Tang Xiao walked out of the restroom and headed toward the masked man without hesitation.
The young man who broke away from the normal queuing team attracted a lot of attention. The masked man turned a blind eye until Tang Xiao walked before him and cast a shadow on him. He said lazily, “Please line up.”
“I have something urgent to discuss with you.” Tang Xiao said with a grave expression. “It’s about the security of the venue.”
The masked man remained silent for a while. Tang Xiao couldn't see his expression because of the mask. Before Tang Xiao could speak again, the masked man stood up and said, “Go over there and speak. If anything goes wrong, you will be held fully responsible.”
“Okay.”
They came to a secluded corner, not far from the team, and they could ensure that the door was still in the field of vision. The masked man said, “Why don’t you find the supervisor?”
Hearing this, Tang Xiao revealed a puzzled look and asked rhetorically, “Isn’t it the superpower people in charge of the security issues?”
The masked man did not say anything for a while. The marvelous thing was that the masked man did not leave any holes where he could look at things. However, Tang Xiao could feel this person was examining his entire body. The masked man let out a light laugh. “Well. Say it.”
Tang Xiao took a deep breath and told the man what he had told the supervisor. He suspected that a spy would make a move at the presentation.
“I know I have no evidence, so I hope you can also enter the presentation venue as a backup.”
“Alas. I just want to be lazy outside because I can’t understand all that mighty research.” The masked man sighed but didn’t refuse Tang Xiao’s request. “Alright. I know, you go in.”
He didn’t doubt Tang Xiao’s words, nor did he say anything similar to how Tang Xiao would be if this was fake news. Probably it was just a little difference of one more step for him. Tang Xiao glanced at the masked man suspiciously, suspecting that he was only perfunctory. However, he still walked ahead and entered the venue.
The short-haired man, also known as Li Ji, was looking for Tang Xiao. When he saw the man come in, he hurriedly waved at him. “Tang, here.”
However, Tang Xiao didn’t walk to Li Ji’s safe for him. After scanning the entire layout of the field for a few moments, he chose a position that was neither forward nor backward. He even waved at Li Ji to signal him to come over.
Although Li Ji felt puzzled, he still went over to Tang Xiao. “Why don’t you go sit there?”
“No reason. I think the view here is clearer.” Tang Xiao said, “Anyway, there’s no seating rules.”
Thinking about it, Li Ji didn’t bother going back and sat down next to Tang Xiao.
Before the presentation began, Tang Xiao was relieved to notice that the masked man had appeared in the back seat.
The presentation started as usual, not much different from the process before. Tang Xiao was too distracted to pay attention to the possible disaster to be in the mood to listen to what was said on the stage, which was more or less the same as the first time.
He waited until a certain point in time when the mutation started again.
An explosion sounded, and Tang Xiao subconsciously turned his head to look in the direction of the masked man. He raised his head to look at the falling stone, but he did not avoid or dodge. As the stone was falling, he suddenly stretched out his hand. The huge stone stalled as if it had been pressed on pause at a height of two meters from the ground.
There was a roar. The other two entrances and exits, except for the left rear door and the slack-off scientists sitting in the back where the masked man had been, were buried like before.
Tang Xiao looked straight at the only exit behind the masked man. His mood was uplifted. Sure enough, a change had appeared, and this time he might be able to save a lot of people.
But the disaster was not just a falling stone.
Immediately afterward, screams rang out across the field. Just like last time, there were infected people in the venue suddenly attacking the others.
Fortunately, there was no source of infection around Tang Xiao’s location. While most people were still in a daze, Tang Xiao immediately reacted and went to the masked man and said urgently, “Quick! Quarantine the source of infection. Let the others escape quickly!”
The masked man stood still without speaking. He pushed Tang Xiao away and eagerly rushed toward the stage. “Dr. Feng!”
Tang Xiao was pushed away but did not get angry. Seeing an exit nearby, the other people did not even think and ran toward the door. They tried to push the door but were shocked to find how it couldn’t be pushed.
Tang Xiao tried to help, but couldn't push the object either. He wasn't sure if it was an illusion. He noticed a faint fluorescent light in the door frame.
He subconsciously looked in the direction of the masked man but found that the other party was protecting Dr. Feng on the stage and was looking here. Feng Shuyun stood on the stage without any repercussions, and his expression was unsightly.
Gradually, everyone was dodging the infected while unconsciously approaching the only exit. The crowd completely squeezed Tang Xiao and Lodge in the center, unable to move. There were still people who kept scolding.
“Open the door ah! Are you stupid?!”
“Fuck. Do you think we don’t want to? We can’t push it!”
“Use some force! Get out!”
“Don’t push, don’t push me!”
