Inside the God Gym, deep within the laboratory, laughter echoed against steel walls.
It wasn't normal laughter.
It was sharp, fast, and a little unhinged.
"Hahahaha!"
Mersha leaned over a worktable covered in bottles, notes, and half-dismantled machines.
Her glasses were slightly crooked, her hair a mess, and dark circles sat under her eyes.
She looked exhausted.
And thrilled.
"I did it," she said, giggling to herself. "I actually did it."
Outside the lab, Garion stood with his arms crossed, listening.
The corners of his mouth lifted.
'That laugh,' he thought. 'She's done something.'
He pushed the door open.
The scent hit him immediately.
Garion stopped mid-step.
"…That's new," he muttered.
The smell was horrible.
Not sharp like poison, not sour like spoiled ingredients.
It was everything at once, clashing so hard it made his nose burn.
Mersha noticed him and spun around, eyes shining.
"Master!" she said quickly. "You're here already?"
