30 Magic Research
[United Nations Colony, Solum City, Laboratory Building A]
Doctor Elmidor opened the glass door heading towards Laboratory Building A accompanied by Major Tae-Joon.
As the doors opened, the cold breeze coming from the Air conditioning device along with a dozen scientists greeted him. Scientists were excited at the once in a lifetime opportunity to work with the famous scientist back on Earth.
"Good Day, Doctor Elmidor" An English Scientist in his mid-thirties approached Doctor Elmidor.
"I'm Doctor Christopher Dawson, one of the scientists willing to work on this research."
Doctor Elmidor adjusted his pair of glasses and shook hands with Christopher.
"I'm Doctor Elmidor, glad to work with you, Doctor Dawson."
Doctor Dawson smiled then looked at the standing Major.
"Major Tae-Joon, can you give us a moment? I want to show Laboratory Building B to Doctor Elmidor."
"No problem" The Major nodded then sat on the sofa lobby.
Along with other scientists, Doctor Elmidor toured the entire Laboratory building until they reached Lab B.
Doctor Elmidor marveled at the new and strange equipment. He didn't recognize most of it that so he tried to touch it to satisfy his curiosity.
"This was well funded by the government," Doctor Elmidor touched his chin then nodded. "Everything looks new."
"Yes, this research is treated very highly that the government gave this much equipment," Doctor Dawson approached Doctor Elmidor and tapped his shoulder "With your leadership and experience, mankind will achieve its new heights!"
Doctor Dawson left Doctor Elmidor and walked towards the strange large cryo machine. He typed the number code on a calculator-like box then the case of the cryo machine opened.
"This is ..." Doctor Elmidor was astonished. He could not believe what he saw.
"Yes, the government gifted this to you."
Doctor Dawson smiled as he touched the glass of the cryo machine containing a human-like figure. It was none other than the bandit leader, Taruc."
"How? I thought there's no specimen taken from the Fortress checkpoint other than the mana stones given by the Prince?"
"You're wrong Doctor," Doctor Dawson smiled as he enjoyed Doctor Elmidor's expression. "We scientists are always curious. This is something we can't ignore."
"You still didn't answer my question Doctor Dawson" Doctor Elmidor's eyes become sharp as blades.
"Hahaha... don't be mad Doctor, we secretly sent a PMC squad to get one specimen" Doctor Dawson looks at Doctor Elmidor seriously "We did it because one of your comrades has the potential to ruin our research. We didn't want her to know about this."
"Her? Did you mean Lieutenant Rina?"
"You shouldn't ask more Doctor,"
Doctor Dawson closed the cryo machine case then walked towards the computer. He pressed a specific button then data poured into the large screen.
"The day before you come back, we did an autopsy of the specimen and was shocked at our findings," Doctor Dawson pressed the button again then a disgusting photo appeared on the screen. "We discovered this strange organ that radiates waves similar to nukreon energy."
"Continue," Doctor Elmidor was engulfed by curiosity at the new-found organ.
"The organs stores and convert the waves into energy," Doctor Dawson pressed the button again. "We call it 'Mana Furnace' as it stores energy."
"Mana Furnace, huh?" Doctor Elmidor was in deep thought
"Yes, after that, our research didn't progress at all, that's why we need your help."
Doctor Dawson approached the confused scientist. He can't decide whether he will join or not.
"Wait ..."
When Doctor Elmidor was about to say no, a memory suddenly flashed - a memory that almost creeped him out, that always left him in the shadow of his Rival.
"I will join you!" Doctor Elmidor made his mind then adjusted his glasses. "Give me one - no, two months, and mankind will also conquer magic."
"Bold claim Doctor Elmidor but I like it" The two doctors shook their hands then a wave of applause from the other scientist rang.
-------
Major Tae-Joon was gazing at the city as he sits on a sofa. He was bored waiting for the Doctor that he knew, already enjoying the research.
The Major stood up and thought about going to the Intelligence Office. It was close also he wanted to visit someone.
He walked towards the parking lot where the limousine was parked. He rode the car and patted the driver's back indicating to move towards the Intelligence Office of Solum.
The limousine stopped at the towering building which was about twenty floors high. As he entered the building, he was immediately greeted by an Indian Intelligence Officer name Devan Ramakrishnan.
"Good Day, Major," The Indian Officer saluted. "What is the reason for your sudden visit?"
"I'm bored and just want to visit this 'magic-user' captive" Officer Devan nodded and opened his wrist terminal. He searches the data report about the captive. "According to the report, the magic-user is in the second room of White Room."
"White Room huh?"
"Yes, the magic-user is currently being observed at the white room as we don't know about her magic," Devan continued to scroll down the data report "Most of the furniture in the white room was destroyed aside from the metal walls which contains mixtures of tungsten and new metal that can withstand magic."
"New Metal? What do you mean by new?" The Major's attention was drawn at the new metal.
"We discovered a new kind of metal name Iniutumite. It is hard as tungsten and also withstands radiation and they have different molecular structures."
"Interesting," Major Tae-Joon nodded on new-found information "The higher-ups' was right to move here than a year of mining asteroids."
Major Tae-Joon looked at the Intelligence Officer and nodded which was immediately understood by the officer.
"Just walk in that hallway and you'll find an elevator with yellow stripes" Officer Devan pointed at the long hallway on his right side "The white room is located on twelve floors."
Major Tae-Joon nodded then started walking towards the long hallway. As he reaches the end, he found the elevator with yellow stripes.
He put his ID on the scanner then the elevator door opened. It was crude and small which can only accommodate up to three people but with Major's muscular body it was good enough.
He pressed the button with number twelve and the elevator started to move down. The three-minute descent seems like an eternity as the Major waited to reach the twelve floor.
A 'ding' could be heard then the elevator door automatically opened. The twelve-floor hallway was engulfed with darkness as the only lighted area was the surveillance room.
You can't determine where the White Room was because it was completely sealed making POW for intelligence-gathering hard to escape from confinement.
Major Tae-Joon stopped at a wall painted with number two and scanned his ID.
As the scanner read his ID the door opened, and he was greeted by Tarma and Marco. The two marines were surprised at the Major's sudden appearance.
"So, you came here first," Major said as the two marines immediately salute.
"Major! Tell us if you're already there!" Tarma said jokingly.
"Haha... you still haven't changed Tarma" The Major laughed then intently looked at Marco.
"Any news about the magic-user?"
"Until now, we have not obtained any information from the magic-user aside from her name" Marco shook his head as he reported his finding.
"What is the name of the magic-user?"
"Veronica"
Major Tae-Joon walked near the microphone where a large screen was displaying the image of Veronica.
"Good day magic-user."
Veronica's eyes opened and sought the source of the voice - still unable to determine nor feel any magic from where the voice was coming.
"Your name was Veronica? Is that correct?"
"Get me out of here, barbarian! You'll pay!"
"I'm asking if your name was Veronica?"
"Get me out!"
Unsatisfied with the magic user's answer, Major Tae-Joon confronted the two Marines.
"Tarma, based on the report I read, you established communication on the magic-user while you were in the middle of battle?"
"Sir!" Tarma looked at Marco, but Marco averted his eyes.
"Good, then I commanding you to enter the white room and talk with this magic user!"
"Wait, Major!"
"Major, isn't it too risky? Even if the magic-user was tied up, she can still cast magic!"
Marco interrupted the Major's order. He doesn't want to see his comrades injured on a mission or command.
"Just do it, I want to confirm something"
"But Major, that woman wants to kill me!"
Major Tae-Joon didn't say anything to Tarma's protest.
"Okay, fine!"
