ELDAM CITY
ARCANE LABORATORIES
It had been a few hours since Dr. Johnson began experimenting on Grovan as a form of punishment. Since he hadn’t disclosed or demonstrated his powers to her, she felt compelled to conduct experiments to both satisfy her curiosity and understand the potential effects of injecting a conjurer with Helthier.
“Is it just pain? Does Helthier only cause pain for a conjurer?” she pondered aloud. She gazed down at Grovan, writhing in agony, as he lay on the steel restraint platform with his wrists and ankles securely locked.
A small adhesive electrode with sensors was placed on his chest to detect the electrical signals produced by his heart. This information was then transmitted to the electrocardiogram machine. Additionally, a pulse oximeter was attached to his fingertip to measure the oxygen levels in his blood. Alongside these measurements, other physiological parameters were monitored to assess his overall cardiovascular health, including blood pressure.
Dr. Johnson let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping. “I don’t see any significant changes. Should I administer another dose?”
“Please, stop this!” Grovan groaned, his topless body covered in beads of sweat and his face contorted in pain. “I’m not an Arcanian! I don’t need that damn syrup!”
Despite his pleas, she reached for another tube and prepared the liquid in the syringe. “Just one more time, darling. After this, we’ll be finished. Your heart rate may increase, but you’ll be all right. Hang in there.”
“This is excruciating! I might not make it!”
She chuckled, readying the needle. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
With that, Dr. Johnson administered the syrup into Grovan’s already numb arm. Another piercing cry escaped from him as the liquid entered his system. His heart rate sharply increased as his body tried to cope with the conflicting signals from the Helthier. The stress intensified, pushing his heart to the point of exhaustion, resulting in a sudden drop in heart function and ultimately leading to cardiac arrest.
“It’s fine, darling. I won’t let you die,” Dr. Johnson muttered, her voice filled with determination. She immediately began performing chest compressions, applying firm and rapid pressure to the center of Grovan’s chest for a few minutes. She then swiftly attached electrode pads to his chest and delivered shocks using an automated external defibrillator. After increasing the intensity of the shocks, he finally regained consciousness.
“Thankfully! Now, just rest here, darling,” she said with a sigh of relief. She waited for her breathing to stabilize, while Grovan remained half-awake with a frown on his face.
After a moment of rest, Dr. Johnson carefully collected his blood sample. She transferred it into a test tube and securely placed it in her pocket. With a smile on her face, she left the room and made her way to the main lab. She was eager to compare Grovan’s original blood sample with the one she had just collected.
As she settled into her workspace, she couldn’t help but notice a small envelope tucked under the stapler, accompanied by a folded piece of white paper. Intrigued, she reached for the paper and unfolded it.
Dear Dr. Johnson, we have a proposition for you. Inside the envelope, you will find something sure to pique your interest. If you desire it, meet us tonight at 6 by the main entrance. Please remember to bring Jovan along as a token of exchange. We expect an honest interaction, so let’s keep things above board and avoid any mischief.
Dr. Johnson turned her attention to the envelope and discovered a series of intriguing photos. Her eyes widened with excitement as she uttered, “An Arcanian!” A mischievous smirk crept across her face. She marveled at the stunning purple skin of the creature that shimmered like glitter, complemented by its long, flowing black hair. “Absolutely beautiful . . .”
A FEW HOURS LATER
MAIN ENTRANCE
As Dr. Johnson arrived at the designated meeting location, she found the Veilbreakers, Cresson, and Keiro, already waiting. The robot, Billy, dutifully carried the unconscious Grovan by her side. Sensing their apprehension, she quickly reassured them, “Don’t worry, my darling is just sleeping.”
Taking a moment to observe her surroundings, Dr. Johnson turned her attention to Cresson, the unfamiliar face among the group. With a friendly smile, she remarked, “Haven’t seen you with them before. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, where is the Arcanian?”
Cresson’s expression remained cautious as he responded, “He’s currently above ground. We took precautions to ensure our safety. It’s nothing personal, but we had to be careful.”
She chuckled. “Oh, don’t you worry. I have no intention of pulling any tricks. Let’s keep this exchange fair and square. It’s bittersweet to part with my darling Jovan, but as they say, letting go is also an act of love. However, I must admit, I love myself the most, and getting my hands on that Arcanian would be quite the treat.”
Keiro nodded understandingly. He reached for his earpiece, relaying a message to Rinporter. “You may now bring Garo Lat for the exchange.”
In a sudden whirl of energy, a portal materialized, revealing Rinporter with the lifeless body of Garo Lat slung over his back.
Dr. Johnson’s eyes narrowed with curiosity as she questioned, “Is it dead? Did you kill it?”
Rinporter shook his head defiantly. “No, of course not. Garo Lat simply couldn’t survive for long on Earth.”
She nodded; her arms crossed as she contemplated the situation. “Very well, let’s proceed with the exchange. Hand over the Arcanian, and in return, Billy will release Jovan.”
Cresson extended his hand for a handshake. “Thank you.”