Mana Mutation Menace (Journey to Chaos Book 3) by Brian Wilkerson Read Free Book Online

mutation-induced
hallucination. One of them tried to kiss him, but he held them back.
    “I don’t fully remember what that gesture means, but I
don’t want to do it with a stranger, especially one as old and ugly as you
are.”
    The scientist had the grace to blush in embarrassment.
    "Forgive me, Mr. Watley, but you have given us a
precious gift. You have enabled us to acquire knowledge of mana mutation
untouched by the elves.”
    "The Seloisan Hypothesis of Chaotic Transfiguration
Permanence now has proof of concept!” a second one shouted. “It is now a valid
theory!”
    "Screw those arrogant dagger ears!” a third
proclaimed. “'Heresy' they called it; refused to consider it, but this boy and
girl have done it! Eric Watley has transformed from grendel into a human and
then human into grendel, and we have it on video ! We have done this with mortal technology and mortal knowledge and mortal will!"
    He spun in place, flung up his arms, and laughed madly.
    "THE REINS OF HISTORY ARE BACK IN THE HANDS OF
MAN!"
    Just as quickly, his arms dropped and he fell limp to the
floor. His co-workers picked him up and carried him away.
    "Please excuse Cid," Percy said. "He hasn't
slept in five days."
    "THE STARS HAVE ALIGNED!"
    Percy sweat-dropped. "However, the point he makes is still
valid. The Trickster's Choice has recovered from a complete mutation, his teammate
recovered from monsanity, and both of them in close proximity to a Mana
Mutation Summit. It is hard for us to contain our excitement."
    Kallen popped in and said, "I've seen you more
excited over bubblegum-flavored ice cream." She ducked the smack but
failed to dodge the tickle.
    An inside joke?
    “This is a fantastic capstone,” Percy said with flat joy.
“I suggest we allow Eric and Kallen to celebrate it.”
    “He’s not ready for the public,” Talbot replied.
    “Doing so today will aid our organization,” Percy pressed.
    “Just because you’re a tiger doesn’t mean you wear a
crown.”
    Eric looked to Kallen. “What are they talking about?”
    “A good idea,” was all Kallen had to say to him. “Uncle
Talbot, I will take responsibility for him. Between my true form and my
magecraft, I can keep him under control and minimize potential damage to our
organization. This is an opportunity that we should capitalize on.”
    “Stop calling me ‘Uncle’! Alright, as long as you don’t go
into the city, a walk in the fresh air could be good.”
    “Where are we going?”
    “You’ll enjoy it. Trust me.”   
    The ICDMM laboratory was built with high stone walls
reinforced with steel and the most advanced protection runes available. Four
corner towers dominated the fortress with floodlights and nasty-looking mounted
weapons. Minor towers dotted the walls and courtyard and they were equipped
with similar weaponry. There was no portcullis, double door, or a drawbridge.
It was solid wall all the way around.
    This facility held monsters; dangerous monsters with
varied abilities. No door would hold them if they escaped their cells. The only
things keeping Ataidar sleeping soundly was a force field and a dry moat. The
former was remotely generated and it could contain anything short of a god. The
latter was a mile across and a mile deep, its sides made slick and smooth, and
its bottom made of spikes.
    The air space was a no-fly zone, but about two weeks ago, Kallen
brazenly flew in with her damaged Albatross IX . If she didn't work there,
she would have crashed into the force field or been shot down.The only
official way in or out was teleportation.
    Kallen explained that it was connected to the ICDMM's
office in Roalt, ten miles to the north. It was also connected to a pedestal on
the opposite side of the moat, and this was the one that they were going to
use. Either way, Eric's stomach turned just thinking about it.
    At the door to the teleportation room, Kallen showed her
ICDMM badge to the guard on duty. He shook his head. She showed him the
paperwork from