Kapitel 3: Mutation Science!
Leonard didn't agree with Alfonso's remarks about family being mere "embellishments" in the long journey of a wizard's life. However, he chose not to argue. Alfonso was his teacher, after all, and challenging him outright rarely led anywhere productive.
Still, Leonard couldn't help but voice a lingering question. "If wizards can extend their own lives," he asked, "why can't they do the same for their families?"
Alfonso didn't answer. Instead, he gave Leonard a cryptic smile, one that was both dismissive and faintly amused, as if Leonard had asked a question too naive to warrant a response.
---
The next morning, Leonard was up early. He cleaned the three-story building meticulously, wiping every surface until it gleamed. Once finished, he stepped into the patio to inspect the purple phoenix flowers, a delicate species that Alfonso insisted be kept in pristine condition. Satisfied that they were thriving, he made his way to the attic, checking that everything was in order.
The building they lived in was perched on a secluded mountain in the suburbs. Its small, neglected courtyard was surrounded by dense pine trees, and beneath the structure lay two basements, their original purpose a mystery. The iron railings and strange architecture hinted at a history that predated their occupation. Whoever had owned the place before had left behind only remnants, now repurposed by Alfonso and Leonard.
After finishing his rounds, Leonard prepared ingredients in the kitchen and moved on to the laboratory to ensure the equipment was clean and functional. It was part of his routine; he always checked everything before Alfonso began his experiments. His teacher had a habit of sleeping in, typically rising around ten. But today was different.
As Leonard heard footsteps descending the stairs earlier than expected, he looked up in surprise. Alfonso appeared, his thin frame and sharp features bathed in the morning light. He looked invigorated, his expression brighter than usual.
Something had clearly pleased him. Leonard had learned that Alfonso's moods could shift with the smallest changes in his experiments, and today seemed to be a good day.
"People always feel refreshed when good things happen," Leonard thought, watching his teacher head toward the basement laboratory.
---
Alfonso began working swiftly. Leonard stood nearby, observing with rapt attention. The laboratory soon filled with the sharp, acrid smell of chemicals as Alfonso skillfully manipulated test tubes and flasks. Liquids of various colors bubbled and transformed under his hands. A vivid blue solution turned yellow-green before settling into a deep, murky green.
Alfonso added peculiar ingredients to the mixture, each more bizarre than the last; a pinch of powdered bone, a sliver of something that shimmered like fish scales, and droplets of viscous, black liquid. Leonard's fascination grew, but his expression betrayed his unease, his lips twitching as if suppressing a grimace. He felt like a bewildered old man staring at incomprehensible technology.
Finally, Alfonso poured the concoction into a syringe, the liquid thick and sluggish. Holding the syringe in one hand, he pushed open the heavy door to the hallway and gestured for Leonard to follow.
"Open this door," Alfonso instructed, nodding toward a locked room.
A terrified voice came from inside. "No! No, please!"
Ignoring the plea, Leonard unlocked the door. Alfonso stepped inside, and moments later emerged, dragging an adult man as though he weighed nothing. The man, David, struggled weakly in Alfonso's grip, his face pale and resigned.
David's eyes flicked to Leonard, and a flicker of hope appeared in his gaze. He forced a shaky smile, silently pleading for help.
Leonard felt a pang of guilt but kept his expression neutral. He knew better than to interfere. Alfonso might look frail, his thin face, bony frame, and black-rimmed glasses often gave the impression of vulnerability, but his strength was unnaturally monstrous. Leonard suspected body augmentation. Wizards, after all, often modified themselves to eliminate weaknesses, becoming a blend of scholar and predator.
David was carried to the operating table, where Alfonso chained his hands and feet.
"Come closer," Alfonso said, beckoning Leonard.
Leonard hesitated before stepping forward, positioning himself beside his teacher. Alfonso injected David with a milky-white potion. Within seconds, David slumped into unconsciousness.
Then came the second injection, the dark green serum. Alfonso pushed the plunger slowly, sending the viscous liquid into David's veins.
Leonard watched intently as David's body began to transform. His arms swelled grotesquely, muscles ballooning beneath the skin. A layer of green, scaly plates emerged, spreading rapidly across his forearms. The sight was unnerving, even for Leonard, who had witnessed these experiments before.
The swelling continued, and Leonard instinctively tensed. His thoughts raced. 'This is it. This is the one that's going to explode.'
But the anticipated detonation never came.
David's arms grew larger and more deformed, the green scales gleaming under the laboratory lights. Despite himself, Leonard couldn't look away, both horrified and mesmerized by the transformation.
