“My name is Lily……. Lily Sanders.”

Her childish voice could clearly be heard beside me, responding at Professor Harper’s question without a hint of panic. But for some reason, her gaze wasn't directed at the one she was talking to. She was eyeing the bird that was under the professor’s arm, as if she had seen a ghost.

Well that’s to be expected! One of the most popular extinct specie of birds, the Dodo bird, was right in front of her very eyes. But wait! Sanders huh… Do I know someone with that surname? Hmm… I can't seem to remember.

The dodo bird inhabited a certain island within the Indian ocean where it lived undisturbed for so long that it lost its need to fly. They lived a happy carefree life since not a mammal existed inside their home, leaving them with no competition for food. But all of their happy days soon came to an end as the first humans took step in that isolated paradise. Considering that they were heavy packed with meat and were easy to hunt, the humans and their tag-along animals easily decimated their population until they were wiped to extinction.

Such a tragic end for a defenseless and innocent bird. But then, who could blame them! Those thick legs and that fat body could certainly provide for at least 4 to 5 people. If only those foolish sailors didn't took things for granted, maybe dodos would still be in the market today.

“Oh! It seems you are interested with Dionysus! But before that allow to introduce myself!”

Still that bizarre naming sense huh. A name befitting of a bird brimming with elegance and nobility. But no matter how you look at it, that bird did not possess elegance nor nobility. That stupid look on its eyes was irritating! The bird was capable of winning any staring contest using its big round eyes that could see through any being’s soul, quite the demonic being in my opinion.

“I am Professor Ellius D. Harper, head of the genetics department. But you guys can call mo Eli for short.”

Contrary to his terrifying appearance, resembling those professional wrestlers you see on TV, Professor Harper was always this friendly when it comes to guests. However, that friendliness could also backfire as it usually puts off people. He insisted that I call him with that nickname too, but I flatly refused him every time. For me to call a department head like that was too much even for me!

“Alrighty! I will be the tour guide for today so please enjoy the trip hahaha!”

“Umm, Professor Harper aren't you working right now? I think I can show her around mysel--!!?

*Slap!*

“Guh!”

“What are you talking about now Seth my boy! Of course I’m not ‘busy’ so rest assured!”

After receiving a back-breaking slap behind me ,which rendered me unable to continue talking, and that creepy smile from the Professor, I yielded without any more objections.

Scary!!

No one knew or maybe no one lived to tell the tale of the Professor’s true anger. So let’s just trust him with this one shall we? I don’t think I'm ready to die right now!

“Come in! Come in! Miss Lucy and Seth! Be dazzled by the wonders of nature!”

“Ye-yes! Thank you very much Mr. Eli!”

Lily ,who had been blinking her eyes in surprise for quite some time now, regained her composure and replied to the professor’s words with great vigor while bowing her upper body repeatedly as a sign of politeness. I could say this girl was brought up well by her parents after seeing such manners toward the elderly.

As for me, a wry smile was plastered on my face and could only nod in response to the professor’s welcoming words.

Eh wait! Why are you calling him with ‘that’ nickname!? Don't just go complying to his every single word!

Hearing someone utter his self-proclaimed nickname, the professor’s lips curved into an even wider smile than before with his ears twitching in delight.

Really now! are you sure you guys aren’t father and daughter?

Setting those trivial things aside, we proceeded to enter Professor Harper’s experimental ground.

Located within an enormous biosphere that covered at least one fourth of the island's land area. A closed ecological system divided into multiple biomes, in order to recreate the same environmental settings of the earth thousands of years ago. All kinds of plants, whether rare common or even extinct, which were used for research in different departments and also to supply our food stockpile. Land dwelling animals, consisting primarily of extinct species like the Moas, Sabre tooth tigers, the Quaggas, Tasmanian tigers, Aurochs, the Irish deer, and many more. These animals roamed freely within this carefully adjusted manmade ecosystem and participated in the simulated survival of the fittest scenario.

For now they possessed samples only limited to land based species but soon they would establish a marine biosphere, according to the professor himself.

Standing inside the dome wasn't any different with standing outside the warehouse where I was currently assigned to. It wouldn't be any surprise for the inhabitants to think that this place was all natural. But then, something completely out of place could be noticed as soon as you lift your head up high. Made out of thousands of tempered glass panes, arranged together in rows and columns to form a huge contained space.

The light which came from the sun was already weakened when it reached the surface of the grassland, making it look more dimmer than usual. By the way, a barrier made of polymethylmethacrylate several meters across, separated us from the wildlife. And a tunnel-like transparent structure made of the same material ran through that barrier. Much more like those passages you usually see in large public aquariums, it was intended to provide ease of observation for those researchers who were currently assigned here.

“Amazing!.”

Lily sighed in admiration as soon as she entered the place. Her eyes opened to its limit and her cheeks slightly dyed pink.

If I remember correctly, children frequently ask their parents to take them to the zoo right? Well this one isn't just a normal zoo for it is a state of the art experiment that strives to resurrect long gone species of animals.

“Let’s start the tour now, shall we?”

Grinning ear to ear as always, the professor urged us to follow him through the tunnel so that we could view the wildlife in close proximity.

Whichever way you look at him, he was definitely enjoying this. Well, seeing that both Professor Harper and Lily were having fun, I might as well enjoy this tour.

____________________________________________________________________________

“So there aren't any dinosaurs?”

“Hoho, quite the observer ain’t we? ..Unfortunately, Lily we don't have dinosaurs in here. We wouldn't want to end up like that certain park...right Seth?

“Ha-ha Yes...dinosaurs are too troublesome to contain.”

A series of light hearted conversations were made between the three of us as we traversed through that completely transparent tunnel. Come to think of it, I always thought that professor Harper would be good in handling children but did not expect for him to be this good.

Even so, I don't think the girl understands your references professor!

Meanwhile, I did my best to enjoy it but could only force a few laughs and blandly participate in their friendly banter. Sigh, it was the first time for me to see the Professor act like that and the effects were still at work even now.

Anyways, it seemed that we were already nearing the end of the passageway. Time passed by quickly with the trio immersed in sight seeing and occasional chats.

“The first part of the tour is nearing its end! Perfect for an afternoon snack hahaha!”

Growl~

“Hoho… it seems that both your tummies are agreeing with me. Come!.. come!.. the next part of the tour will surely satisfy your appetites.”

Walking around the whole day without eating breakfast had finally backfired at me. Well, not for me alone but also for Lily too, as both our bellies growled in unison.

____________________________________________________________________________

A paradise much alike to that one we saw earlier but was devoid of dangerous animals. Fields for agriculture lined up beside a lush and healthy forest that covered almost the entire part of the biosphere.

Nothing unusual once you saw it from afar, but after we approached the produce rich fields, something bizarre that one might only think that such a scene was only existent in fairy tales. Lily, who was a first-timer here, repeatedly blinked hers eyes in bafflement. Enormous versions of your well-known vegetables and fruits grew in each plot of land. Corns that were as thick and long as an adult's arm, Cabbages the size of huge watermelons, Pineapples the size of a human’s torso and many many more. There were just too much crops here that I am completely overwhelmed. Back when I last visited, they were only testing prototypes but now they’ve successfully cultivated these genetically engineered plants.

“Professor are you the only one left here?”

I asked curiously while munching on a cob of boiled sweet corn. The juices were so sweet and scrumptious that I couldn't get enough of it. Considering its enormous size, I think a single cob could last me for a whole day.

“Indeed, all of my subordinates went to see that lecture. I don't really get it why a weapon for destruction gets so much attention.”

“Uh-huh..”

Nom nom nom nom

Apparently, all members were interested in it too with the special exception of the Professor. As far as I know, he detested the idea of destroying nature and its inhabitants so it's understandable that he didn't want to associate himself with it.

But then, what’s up with that annoying sound! It's been going on for awhile now and it's starting to bug me out!

