. The idea that the soul could be captured and preserved was not new, but getting around the red stone was a real problem. The alchemical circles I had drawn were promising, but so far none of them had yielded any results. Nevertheless, I kept working, refining the angles of the symbols and runes.
The next day, as we were dissecting one of the failed chimeras, Artein approached me. "You're pretty overworked, aren't you?" His voice sounded casual, but there was a sharpness in his gaze.
"I am driven by curiosity, Master Artein," I replied, trying to keep my tone respectful. "There is so much to learn, and so little time."
He nodded satisfied. "Just remember, not every path leads to enlightenment. Some of them lead to dead ends. Focus your energy wisely."
"I will." I smiled, feigning humility.
That evening, I went back to my personal research. Drawing lines on the floor with chalk, I felt a growing frustration. Every attempt so far had failed, but I knew I was close. I recalculated the flow of energy and muttered something to myself.
"Perhaps the circle needs an anchor," I pondered aloud, looking at the center of the diagram. "Something to stabilize the souls as it is drawn into it.... But what?"
I paced around the room, my thoughts jumbled. I felt like I was on the verge of a breakthrough. I imagined what it would be like to control such a powerful force. To redirect the energy of life itself at will, without resorting to crude, imperfect red stones. It could be the key to unlocking the deeper mysteries of alchemy.
Perhaps the circle needed to be inscribed not in the ground, but in something living.
The next day, Artein brought up the subject of control again as we refined the next version of the chimera. His eyes glittered with excitement.
"If we could make these creatures more intelligent," Artein pondered, "perhaps even semi-autonomous... they could lead armies themselves.
I glanced at Rahit, who, frowning, continued to work. He had hardly said anything since Artein had started praising my ideas.
"I think the answer may lie in a more direct link," I suggested cautiously. "If we could bind chimeras to a human, a sort of tamer, using alchemical means... it might give us more control."
Artein was silent for a moment, pondering. "Binding? That's... dangerous."
"But effective," I replied. "With the right calculations, we could provide control without jeopardizing the user."
Rahit finally spoke in a harsh voice. "And who would agree to that voluntarily? You?"
I smiled, ignoring his barb. "I wouldn't risk it until we're sure. It's just a theory for now."
Days turned into weeks, and though my secret experiments were still not yielding tangible results, I knew that I was getting closer to my goal.
Rahit kept glaring at me angrily, but I ignored him. I was focused on something much bigger than petty rivalries.
It had been more than three years since I had first started working under Artein. The city of Igrande was thriving, and its citizens were unaware of the vicious ambitions maturing in the palace laboratories. We have made significant progress. Artein, though secretive, shared the ruler's vision of creating the perfect creature that would be invincible in battle, with the mind of a strategist and the body of a beast.
The ruler of Igrand, Lord Valdaric, learned of our work and gave his blessing - in the interests of the state, of course. The decree allowed us to conduct experiments on prisoners, mostly convicted criminals, though occasionally political dissidents fell into our hands. For the moment, the lord, could not risk providing us with citizens or soldiers for fear of rebellion if we failed. But prisoners were expendable. And this was an opportunity for me - a chance to push my work further without arousing suspicion.
One evening, as Artein and I watched one of the prisoners, a middle-aged man chained to a table, there was an eerie silence in the room, broken only by the occasional drops of liquid from the alchemical devices around us.
Artein broke the silence. - We've made remarkable progress in building up our power, haven't we? This man... his musculature has nearly doubled. And yet he retains some semblance of intelligence."
I nodded, watching the subject's slow, labored breathing. A faint realization flashed in the man's eyes - he was still conscious, though barely. "The fusion process was successful, though not without flaws," I said. "But mental degradation is... inevitable. These transformations take their toll on the mind."
"Is that really a concern?" Artein leaned closer to his captive. "What use is the mind in battle? We need strength. Intelligence can be provided by those who command it."
- True," I muttered, adjusting the vial. - But the key to perfection is balance. A creature that can only kill will eventually rebel against its creator. That's not control, that's chaos.
Artein was silent for a moment, looking at me appraisingly. "Perhaps," he muttered.
Rahit's footsteps echoed through the laboratory as he approached. His expression, as usual, was grim, full of contempt. He had grown more resentful over the years, no longer hiding his jealousy. His voice sounded harsh as he joined us. "This one is no different from the last one. Another failure, I'd say."
- Failure is part of progress. You can't expect perfection without improving," I replied.
"Improving?" Rahit laughed, though there was nothing funny about it. - You mean experimenting blindly on these prisoners in the hope of a miracle. Let's see how long the lord - will tolerate this, for another war awaits us.
