March 3rd, 1810
As everything unfolded behind the scenes, Xavier's journey had only just begun, and this voyage was a testament to that. After two long days at sea, they had finally reached their destination. Just as the golden light of dawn pierced through the lingering shroud of night, Xavier and the others on board were momentarily blinded by its brilliance. But as their eyes adjusted, what lay before them was even more breathtaking.
From afar, Xavier's cosmic blue eyes locked onto the sight of a grand and marvelous city, standing like a testament to human ambition. His breath hitched, and words failed him. He had seen beauty before, but nothing quite like this.
Great Britain.
As their ship docked among a vast assembly of vessels—each unique in size, design, and purpose—Xavier wasted no time. With a swift leap, he landed gracefully onto the wooden planks of the pier, his boots clicking against the aged timber.
"Wow," he murmured, utterly taken aback by the sheer scale of the city before him.
The cold morning breeze tousled his brown-black hair, carrying with it the scent of salt and industry. Towering above the cityscape, a massive clock loomed in the distance, its hands ticking with a rhythm that seemed to dictate the heartbeat of the city.
Anastasia, following closely behind with Alcmena perched on her shoulder, let out an awed sigh. Her emerald-green eyes shimmered in the morning light. "This city is gorgeous!"
Alcmena, usually more reserved, nodded in agreement. "It's been a long time since I've seen a sight like this."
Adam was the last to disembark, a smirk playing on his lips as he observed their reactions. His expression was one of amusement, as if their astonishment had been entirely predictable.
"We've finally arrived, everyone," he declared, stepping forward with arms outstretched. "Welcome to my homeland—the Kingdom of Great Britain. Welcome to London!"
As if to mark their arrival, a flock of birds soared above them, their wings slicing through the crisp air. The city itself seemed to breathe, alive with movement and purpose.
Extending a hand toward Xavier, Adam's expression turned serious. "Come, Your Highness. Many things await you."
Xavier hesitated for a brief moment. A whirlwind of thoughts stirred within him. What had he truly gotten himself into? What lay ahead in this foreign land? But there was no turning back. He had come too far, and the only path left was forward.
—
The streets of London stretched before them like veins in a living organism, pulsing with energy and life. Every corner revealed a new marvel. The people—rich and poor alike—moved with a certain dignity. Even the simplest of peasants dressed in attire far superior to those in other countries, their clothes neatly pressed, their postures upright.
The roads were paved with bricks, their surfaces polished smooth by years of foot traffic, while some areas were intentionally rugged, adding to the city's unique aesthetic. Buildings stood tall and proud, their architecture distinct, blending the old world with the burgeoning age of industry. Children laughed and played in the alleys, their joyful voices mingling with the chatter of merchants and scholars alike. Coffee houses buzzed with intellectual discourse—men in finely tailored coats debating politics over steaming cups of imported beans. Some spoke of war, others of philosophy, while a select few whispered in hushed voices about the future of Britain's empire.
The streets pulsed with the sound of hooves against stone, but what truly caught Xavier's eye were the machines. Sleek, steam-powered carriages rolled along the roads, their intricate mechanisms exhaling plumes of vapor. This was a city caught between eras—rooted in tradition yet eagerly embracing the tides of progress.
Xavier took it all in, fascinated by the symphony of it all. The people. The machines. The very essence of London itself.
Yet, amidst the grandeur, Adam suddenly veered off course, guiding them swiftly into a narrow alleyway. The lively hum of the streets dulled behind them, swallowed by the oppressive silence of the shadows.
"Shh," Adam whispered, his voice barely audible. "No sudden movements. We can't afford to draw attention here."
Xavier, Anastasia, and Alcmena exchanged puzzled glances but complied, their steps falling in line behind Adam as he led them deeper into the dim passageway. The further they went, the more unsettling the atmosphere became. Cracked bricks. Faded signs. The lingering stench of damp stone. This was a different side of London—one not meant for the eyes of nobility.
At the end of the alley, a towering brick wall loomed before them, seemingly impassable. But Adam remained unfazed.
