Chapter 199: Speculation and Antidote

Chapter 199: Chapter 199: Speculation and Antidote

Liang He certainly knew what the D02 virus meant. However, she knew nothing about its mutated variant.

"Could the D02 virus variant be what causes animals to mutate into Fierce Beasts?" she asked over the call. Could this be the Fierce Beast virus? Was the reason the Animal Research Institute had never developed an Antidote for it because they hadn’t discovered the D02 variant? But this time, it was Hello Poison who analyzed the toxin’s composition. Even though there were only trace amounts of the D02 variant, he still managed to detect it. Logically, the Antidote made based on his findings shouldn’t have caused the current situation.

"I don’t know much about the Fierce Beast virus, so I can’t give you a definite answer right now." Getting down to business, Hello Poison dropped his usual playful demeanor and spoke earnestly. "However, my guess is that the poisoned animals mutated into Fierce Beasts after being injected with the Antidote because their internal balance was shattered. At the same time, a certain ingredient in the Antidote must have triggered the Fierce Beast virus."

Hello Poison’s guess practically mirrored Liang He and Lan Zhuo’s theory. This was the trap set by the Black Wizard—delivering a fatal blow just when Huo An and the others thought there was hope.

"Then what should I do now?" Liang He asked. "Will it still help to feed them toxin-suppressing pills?" Since the animals that had taken the suppressing pills hadn’t mutated into Fierce Beasts, they had to be effective, right?

"I’m not sure," Chou the Pharmacist chimed in. "It’s like getting a vaccine. Taking it beforehand offers prevention, but for someone who is already sick, a vaccine can’t cure the disease."

Chou the Pharmacist’s answer was within Liang He’s expectations. She sighed in disappointment, at a loss for what to do.

"Don’t worry, Little Liang He," Hello Poison said. "With me and that stinky pharmacist here, we’ll definitely figure out a cure for the Fierce Beasts." Although Hello Poison usually couldn’t stand his arch-nemesis, Chou the Pharmacist, he was willing to swallow his pride and cooperate when it came to important matters—especially those concerning Liang He.

"Yes, he’s right," Chou the Pharmacist added, also trying to comfort her.

But the situation was urgent, and with the Iron-eating Beast still in a coma, she truly couldn’t relax.

"I’ve already developed a new Antidote targeting the D02 virus variant," Chou the Pharmacist continued. "We can perhaps try it on poisoned animals that haven’t mutated into Fierce Beasts yet."

The reason he was a step behind the Animal Research Institute’s Antidote was because he had focused entirely on the D02 variant. The researchers at the institute didn’t understand the D02 virus, let alone its variant. Since there were only trace amounts of the toxin, they had subconsciously ignored it. Coupled with the urgency of the situation, they hadn’t conducted multiple trials, leading to this current predicament.

"As for the animals that have already mutated into Fierce Beasts, I’m not sure if it will work," Chou the Pharmacist admitted. "But it’s worth a try. We might get unexpected results. Regardless, things can’t get any worse than they are now." After all, the Antidote he created was developed specifically around the D02 variant.

"Okay. Once the Antidote arrives, I’ll go test it out," Liang He said. She had immense trust in Chou the Pharmacist’s abilities. If the poison could be successfully neutralized, Xuan Jiao would be saved. Looking back, she finally understood why Xuan Jiao’s condition had been improving day by day. It was purely a lucky accident on her part.

"Mhm. I’m very interested in the Fierce Beast virus and the animals that mutated this time," Chou the Pharmacist said. "Would it be convenient for you to send some over for me to study?"

Liang He had previously brought up the Fierce Beast virus in their group chat, asking if anyone could help research it. At the time, Chou the Pharmacist was secluded, working on other experiments. He didn’t know the D02 virus was involved, so he hadn’t asked for more details. Now that he knew and was already involved in developing the Antidote, he naturally wanted to study the Fierce Beast virus in depth. Furthermore, the implications behind the D02 virus were something they had always paid close attention to.

"Alright, I’ll submit an application to Governor Huo." Liang He was more than happy to have Chou the Pharmacist help research the Fierce Beast virus. Naturally, she wouldn’t refuse his request.

"Don’t forget about me, Little Liang He! I want in too!" Hello Poison protested. He had always loved competing with Chou the Pharmacist. He certainly wasn’t going to miss out on something so interesting and challenging.

Liang He readily agreed. Just then, hearing a concerned voice outside the door, she quickly ended the video call.

"Little He, are you all right?"

Upon hearing about what happened at the Sixth Service Area, Silver Feather had dispatched Silver Li to take a group of Divine Envoys over to help. Since she couldn’t find Liang He in the medical room, she had grown worried. She asked Xu Yi and learned that Liang He had been in the bathroom for nearly half an hour, prompting her to come knock on the door.

"I’m fine," Liang He said, offering Silver Feather a reassuring smile. Chou the Pharmacist’s Antidote was on its way, and she now knew about the existence of the D02 virus. At the very least, she wouldn’t be running around like a headless chicken anymore.

She and Silver Feather walked toward the medical room, bumping right into Xu Yi.

"How are things at the Sixth Service Area?" she asked.

"Using the methods you taught us, we dealt with most of the Fierce Beasts," Xu Yi replied. "The ones still in the process of mutating have been locked up."

There was a time gap between the Antidote injections. Once Huo An realized this, he made the prompt decision to lock up the animals that hadn’t fully mutated into Fierce Beasts yet, finally getting the situation under control.

"That’s good."

Previously, Liang He had been entirely focused on figuring out the cause of the mutations with Lan Zhuo and hadn’t been able to attend to the Sixth Service Area. Now knowing the situation was under control, she took the initiative to contact Huo An. She informed him of the theory she shared with Hello Poison and Chou the Pharmacist, and simultaneously applied for Fierce Beast experimental subjects on their behalf.

"The Federation has regulations," Huo An replied over the comms. "Fierce Beasts must be centrally managed and imprisoned on the Fierce Beast Planet. Only the Animal Research Institute can apply for experimental subjects."

Due to the unique nature of Fierce Beasts, the Federation’s control over them was extremely strict. Unless they died on the spot, they were absolutely not allowed to be kept privately. And even if they died, their remains had to be incinerated completely to prevent any hidden risks.

"However, if the Blue Star authorities step forward and it’s for legitimate research, they might make an exception," Huo An added.

Ultimately, it required official backing. Otherwise, the Federation would never feel at ease letting private individuals research Fierce Beasts. This was also one of the reasons the Animal Research Institute had previously suggested Blue Star send professionals over to their facility for research.

"Okay, I understand. I’ll let them know to apply through official channels."

The implication behind Liang He’s words made Huo An raise an eyebrow slightly. Was she certain that the Blue Star authorities would step forward and negotiate with the Federation on their behalf? Huo An was somewhat curious. Just who were these two friends of hers, Hello Poison and Chou the Pharmacist, to possess such confidence?

"A lot has been happening lately, and it’s all so sudden," Huo An said gently. "Don’t put all the pressure on yourself."

Even while stationed at the Sixth Service Area, Huo An kept a close eye on Liang He. He knew she was deeply troubled by Xuan Jiao’s poisoning. Coupled with the addition of Yin Qi, he was worried it would be too much for her to handle.

"I understand. Don’t worry, Brother Hao, I will take good care of myself, and I’ll take good care of them too." If only for her furry friends, Liang He wouldn’t allow herself to collapse.

ROAR!

Just as Liang He was about to hang up the video call and check on her furry friends, she suddenly heard a roar coming from the activity room. She immediately rushed over.