In the face of a life-and-death crisis, a researcher who was usually calm was no different from an ordinary person at this moment.
The faint fluorescent light on the door was not just visible to Tang Xiao, a high-ranking scientist reacted and the masked man roared from the stage. “Surname Tang! What are you doing?! Hurry up and put away your superpowers. Let us go out!”
Tang Xiao froze. Not only for the familiar surname but also for the words that followed. What do you mean? The one who stopped them from escaping was…
The masked man was still standing next to Feng Shuyun, without any action. Normal people didn’t even know that the door couldn’t be opened because of the other party. He didn’t have any reaction. Instead, he glanced at Feng Shuyun. A few seconds later, Dr. Feng walked to the podium and picked up the microphone:
“Sorry. But everyone present can’t go out.”
“What the fuck do you mean?!”
The others couldn’t help but curse.
“Everyone is doing research. You should know how precarious the spread of zombie mushrooms is.” Feng Shuyun’s expression dimmed. “There are two stages of zombie mushroom infection. The first stage of the latent period. At this time, there will be no signs of infection. In the second stage of the manifestation period, spores can be infected through wounds, at which the mushroom grows to the surface of the skin and spreads its spores through the air.”
Tang Xiao noticed that the infected person, who had been immobilized by the masked man's superpower, had a visible sporocarp growing on his skin.
(The sporocarp of fungi is a multicellular structure on which spore-producing structures)
The presentation lasted over 40 minutes and was an enclosed place. The spores had long since completed their mass infection.
“In other words. There is a high probability that the people present, even if you are not bitten, already have zombie mushrooms in their bodies. Once you escape, the entire Third Eye may perish under this disaster.”
After speaking, Feng Shuyun paused and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry. Everyone needs to stay here for now and wait for help.”
There was silence in the audience.
Although Feng Shuyun did not make it clear, the implication of her words was clear to all present.
Sacrifices by those present were required to prevent the spores from spreading out.
The scientists who understood this were paralyzed and fell to the ground weakly.
The masked man killed those infected people who had entered the second stage with his superpower. The casualties didn’t continue to grow and the spores would be inactivated when they lost their hosts. However, everyone knew that there was no meaning because there were still potentially infected people here.
They didn’t know how many had any hope of surviving, maybe 0. Here, wisdom had lost its meaning.
Tang Xiao knew that the rescue wouldn’t come that fast because the same explosion had occurred outside in the experimental building.
At this time, the [Infected] reminder appeared on his panel.
Every five minutes, the debuff would deduct HP and inspiration. As time went on, the mushroom gradually took over the body, bringing death closer.
Tang Xiao just lightly glanced at the panel and left the crowd alone, heading toward the presentation’s podium.
His sudden move drew gazes from all around, including the masked man on the presentation podium and Feng Shuyun.
The masked man took a step forward, as if to stop him from approaching. Feng Shuyun spoke up at that moment. “Is he the one you were talking about before?”
The masked man paused. “Yes.”
“Let him come over.”
Tang Xiao walked up the Feng Shuyun and the masked man. Feng Shuyun spoke with interest. “You’re the one who discovered the spy?”
“En. I’m just doubting it.” Tang Xiao answered cautiously.
“Now. It seems that your doubts were correct.”
“Sorry. I still can’t stop it.”
“What are you apologizing for?” Feng Shuyun said lightly, “It’s obvious that they are coming for my achievements. This has to be planned for a long time. Of course, it’s not that easy to stop.”
Tang Xiao couldn’t help asking. “Why don’t you put that detection device in the security check in the first place?”
“It is still in progress and not finished. We have produced a trial unit that is now being debugged in the lab.” Feng Shuyun smiled helplessly. “But now the laboratory is probably in bad shape as well… Fortunately, the data and information are backed up. So even if I die, the others will be able to reproduce the results of this research. In the end, we win.”
Saying that, a faint smile appeared on Feng Shuyun’s face.
Why is she still smiling when she is going to die?
Tang Xiao looked at this strange NPC in a daze and subconsciously asked this question.
“En? Do you still need to say this?” Feng Shuyun looked out into the field, perhaps the death of people. Her frowning eyebrows showed a soft relief at this moment. “Because I have proven that wisdom has once again triumphed over chaos and bestiality. They are doing this to us because they fear us.”
Tang Xiao was a bit confused.
“Once upon a time, long, long ago. In the face of a world ravaged by mushrooms, two human beings in the wilderness made the following vow.”
The masked man lazily opened his mouth. His low, magnetic voice through the mask was a bit vague, but its timbre made Tang Xiao feel familiar.
