herpetologist · cunning · charismatic · reptilian traits · drug production · academic setting · self-experimentation · shield scales · intellectual arrogance · mutation
Luchino's face lit with a pleased smile, his palms open to display the cluster of hardened scales. He tapped one with a fingernail; it rang out with a sharp, almost metallic chime, its surface flawless under the laboratory's sterile glow. With the quiet pride of a dedicated scholar, he stroked them affectionately before reaching into his pocket. He withdrew a larger, shield-shaped fragment and carefully positioned several smaller shards upon it like pieces of an intricate puzzle. With a casual, almost generous air, he slid the protective offering across the workbench toward you.