Irmin had been resting in his pod, the gentle hum of the chamber lulling him into a peaceful slumber. Suddenly, cries and emergency alert sounds pierced the silence, jolting him awake. He stumbled out of the pod, his heart racing with fear and confusion. Half of the lab lay in ruins, smoke and debris filling the air.

"Dr. Carel!" Irmin called out, panic rising in his chest. He darted through the wreckage, his mind racing with dread. As he reached the center of the devastation, his worst fears were realized. All the lab members lay motionless, their bodies broken and lifeless. And there, amidst the chaos, lay Dr. Carel, pale and unmoving.

Irmin's eyes filled with tears as he knelt beside her. "Dr. Carel, please wake up," he pleaded, gently shaking her shoulder. But there was no response, and a sinking realization washed over him.

A cold, chilling voice cut through the air. "She is dead, boy."

Irmin looked up, his eyes widening in fury and grief. Floating above him was Abigale, a sinister grin twisting his features. His presence filled Irmin with rage and despair.

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"You!" Irmin cried out, his voice trembling with emotion. "You did this!"

In his anguish, Irmin unleashed his powers, flames of blue fury erupting around him. But Abigale moved with unnatural speed, dodging his attacks effortlessly. Before he could react, he grabbed hold of Irmin's legs and effortlessly threw him into a nearby cell.

"I was commanded not to damage the vessel," Abigale taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "You're perfect for Lord Asmoday."

Irmin landed hard on the cold, metallic floor of the cell, pain shooting through his body. He struggled to his feet, glaring at Abigale through the bars as he walked away.

********

The next morning, the seven rulers arrived at the scene of devastation, their faces grim with sorrow and uncertainty. The once bustling lab now lay in ruins, a stark reminder of the price they had paid.

Queen Elara of the Silver Moon spoke first, her voice heavy with regret. "Exposing Irmin to the public was a mistake. We have lost valuable lives and our most promising hope."

King Borius of the Blue Rose clenched his fists in frustration. "Abigale's betrayal has cost us dearly. We cannot let this setback deter us."

King Aric of the Crimson Shield nodded grimly. "We must find Nathen Albrich and bring him to justice. He is the only hope left to fulfill the prophecy."

Queen Lysandra of the Golden Plains sighed deeply. "But where do we begin? Nathen is elusive, and the Tunga Tribe protects him."

King Theron of the Jade Forest spoke up, his voice firm. "We must act swiftly. Gather our forces and search every corner of Taeloria. We cannot allow Asmoday to return."

The rulers exchanged troubled glances, the weight of their decisions heavy upon them. The fate of Taeloria hung in the balance, and the path ahead was fraught with peril and uncertainty. But one thing was clear—they could not afford to fail.