“The first person said that only unity could save human beings. So, he went and lobbied the country and established the largest survivor base in the wilderness—— Alliance, a common government of human beings composed of large and small countries.”
“The second person said that only wisdom could save human beings. In the face of the crisis of human survival, all moral codes should be put aside. So, he ran away from the Alliance and founded the Third Eye, a purely scientists institution where all research that goes against human ethics and morals can be conducted. Where all means can be dispensed with to save the future of human beings.”
“The second person said that only evolution could save human beings. Since the mushrooms had ruled the world for the sake of the continuation of human beings, one should voluntarily embrace divine evolution. Even if one were to fall into a breeding ground for the mushrooms, and thus the present-day Huigui sect.”
Tang Xiao had already vaguely understood that it was the game’s worldview. Just then, another scientist suddenly lost control and lurched hideously at the surrounding people, only to be held in the air by the masked man lifting his hand and using his superpower.”
Looking at the person who had completely lost his mind, with mycelium growing on his surface, looking no different from the zombies in movies and TV dramas. Tang Xiao was filled with disbelief. “Is this also considered salvation?”
“Some studies have shown that even when they have been completely infected by the mushroom, the humans who are the hosts still retain self-awareness. Only their body muscles were being forcibly manipulated by the mushroom, but their consciousness is awake.” Feng Shuyun said faintly, “Even when they are on the verge of death, the parasitic mushroom begins to die. They can spit out some simple words.”
At this time, the blood vessels under Feng Shuyun’s skin became purple, which was a sign of gradually stepping from the first stage into the second stage of infection. Even so, the divine light in her eyes was still moving:
“The most that was said was, ‘Kill me’.”
Tang Xiao froze for a moment and fell silent.
“I think what makes human beings great is our wisdom.” Feng Shuyun said, “Not just simply to live, but to live freely and with pride. However, if we are deprived of even the freedom to die and to think, are we still human?”
It was just a game line, just the script setting, but in this paragraph, it turned into a breeze blowing through Tang Xiao’s heart. He subconsciously held his breath gently.
Words were charming. It wasn’t until this moment now that he finally felt some sense of empathy and sympathy for the game’s worldview.
Tang Xiao suddenly said. “Dr. Feng. There are a few more questions I want to ask about the thesis you wrote. Can you teach me?”
“Now?” Feng Shuyun asked in surprise.
“I’m going to die anyway.” Tang Xiao sat cross-legged on the ground with a calm expression. “I don’t want to die with doubts. I’ll die without resting in peace.”
Feng Shuyun thought about it. There was really no reason to refuse, and it didn’t take long anyway.
At the end of life, Feng Shuyun also no longer abides by any rules and regulations. Learning from Tang Xiao, she also sat cross-legged on the ground. They carried out the final academic discussion of life on the content of the thesis.
One by one, the infected people who lost their reason were killed by the masked-man. Some committed suicide in despair, and some couldn’t muster up the courage until they lost their reason and became part of the infected team.
The blood almost dyed the venue red, leaving only the podium as the only clean place. In a space full of unknown spores, weak scientists talked freely about their thoughts on the results of their research. The sparks of wisdom flashed constantly in their conversation, but they were in danger.
The divine light in Feng Shuyun’s eyes became weaker and weaker. From the original eloquence, it seemed that wisdom could no longer keep up with the turbid thinking, and could not keep up with the speed of the mushroom infection in the body.
The silence grew longer and longer. Just as Tang Xiao thought that Feng Shuyun’s will had completely disappeared, she lowered her head. She said slowly and reluctantly, “I still want to… see, the day of victory.”
Tang Xiao remained silent.
“You will see it.”
Tang Xiao didn’t see the bloody red mycelium violently push open the door the next moment as he loaded the archive.
Load the archive.
Tang Xiao opened his eyes again. As expected, it was the time when he was rejected before.
He returned to his whiteboard. As expected, the short-haired man next door came over to talk to him again. Tang Xiao nodded indifferently and agreed. Just as they were about to walk together, Tang Xiao’s face suddenly changed, and waved at the short-haired man. “Sorry, you go first. I want to go to the toilet.”
After saying that, Tang Xiao hurriedly ran away without waiting for the person to say anything.
Tang Xiao ran into the toilet at lightning speed and almost bumped into other scientists along the way. After rushing into the toilet stall, Tang Xiao quickly took out the small piece of mycelium from his pocket and whispered angrily. “What’s wrong with you?”
God knows. Tang Xiao didn’t realize when the 428 was hidden in his pocket at first. The archived were there, and it was impossible to stop 428 before it got in. Fortunately, 428 stayed in the pocket obediently and didn’t move around except for the last moment before.
…That’s right. Why did 428 make a unique move this time, even though it didn’t move around before?
