[DolimiccanDragon]

The biggest room of the Institute. A lounge for visitors, it also doubles as a break room for researchers, a reception desk, and a place to showcase some of the Institute’s best research projects.

[Alfonso Solomon SteelHeartSugarDemon HohenheimElric Sakata +ArmoredAlchemist]

*Curious about the opening of the new institute. Al and his wife Saya paid the place a visit.  Alfonso had walked in the door to admire the huge lounge and held it open so his wife could enter.* This is the place I mentioned to you Saya. @sayamaebelle We can ask the owner about it and see if we can come here to do some research too.  *He would then looks inside and call out* Hello!?

[Saya •VampyKyropteranSugarDemon• OtonashiOkumuraOkita d’ElricSakata]

*Saya tucked parts of her short black hair behind her ears. The wind outside would blow her hair forward covering her eyes. Once the door was closed she didn’t have to worry about that. She smiles* Hi!

[DolimiccanDragon]

A female voice can be heard over a loudspeaker. It doesn’t sound much like that of a wise scientist, instead sounding like a friendly college-age girl. “Hello there! I’m coming down to the lounge area to meet you in person, since the receptionist is a bit preoccupied today.”

[Alfonso Solomon SteelHeartSugarDemon HohenheimElric Sakata +ArmoredAlchemist]

*He would bow* Gomen, gomen! I didn’t mean to interrupt your work.

[Saya •VampyKyropteranSugarDemon• OtonashiOkumuraOkita d’ElricSakata]

*She bows as well.* Thank you for coming to see us personally.

[DolimiccanDragon]

Soon, what looks like a humanoid dragon covered in orange and white fur runs into the lounge. She wears a red crop top, a white jacket with ripped-up sleeves, and red shorts. She has a sweet, friendly smile, and as mentioned before, looks like she could be around college age. “Don’t worry about it! Welcome to the Aspen Research Institute. I’m Alyssa Aspen, the head researcher of the Skyrie division, and the daughter of the Institute’s president. And you two are?”

[Saya •VampyKyropteranSugarDemon• OtonashiOkumuraOkita d’ElricSakata]

*She studies Alyssa for a moment. As she expected a human but she Alyssa’s wonderful smile was disarming. She would smile back sweetly.* My name is Saya Elric and this is my husband Alfonso Elric. *Points to the tall blonde next to her.* It’s nice to meet you!

[Alfonso Solomon SteelHeartSugarDemon HohenheimElric Sakata +ArmoredAlchemist]

*Al chuckles a bit* You can call me Al though, no need to be formal. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We came to learn a little more about the institute and see if we could come back and do research here. I must say! *he rubs his chin.* I expected you to be much older. No offense, I even thought you’d look human. *he says straight out.* Don’t worry, I don’t mind at all. Different species are to be expected in this world right. *smiles*

[DolimiccanDragon]

“Heh, that’s true. I get a lot of people saying I’m a bit young to be a scientist, but honestly, my specialty is more field research than anything, which is why the receptionist takes care of quite a lot of stuff. Anyway, of course, I’d be glad to allow you two to do research here! We have three different departments we specialize in. Biology, metaphysics, and technology. If you’d like a tour, I’d certainly be happy to give one.”

[Alfonso Solomon SteelHeartSugarDemon HohenheimElric Sakata +ArmoredAlchemist]

Perfect! I also wanted to ask if you could tell us a little about the founder of the institute. I don’t believe I know very much about him, only that he was a researcher such as yourself.

[Saya •VampyKyropteranSugarDemon• OtonashiOkumuraOkita d’ElricSakata]

*She was taking notes about the institute.* Alyssa san, I also wondered. *she looks around.* We have an academy and an orphanage. Is it safe or even advisable to bring students here interested in research?

[DolimiccanDragon]

The young woman points to a picture hanging on the wall. She is standing next to a tall humanoid jackal with blue fur, a green-haired human with a pair of swords sheathed on his back, another dragon like herself (except male and with teal striped fur), and a black-haired human surrounded by what look like floating holograms. “The tall jackal there is my adoptive father, Professor Taren Aspen. He started the Institute twenty-five years ago by himself, for one purpose, and one purpose only. He wondered if his home universe was the only one in existence, and aimed to discover others.”

[Alfonso Solomon SteelHeartSugarDemon HohenheimElric Sakata +ArmoredAlchemist]

*Al walks over to take a closer look.* Ah! I see. Professor Taren Aspen. Does this make you a professor as well? A great goal indeed! Of course, that’s what has set many of us on epic adventures and explorations.

[Saya •VampyKyropteranSugarDemon• OtonashiOkumuraOkita d’ElricSakata]

*She looks over to Alyssa.* You’re also adopted. Just like we both were. *She smiles and looks through some stuff in her purse and then she finds a small card with an invitation.* Alyssa, if you get a chance to, I know you must be super busy. You can come celebrate the holidays with us. *hands her the invitation to FoxFlame Ballroom and the SugarSweet Bakery.*