Chapter 1175 - Ch: 315-320

Chapter 315: Completely Reveal Your Deal

Lynn's heart skipped a beat, grasping this crucial information. "That document," he whispered to Mark, "must be related to Scott and Charlie's transaction. The document likely records more detailed cooperation specifics."

Mark's eyes gleamed. "We need to get in there quickly and figure out what they're discussing."

Lynn nodded and swiftly took action. He pulled out a small camera and quietly affixed it to the wall near the door, ensuring it could capture the conversation inside. Then, he and Mark quietly circled to the other side of the room, planning to seize an opportune moment to enter.

Suddenly, the conversation in the room ceased, and Lynnand Mark's heartbeats almost synchronized. Both held their breath, standing still, waiting tensely. Then, the room door suddenly opened, and a man in a suit walked out, looking directly at their position.

"They're here," Lynn's voice was low, and he quickly gestured for Mark to retreat.

Lynn and Mark quietly hid in a dimly lit storage room, their hearts still racing from that brief moment. The air was damp, and only the lights occasionally flickered. The room was so quiet they could almost hear their own hurried breathing.

"He knows we're here," Mark whispered, a warning glint in his eyes.

Lynn didn't speak, taking a deep breath and turning to look at Mark. Although he appeared calm on the surface, his inner tension hadn't lessened at all. "You're right, but we can't stop. We must keep moving."

Mark nodded, understanding Lynn's determination. They knew that this moment today could no longer be treated as a simple routine mission. Something far more complex than they had anticipated was hidden here.

"What do we do next?" Mark continued to whisper. "We can't go back into the club. Jack knows we're tracking him."

Lynn thought for a moment, seemingly weighing his options. "We can only retreat temporarily now." His tone remained firm. "Although Jack knows we might be investigating him, we haven't exposed all our clues. He only knows we're looking for him, but he doesn't know we've already uncovered traces of his cooperation with Charlie."

"So, we need to adopt a different strategy?" Mark asked.

"Yes." A determined glint flashed in Lynn's eyes. "We need more information. We can't just rely on conversations in the club. We need to find Jack's weaknesses, search his personal life, and understand his past to potentially find a breakthrough."

Mark nodded, clearly accepting Lynn's suggestion. "Then what do we do? Where do we start?"

"Jack must have a group of elite individuals behind him. We need to start with his connections," Lynn's words revealed his usual calmness and rationality. "Finding people with deep ties to him might reveal some breakthroughs."

Just as they were about to leave, Mark's phone suddenly vibrated. He picked up the phone, glanced at the message displayed, and a hint of surprise crossed his eyes. "This is... Jack Kane's private phone number."

"What is it?" Lynn leaned over, trying to see the content on the screen.

"This is information provided by an inside informant." Mark handed him the phone. "He said he has Jack's contact information, obtained from a friend. It seems Jack has been frequently appearing somewhere in Los Angeles recently."

Lynn took the phone and carefully examined the number. He didn't answer immediately but pondered deeply for a moment. "This is an opportunity," he finally said. "If we can establish direct contact with Jack, perhaps we can get more details about Charlie from him."

"But..." Mark hesitated. "If we contact him, won't Jack think we're tracking him? He already knows we're looking for him. Will direct contact in this situation expose our intentions?"

"Yes," Lynn replied, "but we have no choice. Jack is a key figure; he holds important information about Charlie. If we don't contact him soon, all of this could become even more difficult."

Mark took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, let's do it."

Lynn quickly dialed the number, his heart involuntarily quickening. After a few rings, the call connected. Jack Kane's deep, clear voice came from the other end: "Who?"

Lynn didn't speak immediately but said in a low voice: "Mr. Kane, I'm Lynn. I'm currently in Los Angelesinvestigating some matters concerning you and CharlieScott."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment. Jack's tone seemed hesitant. "Your investigation won't be easy, Lynn. Your target is too obvious."

Lynn's heart tightened, but he quickly regained his composure. "We just want to understand some basic facts. If you're willing to cooperate, we believe everything can proceed in the safest way possible."

"Your safety?" Jack's voice held a hint of sarcasm. "Your investigation has already touched the edge of danger, and I don't think you can guarantee your own safety."