Alfonso leaned closer to his subject, a glint of excitement in his eyes. Leonard, on the other hand, stepped back slightly, silently wondering how many more such experiments would fail or succeed, in the pursuit of Alfonso's elusive goals.
Leonard opened his eyes and stared at David, lying on the operating table, his curiosity piqued. David's right arm was grotesquely transformed, it resembled the limb of a lizard, scales glinting under the harsh laboratory lights. The connection between the mutated arm and his torso was unnervingly unnatural; thick, bulging blood vessels extended from the shoulder, snaking across his chest and pulsing like living worms.
But while the arm seemed powerful, David's vitality was visibly draining. His cheeks hollowed out, and his breathing became shallow. Alfonso, standing nearby, quickly drew another syringe of clear liquid and injected it into David's neck.
David's breathing stabilized almost immediately, and the rapid consumption of his life force slowed.
"It's the life force," Alfonso murmured to himself, his voice tinged with excitement. "Exactly as I theorized. My potion's concept is flawless."
Leonard observed in silence as David's body continued to twist and change. The man on the table was no longer human; he had become a half-lizard, half-man abomination. Green scales covered his skin, his limbs swelled grotesquely, and his fingers elongated into clawed talons.
Then, with a sudden jolt, the creature opened its eyes. Leonard froze, meeting its gaze. The slitted, snake-like pupils flickered with confusion, then shock. The creature raised its grotesque arm, its movements sluggish at first. As it turned its head to inspect its new limb, recognition dawned, and a low, guttural growl escaped its throat.
It stared at the scaly, clawed arm, disbelief and horror filling its eyes. 'This is my arm?' the creature seemed to realize. 'What happened to me?'
The confusion turned into rage. It bared its sharp teeth and let out a furious, animalistic roar, the sound reverberating through the laboratory.
The lizard man pulled at the chain binding its arm to the operating table. The tension in the chain made it groan and rattle, and the table began to tremble under the force.
Bang!
The bolts securing the chain to the table gave way, sending screws flying across the room. With a deafening crash, the creature lashed out, swinging the loose chain wildly. The iron links gleamed as they hurtled through the air, aimed directly at Alfonso.
But Alfonso remained calm. As the chain struck, a faint silver glow emanated from his black robe, forming a protective barrier. The chain rebounded with a loud 'clang', flying harmlessly to the side.
Without missing a beat, Alfonso raised his arm, and a slender branch shot out from his sleeve. The branch moved like a living serpent, coiling around the lizard man's body. Despite its delicate appearance, the branch tightened with incredible strength, binding the creature completely.
Leonard watched in amazement as the creature's struggles weakened. "That branch..." he murmured to himself, marveling at how something so thin could restrain such raw power.
Alfonso smirked, clearly pleased with the result. "What an excellent test subject," he said, his voice laced with both pride and something darker.
Then, with a quick gesture, Alfonso uttered an arcane, guttural word. A gray mist materialized in the air before sinking into the lizard man's forehead. The creature spasmed, its eyes rolling back as its body went limp.
"It's a simple sleep spell," Alfonso explained, noticing Leonard's inquisitive expression. "A zero-ring spell, but effective. Some test subjects don't like to cooperate. This ensures they stay... quiet."
Leonard nodded, his curiosity undiminished.
"I see you're interested in mutation science," Alfonso said, his tone almost indulgent. He raised his hand, and the ruby ring on his finger glinted faintly. A moment later, a leather-bound notebook materialized in his palm. The cover was worn but well-cared-for, its surface shining under the candlelight.
"This is an introductory notebook I kept during my early studies on mutation," Alfonso continued, handing it to Leonard. "It's filled with my observations, theories, and insights. It will help you grasp the basics."
Leonard accepted the book with both hands, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Teacher, for sharing your knowledge."
Alfonso nodded, clearly satisfied with Leonard's demeanor. "Study it thoroughly. It contains the foundation of everything I've achieved in this field."
"I will, Teacher," Leonard replied earnestly. "I won't waste this opportunity."
"Good," Alfonso said, his voice taking on a commanding edge. "You have five days to go through it. After that, I'll test your understanding. If there's anything you don't grasp, come to me with questions."
Leonard bowed again, clutching the notebook tightly. "I'll make sure to prepare well."
"Go on, then. I have other experiments to attend to," Alfonso dismissed him with a wave.
Leonard turned to leave, his thoughts racing with anticipation and a touch of unease. Just as he reached the door, Alfonso's voice called out again.
"And Leonard," he said, his tone almost casual, "make sure to clean the lab later. We can't let anything go to waste."
"Yes, Teacher," Leonard replied, closing the door behind him. With the leather-bound book in his hands, he returned to his room, ready to dive into the strange and dangerous world of mutation science.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein