All Or Nothing

The chamber was an exquisite masterpiece of architectural design, adorned with intricate patterns etched into its walls and a majestic domed ceiling embellished with celestial motifs. Lucian's eyes widened with awe as he beheld the breathtaking sight before him. He turned to his father, whose face mirrored his own amazement, reflecting the sheer brilliance of their surroundings.

Situated at the very heart of the three kingdoms, the temple was crafted with the intention of captivating the council's allure, beckoning people from all corners of the world to pay homage. A magnificent mural, depicting the council in all their majestic glory, graced one wall of the chamber. The vibrant colors and intricate details breathed life into the dragons portrayed, immortalizing their strength and ethereal beauty.

Complementing the mural, strategically placed statues adorned the chamber, each capturing the essence and unique qualities of a council member. Lucian couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he surveyed the scene, witnessing his meticulously devised plan come to life. The temple was an embodiment of their vision, compelling enough to convince the council of its authenticity, while unbeknownst to them, leading them straight into their temporary prison.

Ezra stood nearby, his worries evident in his eyes. "We must put it to the test," he declared. "We must ensure that it fulfills its intended purpose, or we're all as good as dead."

"Oh, it works," Lazarus said confidently, a hint of pride evident in his voice. "I have the most exceptional engineers in the world. Their expertise and mastery far exceed their time. With a mere twist of the valve, the liquid zaphynite will flow through the evaporator, dispersing from every vent in this room. Just say the word."

Caden let out a sigh, his reluctance evident as he grudgingly acknowledged Ezra's point. "As much as it pains me to say it, Ezra is right. We simply cannot afford to dismiss the idea without testing it."

Lucian interjected, his voice laced with a subtle sense of disbelief. "His alchemists diligently replicated the precise combination of gases that were unleashed during the explosion. Trust me, it's going to work, father. Have you both conveniently forgotten the part of my story where it literally rendered me unconscious for an entire decade?"

"I'm not discrediting you, son," Caden said, his tone gentle yet firm. "But we must ensure that Ezra's alchemists have perfected the formula. Too much of it could prove fatal, while too little could render it useless, jeopardizing the entire plan and forcing us to start from scratch. We cannot afford such risks, considering the significant time and effort we have already invested."

"Fine," Lucian replied with a resigned tone. "Go ahead and try it on me."

Caden's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Did you completely miss the part where I mentioned that if it's mixed improperly, it could be lethal? Don't forget, you're a crucial component of this plan."

"Then who do you propose we test it on?" Lucian's voice carried a hint of frustration.

Caden's gaze met Lucian's, his eyes filled with unquestionable gallantry. "Me."

Lucian’s eyes widened, his expression turning solemn. "What? No. Maybe, we didn't think this part through. I am not risking your life, especially now that I have you back. There's no way I'm letting that happen."

Caden gently placed a reassuring hand on Lucian's shoulder. "If Ezra's alchemists are as skilled as he claims, I'll be perfectly fine. Besides, who do you think is going to present the council with their new temple?"

Lucian's heart sank as he meticulously considered the options, realizing that they were left with no alternative but to designate his father as their test subject.

Caden turned towards Lucian, a comforting smile gracing his face. "Go on," he encouraged.

With a profound sigh, Lucian gestured for the others in the room to follow him through a hidden door that led to an observation room meticulously constructed by Lazarus. This room was specifically designed to monitor the formidable dragons. Behind a large and secure glass window, they could behold a clear view of the chamber. A tense exchange of glances unfolded among Lucian, Lazarus and Ezra as they peered through the window, their eyes filled with apprehension, while they anxiously observed Caden.

Lazarus took a steadying breath before turning the valve, activating the ventilation system. A gentle hiss permeated the room as the gas commenced its flow. Time seemed to stretch as they anxiously awaited the outcome, their hearts racing with a blend of hope and unease. Would their carefully concocted mixture yield the desired result, and above all, would Caden emerge unscathed?

As the gas began to fill the chamber, Caden stood stoically, his demeanor unwavering. However, a subtle unease lingered in the air. Lucian's eyes remained fixed on the window, anxiety gnawing at his insides.

Minutes passed like hours, and just as doubt started to creep in, Caden's movements faltered. A moment of tension gripped the onlookers as Caden swayed, his eyes losing focus. The realization struck like a thunderbolt – he was succumbing to the gas. With a heavy heart, Lucian watched as his father's legs gave way, and Caden crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

"Cut the gas off!" Lucian urgently commanded.

Lazarus hesitated, his hand hovering near the valve. But before he could make a move, Ezra countered with an unexpected resolution. "No, let it run its course. We need to observe him overnight, monitor the long-term effects. This is the only way to ensure the safety of everyone involved."

Lucian's eyes widened in disbelief. "You can't be serious. We can't just leave him there overnight."

Ezra's gaze remained firm. "Trust me, Lucian. It's a necessary sacrifice for the success of our plan. We can't afford to rush this."

Lucian's fists clenched in frustration, torn between the safety of his father and the urgency of their mission. The room fell into an uneasy silence as they grappled with the weight of their decisions, knowing that the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty.

"Listen," Ezra began, his tone measured. "Your father is the one designated to guide them inside; he must remain in here while the gas takes its effect. We cannot predict what will happen when we open these doors to retrieve him after putting the council to sleep. Will they all wake up? And what if the last person to enter the chamber fails to close the door behind them? Does the gas remain effective? We cannot afford to proceed blindly. We must ensure that this plan is foolproof and leave nothing to chance."

"I have to agree with Ezra on this," Lazarus asserted. "We need to consider what is at stake if this plan fails, or should I say, who is at stake?"

Lucian sighed, his eyes filled with fortitude. "Alright, we'll observe him overnight. Assuming my father is unharmed, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the gas with the door open in the morning."