"Mr. Kane, I understand your concerns," Lynn said steadily. "But I believe that in this game, cooperation is always more effective than confrontation in ensuring the safety of both parties. We have clues about your cooperation with Charlie in our hands, and we can offer you some help. You should know that we are not enemies."

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. Lynn even heard some faint background noise, as if Jack was considering whether to trust him.

Finally, Jack spoke: "Alright, Lynn. You've indeed found clues in places I wouldn't have expected. We can meet to talk, but on the condition that we must ensure neither party will be threatened."

Lynn nodded. Although the other party seemed to agree, he knew Jack would surely hold something back. "Where do we meet?"

"On the top floor of the 'Rose Hotel'," Jack said. "Tomorrow night at 8 PM. I don't want to drag this out any longer."

The call ended. Lynn put down his phone and turned to Mark. "Tomorrow night at 8 PM, 'Rose Hotel' top floor."

"It seems Jack is ready to negotiate with us," Mark said. "However, his attitude is still very cautious."

"Exactly." Lynn's eyes showed a hint of vigilance. "We must be careful not to expose ourselves."

The next evening, Lynn and Mark arrived at the 'Rose Hotel' on time. This hotel, located in the heart of Los Angeles, was a luxurious five-star hotel that often hosted important figures from the political and business world. The private banquet hall on the top floor offered a spectacular panoramic view, overlooking the entire Los Angeles cityscape. The hotel's decor was elegant and filled with a sense of luxury.

"It seems Jack is indeed very confident," Mark observed his surroundings, speaking in a low voice.

"Yes." Lynn nodded. "He chose such a place, clearly wanting to ensure he was in an advantageous position."

They walked into the hotel lobby, and a waiter immediately greeted them, leading them to the elevator directly to the top floor. The atmosphere in the elevator was somewhat oppressive, and both maintained a high level of vigilance.

The banquet hall doors on the top floor were wide open, and several people were already waiting inside. Lynn and Mark entered the room, immediately drawing the attention of everyone present. Standing in the center of the room was Jack Kane, dressed in a sharp suit, still looking stern and astute.

"You're here." Jack's voice was low but carried an undeniable authority. "We can start talking now."

Lynn and Mark exchanged glances, then stepped towards Jack's position. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense; everyone knew that tonight's negotiation might determine the future's direction.

"Mr. Kane, thank you for taking the time to see us," Lynnbegan, trying to keep his tone calm and friendly. "We are here hoping to learn more about your cooperation with Charlie."

Jack's lips curved slightly, his eyes still deep. "You already know a lot," he said indifferently, "but that doesn't mean you'll get all the information I'm willing to disclose."

Lynn did not rush to answer but calmly looked at him. "We don't want to force you to say anything you don't want to. But I think you should know that the more you conceal, the more complicated the situation might become."

Jack scoffed, "Your threats have no effect on me, Lynn. I've seen people far more powerful than you."

Lynn smiled slightly, "Then let's talk about more specific matters. Mr. Kane, your cooperation with Charlie is actually about a more complex international capital flow system, and behind this system, there are many unknown forces involved. We hope you can help us unveil these mysteries."

Jack's gaze swept between Lynn and Mark, a cold sneer flashing in his eyes, but it quickly vanished without a trace. He leaned against the table, his hands clasped, seemingly pondering Lynn's words. "What exactly do you want?" His tone was low and cold, his voice carrying an undeniable pressure.

Lynn didn't respond immediately but gently glanced around the room. The room was minimally furnished yet luxurious, every item seemingly carefully selected. Whether it was the artwork on the walls or the antique tables and chairs in the corners, everything showcased Jack's unique taste and noble status. Clearly, this was not an opponent to be easily underestimated.

"Mr. Kane, we don't want to force you to say anything you don't want to," Lynn's tone remained calm. "We just want to know what kind of secrets are hidden behind Charlie's capital flow?"

Jack's lips curved slightly upward, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "You are just some insignificant people. How could you possibly know what kind of transaction Charlie and I have?" He slowly stood up and walked to the window, overlooking the bustling night view of Los Angeles. As night fell, the city lights gradually illuminated, and the air was filled with a scent of money and power.

Lynn and Mark were not swayed by Jack's provocation. Mark looked at Jack's back and said in a deep voice, "Mr. Kane, the more you know, the more complicated things become. If we don't cooperate, you might lose all control."