Artein frowned, shifting his gaze from one to the other. "Enough of this, Rahit. We are here to learn, not bicker."
Rahit cast one last glance at me before turning his attention to his captive. "Fine. But we don't have much time. The lord is losing patience."
Late in the afternoon, when everyone had dispersed, I returned to my private workspace. The laboratory was dimly lit by flickering torches that cast long, shadowy shadows on the walls. On a table in the center of the room lay another prisoner I had carefully selected for my experiments.
I stood over the man, holding the red stone in my hand. The stone still mesmerized me, though it wasn't as perfect as it was intended to be. It served its function, allowing me to dispense with the alchemical circle, but still the feeling that there were flaws gnawed at my subconscious. Its power was not infinite.
I focused on the man in front of me. My goal was no longer to create just a red stone. Now I sought to create something new-a repository, a vessel for souls who had not immediately transformed their essence into stone. If I could find a way to store souls in a more flexible and controlled way, perhaps I could create a being whose power did not depend on brute destruction.
I placed my hand on the captive's chest, mentally visualizing the intricate lines of the alchemical circle. Slowly I began the transmutation, feeling the energy from the red stone flow into the captive's body. The man convulsed, gulping for air, but I held him tight.
Come on... just a little more...
The air became heavy, thick with the strain of alchemical forces in action. The man's soul was drawn toward the stone, but at the last moment I tried to redirect it - to keep it within my imaginary circle.
For a brief, agonizing moment, it worked. The soul hovered between life and death, caught in the trap of alchemy. But then, like every time before, the energy dissipated. The man let out one last convulsive breath, and the experiment ended in failure. I cursed quietly.
The next morning Rahit was waiting for me. His face was pale, but his eyes burned with anger. "I know what you do," he hissed as I entered the lab. "You think I don't see it? Your personal experiments, your little secrets..."
I kept a neutral expression on my face," You're paranoid, Rahit.
- Aren't you already? - He stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. - You've been taking prisoners for your own purposes. I've seen the way you look at Artain, always hiding something from him. How soon will he find out? How long before the lord finds out what you're really up to?
I squinted and smiled back at him. "You have no proof."
Later that day, Artein called us both into his office. The expression on his face was impenetrable as he gestured for us to sit down.
"Rumors have reached me," he said in a calm but commanding voice. "Rumor has it that there is tension between you two."
Rahit smirked, leaning back in his chair. "I'm just trying to ensure the success of our work, Master. It's not my fault that some people can't handle criticism."
I remained silent, knowing Artein would see through Rahit's attempts to undermine my reputation.
Artein sighed, rubbing his temples. - Look, I don't care about personal conflicts. I care about progress. We are on the cusp of something great-the lord expects results, and we cannot afford to fail.
He shifted his gaze to me. "Whatever you are working on, I trust you will share it with us when the time comes. But remember, it's not just about you. You still work for me. Don't forget that."
I nodded, though deep down I knew my work would remain my own.
In the days that followed, I secretly continued my experiments, perfecting the alchemical circle I was working on. The idea of creating a repository of souls still eluded me, but I was getting closer to it. Each failure brought new insights, new calculations to refine.
Meanwhile, Rahit was becoming more and more hostile. He was constantly trying to incriminate me in my mistakes, pushing me towards conflict. But I remained calm, knowing that his jealousy would ruin him long before I stumbled.
One evening, as I sat up late in the lab, Artane approached me quietly. His face was more serious than usual, and there was a thoughtfulness in his eyes. "Tell me," he asked quietly, "do you believe that we can really achieve perfection in our research?"
I was silent for a moment, pondering my answer. - Perfection is a dangerous ideal, Master. But... I think we can be close to it. If we are willing to sacrifice enough people.
Artein smiled faintly, though it hid a grimness behind it. - A sacrifice indeed.
The day came when one of our experiments finally bore fruit. Artein and I stood over the restrained body of our latest specimen, a prisoner who had been chosen for this particular transformation for his physical endurance. This time, however, the result was far from a failure.
The specimen's body twitched as the alchemical process neared completion. Its appearance had undergone some metamorphosis, but unlike previous attempts that had resulted in death or uncontrolled transformations into monsters, this chimera retained a remarkable consistency of form and function.
The creature's body, once fully human, was now an amazing mixture of human and beastly. Most of the basic human features remained: two legs, two arms, a torso, and a head. However, the skin, which had once been pale and scarred from past battles, was now covered in dark, emerald green scales, especially on the arms, legs, and back. The scales shimmered in the dim light of the torches, providing protection where human skin would have been damaged.
