Grayson frantic voice echoed through the room, muffled slightly by his wild white beard.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....., I'm doomed! He'll slaughter me, feed me to Cerberus, or condemn me to Tartarus!"
Rani, with her sleek ponytail and calm demeanor, intervened with a soothing tone.
"Professor, please calm down. Let's review the progress Tharros, Kaze, and Artin have made. We can highlight their achievements to make a strong impression."
The professor's hands trembled as he gathered the files, his voice shaking slightly as he read aloud.
"Tharros has enhanced his combat skills and reached Ascension Stage alongside Kaze. Artin's progress is remarkable, especially his achievement of the Manipulation stage, which is likely a key reason for their father's visit."
"See what we've achieved so far will be enough to impress him, surely." Rani reassured him.
But the professor's anxiety only intensified.
"You don't understand, Rani. These experiments have been going on for at least a century. Results like this have already been achieved in the past."
Rani's eyes lit up with a suggestion.
"Okay, what about Artin's progression into the Manipulation stage? That's something new, isn't it?"
The professor's expression turned grave.
"Yes, it is. But it's not what he wants to hear. He wants to know if Kaze has awakened his powers yet. Both Artin and Tharros awakened theirs by around 5 and 8, respectively. He'll want to know if Kaze has too."
"But the child is still 10. I'm sure if he gives him a few more—"
The professor cut her off, his voice laced with desperation.
"We don't have that time anymore. His body is growing weaker after losing his immortality during the Holy war. His body won't last long at this rate. We'll have to go for Plan B."
Rani's eyes widened in alarm.
"But, sir, we're not sure if it will work. We need more time."
The professor's face contorted in despair.
"You see why I said we're doomed? We might as well throw ourselves into Tartarus."
He slumped into his chair, covering his face with his hands.
Rani's voice was firm but gentle.
"Sir, for now, you need to pull yourself together and prepare for his arrival."
As the professor rose from his chair, a guard entered the room, his voice low and solemn.
"He is here."
The professor's eyes went wide with terror once more. But he shaked his fear off and went to the entrance to welcome him, Rani followed behind him.