The snow-covered mountain citadel stood as a fortress of steel and stone, shielded by formation towers and packed with elite forces. And within its heavily fortified walls, Emery was granted access to one of its deepest, most closely guarded secrets: the captured enemies of the realm.
Yet, even with clearance, nothing came easy.
From the moment he stepped through the sealed gates of the quarantine cells, Emery was flanked not only by stern guards in dark crimson robes but also by his ever-watchful companion—Ivaris. The man clung to his side like a shadow, ever curious. Emery could see the gleam in his eyes. Ivaris was waiting for another alchemical breakthrough, hoping to claim a share of the glory.
This constant surveillance left Emery little room to maneuver. He had no choice but to bide his time, playing the role of a diligent researcher, tirelessly working to develop new ways to detect or cure the parasitic infection.
