Experiment.

Dr. Samras led the group into a large room filled with shimmering cocoons lining the walls.

The room was chilly, and the air crackled with energy.

On entering the room, the group could sense the energy emanating from the cocoons.

"What are these?" Lirien asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, these are our experimental subjects," Dr. Samras said, a glint in his eye.

"Experimental subjects?" Archibald repeated, his expression growing more serious.

Dr. Samras nodded, smile never faltering.

"Indeed. We have been using [Fusion Magic] to create chimeras from various plants and animals. But our experiments go beyond just that. We're trying to create intelligent lifeforms, ones that can harness the power of magic even more effectively than we can." (Samras)

Rumia's eyes widened with excitement. "Creating intelligent lifeforms? That's incredible!"

Dr. Samras laughed.

"Yes, it is quite ingenious, if I do say so myself. With [Fusion Magic], we can enhance a creature's cognitive properties and create beings that are even smarter than humans." (Samras)

"But is it really okay to be manipulating life?" asked Lamperogue, his eyes narrowing.

Myne nodded in agreement.

"It's amazing what you can accomplish with magic. But Lamperogue has a point. Should we really be manipulating life in this way?" (Myne)

Dr. Samras chuckled.

He waved his hands dismissively.

"Of course, we're not doing anything unethical here. We're just trying to push the boundaries of what magic can do. Like maybe even revive the dead and this will help many churches and hospitals." (Samras)

"But if you can create intelligent lifeforms, what else can you do?" Lamperogue asked, his voice serious.

"We have some theories," Dr. Samras said cryptically. "But we're not quite at the stage where we can reveal all of our secrets yet."

Vesta frowned. "I don't understand. How can you use [Fusion Magic] to revive the dead?"

Dr. Samras grinned widely.

"Ah, that's a good question. We're not certain if it's possible, but we believe that if we can use [Fusion Magic] to evolve [Healing Magic], we might be able to achieve something more than just reviving the dead." (Samras)

Lutessa leaned forward eagerly. "What could that be?"

Dr. Samras shook his head.

He'd given them enough information.

"I'm sorry, Lutessa. That's not something you need to concern yourself with. Our research is extremely confidential." (Samras)

Archibald remained quiet, his suspicions growing stronger by the minute.

[ These people, I know what they're trying to create.

They're not creating chimeras...

Ah geez! I don't like scientists. Too shady. ] (Archibald)

Archibald decided to dismiss his suspicious thoughts and ask Dr. Samras a question that had been nagging at him.

"Is it possible to attribute [Fusion Magic] to the use of swordsmanship?" (Archibald)

Dr. Samras rubbed his chin as if considering the question.

"It's not impossible, but the chances of that happening are astronomically small." (Samras)

Rachel, who was also a skilled swordsman, spoke up. "Can you explain why that's the case, Dr. Samras?"

"Of course," the head alchemist replied.

[ Oh boy, this should be good... ] (Archibald)

"You see, [Fusion Magic] focuses on the core aspects of mana and its molecules. Through this process, we can transform it into a stronger phenomenon or spell. However, with sword skills, it is impossible to find the core aspects because they branch out to form a large skill chart that can't be combined to become an independently stronger technique." (Samras)

Archibald rubbed his chin, contemplating what he had just heard. "So, it's impossible then?"

Dr. Samras shook his head.

"Anything is possible if you can find the connection points of a skill chart, but it would take a comprehensive look at what swordsmanship really is." (Samras)

Archibald let out a sigh. "It sounds like work."

Myne chuckled.

"Welcome to the world of magic and swordsmanship. Everything takes work." (Rumia)

Lirien grinned. "That's why it's so much fun!"

Archibald wanted to learn more about the intricacies of [Fusion Magic].

But they didn't come here for a lecture.

Rachel cleared her throat, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Dr. Samras, as much as we appreciate your insights, our main reason for coming here is about the commission." (Rachel)

[ Woah, all of a sudden she's serious? ] (Archibald)

Dr. Samras nodded understandingly.

He gestured at the rest of the group to follow him towards his desk while muttering something under his breath.

"Yes, yes, of course. But before we proceed with that, I have something that might interest you." (Samras)

Vesta perked up. "Ooh, what is it?"

Dr. Samras leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"There's a strange energy emanating from the heart of the labyrinth. It's so dense that it's creating a barrier, and our calculations show that it's double— no, it's more than double the density of normal energy. This has caused an unprecedented spatial distortion in the region." (Samras)

"Huh?" (Rachel)

Lutessa furrowed her eyebrows.

"Um... Sir Doctor? I don't quite understand what you mean. Could you explain it in simpler terms?" (Lutessa)

Lamperogue stepped in to clarify. "Basically, the layout of the labyrinth can change from time to time."

Rumia let out an exasperated sigh. "Why didn't he just say that from the start?"

Archibald chuckled and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Scientists are a pain in the butt."

She nodded, rolling her eyes. "Agreed."

Myne spoke up, her voice laced with worry. "So, does that mean we'll get lost in the labyrinth?"

Lamperogue shrugged. "Isn't that the whole point of a labyrinth?"

Myne blushed, realizing her oversight. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight."

"It's alright. No need to apologize," Lamperogue replied, looking away from her.

Rachel cleared her throat once more, interrupting the conversation.

"Well, thank you for the information, Dr. Samras. However, we need to focus on our commission now. Can you assist us with that?" (Rachel)

Dr. Samras nodded. "Of course, I'll tell you the location of the labyrinth."

From here on out, marked the beginning of the labyrinth exploration.

Whether or not this quest would be difficult wasn't clear.

But one thing was for sure...

They weren't the only ones after the philosopher's stone.