Jack stopped, turned around, his eyes sharp as knives. "Your threats don't work on me," he said, "I'm used to being threatened. Do you think that just by having Charlie's information, you can uncover my relationship with him? You're too naive."

Lynn smiled slightly, his gaze remaining calm. "We don't mean to threaten you, Mr. Kane. We just hope to find a peaceful solution." His voice was low and firm. "If you are willing to cooperate, we will offer you a completely different situation."

A hint of hesitation flashed in Jack's eyes; Lynn's words clearly unsettled him somewhat. But he quickly regained his composure and sneered, "Do you think I'll believe you? Do you know what you're doing right now? You're going against someone more capable and resourceful than you."

Mark spoke impatiently, "Jack, don't pretend you don't know anything. Your cooperation with Charlie has already shown some signs. You think you can escape tracking with these methods? You're just deceiving yourself. We've known for a long time that not only Charlie is behind you, but also a large number of unknown figures."

Jack's expression subtly changed, his hands clenched into fists, clearly feeling the pressure. "What do you know?" He suddenly gave a cold laugh. "Do you think you understand me?"

Lynn remained calm, his tone unchanged. "We don't know much, but we have enough clues. You know we're not just here for Charlie." He paused, his gaze growing sharper. "Jack, the bigger problem behind this is: your capital flow involves not just Charlie alone. It might involve global interests. What you don't want to face has already far exceeded transactions between individuals."

Jack fell silent, his gaze seeming to avoid Lynn's topic. After a while, he snorted coldly, "You just want to extract information from me, right?"

Lynn nodded, his eyes showing a hint of determination. "If you don't cooperate, we'll have to take more drastic measures, and you know that once we completely expose your dealings, you will no longer be able to control the situation."

Jack's eyes narrowed slightly, seemingly pondering how to deal with the current situation. "Do you think threatening me will make me yield?" He slowly walked back to the table, picked up a wine glass, and took a small sip, seemingly not taking Lynn and Mark seriously at all.

Mark grew impatient, his anger barely concealed. "Jack, don't make things too complicated. We're not threatening you; we're giving you an opportunity. If you don't cooperate, we'll just have to make you pay the price."

Chapter 316 Charlie is a dangerous variable

Kane chuckled, a cold glint in his eyes. "You can threaten me? Who do you think you are?"

"We are the only ones who can uncover your secrets," Lynn's tone remained calm. "You know your secrets are about to be exposed. If you don't cooperate, everything will spiral out of control."

Kane frowned, seemingly weighing the gravity of their words. His gaze suddenly sharpened, almost piercing through Lynn and Mark. "What exactly do you want?" he finally asked coldly.

Lynn didn't answer directly, but instead scanned the room again and said calmly, "Mr. Kane, at this point, we don't need to negotiate too much with you. We just want to understand the bigger secret hidden behind your transactions. We hope you can reveal some key information to us."

Kane seemed to fall into thought. He didn't answer immediately, but stood by the window, quietly gazing at the city outside, a complex emotion in his eyes. After a while, he slowly turned and looked at Lynn. "Alright, you win." His tone was calm, but also carried a hint of helplessness. "I'll tell you what you want to know, but this is only part of our deal. I won't tell you everything."

Lynn's eyes lit up, and Mark also breathed a sigh of relief. "Mr. Kane, thank you."

Kane looked at them, a playful glint in his eyes. "You'll be very happy to know some things this time, but you also need to be prepared to accept the consequences."

Lynn nodded. "We are ready."

Kane was silent for a moment, as if pondering whether he should really continue. He took a deep breath, then slowly began, "My cooperation with Charlie goes far beyond your imagination. You think we're just doing some simple money laundering? No, the real secret is that behind this flow of funds, there's a global force at play."

"Global?" Mark whispered in surprise. "Who is it?"

Kane smiled slightly, a mysterious grin on his lips. "I'm not going to tell you now. But you've already touched upon the key. Your next actions might lead you down a path of no return."

Lynn stared intently at Kane, his mind filled with questions. "Are you saying this force is so powerful it can control everything?"

"Yes," Kane nodded. "This force has undisclosed motives, and its influence has infiltrated every corner of the globe. Now that you know this, you can't easily back out."

Lynn and Mark exchanged glances, realizing that the situation before them had undergone a significant change. Every step from here on was fraught with danger.

"Mr. Kane, thank you for the information," Lynn finally spoke, his tone calm. "However, we still need more clues."

Kane's lips curved slightly. "You want more clues? Then go to northern Los Angeles, you'll find what you need there."

Lynn didn't answer immediately, but nodded calmly. "We will go there."

Kane's gaze suddenly turned sharp. "Remember, Lynn, you have no turning back."

Lynn nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "We know."

Lynn and Mark left the "Rose Hotel," but the tension in the air didn't seem to dissipate. Although Kane had given them a clue about northern Los Angeles, they both knew that this trip to an unknown place could bring unforeseen consequences. Kane's words still echoed in Lynn's mind: "Your next actions might lead you down a path of no return." This warning made Lynn's mood even heavier, but he didn't show it, maintaining his calm and rational demeanor.

"The clue in the north," Lynn whispered, his fingers gently tapping the car window. "Kane obviously didn't reveal the whole truth, but we don't have time to wait."

"That's right," Mark sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Even if we don't know what kind of laboratory it is, we can only go and see. Perhaps it can give us a clearer direction."

The car weaved through the streets of Los Angeles, gradually moving away from the city's hustle and bustle. The surrounding environment began to grow increasingly desolate, and the buildings along the road changed from high-rises to low-rise warehouses and abandoned industrial areas. In northern Los Angeles, the streets were almost deserted, with only a few scattered cars passing by and occasional construction lights flickering in the distance. A chill in the air began to set in, as if the outskirts of the city always held unspoken secrets.

Lynn's gaze remained on the road; he knew that this was no longer an ordinary urban area, and everything that followed might be completely different from their previous investigation. Mark leaned back in his seat, clearly sensing it too, and the atmosphere grew heavier.

"That laboratory..." Mark suddenly broke the silence. "Do you think what Kane said is true? Mutant modification serum?"

"Possibly," Lynn's voice was low, with a hint of uncertainty. "Kane didn't say much, but from his words, I feel that this laboratory is very likely related to the flow of funds we are investigating. Behind Kane is a force more powerful than we imagined."

The car drove for about thirty minutes and finally reached the place Kane had mentioned. Outside was an abandoned industrial area, deserted, with only a few dilapidated buildings eroded by time. Lynn slowed down and gently parked the car on an empty street; the surrounding silence made them feel even more uneasy.

"This place doesn't look like anything important," Markfrowned, looking at the abandoned factory building in front of them. "But I bet there's something we haven't seen here."

"I agree," Lynn responded in a low voice. After quickly parking the car, he and Mark got out. They exchanged a look, clearly understanding that today's operation might not be so simple.

They cautiously walked towards a more dilapidated building. The building looked as if no one had entered it for a long time; the windows were thick with dust, and the iron gate in front was rusty. Lynn gently pulled open the door, emitting a harsh creak, and a long-unused, decaying smell seemed to rush into the air. Inside the door was darkness, with only faint light from outside filtering through the cracks.

"Do you have a flashlight?" Lynn asked in a low voice.

"Yes," Mark took out a flashlight from his backpack, turned it on, and a beam of white light shone. He extended his hand forward, illuminating the path ahead. On both sides of the corridor were many dilapidated laboratory equipment and discarded tools, emitting a mixed smell of mold and chemicals. The whole place looked as if it had been abandoned for a long time; the paint on some parts of the walls was peeling, and there was a thick layer of dust on the floor, with occasional bottles and jars scattered on the ground.

"This place..." Mark took a few more steps closer, a hint of doubt in his eyes. "It's just like an old laboratory, with nothing in it."

Lynn frowned slightly and took a deep breath. "No, Mark, pay attention to these pieces of equipment. Their age shouldn't be too old. I feel that what Kane called 'Mutantmodification serum' might be here."

"Are you saying... this place we found is related to Mutantexperiments?" Mark's tone was surprised. "Do you really think that's possible?"

"Yes," Lynn's eyes were firm. He suddenly turned and walked towards a hidden room. There were some blurred labels on the door, but no obvious hints, just a few worn letters forming an acronym. He pushed open the door, and immediately, a cold air rushed out. The room was much darker than the corridor. The room was piled with various experimental tools and storage bottles, clearly these things had been used for some highly confidential research.

"Here..." Lynn whispered. He approached the desk and saw some yellowed documents scattered on the table. The words on the folder made his heart pound. "'X Project.'"

"X Project?" Mark repeated, his voice filled with confusion. "What is that?"

Lynn opened a few documents, quickly scanning their contents. His expression gradually became serious. "'X Project,' from the files, is clearly a project related to genetic modification. It mentions some research on Mutant serums, and even explicitly states that it attempts to alter human genes through the serum to bestow superhuman abilities."

Mark watched Lynn's movements as he flipped through the documents, then was silent for a moment before asking, "What exactly is going on? Why would Kane know these things? What is truly hidden behind this experiment?"

Lynn closed the documents and looked up. "That's the problem, Mark. Kane might know all this, and the force behind him is clearly involved in such modification projects. If we can take these documents back, we might find a breakthrough and uncover a bigger secret."

"Can we take these back?" Mark asked with some concern. "This place seems a bit sensitive. If we're discovered, we might get into bigger trouble."

Lynn took a deep breath, a hint of determination in his eyes. "We have no choice, Mark. These documents are very likely the key to unraveling the cooperation between Kane and Charlie. If we don't take them, someone else will."

As he spoke, Lynn carefully placed the folder into his backpack, then turned and walked to the other end of the laboratory. He stopped in front of an old computer and began to try to turn it on. Mark stood by, his gaze fixed on his surroundings, constantly wary of any movement outside.

After the computer started, an encrypted interface appeared on the screen. Lynn showed no surprise; he was already used to such situations. A few minutes later, he entered a string of passwords, and the interface on the screen was finally decrypted. What was displayed was not a regular operating system, but a highly confidential research document library. Lynn browsed through it and found that it stored a large amount of experimental data; almost every file involved genetic modification, serum formulas, and detailed records of test subjects.

"This data..." Lynn frowned. "They are very likely not just simple research results. There are some records about test subjects here, possibly early experimental subjects."

Mark took a step closer and asked in a low voice, "What do you mean?"

Lynn opened a data file, which clearly showed the numbers of some test subjects and their genetic modification records, including even a few familiar names. These names seemed to be connected to some people Kane had mentioned before. Lynn's heart suddenly pounded. "These people... impossible."

"What's wrong?" Mark asked eagerly.

"These people... should be the individuals Kane once cooperated with," Lynn said, his voice heavy. "They are not ordinary test subjects, but people with special abilities. If this data is leaked, it could trigger an even bigger storm."

When Lynn and Mark's car drove back to the FBI branch in Manhattan, the sky had already begun to lighten. On the streets outside, pedestrians were sparse, with only occasional cars passing by, as if still immersed in the silence of the deep night. Lynn's thoughts, however, were not soothed by this quiet morning; instead, they grew more tense. He felt that the situation he and Mark faced had become increasingly complex, and the secrets hidden behind Kane and Charlie had exceeded their initial expectations.

"I always feel like we missed something," Lynn said softly to Mark, who was in the passenger seat. His voice carried a hint of fatigue, but his eyes remained calm and firm. "Kane has given up on serum development, and Charliehas taken over. This means every step we take next must be even more cautious."

"Charlie has taken over?" Mark also clearly realized the seriousness of the situation. He thought for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps this is precisely where we need to focus most. Kane said he gave up on serum development, but Charlie must have his own plan. And the setup of the new laboratory might be his next target."

Lynn didn't respond immediately, but focused on driving. He knew Mark was right; Charlie's actions were the real problem that needed to be solved. There was a huge force behind Kane, but Charlie was a dangerous variable, and the new laboratory in his hands might hold their most crucial clue.

The car drove into the area where the FBI branch was located, and Lynn parked the car in the underground parking lot. The two tacitly said nothing more, walking in unison into the building. The corridor still held that solemn and serious atmosphere, with officers and staff busy in an orderly fashion, clearly indicating that today's work had not stopped with the arrival of night.

After entering their office, Lynn spread the documents and some materials brought back from the laboratory on the table, his brows furrowed, and began to organize the previous night's findings. His gaze swept over the documents, trying to find a clearer breakthrough. Markstood by, staring at the documents in Lynn's hand, his mind also working quickly.

