Chapter 537: The Bizarre Research Institute

Chapter 537 -364: The Bizarre Research Institute

The scene was dim, seemingly set in some underground laboratory.

Amidst piercing screams, a monster strapped to a metal operating table thrashed violently. Its body was undergoing a terrifying transformation; its skin split open as metal braces and synthetic materials burst forth from mangled, bloody wounds.

A cold mechanical arm wielded a scalpel, stripping away the remaining flesh before implanting more metal and circuitry.

The files that followed contained detailed experimental records and data reports.

Serial numbers, project names, subject statuses, modification progress, failure rates… Behind the cold, indifferent text, countless vibrant lives were being used as raw materials, suffering inhumane torture.

“Project: ‘Weapon’ Sequence. Objective: Construct fully mechanized combat units. Source: Drifters, missing persons, captured members of the resistance…”

“Project: ‘Magic Fusion.’ Objective: Combine Magic abilities with mechanical modification to enhance individual combat capabilities. Source: Magic-users acquired through special channels…”

“Project: ‘Potential Activation.’ Objective: Stimulate human potential through drugs and surgery to break physical limits. Source: Underground dwellers with excellent physical constitutions…”

Though he had braced himself, the information was still an eye-opener for Wu Liangchen, even making him shudder.

It had sunk below the very bottom line of humanity; it was pure, unadulterated evil.

Then, amidst some of the experimental data and reports, Wu Liangchen was shocked to find the Sun family’s name.

“Data Provider: Sun Biotechnology. Samples Provided: Gene sequence samples, structural analysis of the Root of Magic, partial human tissue sections…”

“Collaborative Project: ‘Bio-Weapon’ Early-Stage Research. The Sun family was responsible for providing foundational biological data and initial cultures; the Dome Group was responsible for subsequent modification and weaponization…”

And it wasn’t just the experiments. There was also the infiltration of underground factions, the monopolization of key resources, and plans to eliminate dissidents… The Dome Group was like a vast, invisible net cast over all of Zhongjing, treating everyone like pawns and tools.

“Operation ‘Purification’: A plan to eliminate unstable elements in the underground regions. Objective: Conduct targeted strikes on certain settlements to create panic, forcing the population to relocate to designated zones for easier management and control.”

“‘Memory Reshaping’: Using special drugs and technology to modify a target’s memories, turning them into loyal servants or ‘qualified’ citizens.”

“‘Information Cocoon’: Controlling information flow and media propaganda to create an illusion of prosperity and stability, deceiving the masses and suppressing independent thought.”

Wu Liangchen’s gaze grew cold.

‘Anger is useless right now. Only by understanding the enemy can I find a way to defeat them.’

He continued to scroll, the volume of data growing, each new piece of information more horrifying than the last.

Finally, amidst the countless complex data streams and encrypted files, a recurring codename caught his attention.

Zero!

This codename appeared in the highest-level directives and most critical plans; all major decisions seemed to originate from this person. Schiller’s communication logs also contained entries like “requesting instructions from Zero” and “awaiting Zero’s approval.”

However, information about “Zero” was pitifully scarce, as if the person didn’t exist at all. There were no photos, no detailed file, and not even their gender, age, or race could be determined. They were like a ghost hidden in the deepest shadows of the Dome Group, manipulating everything.

Wu Liangchen’s expression turned grave. He knew that what he had faced so far was merely the tip of the iceberg. The one who truly controlled this vast, criminal machine was very likely this “Zero”—a figure hidden behind the scenes, almost completely unknown.

He quickly scanned the data on the screen one last time, committing all the important information to memory.

“So? Find what you were looking for?” Old K’s voice sounded from behind him, tinged with curiosity.

Wu Liangchen didn’t answer, only nodding slightly.

“Back this up for me.”

“No problem.” Old K complied.

Wu Liangchen secured the storage chip and looked at Old K. “The old energy core quarantine zone, the abandoned Research Institute 734. Correct?”

“That’s right,” Old K replied.

“I need a detailed map and all known information about that institute,” Wu Liangchen said.

Old K’s mechanical hand tapped rapidly on the console. A moment later, a data packet was sent wirelessly to Wu Liangchen’s personal terminal.

“It’s all in there. But don’t get your hopes up. That place is locked down tight. A lot of this is just speculation and fragmented intel.”

Wu Liangchen glanced at the contents and nodded. “Thanks.”

With that, he stood up, ready to set out on his mission.

“Not so fast,” Old K’s flat, electronic voice chimed in. “You’re too wound up. Going to a place like the old energy core quarantine zone in your current state is just suicide.”

Wu Liangchen stopped in his tracks and looked at Old K.

“Hive Apartment, B-Block, 3rd floor, Room 7. I left the door unlocked for you. There’s food and water inside. You don’t have to worry about security; no one will find you for at least twelve hours.” Old K’s electronic eye flickered with an eerie blue light. “Get some rest. Go tomorrow. Research Institute 734 is no walk in the park.”

Wu Liangchen gazed at Old K’s face—a gaunt, pale mask of flesh dominated by a flickering electronic eye—and at the countless cables connected to his body. Perhaps, beneath that cold, metallic facade, there was more than just a torrent of data. He didn’t say anything more, simply nodding to accept the gesture, a small kindness tinged with warmth.