Inside the secure facility of Project Morning Star, in the heart of Ilyria's grand citadel, Irmin, the cloned prophecy of the Red Rising, stirred from his sleep chamber. The chamber opened with a hiss, revealing a pristine room filled with advanced technology and monitoring equipment. Doctor Carel, one of the lead researchers, greeted him with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Irmin," she said gently, handing him a nutrient-rich drink. "The seven kings wish to see you. They want to assess your progress."

Irmin nodded, his expression neutral but attentive. Doctor Carel was like a mother figure to him, the one who named him and treated him with kindness amid the clinical environment. To the other researchers, he was simply MS-08, but to her, he was Irmin—a name that carried a sense of identity and belonging.

After a quick visit to the bathroom to freshen up, Irmin returned, now dressed in a shirt adorned with the symbol of Thor, a god from the ancient tales he had come to admire. The seven rulers of Taeloria awaited him in a spacious chamber, their eyes scrutinizing as he entered.

Irmin began by demonstrating his fighting skills, conjuring flames that burned with a mesmerizing blue hue. With precise control, he performed intricate martial maneuvers, showcasing his agility and strength. The rulers observed with keen interest, exchanging murmurs of approval among themselves.

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Impressed by his display, Doctor Carel stepped forward. "Now, Irmin, activate the Asura protocol."

Irmin nodded solemnly, focusing his energy. The air around him shimmered as he transformed. His form shifted, embodying aspects of Surtur, the mythical being from the prophecies. However, his manifestation was incomplete, a weaker version that fell short of the legends.

The rulers frowned, their expressions growing stern. "This is inadequate," King Rodric of Red Falcon declared. "Fix this issue immediately. We cannot afford any shortcomings."

"If this problem persists," Queen Selene added coldly, "he will be deemed a defect and disposed of."

Doctor Carel exchanged a worried glance with Irmin before leading him back to his room. Once they were alone, Irmin couldn't contain his confusion any longer.

"Why can't I be with the other children?" he asked quietly. "And why am I not allowed to go outside?"

Doctor Carel sighed, sitting beside him with a comforting gesture. "You are unique, Irmin. Special. The power within you—it's both a gift and a responsibility. We must protect you until you are ready."

Irmin nodded, though a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes. Doctor Carel brushed a gentle hand through his hair. "Sleep now, Irmin. Tomorrow is another day."

With a heavy heart, Irmin lay down, his thoughts swirling with questions and uncertainties. As sleep claimed him, he wondered if he would ever understand the true purpose of his existence and the destiny that awaited him beyond the confines of Project Morning Star.