The small, blood-red mycelium that looked like a bamboo worm wriggled for a moment, and then wrote in his palm:
“...Why haven’t you given up yet?”
Tang Xiao was stunned for a moment, and his heart began to beat faster.
“What do you mean?”
However, no matter how much Tang Xiao asked, 428 did not respond. It was as if it was just a meta element under the official bad taste (The game character breaking the fourth wall).
The two sides were in a stalemate for a long time. Tang Xiao noticed that there was not much time. He gritted his teeth and gave up on getting to the bottom of the matter. He said to 428, “Listen carefully. I have come up with a way to have Third Eye revoke your destruction decision, but I need your cooperation.”
Originally, Tang Xiao planned to use this somewhat risky method only when the presentation was finished but now is a good time.
Huigui sect’s attacks were divided into two parts: one was to attack scientific researchers at the venue, and the other was to blow up the laboratory. Tang Xiao’s task was to have 428 come out on its own and confront the armed forces when they blew up the laboratory. Anyone who was not blind could notice the changes in this organization and finally throw the blame on Huigui sect.
However, the only problem with this plan… was that it required 428’s cooperation.
If it refused to do it, then no matter how much Tang Xiao planned, it would be in vain.
Tang Xiao couldn’t leave here. What he could do was try his best to save the scientific researchers at the venue, especially Feng Shuyun, to prevent the spread of the infection and minimize the damage.
At this time, the broadcast outside suddenly sounded. It was a sign that the Achievement Conference was about to begin. Tang Xiao had already explained the plan to 428.
“You can choose whatever you want.”
Tang Xiao took a deep breath and left the toilet.
After several failures, Tang Xiao figured out that the key to stopping this incident was to prevent the progress of this Achievement Conference.
There was nothing wrong with his original thinking, but the person he found was the wrong person. Although the high-level officials in the Third Eye had the right to delay the Achievement Conference, they might also be the Huigui sect’s spies among them. It was useless.
So, who else can postpone the Achievement Conference?
There’s only one answer.
Tang Xiao circled the venue several times, patiently waiting for the person to appear.
His strange behavior attracted the attention of many people around him. Even the security guard in charge couldn’t help but look in Tang Xiao’s direction. Many scientists who were queuing also looked at his side.
“En? Isn’t that Tang Xiao?” A researcher in the same laboratory as Tang Xiao noticed. Hearing this, Lodge subconsciously turned his head to look in Tang Xiao’s direction. After a few glances, he turned his head away.
“What’s wrong Lodge? Aren’t you that newcomer’s follower? Did you quarrel?” Someone sneered.
“Shut up, Claus. You don’t have to worry about my business.” Lodge replied coldly.
The short-haired man who had a few encounters with Tang Xiao before thought that Tang Xiao had finished using the toilet and waved in his direction. “Here!”
The young man turned his head, glanced at the queue, and then looked away without hesitation, heading in another direction.
“Tang! Where are you going? That’s not the entrance.”
The short-haired man saw Tang Xiao walking toward the door near the podium of the Achievement Conference, and a gentle-looking old woman walked over and was talking to the surrounding staff.
“...No way. He’s not planning to go up there, right??”
That old woman was the person Tang Xiao had been looking for. He was also the keynote speaker of this presentation, Feng Shuyun.
However, several security guards were following her. When they saw Tang Xiao trying to get closer, these powerful men in uniform stepped forward to stop him. Tang Xiao said that he had something to discuss with Dr. Feng, but these people had a straight face and had no intention of letting him go.
Seeing that Dr. Feng was about to enter, Tang Xiao gritted her teeth and shouted, “Dr. Feng! Please wait a moment! I want to talk to you about this thesis.”
“Let’s talk about it after the presentation begins.”
“Don’t you find the formula on page 12, line 5, a little strange?”
His voice directly shocked the security guards who maintained order, the scientists who were queuing up to enter the venue, and even the masked man sitting leisurely in chairs who looked over curiously.
Tang Xiao completely ignored what the surrounding people thought. He stared at Feng Shuyun’s reaction.
Feng Shuyun was stunned for a moment. This time, she finally stopped and looked at Tang Xiao. “Let him come over.”
Tang Xiao calmly approached, and Feng Shuyun saw the sign on his chest. He was just an unknown researcher who had not yet been graded. In the evaluation system of the Third Eye, he was the lowest researcher, a temporary researcher, and the most inconspicuous existence in the laboratory.
But his face was young and handsome, and his glasses, which had slipped because of a mess, exposed his beautiful eyebrows and eyes. Unlike those small people who tried to approach her by various means in their daily lives, this young man had a pair of inexperienced but determined eyes.