Without a word, he stepped forward and placed a hand against the weathered stones. His fingers traced an invisible pattern, shifting bricks with precise movements. To Xavier, it seemed nonsensical, yet the moment Adam completed the sequence, the ground beneath them trembled ever so slightly.
With a deep, mechanical groan, a narrow gap split open in the wall. Darkness spilled forth, swallowing the remaining slivers of daylight.
Adam turned back to face them, his expression unreadable. "Hurry. Before someone sees us."
Xavier hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward. One by one, they followed Adam into the unknown, swallowed whole by the abyss that awaited them.
Time became meaningless in the void they traversed. There was no light to guide them, no sound but their own footsteps echoing in the abyss. It felt endless, as if they were walking through a passage where time itself had unraveled.
But Xavier did not stop. He had come too far. And whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on.
As they continued through the dark tunnel, a small glimmer of light flickered in the distance. Step by step, the glow grew larger, its brilliance intensifying until it nearly consumed the shadows around them. When they finally emerged from the tunnel, the sudden brightness momentarily blinded them.
Xavier blinked through his white-fang mask, his vision slowly adjusting to the breathtaking sight before him. The underground base sprawled out like a hidden metropolis, bustling with life. People who looked like ordinary civilians moved about, carrying stacks of documents, their arms burdened with papers. Others sipped coffee, engaged in lighthearted chatter, their expressions at ease despite the secrecy of their surroundings.
"What is this place?" Xavier asked, still trying to make sense of it all.
Adam smirked, gesturing dramatically. "This," he declared, "is the great 'Lantern Society'—a world hidden beneath the one above, built to expose the darkness lurking in the shadows."
Xavier and Anastasia exchanged baffled glances, while Alcmena remained composed, though his guard remained up, his instincts warning him of the unknown.
Just as Adam unveiled this clandestine society, a sharp voice echoed through the air.
"Adam!"
Their heads turned toward the sound. A tall, striking woman with ginger hair, glasses, and a long white coat strode toward them, her pace swift and deliberate.
Adam's grin widened. "Oh, hi, Victoria. How have you been?"
Victoria didn't return his pleasantries. Instead, she stopped a few feet away, her hands clenched into fists. "Where the hell have you been all this time, Adam?! Do you have any idea how worried we all were?!"
Sensing the impending storm, Adam took a cautious step back. "Now, now, Victoria," he said, laughing nervously. "I'm sorry I left without telling you all, but I had something important to take care of."
"And what would that be?" Victoria's sharp gaze drilled into him, her fury unyielding.
Adam pointed at Xavier without hesitation. "This," he said simply. "I was looking for this kid."
Victoria leaned in, her sharp eyes studying Xavier. He tensed under her scrutiny, a nervous sweat forming on his brow.
"Hmm," she murmured. "This kid, huh?"
Trying to break the tension, Xavier offered a small nod. "Uh, my name's Xavier. Nice to meet you."
The moment his name left his lips, Victoria's expression changed. Her mind whirled, the name stirring a memory buried deep within her thoughts. "Xavier?"
Without warning, she reached out, grasping the edge of his white-fang mask. Before he could react, she pulled it off, revealing his face. Her eyes widened in shock.
"I knew it!" she gasped. "You're the second prince of the Great Kingdom of Russia—Xavier Ivanovich!"
Her words sent a ripple through the underground base. The hum of conversation halted, silence falling like a heavy shroud as every gaze turned toward them.
"I knew I recognized that name!" Victoria exclaimed.
Her sharp glare snapped back to Adam, her frustration bubbling over. "Why, in heaven's name, would you bring this boy here, Adam?! Have you completely lost your damned mind?!"
Adam chuckled, raising his hands in defense. "Relax, Victoria. He came here of his own free will. I didn't kidnap him, if that's what you're worried about."
"So this is why you've been gone? You disappeared, ventured off to God knows where, and now you return with him?" she asked, exasperation seeping into her tone.
"Yes," Adam answered firmly, his playful demeanor fading. His gaze was steady, unwavering.
