Chapter 59: Choosing the Moment

The Wilbur family’s research base is divided into four primary sectors. First is the Research Sector, where personnel conduct theoretical experiments. Next is the Experimental Sector, where researchers focus on perfecting the studies. Then there is the Intelligence Sector, where agents gather information to support the research. Finally, the Security Sector houses the guards responsible for the safety of the entire facility.

Above these four sectors lies the Central Zone. Only Qiong and Noah have access to this, the true heart of the research, which is filled with countless experimental subjects. The most sensitive data is stored in the innermost terminal. It is worth noting that this terminal is not connected to any network; stealing the secrets requires physical infiltration and navigating through the area occupied by the experimental subjects. Relying on hacking is a mere delusion.

Adam’s mission is to consume a special drug, traverse the Central Zone, steal the research data, and transmit it to Human Sector One. The operation is fraught with difficulty, especially since the Wilbur family is on high alert following Ke Quan’s recent death. However, Adam has no other choice. This is the final opportunity, and success is paramount. It is a critical component of humanity’s future, and he cannot allow anyone to jeopardize it.

The experiment aims to synthesize humans with demons, creating the ultimate combat "weapon." These monstrous entities, when attacking, emit the negative emotions unique to demons—a terror that only those who have experienced it can truly grasp. Even individuals with over fifty percent brain development will fall into madness and death when faced with these emotions. The negative aura of a Level 1 demon differs from that of a Level 2, and the intensity increases with the demon’s rank. When Xia Yan first executed a mission for the organization, he encountered a Level 1 demon. Even with his indomitable will, he barely withstood the effects; he knew he would have perished instantly against a Level 2. This serves as a testament to the lethality of these subjects.

As the research is not yet complete, the personnel cannot fully control these subjects and must keep them confined in the highly fortified Central Zone to prevent them from wandering. It is the most heavily defended area in the entire base. Who could possibly walk through it?

The subjects look human at first glance, but their expressions are wild and beastly. There are over a hundred of them, and notably, a layer of black mist emanates from their heads. Even without a direct attack, the mere diffusion of this mist is enough to infiltrate an intruder’s body, driving them to madness and death.

Adam enters the Central Zone and swallows the special drug. He immediately feels an overwhelming pressure, and a mouthful of blood erupts from his lips. His head rings incessantly, yet he maintains enough sanity to push forward. The side effects of the drug are severe; consumption is a death sentence. Furthermore, the drug merely suppresses the negative emotions rather than eliminating them. Adam’s death will be agonizing, yet he is resolute. He must reach the core, secure the data, and transmit it to Lady Gong Kui. He cannot die until then. Absolutely not.

"Move!" Adam grunts, staring into the grey mist ahead. As he steps inside, the heavy doors seal shut, and the black mist surges toward him. The humanoid subjects, acting like frenzied zombies from science fiction, lunge at him without a shred of reason.

"Do not get bogged down. Get through as quickly as possible," Adam thinks wildly. He rushes forward, his body instantly hardening into a metallic state that shines with a heavy, impenetrable sheen. Yet, as he encounters the black mist, blood spills from his lips; he can feel his internal organs beginning to rupture. "Push through. Complete Lady Gong Kui’s mission." He disregards his own safety, knowing he lacks the clearance for this zone; if his presence is discovered, escape will be impossible.

In Human Sector One, at Lady Gong Kui’s estate, she cannot reach Adam, but she knows this is the most critical moment. He must succeed; the future of humanity depends on this data. This duty must be fulfilled at all costs.

Gong Kui is uncharacteristically anxious. Why has the plan become so difficult to control? The failure regarding the Chain of Purity and the death of Ke Quan have disrupted the perfect strategy. If they had the Chain of Purity, Adam’s task would be far easier. Unfortunately, they encountered two lunatics: Tao Lu, who drove the price to 145 diamond credits, and Xia Yan, who raised it to 150. This cost them the item and the lives of five operatives.

Who does Adam hate most? Without question, it is Xia Yan. He would kill him if he could, but that is no longer an option. His final mission is to relay the data. While he also hates the man who killed Ke Quan, it pales in comparison to his hatred for Xia Yan. Little does he know, those two are the same person.

Simultaneously, at the edge of the research base, Xia Yan is inspecting the area as a guard. Xiao Qing has established contact, finding it easier to penetrate the perimeter to communicate with him. However, this has its limits; even on the outskirts, prolonged contact risks raising suspicion.

"What are you doing, Xia Yan?" Xiao Qing asks, clearly annoyed. "Look at this mess. You killed everyone, and now the internal situation is in chaos."

"Stand by for a while," Emilia suggests. "We cannot act now."

Xia Yan ponders the situation, calculating the most advantageous move to make.