Last part of Bio Lab

[Yew Nough]

When I reach the last door in the basement (the one that has to be unlocked), there's a lab coat dude blocking a treasure chest who repeatedly says, "I'm researching new forms of life".

Isn't something very different supposed to happen in this room? What am I doing wrong?

Also, are there any characters that can be rescued other than Cotton in the Bio Lab? I saw someone who looks like Doll in a cage, but cannot interact with her

[Nicholai]

Which story are you playing as? If it's Red you won't be able to trigger side events until you reach a support part in the story.

[Yew Nough]

I'm running Asellus...

[ Nick]

In order to activate that instance with Asellus, you'll have to wait until Zozma joins the party and then complete the biolabs questline. You cannot fight the labcoat man guarding the Dragon Shield.

This is part of the restored Asellus questline so it definitely can be confusing for returning players.

[Nicholai]

Originally posted by Yew Nough:

I'm running Asellus...

Asellus has the restored content known as "The Mytic Visit" which is part of her restored storyline. After the Dark Labyrinth you can visit locations like Koorong to get the Doctor, Furdo's challenge in Magic Kingdom, and then we have the Biolab in Shrike.

[Yew Nough]

Thanks!

[ Nick]

No problem, in the other events Nicholai noted you'll also need Zozma in the party. You'll see Zozma in these areas when you arrive and he'll serve as a quest giver of sorts that lets you start these up. You should know when you're good to go.

[Lightyears]

Characters that do not have quests in Bio lab (or all of them with additional content off) should be able to fight the Earth Dragon without any specific story steps completed.

I went in early as Emelia (with additional content on) to see if they changed anything about spawning him as that area was originally meant for cut quests. He showed up right away.