Victoria exhaled sharply, her frustration giving way to deep concern. "Do you have any idea the danger you've put us in? Involving a royal prince—and not just any, but the prince of one of the most powerful nations in the world? Do you understand what this could mean for us?"
Adam nodded. "Yes, I do."
His voice held no regret, no hesitation. "But what I want far outweighs the consequences of my actions. If anything comes of this—if danger finds its way to us—I will take full responsibility. Even if it costs me my life."
A heavy silence settled between them. The weight of Adam's words lingered, hanging thick in the air. Victoria studied him for a long moment before sighing, her anger cooling into reluctant acceptance. She knew Adam well enough to understand—once he set his mind on something, there was no turning back.
But even so… the storm was only just beginning.
Turning her gaze to Xavier, who calmly watched their dispute in silence, Victoria leaned down and gently returned his mask. Her voice softened as she apologized, "Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. I was only concerned about what foolishness Adam had brought to me this time."
Xavier smiled slightly and responded, "You don't need to apologize. I understand—this is your home, and in a way, I'm trespassing on what belongs to you."
"So I harbor no hard feelings toward you."
Victoria's expression softened, and with a faint smile, she bowed her head. "Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Prince Xavier."
Her attention shifted to Anastasia and Alcmena, who stood quietly behind Xavier. Lowering her head once more, Victoria greeted them with formal grace. "My name is Victoria Bennett. I am the head scientist and chief engineer of The Lantern Society. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Anastasia, ever poised, responded in kind. "Anastasia Orlova. The pleasure is mine, Miss Victoria. And if I may say… you are quite beautiful yourself."
Victoria's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she flusteredly waved her hands. "Oh, please, you flatter me too much. I wouldn't dare arrogantly place myself at such high standards."
"I disagree. You are quite beautiful, indeed," Anastasia affirmed with a warm smile, which only deepened Victoria's newfound admiration for her.
Pointing toward Alcmena, Anastasia hesitated before introducing him, "And this… is my master's p-p-pet, Ark."
The words nearly caught in her throat. Calling Alcmena, the mighty king of dragons, a "pet" felt utterly degrading. But since his true identity was a secret, there was little else she could call him.
Alcmena's ears twitched in mild irritation. Without sparing Victoria a glance, he calmly began to lick his silver fur, making his feelings known.
Victoria chuckled. "Feisty one, isn't he?" A slight pout formed on her lips as she gazed at him longingly. It was clear she had a fondness for cats and wanted nothing more than to run her fingers through his soft fur.
With introductions out of the way, Victoria turned sharply to Adam, adjusting her glasses with a critical stare. "Now, tell me—why exactly did you bring Prince Xavier here? You still haven't explained your motives."
Adam's demeanor shifted instantly. The warmth in his expression vanished, replaced by a chilling, unreadable gaze. "I have other reasons for bringing Xavier here," he admitted, "but my main purpose is for you to run a test on him."
Victoria frowned. "A test?"
"Yes," Adam confirmed. "I want you to run the test for the Superium Serum on Xavier."
The moment those words left his lips, Victoria's face paled. Her entire body went rigid, and for a moment, she looked as though she had seen a ghost.
"Say that again?" she asked, her glasses slipping slightly down the bridge of her nose as she stared at him in disbelief.
"The Superium Serum," Adam repeated, his tone unwavering. "I want you to test his body for it."
Victoria's legs trembled as if they had lost all strength, and before she knew it, she collapsed to the ground.
"Miss Victoria!" Anastasia rushed forward, concern evident in her voice. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"
But Victoria didn't respond. Her eyes remained locked onto Adam's cold, resolute gaze, and a bitter laugh echoed in her mind.
This bastard is trying to kill me… Ha. I knew he'd eventually drag me into something insane, but I never expected this.
Adam, she thought grimly. What the hell are you plotting?
From a short distance away, Xavier observed everything in silence. He didn't flinch at Victoria's reaction, nor did he question Adam's intentions. He merely stood there, still and composed.
Yet, behind those indifferent eyes, something stirred. Unbidden, flashes of familiar faces played through his mind—a man and a woman—people he had never gotten the chance to truly know—his birth parents.