The underground laboratory had been cleared out, leaving only the enormous circular Breeding Pool.
Blood-red, viscous liquid churned inside the pool. This was a "high-energy nutrient solution" specially formulated for the [Life Field], containing a full five hundred grams of dissolved primordial blood crystal and large quantities of Alchemical Potions for softening bones and reshaping muscles. Bubbles burst, releasing a nauseating, sweet, bloody stench.
Stuka stood beside the pool, restlessly scraping his enormous claws against the stone floor with an ear-piercing screech.
His golden eyes fixed on the liquid, the feathers on his neck bristling as a low rumble rose in his throat.
[Shorty.]
Stuka's voice reached Ola's mind through the Hive Terminal.
[Your boss wants to boil me. Definitely. This smells like goblin-brewed swill.]
Ola stood beside him, looking up at the enormous creature. He reached out and patted Stuka's thick thigh, feeling the taut muscles beneath his palm.
[Stop acting like a little girl,] Ola snapped, though his voice sounded a little dry. [This is to make you stronger. Faster than those damned crossbow bolts.]
Veylin stood at the control console, holding a pocket watch without looking up.
"Heart rate, one hundred and twenty. Too high." He snapped the watch shut and said coldly, "Operating in this state will increase the risk of ruptured blood vessels by ten percent."
He turned, his burgundy eyes regarding the man and bird gravely.
"Ola, calm him down. Unless you can settle him and bring all his readings below the safety thresholds, we can't begin the operation."
The dwarf drew a deep breath, nodded, and walked up to Stuka. He wrapped both arms around that thick neck and pressed his forehead against the white feathers.
[Listen, buddy.]
Ola's thoughts were honest and unfiltered.
[Remember Blackstone Harbor? Remember the bolt that skimmed past