Devouring an apple that was as big as her head, Lily produced such unladylike sounds while eating. Who could blame her! That apple just looked so tasty with its shiny crimson brilliance.

She resembled a tiny squirrel nibbling on her newly harvested nut. Quite adorable ain't it? But then, after using only her mouth instead of cutting it into small slices first, Lily’s face became sticky and messy due of the juices.

Such a peaceful afternoon with us currently sitting on a picnic blanket that was draped over the grassy ground while eating samples of the fruits and vegetables brought by the professor, A perfect time to enjoy the setting of the sun. Not until--

“Attention to Mr. Seth Alberts, Professor Hansen wishes to see you in his office immediately..”

Without any warnings, an announcement from a nearby full-range speaker resounded throughout this part of the dome. The electronic voice ,synthesized by a computer program, instructed me to go to my teacher’s office pronto.

Something urgent must've happened for him to call me at such timing.

“Im very sorry Professor Harper, it seems that we’ve got to go now..”

The old man's face turned grim as soon as he heard this, which in turn made me flinch subconsciously. As for Lily, it seems that she was too preoccupied with the apple right now that she didn't have the time to listen to her surroundings.

“I understand…………. Please do visit again okay!”

The dispirited reply that came out from his mouth was followed by an eerie pause before resuming his words. In contrast to his previous cheerful demeanor, his current smiles were noticeably forced. Making it hard to say farewell to this kind and friendly professor.

“Of course Professor. We’ll visit sometime again, right Lily?”

“.....”

I immediately provided encouraging words for the professor to at least lessen his worries. But instead of following my example, Lily just nodded her head in silence.

Still not done?

Unfortunately, yes she was still munching on the fruit. Now I am starting to get worried since there were no nearby toilets here. In order to prevent that worst case scenario, I think we need to get out of here ASAP!

After deciding that talking some sense to the apple drunk Lily wouldn't do any effect, I immediately picked her up as if she was luggage by carrying her beneath my arm. Well, it seemed that she didn't mind too much as she continued munching without a care. I just hope that she wouldn't vomit out of nowhere!

“We’re leaving now professor!”

I waved towards the professor while bidding farewell and Lily too managed to perform a short wave at him, which made the old man smile from the bottom of his heart, once again.

____________________________________________________________________________

*Knock* *knock* *knock*

I restlessly knocked on the door made out of varnished mahogany and waited for permission to get inside. In contrast to the automatic doors which were common inside the island, the one that I was knocking right now looked rather old and antique. High ranking members had the privilege of designing their own office to their own tastes, and Professor Hansen was in fact an avid antique collector.

“Come in..”

A cold and deep voice penetrated the wooden door and successfully travelled into my ears, which in turn, caused a shiver to ran down my spine.

After sprinting for the past few minutes, Lily and I had successfully arrived in front of Professor Hansen’s’ office. And instead of me being exhausted, she was the one who looked lethargic. As if she was suffering from a hangover, Lily’s only way of standing right now was to support herself by clinging on the hem of my laboratory coat. One would easily feel sympathy if they saw her current state.

But I say! A glutton deserves such a consequence. I just hope she learned her lesson though.

*Click*

Followed by the turning of the knob, the door opened smoothly, revealing the interior of the room. Whenever I enter this room, I always felt that I had travelled back in time.

The whole chamber was lit by lamps ,that still used oil, arranged in an orderly manner. Covering most of the floor area was an antique carpet that possessed intricate designs and was made of a finely woven material. Several book shelves were set up on both the left and right wall of the room, organizing collections of old rare books. Situated at the middle of the office was a replica of the Resolute desk and further behind it was a series of interconnected windows that served as the northern wall of the office.

Everything was the same as before except there were two people inside the office.

An bespectacled elderly man whose face showed fine wrinkles and his disheveled hair had traces of both black and white, befitting of a man full of wisdom. It was undoubtedly Professor Hansen with only a single glance, but beside him was another member. A middle aged man with natural ash blonde hair. His face showed a fierce look, as if he invariably wants to pick a fight with whoever he meets.