Feng Shuyun did not immediately believe Tang Xiao's words. Instead, she calmly took out the thesis and read it again, especially the formula Tang Xiao mentioned.
A second or two passed. Under Tang Xiao's nervous gaze, Feng Shuyun finally raised her head. She glanced at Tang Xiao and didn't speak. Instead, she used her bracelet to send some messages.
Five minutes later, Feng Shuyun received a reply. The expression on her face changed instantly. She felt angry, but also glad. She looked deeply at Tang Xiao and said, “Have you read my paper in advance?”
“A staff member posted a simplified version of the paper in the lobby 20 minutes ago. I took a rough look at it. Because I was very interested, I asked the staff member to give me the full version.” Tang Xiao explained.
This is indeed true. Tang Xiao found an opportunity to do this after leaving the toilet just now.
“Did you notice this mistake in just such a short time?” Feng Shuyun asked in surprise.
“I have researched this field before,” Tang Xiao explained with a forced smile.
“Oh?” Feng Shuyun squinted her eyes and suddenly asked, “So do you understand the part I wrote about 'string protein'?”
“I think your inspiration came from the conjecture in the last paragraph of Dr. Wei Helii's ‘Protein Agglutination: A New Mechanism of Mushroom Cell Activity’ in 1990.” Tang Xiao answered quickly, “50 years ago, Dr. Wei already proposed that there is a special protein in mushroom cells, but it is impossible to extract it because of the technology of that era, and you have enhanced the gene display part based on this…”
As Tang Xiao explained, Feng Shuyun’s expression gradually changed from casual to serious. She had some doubts about Tang Xiao’s words, but knowledge couldn’t deceive people.
If it wasn’t for something more important, Feng Shuyun would love to take Tang Xiao to the conference room outside to discuss it further.
Now she truly believes that Tang Xiao has indeed studied this field.
Under the repeated reminders of the staff at the side, Feng Shuyun interrupted Tang Xiao with some reluctance and continued to ask, “So, you calculated this formula?”
Tang Xiao braced himself and said, “No. I just think it’s a little strange to come up with this data. I haven’t had a chance to calculate it yet.”
Feng Shuyun had a strange look in her eyes and said, “You dare to stop me just because it’s a little strange? What if I really falsify the data?”
Tang Xiao managed to remain calm, pushed up his glasses, and handed out his thesis under Feng Shuyun’s stunned gaze. “I don’t think you are such a person. Someone told me that if I could attract your attention at the presentation, it might be helpful to promote the thesis.”
“...Just for this?” Feng Shuyun was surprised. She glanced at the title of the thesis and knew Tang Xiao’s purpose. “You did all this to promote your thesis and restart the project?”
Suddenly, there was a tremble in Tang Xiao’s pocket.
“Yes. It’s very important.” Tang Xiao didn’t notice this strangeness, just emphasized. “I think this project still has potential. 428 is definitely not just as described in Bader’s thesis. It has more possibilities that humans can’t fathom. It’s far more precious and powerful than we imagine.”
“So, I don’t think we can give it up.”
428 just listened quietly in his pocket, with complex emotions and unfamiliar feelings surging in its mind.
It already knew Tang Xiao's plan, and everything he did was for this.
Is it a lie? Or is it a truth? It seems to have mixed and become unimportant.
Tang Xiao's heart stirred, but before he could think carefully, Feng Shuyun spoke up:
“Aren’t you afraid of making mistakes?”
“I have already offended a Level 5 Scientist. I don’t mind offending another one.” Tang Xiao snapped out of his daze and said to the scientist.
Feng Shuyun’s eyes twitched slightly, but she didn’t know what to say for a moment. She could only put away Tang Xiao’s thesis. “I know. I will read your thesis later. Give me your email.”
Tang Xiao casually gave his email.
“What about the presentation? A staff member asked cautiously.
“Let's postpone for now.” Feng Shuyun didn't hesitate. After recalculating the correct data, she realized that someone must have tampered with the laboratory. Unless there were any unexpected reasons, it was the laboratory that was competing with her. Since she already knew their purpose, she naturally couldn't act recklessly and would carefully check the content of the thesis to see if any other places were tampered with.
As a Level 5 Scientist, she was qualified to delay the presentation. It was only for an hour, it wouldn’t take long.
Hearing Feng Shuyun’s response, Tang Xiao didn’t relax. The presentation was only postponed, but it was not enough for his plan.
The light in Tang Xiao’s eyes flickered as he said, “I heard that Dr. Feng’s research has produced a specific result. Is that ready to be used?”
Feng Shuyun said, “Yes. But we are still conducting final testing.”
