Chapter 9

(Alph's POV)

I followed Steiner appreciatively. After about 15 minutes of twists and turns inside the castle, Steiner led me to a small laboratory.

He led the way inside, helping me settle on a chair near the entrance. I had been to Steiner's old laboratory once, when I had fought the Golems. This one didn't look much different.

'Is this your new laboratory?' I heard myself ask.

'In a way, it isn't,' Steiner said, and then grinned. 'It's just a backup laboratory for emergencies in the castle. The new laboratory we have built for the replacement of the old, shattered one is outside the castle.'

'What exactly are we doing here?' I asked.

'Do you remember the last time we met, when you fought off the Golems for us?'

'I was actually just thinking that. So yeah.'

'Then do you remember that time, there was a device called the Runic Engine which accidentally bonded with Roland?'

'And gave him incredible power. He's been using it ever since. How could I forget?'

'Good. Because I'm going to give you a refined version of the same device.' He took a large Vitae from a table and carefully held it in front of me. 'Behold the beta version of the Engine!'

I nearly laughed at the drama. Before I could say anything though, he continued, 'But there is something you need to know first.'

'What?' I asked, suddenly nervous.

'The Engine is not yet complete. It will give you immeasurable power, yes, but there may be side effects. We haven't tested it on a live human yet. Worse still, there are some important elements we haven't even inserted into the Engine.'

'Thanks for your concern, Steiner,' I said, and I could hear the determination in my voice. 'But I can't care about that anymore. Lucia's in danger. I have to do anything in my power to save her.'

There was a hint of warmth in Steiner's eyes. Then he said, 'Then I will have to give you this.' He produced a small chip from his pocket.

'What is that?' I asked.

'It's a stabilizer chip. It will minimize the damage of any side effect you may encounter during your mission. But in any case, don't strain yourself! We don't know what may happen.' Then he smiled. 'I like you, Alph, and I don't want anything to happen to you.'

'Thanks.' I took the Runic Engine and was prepared to put it on when it automatically locked on my wrist. 'Wow,' I said. 'Improved technology, huh?'

Suddenly I felt energy rushing into me. It was warm and comfortable. For the first time in… 30 minutes, I could again feel the joy of wielding the power of a Rym.

Breathing deeply, I stood up and waved my hands around. Steiner interrupted, 'Don't forget the chip.'

'Oh, thanks,' I said as I took it and inserted it into my Engine. 'So, I guess I'll be heading out.'

'Good luck.'

I smiled. 'You too.'