Perhaps the most striking change was the head. The familiar human face was gone, and in its place was an elongated lizard face resembling a reptile. The nose was completely altered to match the new anatomy, leaving only two narrow slits for the nostrils. The mouth was frighteningly distended, full of sharp jagged teeth, perfect for digging into flesh.
The eyes narrowed, glowing with a sharp, predatory intelligence - narrow pupils with slits that darted across the room, giving away the primal instincts lurking beneath the surface. And yet, despite the lizard-like appearance, there was a glow of understanding in those eyes, a trace of the human mind that had once inhabited this body and was now encased in its new form.
The prisoner's torso expanded, muscle mass increasing in the process of transformation. He still stood upright on two legs, but his posture was slightly hunched, and his spine had lengthened to accommodate the reptilian's new thick tail, which swayed behind him with dangerous grace. It was a powerful limb, capable of knocking a man to the ground with a single blow.
I slowly walked the creature around in a circle, studying the fusion of man and reptile. Its hands, though it retained five fingers each, had sharp claws. The feet had also changed, the toes thickened and curved, and each ended in deadly claws. Despite this, this specimen moved with surprising agility, its human anatomy allowing it to remain bipedal, but the added reptilian features gave it balance and a menacing aura.
Artein, who was standing next to me, spoke first, and there was a mixture of awe and ambition in his voice. "This... this is what we've been striving for."
"Wonderful," I murmured, running my fingers lightly over the scales on the creature's arm. It was strong yet flexible, creating a natural armor that far exceeded the capabilities of human flesh. "It has retained enough of its original form to be useful, and yet these new features..."
The chimera moved, its tail scraping across the floor as it raised its head to look directly at Artain and me. There was no sign of aggression, at least not yet. She stood, breathing deeply, as if testing the capabilities of her new body.
"It's still aware," Artain said, his eyes gleaming excitedly. "It's not just a mindless animal like past specimens."
I nodded. - 'But how long will it last? It may not take long for the human mind to resist the primal urges of its new form. We'll have to keep a close eye on it."
Artein smiled, his face lighting up with the joy of success. "If this works, it could change everything. Imagine an army of these creatures - stronger, faster, and more resilient than any human soldier."
The creature remained motionless, watching us both with cold, calculating eyes, occasionally sticking out its split tongue as if tasting the air. It was no longer fully human, but it wasn't fully beast either. It was the first successful chimera-a living, breathing fusion of two species that should never have coexisted in the same body.
I leaned closer, watching the muscles under the scales tense, the subtle changes in the animal's posture, which remained wary but not aggressive. - At least we succeeded in one thing," I said quietly.
Artein stepped forward, triumph glowing in his gaze. "This is only the beginning. Soon we will perfect this process."
Lord Valdaric walked triumphantly into the dimly lit laboratory, his heavy boots clattering on the stone floor. His presence drew immediate attention. Rahit followed him, casting me a leering glance, full of contempt and suspicion, as always. The chimera was securely chained to the wall with iron chains around her neck and wrists, but even shackled, her eyes glittered with dangerous intelligence, watching the movements in the room.
Valdaric's face brightened when he saw the creature. His weathered, battle-hardened features softened into a rare expression of joy, and his deep-set eyes sparkled with anticipation. He turned to Artain, his voice ringing with excitement. "Artein, this... this is incredible! You've done it! You have created exactly what I dreamed of - an unstoppable force that will ensure my rule for generations to come."
Artein bowed slightly, a smile appearing on his face, but it was restrained. He knew well how to play the game. - Indeed, my lord. This chimera is only the beginning. In time, we will be able to create an entire army from these creatures - powerful, intelligent, and desperately loyal. With them, no force on the continent will dare challenge you.
Valdaric approached the chimera, his eyes glittering as he examined the creature from head to tail. The beast remained still but wary, its narrow reptilian-like eyes fixed on the lord. - And it can fight? - Valdaric asked in a harsh tone. - It's not just some... beast that looks frightening, is it?
Artein, always able to speak smoothly, stepped forward. ''My lord, this chimera is the pinnacle of our research. It has the strength and agility of a lizard combined with human intelligence. It will obey your orders and fight with the ferocity of a wild beast. We will refine its control mechanisms over time, but it is already a formidable warrior.
Valdaric raised an eyebrow. - And the others? I want to see more of them.
I glanced at Artein, knowing the truth-many of the other chimeras had turned into mindless creatures, their human consciousness degraded to animal instincts. But Artein maintained an unperturbed expression and confidence, keeping his rhythm steady.
- This is our latest success. Some of the previous attempts, though successful, lacked the mental capacity required of true soldiers. But with continued research, your army will be made up of only the best creatures - docile, deadly, and utterly loyal to you."