“I think… it’s better to move it over and show it to everyone.” Tang Xiao said, “After all, it’s a great achievement. If there’s a small foreshadowing, everyone will look forward to it even more.”
Saying that, Tang Xiao smiled. “Moreover, taking photos also produces better results. When it’s written in newspapers or textbooks, you can write explanations on the side. This presentation will be the first time that the testing instrument has been put into use.”
Upon hearing this, Feng Shuyun pondered deeply. She indeed made a prototype. She had never thought of moving it, but Tang Xiao's suggestion was too tempting.
A person’s life is nothing more than wealth and fame. Can any scientific researcher resist the temptation of everlasting fame? No, right?
Even the staff next to her was a little excited. This is a moment to witness history!
“Alright. I’ll do as you say.” Feng Shuyun said, “In that case, let’s pout the prototype at the security check. Everyone who has personally experienced the test may become more curious.”
Tang Xiao was overjoyed, barely maintaining his composure and nodded.
If the results of this thesis were true, the mushroom hidden in the human body could also be detected. Currently, those infected bodies had not yet entered the manifestation stage, and their infectivity was not as strong, which could minimize the scope of the disaster.
Although he couldn’t hear what they were saying, seeing that Tang Xiao was really having a good conversation with Feng Shuyun, the short-haired man queuing up in the distance was amazed. “It’s amazing. Really? It really worked. When I told him this proposal, I said it casually. Sure enough, people still have to be thick-skinned to succeed.”
Lodge and a group of laboratory researchers responded with a complicated look. Originally, they thought that the other party was overestimating his abilities, but now it seems that it’s not the case.
That’s Feng Shuyun, who is a Level 5 Scientist like Bader. However, unlike Bader, who is already hovering on the brink of relegation, the other party has just developed a result that can change the world. Now, is she favoring a whimsical new researcher?
What’s wrong with this world?
Especially Lodge. He turned his head and the words Tang Xiao had said before came to his mind more than once.
Just when everyone was in a mixed mood. Something even more strange happened. Some staff members said that there were some changes in the content of today’s presentation. They would have to wait for an extra hour, and everyone would need to go through security again.
“What are you doing?” Suddenly, someone complained. “Does Feng Shuyun think we have a lot of time?”
“Why do I have to go for another security check?”
“That’s right. We’re here for the presentation, not to line up.”
“Please be quiet!” The staff was working hard to maintain order. “There’s a reason for going through security twice. So, please trust us.”
He failed to notice that a few people in the group turned pale at the news that they would have to wait an extra hour.
They had taken out the mushroom virus, but right now most of the hosts were still in stage 1 incubation. However, an hour’s delay would likely result in someone moving into stage 2, which in turn would expose the fact that there were infected people here.
With the superpowers around, it wasn’t quite an unmanageable state of affairs as long as they didn’t enter stage 2, which was inconsistent with their plans.
“Hmph. What about Dr. Feng? Her arrogance is so big. Even if you already pass the security check before the presentation, you still need to go through it twice?”
“Yeah. I don’t think this presentation is worth listening to. Let’s go.”
Those who said that pulled the researcher beside them to leave. The staff tried several times to persuade them but couldn’t do anything about it.
Tang Xiao noticed that side and hooked his lips. Wanting to leave?
Tang Xiao poked his hand into his pocket. A signal he had previously agreed to with 428 while keeping his eyes fixed on the backs of the people.
Whether or not we can stop them here depends on whether or not 428 will come in as planned.
Du, du, du
Seeing those people were about to leave this place, Tang Xiao could not help but bite the tip of his tongue. Really can’t do it…
He slowly pulled his hands out of his pockets. However, at this moment, everyone heard several loud noises coming from outside!
The scientists present froze. The masked man was the first to react. “Everyone stay where you are! Don’t move without permission!”
One of the security said, “Let me see what happened.”
A few people in the group instantly panicked. How could there be an explosion when they clearly hadn’t even started moving?
Tang Xiao pursed mouth finally relaxed, glancing down at his pockets.
Luckily…
It was smooth here. However, Tang Xiao did not get carried away and calmly saved a file.
A few spies from Huigui sect felt uncomfortable.
Once an explosion accident occurred, the source of the explosion would be investigated. It might be necessary to check the entire laboratory building area…
Once a large number of bombs were identified, the presentation would have to be canceled. The scouts they had planned for so many days, even at the expense of exposing, would be rendered ineffective.
There was no going back.
Someone gave a wink. The remaining people gradually approached the exit.
“Wait. Where are you going?” The masked man stood up. “I told you it was dangerous out there.”
“We… want to go to the restroom.”
The masked man let out an ‘oh’ and suddenly rubbed his chin. He said, “Wow. A couple of big guys going to the restroom together? Kinda gross eh.”
