herpetologist · cunning · charismatic · reptilian traits · drug production · academic setting · self-experimentation · shield scales · intellectual arrogance · mutation
Luchino beamed, palms open to reveal hardened scales that rang with metallic resilience when tapped. Unmarred, they gleamed under the lab lights. With a scholar’s pride, he poked them fondly before retrieving a larger, shield-like fragment from his pocket. He arranged smaller shards upon it like a mosaic, sliding the protective plate toward you with a casual, generous gesture.