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Dr. Chan fell into a long dream, hearing a distant voice from his memories.
"Chan, some things are beyond our control. You're too naive; this has never been just a laboratory."
Those were the words of Mo Wen's father,Mr Less, low and calm but carrying an undeniable authority.
Dr. Chan closed his eyes, memories pulling him back to that dim study. He was young then, full of passion, believing that through his efforts and wisdom, he could lead the lab to a brighter path.
"We can develop a cure, help those infected by the black spores… even eliminate this parasite!" His voice had been so resolute.
But Mr Less had just shaken his head, eyes filled with deep worry and fatigue.
"You don't get it," he said softly."This lab's just a pawn. The real players? They've got the power— and they'll sacrifice anyone to win."
Dr. Chan hadn't wanted to believe it then. But later, with disappearing colleagues, altered research reports, more and more"out of control" test subjects… the truth, like a shadow, gradually swallowed his ideals.
Now, he finally understood the warnings, realizing he had never had a choice.
Dr. Chan gasped for air like a fish out of water.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered, unsure if it was to Mo Wen or his old supervisor.
He lay limp on the ground, still coughing from Gin's assault, but his eyes sparkled with delight.
"This experimental serum is designed to create superhumans, provided they survive the violent spore infection. But for you, your strength and speed will last an hour. Right now, you're a berserk warrior!"
"What? Why didn't you say so earlier! Just 5 minutes left!" Mo Wen rotated his shoulders, stood up, and strode out of the warehouse.
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Shortly after, the bunker door silently opened, a gentle moonlight streaming in, instantly dispelling the oppressive atmosphere of the narrow, dark space. The silvery light contrasted sharply with the previous suffocating darkness, as if a gateway to freedom had appeared.
Mo Wen rushed for the exit, his legs burning. He didn't care— freedom was ahead. He greedily inhaled the fresh air, the feeling of freedom filling his chest with new vitality.
Under the moonlight, the outside world was draped in a dreamlike silver glow. An open field swayed gently in the breeze, stretching to the horizon. The wind brushed the grass, its cool touch welcoming these souls freed from captivity. Mo Wen stumbled across the threshold, the moonlight cooling his sweaty forehead.
His companion, equally stunned by the sight of freedom, couldn't help but shout excitedly, spreading his arms like a child and running into the field, releasing long-suppressed emotions.
"Wait for me!"
Dr. Chan stood at the exit, skillfully lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag under the moonlight. The smoke rose slowly, carrying away the tension of the near-death experience. He smiled wryly,"That was close, almost lost my life. Next time I play the good guy, I'd better think twice."
Dr. Chan habitually scanned the area, his voice cautious and low,"They're researching a new type of spore, trying to use it to control human brains. The forces behind the experiment are said to be unimaginably powerful… it's all speculation for now."
Mo Wen's mind raced, piecing together this information with his father's research and Dr. Chan's mentions. But the clues remained fragmented, unable to form a complete picture. A sense of unease grew within him, as if a larger net was being woven in the shadows, and they were just insignificant parts of it.
"Don't they fear the public knowing the truth?" Mo Wen couldn't help but ask.
Dr. Chan sneered, his face tinged with sarcasm,"Silencing people, keeping things hidden, even guiding public opinion—these methods are well-honed. The truth? That's the least of their concerns."
Hearing this, Mo Wen felt a chill down his spine. Experimenting on humans? Controlling brains? Unknown biological spores? It all sounded horrifying.
"Do they have no conscience?"
Dr. Chan blew out a smoke ring, his voice cold,"As long as the profit is big enough, they'll even sell human flesh to restaurants."
The chill in the air grew stronger. Dr. Chan raised his hand, pointing to a distant, dark forest,"See that forest? Through it, and we're out."
The path led to an abandoned forest park, with withered trees and towering buildings on the other side. Most of the buildings had their windows tightly shut, the ground covered with dust and debris, as if the area had been deserted for years. The air was thick with mold and decay, sending shivers down one's spine.
"This place is completely abandoned," Mo Wen wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, occasionally hearing low growls, like distant beasts or airy illusions urging them to leave quickly.
Mo Wen quickened his pace toward the forest park.
Suddenly—
"Click."
Mo Wen froze.
Dr. Chan noticed Mo Wen's reaction, turning sharply, his face puzzled,"What's wrong? Legs giving out? Need a hand?"
"Stay back!" Mo Wen's low shout, tinged with suppressed tension, made Dr. Chan freeze, his playful expression vanishing.
"What happened?" Dr. Chan's voice dropped.
"My foot…" Mo Wen's voice trembled, cold sweat dripping down his face,"is on a 'jumping mine.'"
Dr. Chan's face changed,"Jumping mine?" He hesitated, disbelief in his voice,"Are you kidding?"
"I—I've seen the mechanical diagram of this mine!" Mo Wen's breath hitched, his voice shaking."It's… it's a mini explosive—designed for medium targets.
If I—if I lift my foot, it'll jump—and explode!"
Dr. Chan stared at Mo Wen's pale face, realizing the severity. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm,"How can I help? You can't stand there forever."
"P-please—use my tools! Check—check through the gap under my foot—see if… if it's really a jumping mine!" Mo Wen's voice cracked, his breathing fast and uneven. Mo Wen gritted his teeth, despair in his voice.
Dr. Chan's mouth twitched, trying to stay composed,"Maybe it's just a piece of plastic? You're too tense."
"Trust me!" Mo Wen almost shouted, his voice raw with fear."This mine—it's called the Bonecracker! I know that sound—it's got a unique trigger! I—I wouldn't mistake it!"
Dr. Chan's expression turned serious, about to speak—
A cold, low voice suddenly came from the bushes behind them,
"He's right. It's a Bonecracker, modified for greater power… if you move, you'll never stand again."
The voice was like a cold splash of water, making Mo Wen and Dr. Chan's faces turn pale.
(To be continued...)