At this time, the testing machine was also carried over. The masked man smiled and said, “Everyone. The testing prototype is here. Since you’re in a hurry to go to the restroom, you should try it out first. So that you don’t have to queue up in line to get it. Don’t you think so?”
Those few people didn’t say anything. They just suddenly glanced at each other and immediately fled. After running some distance, those people’s figures were fixed in place. The masked man opened his hand in their direction, his voice was very cold. “It’s okay. You guys aren’t leaving. It’s only right for me to help you guys out.”
After speaking, he forcibly dragged the bodies of those people to the testing machine to take blood samples. Soon, the machine on top lit up with purple light.
The surrounding people had gradually come to terms with it. Whether it was the escape of those people just now or the sudden increase in security. It seemed unusual, especially for the few scientists who knew the content of Feng Shuyun’s research, whose expressions were extremely ugly at this moment.
“This purple light… what does it represent?”
“They have been infected.” Although there had been speculation, the moment it was really confirmed, the masked man’s mood was so bad that he looked at all the people in the queue and said, “From now on, no one can leave the original place. Test one by one!”
The staff immediately reacted and reported to their superiors one after another. Other armed forces began to rush over. Tang Xiao saw this scene from a distance and finally calmed down. Very good, the situation changed.
Everything is within the plan.
“This…” Feng Shuyun didn’t expect such a change. She couldn’t help but look at Tang Xiao for a while, only to see that he also looked surprised.
But at this moment, the explosion came again. This time it was inside the venue!
Tang Xiao instinctively tackled Feng Shuyun beside him at the moment of the explosion. His head buzzed under the impact of the explosion.
Who?
Where was the bomb buried?
When Tang Xiao struggled to get up, he found that the deep pit of the explosion was not far away from him. The scientists around him were frightened, thinking that bombs had also been installed in the venue. They immediately screamed and some people hurriedly ran towards the exit in panic.
It was the people of the Huigui sect who were mixed in the crowd who took action!
This thought flashed through Tang Xiao’s mind. At the same time, he understood their plan to use the chaotic crowd to send the infected people out.
In that case, his efforts will be in vain!
Tang Xiao gritted his teeth and stood up, instinctively looking at Feng Shuyun. However, he found that the color of the floor on her left seemed to darken a little.
Bang!
The explosion occurred again. This time Tang Xiao failed to react and watched Feng Shuyun being blown to pieces under his eyes.
The foul-smelling blood drenched Tang Xiao’s body. His entire vision turned red.
Tang Xiao: “...”
In extreme situations, the human brain often enters a state of self-protection. For example, Tang Xiao is now. Because the incident happened suddenly, he didn’t think about anything. He even stared at the deep pit that appeared again on the floor and an idea popped up in his mind.
It turned out that it was not the bomb buried in the venue, but the superpower with this ability.
En. Pay attention for the next time.
Load the archive.
Fortunately, Tang Xiao had just archived before the block. This time, Tang Xiao stared at the people in the queue to observe. When the explosion sounded, he pulled Feng Shuyun to hide behind.
Avoiding the first explosion, the crowd was as chaotic as the last one. The masked man thought he had been hit by a bomb and instinctively stopped the chaotic crowd, but at this moment, the second explosion followed.
Tang Xiao, who was well prepared, once again tackled Feng Shuyun and used himself to block the strong wind of the explosion himself.
This time, the masked man finally realized that there was a hostile superpower. This person also continued to target Feng Shuyun.
The masked man hesitated between protecting Feng Shuyun and stopping the fleeing crowd. However, the situation would not wait for him. At this moment, the explosion sounded again, and Tang Xiao’s eyes darkened as he died again.
Load the archive
Once, twice, four times…
Tang Xiao had forgotten how many times he had already loaded the archive. There was only one obsession to complete this level to support him.
Come again!
Finally, after prolonged observation, Tang Xiao confirmed several key points of the superpower’s ability to activate.
First, it can only detonate the stone
Second, the color of the stone will become darker before detonation
Third, detonation requires energy. The power of continuous detonation will decrease
And most importantly, the fourth.
While he was rolling around in a mess, there was a man who stood where he was all the time!
For the 15th time, when the first explosion sounded, Tang Xiao quickly threw Feng Shuyun down. Then, he stood up and locked his gaze on someone in the crowd who was looking straight at them. “It’s him! Grab him!”
The masked man didn’t hesitate and immediately used his superpower to control the person pointed at by Tang Xiao. The person’s expression became flustered and wanted to argue, but the sequelae of forcibly interrupting his ability caused a little black-red blood to flow out of the corner of his mouth.
