Lucas returned to his dorm room after dinner and his mind busy with thoughts about Srest, the conspiracy, and everything else that was quickly piling up on his plate.

He pulled out Henrik's journal from his storage space and settled onto his bed, carefully opening the leather-bound book.

The first few pages were basic alchemy recipes. It was full of healing potions, stamina tonics, antidotes. Things Lucas had already learned during his brief time as Henrik's assistant.

But as he flipped further, the formulas became more complex. Enhanced attribute potions, temporary buff elixirs, specialized concoctions for specific situations.

One recipe caught his eye: Ethereal Sight Draught.

When consumed, grants the ability to perceive magical residue and enchantments for approximately one hour. Useful for detecting traps, identifying cursed objects, or tracking mages.

Lucas made a mental note of the ingredients. This could be useful for investigating the conspiracy.

He continued reading, absorbing Henrik's meticulous notes and observations. The old alchemist had spent decades perfecting these formulas, and his passion for the craft was evident in every carefully written line.

[System detects Host studying alchemy. Would Host like to activate skill progression tracking?]

"Sure," Lucas said absently, still reading.

[Alchemy Skill Initiated]

[Current Level: Beginner (12/100)]

[Host's prior experience with Henrik has granted starting proficiency]

Lucas turned another page and froze.

The handwriting changed. Where Henrik's script had been neat and methodical, this section was hurried. Dark ink blots marred several pages, as if the writer had been working in poor lighting or under stress.

The header read: CLASSIFIED RESEARCH - DO NOT REPLICATE

Below it, in Henrik's handwriting but shakier than before:

I should never have created this. What began as theoretical research into enhancement potions became something far more dangerous. The formula works but gods help me, it works too well and the cost...

The Legion came asking about it three months ago. They knew I had developed it. Someone told them. I denied everything, claimed my research had been destroyed in a fire years ago.

They didn't believe me, but they couldn't prove otherwise. Not yet.

If they discover the truth, if they force me to recreate it... I cannot allow that to happen. Better to destroy my life's work than see it used for their purposes.

Lucas's hands trembled slightly as he turned to the next page.

The formula was partially obscured. It was obvious Henrik had deliberately blacked out key components. But what remained was enough to make Lucas's blood run cold.

Apex Enhancement Serum - INCOMPLETE

Theoretical application: Permanent enhancement of all physical and magical attributes beyond natural limits. Subject testing showed 600% increase in baseline capabilities.

Side effects: [REDACTED]

Mortality rate: [REDACTED]

Long-term consequences: [REDACTED]

I am a fool. I created a monster.

Lucas stared at the page. This was what the Legion wanted? A serum that could create superhuman soldiers?

[System suggests Host complete the formula.]

"Absolutely not," Lucas said immediately. "Did you read what Henrik wrote?"

[System read it. System also notes that such enhancement would significantly improve Host's survival odds and villain capabilities.]

"At what cost? Henrik clearly considers this his greatest mistake."

[Cost is irrelevant if Host is powerful enough to impose his will. This is fundamental villain philosophy.]

Lucas closed the journal with more force than necessary. "I'm not interested in becoming a guinea pig for experimental alchemy, thank you very much."

[Host's loss. System will note Host's refusal for future reference.]

A knock at his door interrupted the conversation.

Lucas quickly stored the journal back in his storage space before answering.

Damion stood in the hallway, looking uncharacteristically serious.

"We need to talk," he said. "Something's been bothering me since the exam."

Lucas stepped aside to let him in. "What is it?"

Damion closed the door behind him and leaned against it. "The Razorwing Alpha. You knew exactly what to do. You knew how to manipulate it and how to use the ore to create a three-way fight between apex predators. That wasn't luck or quick thinking. You planned it."

"I made an educated guess based on monster behavior." Lucas said.

"Don't bullshit me, Lucas." Damion said. "I've been watching you since we met. You're always one step ahead. During the festival attack, you knew exactly what to do. During the duels, you knew exactly what to do. And now this."

He crossed his arms. "So either you're the luckiest person I've ever met, or you know things you shouldn't. Which is it?"

Lucas thought about his options. He could continue denying it, but Damion wasn't stupid. The protagonist had noticed the pattern.

"What do you want me to say?" Lucas asked.

"The truth would be nice." Damion said.

"The truth is complicated."

"Try me."

Lucas sat on his bed, gesturing for Damion to take the desk chair. "What if I told you I have special... instincts? About danger, about how situations will develop. It's not prophecy or fortune-telling though, it's just a sense of how things work."

It wasn't entirely a lie. His knowledge of the game gave him exactly that kind of insight.

Damion looked at him. "Instincts that let you predict monster behavior and the best action in any situation with an unbelievable accuracy?"

"Something like that." Lucas said.

"That's either the most useful blessing I've ever heard of, or you're still not telling me everything." Damion leaned forward.

"Look, I'm not trying to interrogate you. You've proven yourself trustworthy in combat. But if we're going to Srest together, if we're going to keep working as a team, I need to know I can trust you completely."

Lucas met his eyes. "You can trust me. I'm on your side, Damion. Even when I know things I probably shouldn't, even when I make decisions that seem strange, I'm just trying to keep us all alive and safe."

"Fine. I will give you my trust, Lucas. For now, at least. After all, you haven't really done anything worth dismissing our friendship over." Damion said.

He got up and began walking to the door but then he stopped and turned around.

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