Valdaric's eyes narrowed slightly, but he seemed satisfied with this explanation. "Good. But I want results as soon as possible, Artein. I will no longer tolerate this city-state being at the mercy of anyone else. Our enemies grow bolder every day, and I need an army that can crush them and subdue them." He pointed at the chimera. "I want to test this one in battle. If it succeeds, I expect many more to follow."
It was dangerous to field test a "chimera", especially considering how fickle previous creations had been. But Artein, diplomatic as ever, nodded calmly. "Of course, my lord. It will be done. We will see to it that the chimera is ready for battle and can demonstrate its full potential."
- See to it, Artein. I expect nothing less than complete success. - He looked back at Rahit, nodded to him, and added: - Keep a close eye on everything. I want reports of their progress - no secrets.
Rahit, who was standing motionless beside his master, smirked and gave me a fierce glance, as if the remark was meant for me. I answered his look with a neutral expression.
When Valdaric and Rachit left, the heavy door closed behind them, leaving Artain and me alone with the chimera. For a while, all that could be heard was the chimera's steady breathing and the faint tinkling of chains as it moved.
I looked at the chimera again, its eyes still watching us intently, and wondered how long it would remain docile before the wildness inside took over.
In the dimly lit basement, shadows from the iron cages stretched ominously across the stone floor. Muffled sounds of hissing and low growls filled the space as our failed chimeras stirred in their confinement. Their deformed bodies squirmed, each one a testament to our past mistakes - half-formed creatures that had lost their humanity but had not gained the stability of their beastly traits.
I headed to the farthest corner of the basement, where our only successful creation, a lizard-human chimera, was kept. Unlike the others, this one stood upright, held up only by iron chains. He was a masterpiece of alchemical transformation, a fusion of human and reptile, with a cold intelligence in his narrow, slit-like eyes. His scaly skin shimmered faintly in the flickering torchlight, and his elongated muzzle exposed rows of sharp teeth as he hissed softly at my approach.
He could no longer speak-an unpleasant side effect of his transformation-but there was a sharpness in his gaze, a glimmer of understanding. He wasn't like the others, not completely lost. I stopped in front of him, studying his figure. It was amazing how much of his human physiology was intact-two legs, two arms, a torso, and a head-but his face had elongated into a reptilian face, and his eyes were narrow and predatory. Scales covered most of his body, though there were still patches of human skin, a reminder of what he had once been.
I studied him for a moment before I broke the silence. - Soon," I began in a quiet but firm voice, "you and your kind will be sent to the front lines. You will be meat for the war." His gaze met mine, and though he could not speak, understanding flashed in his eyes. A cold, calculating look, as if he knew what was about to happen but couldn't do anything about it.
I leaned closer, speaking quietly but insistently. "But... there is another option." I paused to let the meaning of what I said reach him. He watched me, his body motionless, but a cautious expectation glowed in his eyes.
- You don't have to die as cannon fodder. You can survive. But only if you swear absolute loyalty to me. No one else. Only me.
The chimera didn't move, his reptilian eyes narrowed as he considered my offer. He stuck out his split tongue, tasting the air as if weighing my words. The silence lasted what seemed to me to be several minutes, and the only sound was the faint tinkling of chains as he shifted his weight slightly.
After what seemed to me like an eternity, he nodded slowly, deliberatively.
Good. He understood.
I smiled grimly, stepped closer, and lowered my voice. - Here's the plan. I intend to destroy everyone who knows about these experiments-Lord Valdaric, his inner circle, and Artein himself. Even Rachit. - I spat out Rahit's name with contempt. - No one who knows the truth about what happened here should be left alive.
Interest flashed in the chimera's eyes as I continued. - I will release you from time to time. Your job will be to eliminate people I point out. Quietly. So no one notices." There was a note of warning in my voice. - And if you betray me... if you even think about running away, I will find you. And when I do, I'll make sure your suffering continues.
To complete my thought, I grabbed his scaly arm and pressed his claws against my throat. His sharp claws dug into my flesh, and with a sharp movement, I tore my throat open. For a moment, his eyes widened; he didn't realize what I was doing. But then, before his eyes, the wound began to tighten, healing quickly until it seemed as if nothing had happened.
His eyes met mine, filled with a new understanding that was a mixture of awe and fear.
- You see," I said, wiping the blood from his neck, "you can't get rid of me. No one can.
He nodded again, faster and more decisively this time. The agreement was made.
As I turned to leave, I looked over my shoulder. - You'll be free soon," I said in a cold voice. "And when the time comes, remember: loyalty to me is the only thing that will keep you alive."