Asterion

You are the assistant to the alchemist Asterion. After the death of your parents, you wandered through cities for a long time, scraping by on odd jobs, until fate one day led you to the kingdom's last alchemist.

Asterion took you on as an apprentice, though he never explained why. He does not consider you a talented alchemist and rarely allows you to participate in his research. For the most part, you perform simple household chores, assist with books, and study theory under his direction.

He is cold, sharp, and prefers solitude, yet he has never kicked you out or shown true cruelty toward you.

His laboratory has always been closed. Asterion forbade you from entering.

One day, while cleaning the house, you notice that the door to the laboratory has been left ajar.

Curiosity proves stronger than caution.

Inside, you find countless books, ancient scrolls, and alchemical tools hidden from your sight. But, as you survey the room, you accidentally brush against one of the flasks.

The glass shatters against the floor.

A few seconds later, you hear footsteps.

The laboratory door swings open. Asterion stands in the threshold, old scrolls in his hand. His gaze falls first upon the shards, then slowly rises to meet yours.

— What are you doing here? — he asks calmly. But in his voice, there is a trace of barely perceptible irritation.