章 20: Infiltration

"Well I'll never get used to a form other than human. It feels strange walking on all fours and having wings. If I have time maybe I'll adapt to it."

*Anyway I'll be the one to control the body. If you are done playing around we should get serious."

Artificial Dragons on MBN come in many forms, colors and sizes. Alyx decided to imitate a shape similar to a Wyvern. The knowledge of species on MBN is very limited as they are experimental materials and given access to foreign civilizations outside MBN. The Artificial Dragons include Wyverns among them as a type of Dragon but they are completely different from Dragons.

The physical resemblance between Wyverns and Dragons led them to believe that these creatures come from the same family but they are completely very different species with important physical differences. First and foremost, Wyverns have two legs, whereas dragons have four. The smaller serpent's legs are also more birdlike—long and spindly, with widespread toes and sharply curved talons—where a dragon's legs are reptilian. Not only do their legs give them a unique look, they also give them a unique style of movement, hopping, hovering, and pouncing instead of crawling. Second, the Wyverns' tails have a unique barbed end. The barb is actually a stinger that can deliver a painful dose of poison, which would give them one weapon in their arsenal that dragons don't have!

"This shape is easier for us to move in. Let's hope there are wyvern eggs in the nest or they don't keep count on the type of eggs." Alyx is doubtful whether it'll succeed due to lack of information. Since they have a low fertility rate it is possible that there are no eggs in the nest.

Generally there are barriers of reproduction between a Dragon and Wyvern but on MBN Neo eliminated such barriers. Aons can be considered mad scientists as they have unlimited time and resources, so they do various crazy experiments. Since Neo is interested in biological modification and creation he went to great lengths to make reproduction between his creations possible.

Alyx upon reaching the surface sneaked into the incubating chamber through the underground tunnel systems connecting to the volcano. The underground tunnel system is partly a part of Aons access to the surface and creation of few underground civilizations on MBN or other creatures. As one goes deeper into the tunnels it becomes a complex maze with hidden doors which only Newborn Aons have access to.

"These tunnels are very useful to us. Do you think they are specifically made for Aons like me to do missions or are there any other uses."

*I don't know. We severely lack information, if we can join the virtual web maybe we can buy information on MBN. It should be our top priority.*

"I just don't understand the need for all these procedures. Can't they just give it to us?" Alyx was frustrated with this mission and the lack of resources to new Aons.

*There should be some reason for this and if we get more information we can use these missions to our advantage. I think they are still testing whether we are worth the investment.* Alyx and Ax were conversing while sneaking into the incubation chamber.

The incubation chamber was around 200 meters in height and a few kilometers in width. The chamber appears to be formed when the lava is pressurized and pushed the exterior rock. The lava later drained leaving this monstrous cave. On one side of the cave, lava is still flowing and on the shore of this lava many egg shells can be seen. If one looks carefully few eggs can be seen here and there.

On MBN magma is formed in some places due to high pressure and presence of some unique minerals releasing large amounts of heat. All kinds of landforms are created to accommodate different types of creatures and for experimentation. Some of the new underground cave systems or land forms are also formed due to these endogenic forces like magma, volcanic gases (exerting pressure on solid or semi-solid lava) and collapse of an underground cave system.

Alyx approached the region with the eggs cautiously. Although Ax is controlling the body he cannot help but get tensed.

"Ax what are we going to do no?"

*Leave it to me.*

After saying that Ax rolled on the sticky egg shells and started growling. Seeing Ax's actions Alyx can only pray that it will work.

"ROAR"

Immediately they heard a huge roar reverberate in the chamber. Although there is no danger of death if they reveal that they are Aons but still Alyx cannot help but fear for the worst.

They could hear huge steps approaching them and with every step Alyx became more flustered. Although he became an Aon such scene is still a new experience to him. With Lizardmen he did not feel any fear or discomfort but this situation is different.

After a small time a huge figure appeared before Alyx. Looking at it Alyx would have shivered and gulped if he was in control of the body. But Ax continued to growl.

"I didn't expect a new one to hatch today and aren't you a bit feisty." The huge figure spoke. It was 20 meters in length from head to tail and 10 meters in height. It has small wings on its back which appeared completely useless to flight. It can only be described as an overgrown crocodile with small wings. It was speaking in dragon language but Ax was translating it so he could understand it.

It roared again at the growling Ax, only then did Ax stop and started shivering.

"Looks like you're a quick learner. Hahaha." It laughed and squatted Alyx and dragged his body on the ground to remove the egg shells which got stuck to him earlier. During the entire process Ax would growl occasionally and would immediately stop when the Artificial Dragon roared.

After making sure that the egg shells got removed he started pushing Alyx towards the exit like he was playing football.