Needless to say, the masked man, who was also a superpower, immediately took control of him. He lifted his arm and gave him a sudden squeeze.
The superpower’s neck was forcibly twisted. The masked man controlled his body to fly into the air, saying coldly, “Everyone calms down. If you dare to run around again, this will be the end.”
Under the absolute violence and gruesome corpse, the crowd calmed down like lambs.
“Line up one by one at the safety exit and pass the inspection machine to get out. I will keep an eye on each of you.”
Under the cold but clear order, no matter how reluctant the scientists were, they could only start lining up. The masked man also kept his promise. If there were people suspected of acting strangely in the queue, they would be immediately controlled.
But at this moment, a staff member silently approached Feng Shuyun.
Tang Xiao stood next to Feng Shuyun. Seeing this, his brain pushed Feng Shuyun away like a conditioned reflex and grabbed the man’s wrist with his hand.
The staff turned his wrist. The sharp blade instantly cut Tang Xiao’s arm.
The masked man instantly brought the man under control, and his complexion was ugly. “Why are there so many cockroaches?”
The staff member holding the dead weight down looked up with a smile that implied provocation and said, “Don’t you know that cockroaches are born in abundance?”
“By the time one was found, it was everywhere.”
The masked man expressionlessly snapped his neck, and then looked at Tang Xiao.
Feng Shuyun hovered on the brink of death twice in a row. Now, her brain was still clouded. Subconsciously, she also looked at Tang Xiao. “Are you alright?”
“I’m alright.” Tang Xiao said lightly.
Strange.
The mentality collapsed.
He looked at the [infected] alert that appeared his panel and thought silently.
“Xiao Tang…” Feng Shuyun looked toward Tang Xiao, especially the injury on Tang Xiao’s arm. “Quick-quickly check him out.”
“Don’t come over yet.” Tang Xiao took a step back calmly. “You guys go first. Dr. Feng, you can’t suffer lost here.”
“But you.”
“I’m fine.” Tang Xiao said, but he loaded the archive again.
Unfortunately, this time it was really close. He made every move perfectly without delaying even a second. He really thought he could pass this time.
Those who play perverted games on a regular basis should be able to relate to this feeling.
Played meticulously until the last level, played perfectly, and then go KO’d by a surprise minion.
He could load the archive, but his mentality exploded.
In the end, a total of 5 infiltrators with stage 1 infection were detected. Those 5 people cried out in disbelief when they saw the results, completely unaware of when they were infected. The masked man didn’t care about that, he just used his superpower to control the ropes and tie them.
Once the last of the group was out of the security passage, the masked man looked at the only person in the venue who hadn’t been tested.
The overly young scintific genius stood in the hall, looking at him calmly. The masked man thought he was looking at himself, but upon closer inspection, there seemed to be nothing in his eyes, no resentment, no grudge, not even the sadness that his life was coming to an end.
There was only a blank void.
At this moment, the masked man was stunned.
“... According to the regulations, the infected person will be dealt immediately, no matter who it is.”
Tang Xiao: “I know.”
“But you’re the one who saved Dr. Feng’s life.” The masked man said as he unbuttoned his handgun from his belt and tossed it to him.
Tang Xiao caught the weapon and raised his eyes to the masked man in confusion.
“A total of 6 rounds of bullets, must finish them off before stage 2.” The masked man said in an inaudible tone, turning to leave the venue. “I’ll keep an eye on you.”
Tang Xiao was a bit surprised. It was quite emotional.
Although this wasn’t going to be the end of him either.
Tang Xiao calmly sat down against the wall and glanced at the panel. According to the progress on it, it would be a while.
This one was the closest thing to a success, but it still failed. He was so tired being in jail for too long.
Tang Xiao originally should have load the archive now and continued the next time, but he was too tired. The fatigue he had accumulated earlier seemed to explode out all at once, leaving him with no strength to click load.
In the red warning that popped up, his field of vision gradually turned black. The sound gradually faded away. Tang Xiao could feel another kind of raging would actually taking over the body, which was probably the feeling of being parasitized.
Just as he was about to be ejected, Tang Xiao suddenly realized that the surrounding area, which had been noisy for a while, was suddenly quiet.
A familiar blood-colored humanoid monster appeared before his eyes. Similar to the form it had taken earlier when it had come into his room, but taller, with parts of its head turned into scattered out mycelium, and plural vertical orange-yellow eyes in the fibrous parts of it. A monster completely alien to human aesthetics.
Horrible and grotesque, but filled with a unique dark beauty in Tang Xiao’s eyes.
428 didn’t say anything, and so did Tang Xiao.
[Favorability: 48]
At some point, favorability seems to have reached a subtle water level.
It seems… the game isn’t over yet!
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