“Seth come here…”

With a gesture of a hand, Professor Hansen urged me to approach them closer. And as an obedient student, I obeyed without a single word of complaint. As I drew closer, that scary looking man glared at me intensely that I consciously felt cold sweat dripping down my neck. Not only me, Lily too was affected by his appearance that her body wouldn’t stop shaking from fear.

“Umm.. Father..”

She spoke quietly with her moist eyes looking up at the middle aged man.

“Lily.. Where have you been?”

The man inquired, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips curving into a frown. It was obvious that the man wasn’t pleased with Lily as his eyes became even sharper than before.

Err... wait?! This man is Lily’s father?

No matter how you look at them they were the complete opposite! An innocent and beautiful little angel whose father was a terrifying demon.

“I wanted to see your lecture father… But the guards didn't let me in so….. big brother Seth showed me around.”

“Hooh is that right?”

Lily’s voice became quieter and quieter with each words spoken. Under the intense glare of her father, the little girl’s innocent heart was covered in terror. And in response to her story that took a lot of courage to tell, the father just shrugged her off and turned to stare at me in close proximity.

“Well, it's only natural for kids to get along with other kids right?”

He said in a provoking manner while looking at me with eyes of belittlement.

Grrr why you little!?

Not wanting to disgrace the honor of my mentor, I suppressed my anger completely. To instill my rage to this extent, this man was undoubtedly one of those people who were perfect to be villain in movies.

“Thank you very much Professor Hansen for your time. My next schedule is nearing so we’ll be going now.”

“You’re very most welcome Professor Sanders, I wish you good luck with your project.”

With that simple exchange, the both of them bid farewell from each other. They had this atmosphere around them that they were long time friends. Well, not that it concerns me…. but!

Lily is the daughter of that Professor!

Why hadn’t I thought of that? They had the same surname right, but seriously though they had nothing alike in terms of appearance or personality.

I was so immersed in comparing their similarities within my mind, if ever they existed, that when I glanced at their previous positions, they were already gone.

“Hmm… Getting along with him can be tough don’t you think?..”

The professor chuckled in amusement, after seeing the whole spectacle with his very own eyes.

Who the hell would want to get along with that guy? I could tell from a single glance that befriending such a person would never be worth it! Even so, I think I need to calm down here. Anger would just cloud my judgement and concluding based on mere assumptions wasn't my way of thinking.

“Um… professor you called me for something right…?”

“Ah yes, I have something for you.”

I immediately changed the topic as I didn't want to continue discussing more about that arrogant man. And after hearing my question, the professor replied happily while flashing a bright smile in front of me.

Hmm something for me?

For the professor to give me something, I couldn't remember anything that I’ve done that deserves a present. And I was sure that this was the first time he’s giving me something, causing me to be even more confused.

A silver colored attache case ,that exuded a peculiar aura around it, was brought in front of me by the professor. To be encased in such a finely secured container, the item must’ve been of considerable importance. The first item that crossed my mind was of course money, but money wasn’t useful within the island. Establishments where you could spend money was non-existent in this place which was built solely for researching.

“This is….?”

“Seth.. you’ve been under my guidance for such a long time now.”

Wanting to be enlightened more, I looked up to him with eyes that showed uncertainty. But instead of receiving a direct answer, the professor replied with a totally unrelated matter. A warm feeling was directly transmitted to me as his hand began to ruffle my unkempt hair. For the strict professor to show such actions, I couldn't help but widen my eyes in surprise.

“It's not really much, but I think this could help with your current project.”

He spoke in a cheerful and soft tone with that wide smile still radiating from his face.

“… Happy birthday..”

Eh? My birthday?

Being immersed in researching must’ve really affected my perception of time that I forgot my birthday. But there were no memories of me celebrating birthdays after I joined the order. Moreover, I was an orphan, so how come the professor knows my exact birth date.

These thoughts kept circling within my head which regrettably worsened my confusion even more.

Even so, something inside me was telling me not to think anymore. To let the heart take over for at least today.