44 Reaching the center of the laboratory

Zatiel, Sophia, and Ezequiel navigated a large tunnel leading to an ancient magus's laboratory, enveloped in a golden dome of flames. Initially nervous, Sophia and Ezequiel soon discovered that the flames provided warmth and vitality rather than harm. This golden dome was Sun Domain, the second and final innate spell that Zatiel had unlocked following his advancement to rank 1.

"Interesting," Zatiel thought, observing the domain's effects. "For my allies, the flames offer restorative properties, yet they can cause considerable harm to any intruders." He chuckled as he noticed Ezequiel and Sophia's cautious behavior.

"What are you two doing?" Zatiel inquired, amused by their cautious steps.

"We're being cautious of traps," Sophia explained earnestly, with Ezequiel nodding in agreement.

Zatiel laughed heartily at their response. "Who would fill their workplace with traps? Safety measures, yes, but they would be in key areas, not a mere tunnel. Besides, if someone overcame the rank 4 automaton, simple ground traps would be ineffective."

Zatiel's amusement was evident, but he reminded them to stay alert. "The laboratory is damaged, and energy leakages might have created magical life forms, so stay within my domain." Despite his amusement at the idea of pervasive traps, Zatiel knew there were real dangers inside, so he used his consciousness and third eye to survey their surroundings.

Ezequiel and Sophia, understanding the importance of vigilance, focused on their environment, preparing to react if necessary.

Meanwhile, Zatiel returned his attention to assessing his flames and the abilities of his third eye. He noted that the golden flames could absorb energy, enhancing their power. The Eye of Life and Creation allowed him to see the energy flow in everything and manipulate the golden flames. He found that the flames could currently absorb energy from living organisms, but as the sun in his heart grew stronger, they might also consume inorganic energy.

After a thorough inspection, the chip provided a detailed description of his changes and the innate spells:

[All-encompassing Sun-flame: Golden flames originating from the sun in the host's heart. These flames can consume all types of energy, retaining 100% of the consumed energy. As they consume, their power and restorative properties increase.

Eye of life and creation: Originating from the absorbed bloodline, this eye lets the user see energy movements and offers basic control over life and creation principles. It synergizes with the golden flames, using their contained energy.

Sunlight Speed: Enhances the user's speed using golden flame energy, enabling flight. The flight is soundless and gives complete control over movement. Cost: Sun Force-1 per minute.

Sun Domain: Creates a domain of golden flames around the user, dealing 30 degrees of damage per second to targets within and activating regenerative properties for allies. Area of effect: 10 meters radius. Cost: Sun Force-2 per minute.]

'Sun Force?' Zatiel mused, prompting the chip to display his statistics.

[Bip... Scanning host:

Name: Zatiel

Race: Neo-Demon (Rank 1)

Strength: 29.2

Physique: 44.7

Speed: 42.5

Abyss Aura: 45.6

Sun Force: 40.3]

Zatiel learned that the energy from his new heart was considered an entirely separate source. He could enhance the Sun Force with his Abyss Aura, but not vice versa. As he contemplated this, his focus shifted to the end of the tunnel, where he sensed something approaching.

Soon, he saw it: hundreds of massive, thorned vines breaking through the ground and advancing towards them. Activating his Sun Force and enveloping himself in golden flames, Zatiel decided to use the mutated plant as a test for his domain. Sophia and Ezequiel, recognizing their limited assistance in such a scenario, stood ready for any unexpected developments.

The vines made contact with the dome but were immediately incinerated by the golden flames. As more vines were consumed, the flames' power and color intensified. Realizing the danger, the vines retreated, but Zatiel wasn't about to let them escape unscathed. He concentrated the energy absorbed from the vines into a 3-meter golden whip and lashed out, incinerating the remaining vines.

With the threat neutralized, Zatiel absorbed the enhanced flames back into his heart, feeling his energy replenished and the sun within growing slightly. "These flames are particularly effective against weaker enemies in large numbers," he noted.

Having cleared the obstacle, the trio proceeded into the laboratory, finding a practical setup of small square structures and a larger central building. Zatiel cautioned that safety measures would likely be in key areas, urging Ezequiel and Sophia to remain vigilant as they moved forward. Ezequiel and Sophia, aware of their limitations in such a setting, followed Zatiel's lead, ready to act on his instructions.