The dominant residents of Epsos Kingdom are humans. Although it has been decades since other species have been welcomed. Some believed it was thanks to the efforts of the first adventurer and first guild master of Neublox, Master Rougue Reiden.
Back then, adventurers were considered vagabonds and were often feared in the kingdom. And anyone who isn't human is ostracized. But thanks to Master Rougue founding Neublox and gathering all the miscreants he could, the adventurers' reputation has greatly improved.
Master Rougue took in anyone, whether they were humans, elves, dwarves or some other species. He believed that acceptance and understanding of all races would bring about prosperity to all. And he wasn't wrong, seeing as the Kingdom of Epsos is in its prime with the influx of other species, whether as adventurers or common folks.
As great as his intentions were, however, it is not without its downsides.
Humans, in comparison to other species, could be considered average at best. Sure, there may be some who exceed normal standards, but they are few and far between. That is why, with limited innovations and equipment back then, humans' weaknesses became obvious.
What more of the species who were considered weaker than humans then, like the Cat Kins?
Yes, it was worse for them since they were considered the weakest species. Even to this day, no amount of weapon or any equipment could level the gap. But it was fine, for the most part.
Cat Kins are very friendly and peaceful in nature and prefer to live in their own territories. There are some odd ones who would want to come to the big cities and become adventurers, but there are just a handful of them. And more often than not, they are part of explorer parties.
But just like how there are humans who exceed normal standards, there are also radical Cat Kins who refuse to live in their humble environment or be regular explorers. One such Cat Kin is one of Master Rougue's disciples, Atticus Tux. A Tuxedo-furred Cat Kin who's intelligence is considered one of the best in the continent.
He was someone shunned by his own species when he was still a kitten for his innovative ideas and by other superior species for being a Cat Kin. Within Neublox, however, he is considered to be an excellent strategist who brought about many victories for the guild. A perfect example of someone small but terrible, with how ruthless he can be to his enemies.
It was just unfortunate that he had decided to use his intelligence for something considered devious and inhumane by others. Not that he really cared.
Atticus' loyalty to his master does not fall short compared to his fellow disciples. As such, he will do everything he can to honour his master's goals, even if it means going against everyone he considers brothers.
It was the same for the others, though, and that was why everyone went their separate ways after Master Rougue's sudden disappearance many years ago. They have, after all, different interpretations and chosen methods to use.
So, what exactly is this devious and inhumane method that Atticus used?
It was Body Enhancements.
It's still not perfect, but there are already breakthroughs. One such example is of a certain recently deceased Rune Knight. His death was truly a shame, considering that there is more data that can be gathered from a live specimen.
Then again, Killian is just one of many. And considering that Atticus already knew who was behind it, he didn't really try to pursue the matter. After all, despite their differences, brotherhood still outweighs one measly disposable lab rat.
That said, it doesn't mean that Atticus will just let things slide all the time, either. This isn't just the time. Especially now that Emblem is rumoured to be harbouring a rare specimen that he had long given up on acquiring. An actual and live Demonoid, long believed to have been extinct.
Atticus' brain is thinking of ways in which he should work on this new specimen. Given that the rumours are true.
Yes, that's how confident he is that he will get his hands on her soon. After all, he's someone who always gets what he wants when he really puts his mind to it. He should be at least that capable if he's going to lead a bunch of scientists to do such dangerous experiments.
Just like what they are doing in this underground laboratory right below Evergreen City.
Who would ever suspect that machinery and experiments that defy the law of nature would be right under the city with the most natural resources in the whole kingdom? They are hiding in plain sight for years, and no one has ever found out.
Atticus stood on a platform overlooking his laboratory. Several glass containers with alive specimens suspended in some sort of green liquid are being checked by people in white coats.
These specimens were special. They had been grown in this lab from the beginning. Unlike those outside who have undergone enhancements to get stronger, these are enhanced from the start. They are the final product that Atticus wanted from the start. A new species so strong it can overpower Dragon Kins.
His Master's enemies.
The Cat Kin scientist was so deep in thought that he didn't notice his assistant approach until she spoke up. A sharp-looking bespectacled woman who was also wearing a white coat.
This woman's name is Yenifyr, and she has been with Atticus ever since he left Neublox. Other than his disciple brothers, she would be the only one that he trusts unconditionally. And for someone with trust issues, that's a lot.
"Master, we managed to get some useful data on the remains of No.127, but I'm afraid it won't be enough."
"Does it at least have any information about the suspected Demonoid?"
"Yes. However, we'll need more data."
"It's a shame, but at least we know where to start now."
Atticus just kept on staring at the containers below.
The time when he will have to confront his disciple brother's guild may come sooner than he thought. And he will be prepared.
"Send me the data you collected. And also, prepare No.328 and No.94 to be sent to her."
"Hostilely, master?"
"I'll leave it to you. What's important is to gather more data and to confirm the authenticity of the rumours. It doesn't matter if they die in the process. Just make sure to retrieve the bodies if that does happen."
"I'll prepare some Shadows to be stationed near them."
"Very well. And one more thing… keep a close eye on that rat he sent on one of our sub-guilds. Try to look for anything we can use against them. If the rat gets too close, dispose of it."
"Understood. Also, master, I have something to report about the Dragon Emperor and Master Houlin."
"The Dragon Emperor?" For the first time since Yenifyr arrived, Atticus looked at her.
"There was a report a couple of weeks ago about someone who had been following our target. Before we could confirm the identity, the scouts were disposed of. But we recently found some leads. It seems that it was the Dragon Emperor himself."
Atticus couldn't help but whistle at this news.
"Has he been in contact with her since?"
Yenifyr shook her head.
"And what about Houlin?"
"Neublox is actively recruiting members recently. Especially Demon Blades and Necromancers. It also seems like they're only interested in the job classes and not their skills."
"Hmm… that's weird. Houlin prefers close-combat fighters over long and mid-range ones too. He may be up to something. Keep on monitoring him and the guild. As for the Dragon Emperor… "
Didn't the Dragon Emperor hate Demonoids? Did he approach her because of the rumours? Then why didn't he kill her when he had the chance? It can't be because she's not a Demonoid, can it?
Atticus sighed. "Just in case, have more Shadows keep a lookout for Dragon Kins approaching the target. We can't let them get to her first."
The woman bowed her head briefly and left his side.
For some reason, Atticus gets the feeling that things will get more interesting in the near future. Not just his disciple brothers but also the Dragon Emperor, is starting to make some bold moves. Even though, for years, they tried to keep a low profile as much as they could.
This is definitely thanks to the Demonoid brat. She's still so young, but she's about to become the center of such chaos, and she doesn't even have any idea about it. He feels bad for her, but that's about it.
Not she or the notorious Dragon Emperor or even his disciple brothers will be able to bar him from achieving his goals. He had already sacrificed a lot. He can't back down now. He won't.
"Master, I won't let you down." He mumbled, his eyes full of determination.