CHAPTER 113: FIRST TASK

The wrinkles on Shaan’s forehead deepened as Dr. Marshal talked about the Resistance group. Honestly, this was the first time he had ever heard of them. Strange, what kind of group were they, exactly? Why did Dr. Marshal’s face look so tense when saying that?

"...Dr. Marshal, can you explain more about the Resistance to us?"

"Okay, I will." Dr Marshal nodded his head. "The Resistance is a rebel group formed by a group of daemonists, just like us. However, they have their own vision and mission, which completely opposes Twilight Sanctum’s vision."

"Uhm... so what is their actual vision and mission?"

"I really don’t know about it very well, but the Resistance is trying to change the current structure of Twilight Sanctum and control it, " Dr. Marshal said, his tone sharp with frustration. "That cursed group will do whatever it takes to benefit themselves, no matter how much harm they cause to others."

"Oh my God, that’s... that’s insane." Chelsie’s eyes widened, and tension spread across her face. "I really don’t know. There are groups like that. S-So where are they now?"

Dr. Marshal shrugged. "No one knows for sure. They move like shadows—no trace, no pattern. But based on some rumors I’ve heard from another seven councils, the Resistance stays outside the boundaries of Twilight Sanctum. They watch, they wait... and plan their rebellion so they can take control of this place."

’Th-that’s insane... I never even thought the real threat in Twilight Sanctum would come from something other than dark creatures in the Dark Realm.’

"Listen to me carefully. The resistance group is evil and show no mercy. They will kill and destroy anyone who stands in the way of their goals."

"Oh my God, t-that sounds terrifying." Chelsie’s cute face instantly tensed up. "I had no idea why people could think like that."

"The point is, if you ever encounter a member of the Resistance, stay away and don’t fight back. Just report it to the Twilight Sanctum authorities immediately and let them deal with it," Dr. Marshal said firmly. "The Resistance is powerful, and none of you can face them alone."

"Alright, we understand," the three of them said in unison.

"Okay, if you don’t have any other questions, I’ll take care of the documents that I need to send to Madam Yashina," Dr. Marshal said as he stood up from his chair. "You’d better get some rest. I’m sure today is gonna be a long day."

"Thank you, Dr. Marshal," Shaan said. "Sorry for troubling you again."

"Haha, no problem. I’m just glad I could help you all," Dr. Marshal replied with a smile. "Oh, yeah, the ladies can use my room to rest, and Shaan can sleep in the living room."

"Uhm... what about you, Dr. Marshal? Where will you sleep if Lira and I take your room?"

"Don’t worry about me. I can sleep anywhere I want, even on this sofa," he said, patting the couch beside him. "Alright then, get some rest, everyone," he added as he walked away.

"...Elsie, we should rest too. Tomorrow we have to do our first social punishment," Nalira said as she headed toward Dr. Marshal’s room.

"Uhmm... Alright." Chelsie nodded slowly. "Shaan, we’ll rest now. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Chelsie."

***

A damp, clay-like smell mixed with alcohol instantly filled the air the moment they entered Dr. Marshal’s lab. The sharp scent hit Shaan’s nose hard, making his head spin for a few seconds. Damn. He didn’t expect it to be this strong.

’I really admire how Dr. Marshal can stay in a place like this without feeling dizzy with this weird smell.’

"Ah, hello, Shaan. Good to see you." Dr Marshal smiled when he saw Shaan enter the lab. "How’s your rest?"

"Good, thanks for asking."

"Okay, that’s good news." Dr Marshal smiled. "Alright, it’s time for us to start making the potion now," said Dr. Marshal. "Since today, Mr. Courier, along with Nalira and Chelsie, went to the site for their social punishment, I think maybe you can help me by temporarily taking over Courier 020’s role as my lab assistant," explained Mr. Courier. "You don’t mind that, do you?"

"Not at all, Dr. Marshal," Shaan replied. "I’m actually glad I can help."

"That’s great!" Dr. Marshal’s voice lit up with excitement as he spoke. "I’m glad to hear that. Now, let’s start—"

"What’s wrong, Dr. Marshal? Is something bothering you?" Shaan frowned. "Your face looks really pale right now. Are you okay?"

"Scroll. The black elixio scroll..." Dr. Marshal glanced around the lab with a confused look. "Weird. Where did it go? I swear I left it around here. But why can’t I find it? Where did I put it?"

"Uhmm... Dr. Marshal maybe I know where the scroll is?"

"Huh?"

Shaan pointed his finger. "Well, it’s in your pocket."

"In my- Oh, yeah. You’re right." Dr. Marshal gently slapped his forehead and pulled the scroll out from his pocket. "Jeez. I completely forgot I stuffed it in there while I was busy preparing all the tools and ingredients."

"Yeah, I get it. It’s fine."

"Now, it’s time for us to make that potion."

Dr. Marshal unrolled the scroll and began reading the strange writings. Honestly, Shaan felt like his head was about to explode just from looking at them. He didn’t understand a single thing written there. Everything seems so absurd and weird.

"Hmm... it says here the name of this potion is Eclipse Serum. This potion can cause hallucinations, just like I expected," he said, slowly moving his index finger across the paper. "First, we need to crush the Umbraroot and mix in a few drops of noctis tree sap. Then, we let the two ingredients dissolve completely. After a few minutes, we heat the mixture and add the rest of the components until everything blends evenly," Dr. Marshal explained briefly. "Sounds easy enough to me. Let’s start making the potion then."

"Alright, Dr. Marshal. I hope we can finish this as soon as possible," said Shaan. "We’re running out of time, and we need to move fast."