Angel followed behind Midora, walking deeper into the quiet, narrow corridor.
Midora did not tell Angel why he had summoned him. Instead, he told Angel in a mysterious tone that he would find out if he simply followed.
"Lord Midora, why is the Research Institute so deserted? Where is everyone else?" After walking a long way through silence, Angel could not help asking.
"Everyone else? The Research Institute is usually empty. People only return when an important item is being unveiled." At this point, Midora sighed softly. "I truly hope the Director's item can be perfected and unveiled soon. Then those people will definitely return. Perhaps by then, we can even find someone to take my place guarding the Research Institute."
Angel was full of question marks.
In his mind, the Research Institute should have held an incomparably lofty status, a place countless alchemists yearned for. Why did Midora speak of it with such obvious distaste?
Midora did not explain the helplessness and distaste in his voice. Instead, he changed the subject and began talking about the members of the Research Institute.
"Fewer than a hundred members are currently registered with the Research Institute, but many have already lost contact. Either they have died, or they have left this world. In truth, we are still in touch with only a little over thirty." Midora said, "Of those thirty-odd people, most are like you. They are not from Sky Mechanical City, but come from major wizard organizations."
"Usually, they do not remain stationed in Sky Mechanical City. Only when the Research Institute releases a new product do they come running at the scent of the news, rushing over at the first opportunity." Midora turned to look at Angel. "Do you know why they come?"
Angel pondered for a moment before answering,