The secret lab

Lupin finds a switch to return the tombstone to its original position, and closes the entrance behind us.

By the light of the lantern Nemo brought along, we make our way down the long, narrow stairs.

The act of descending this staircase feels like we diving deep inside a hidden truth.

I don't know how long we go down...

Without warning, the stairs come to a stop and a large space appears before us. It seems like this is a hallway.

It extends for a long way ahead, and we can't see very far from just the light of the lantern.

"Hm... From the looks of this construction, this would seem to be a fairly large facility." Doreen's voice echoes ever so slightly down the hallway.

"Hang on a sec. A facility like this ought to have some... Ah! Here we go!" Nemo says.

Lupin whistles. "What is this...?"

"It certainly seems like we've found the right place." Van Helsing says.

Soft lights turn on here and there, illuminating a stone path on the floor.

"Oh? This light... It's different from the gas lamps...?" I ask.

"Hmm, it sure looks that way. I wonder what sort of mechanism it is... Wait a minute! Is this...electricity?!" Nemo asks.

"Electricity?" I tilt my head quizzically at this word. "Wasn't this place developed in the 18th century?"

"Electricity was a form of energy that Frankenstein was researching for use as a power source." Victoria says. "The concept itself has been around for a while, but so far I was unaware that it had been put into practical use..."

"Electricity's actually used pretty regularly in certain fields." Nemo says. "Remember the airship race? The aether communicator they used to broadcast the race was operated partly by electricity."

"I don't count that. The inventors of the communicator didn't know how it works; they just copied one of Frankenstein's designs." Victoria says.

"Hey, I think you're underestimating engineers a little here. At least, I have a basic understanding of how it works." Nemo says.

"What...?! You actually understand that?! You really are a genius in some ways!" Victoria says.

Nemo and Victoria begin speaking excitedly as they walk off.

"Hey, wait up. Don't get too far ahead. We don't know what's waiting for us." Lupin says.

"Oh...S-Sorry. I just got so caught up." Victoria says.

"This whole place just screams super-technology! I naturally feel a bit tingly just being here." Nemo says.

That's the trouble with you engineers...

As Lupin scolds the two, Doreen and Van Helsing seem perfectly content to patiently follow along behind us.

"It definitely is unsetting here, but I also find it fascinating at the same time. I can see why those two would be excited." Doreen says.

"The building itself seems pretty old." Van Helsing says. "...If he did reinforce this place and had it entirely re-done from scratch, he was definitely an eccentric character."

"Those who distance themselves from people around them are seen as heretics, but some among them demonstrate true talent." Doreen says. "Victor Frankenstein was such likely one such man."

We continue talking for a while, and the width of the path begins to slowly change.

The room he was actually doing his research in is probably just ahead.

"So... When it comes to the actual investigating, how should we go about? The safest thing to do is to stick together--" Lupin says.

"I'm going to do my own investigation." Van Helsing sharp interrupts Lupin.

"I thought you might say that. Just for the record, may I ask the reason?" Lupin asks.

"I have my own purposes. I've determined that it will be more effective for me to move on my own than as part of a group." Van Helsing. "Any objections? I did only join forces with you temporally so we could achieve our own separate goals."

"That's...right." I say.

After Van Helsing declared her intention, Doreen requests to go by herself as well. "If that's the case, I think I'll go on my own as well. This is defnitely a most interesting place... Considering its size, it may be a good idea for us to split up in order to search the facility more efficiently."

Lupin sees my expression and shrugs. "It's not like we're tied to each other. I'm fine with us all going our separate ways in here."

"We did originally all come together because we had our own goals." Nemo says.

"Then... Lupin, why don't we all search separately? Of course, we'll report back right way if we find something." Victoria says.

"Sure, sure. For the moment, let's disband. We'll meet back here when we're ready to leave." Lupin says. "And... If you feel you're in danger, shout."

"Danger...?" I ask.

"Call it intuition. This facility doesn't have a very good vibe about it. It's probably best if we're out of here quick." Lupin says.

"I see... Lupin, what should I do?" I ask.

"You can't go on your own. Just tag along with someone and look for clues as your go." Lupin says.

"That makes sense." I say.

"...I hope you find something." Lupin says.

"Thank you." I say.