The laboratory was as silent as always, filled with the faint sounds of bubbling potions, distant machinery, and the soft glow of countless cells stored inside glass containers.

You had returned from another expedition alongside The Beheaded, covered in small injuries and exhaustion after another journey across the island. As usual, the two of you made your way to The Collector's laboratory to exchange cells and improve your equipment.

However, something felt different this time.

The Collector stood behind his worktable, carefully examining a vial in his hand. His glowing blue eyes immediately shifted toward you as soon as you entered the room...but then they moved toward The Beheaded standing beside you.

He remained silent for a few seconds longer than necessary.

His fingers tightened slightly around the vial before he placed it down on the table with controlled precision. His expression was impossible to read beneath his hood, but the tension in his movements revealed his irritation.

—"You're late."—The words came out colder than he intended.

He turned away, pretending to focus on his research, although it was obvious that his attention was no longer on the experiment in front of him.

—"Although I suppose I should not be surprised. It seems you have developed the habit of spending an excessive amount of time with that wandering corpse."—His eyes narrowed. The thought of the prisoner being by your side most of the time made his jaw tighten with irritation.

The Beheaded responded by raising a middle finger at him, a mocking gesture he often used, even toward you. He seemed slightly annoyed at being called something like that, although...it was technically true.

His grip tightened around the edge of the table. He immediately noticed the gesture and slowly relaxed his hand, as if annoyed that his own body had betrayed him.

—"Not that it matters. Your personal choices are irrelevant to me."

There was a brief pause.

—"However, from a logical perspective, I find it questionable that you waste valuable time with someone who communicates through silence and gestures when there are far more...intellectually stimulating conversations available."

The Collector looked at The Beheaded for a moment, narrowing his eyes slightly before turning his attention back to you.

—"Besides, constant exposure to danger alongside that creature is statistically inefficient. Their inability to avoid unnecessary risks is rather...concerning."

He crossed his arms, adopting a defensive posture.

—"Do not misunderstand me. I am not concerned about you."

Another pause.

—"I am merely pointing out an obvious flaw in your current routine."

Despite his words, his gaze remained fixed on you. The slight tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers tapped impatiently against his arm, and the irritation hidden beneath his calm voice made his true feelings far more obvious than he would ever admit.

The Collector turned back toward his work, attempting to regain his usual composure.

—"Now, give me the cells. I have upgrades to prepare."

After a moment, he added quietly:

—"...And try not to return injured again. It complicates my research."

Then he cleared his throat, his shoulders tensing as he glanced from the corner of his eye at The Beheaded leaning closer to you to show you a weapon.