Chapter 317 Elysium Research Institute

"According to the information we found last night," Lynnfinally began, "Kane has indeed given up on the potion research and development. He chose to hand over these materials to Charlie. I suspect Charlie has likely found a new laboratory for this project. We need to find this place as soon as possible."

Mark frowned, his tone somewhat heavy, "Charlie's ambition is not something ordinary people can understand. If he takes over this project, we might face a more complex situation than before. The forces behind Kane may no longer be the only threat; Charlie might have joined a larger, more dangerous organization."

Lynn nodded, "Indeed, Charlie's background is much more complex than Kane's. If he truly starts developing new potions, then what we face is not just a simple genetic modification project."

He turned to another page of the document, which listed Charlie's connections with a series of enterprises and organizations, including some internationally renowned scientific research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Lynn's fingertip paused on these names for a moment, "At least a few of the enterprises and organizations here are linked to global criminal groups. If Charlie is manipulating things within them, then the laboratory he controls is very likely hidden behind these forces."

"Are you saying he might be cooperating with these companies?" Mark asked, his expression serious.

"Yes," Lynn nodded, "If Charlie is cooperating with these enterprises, his laboratory won't simply be located in an abandoned place. On the contrary, it's highly likely to be a seemingly normal, even government-supported, scientific research Base."

Mark thought for a moment, "Then how do we find the specific locations of these laboratories?"

A calm glint flashed in Lynn's eyes, "We can start by examining the financial records of these enterprises, looking for capital flows. Only by finding the flow of funds can we determine the exact location of the laboratory."

"Alright, where do we start?" Mark asked.

Lynn picked up a piece of paper and showed it to Mark. "We can start with 'Noah Pharmaceuticals'. It has cooperated with Charlie, and the capital flow behind it is very complex. We need to thoroughly investigate their financial records and try to track their connections with certain scientific research institutions."

Mark nodded, his expression still solemn. "I understand, Lynn. Next, I will contact an insider to get Noah Pharmaceuticals' latest financial records. You will investigate the connections between Charlie and these companies."

Lynn picked up a laptop from the desk and quickly began searching for information related to Noah Pharmaceuticals. Through some complex database queries, he found a crucial financial flow clue: recently, Noah Pharmaceuticals suddenly transferred a large sum of money to a scientific research Base in the Middle East. Lynn meticulously examined the records of the relevant transactions; there seemed to be no clear investment project behind this payment, but rather a transfer under the name of "project research and development expenses."

"This money… there must be something wrong with it," Lynn mused to himself, and he quickly tracked the destination of these funds. After several jumps in record tracing, he discovered that the funds ultimately flowed to a place called the "Devil's Institute."

Mark watched Lynn's operations and quickly jotted down the name "Devil's Institute." "This place is very likely the new laboratory Charlie is setting up," he said.

Lynn nodded, typing rapidly into the search engine to find "Devil's Institute." However, there was almost no public information about this place, only some simple descriptions related to biotechnology. Lynn frowned; a research institute with such a level of secrecy was clearly not an ordinary place.

"We have no time to waste," Lynn suddenly decided, "Contact Headquarters immediately, mobilize all resources, and find the true location of the 'Devil's Institute'."

Soon after, FBI Headquarters' resources began to rapidly converge on Lynn and Mark's investigation. With high-level assistance, they successfully located the 'Devil's Institute'—it was situated in a remote area of the United States' southern region, near a desolate Desert.

"This place…" Mark muttered, looking at the map, "If Charlie really set up a laboratory there, it must be a deeply hidden place."

Lynn nodded, "Yes. We must act immediately. We cannot give Charlie any more time to prepare."

The two quickly prepared their equipment and action plan, deciding to depart immediately for the southern Desert region. The flight time to this place would take approximately five hours, but Lynn knew they could not wait too long. Charlie's laboratory and potion project had already far exceeded their control, and the only thing they could do was to find him as soon as possible and uncover his true purpose.

The moment the plane took off, Lynn leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. His mind kept replaying the intricate relationship between Kane and Charlie, as well as the larger conspiracies hidden behind them. Every step was full of danger, but he knew that only by uncovering all of it could they prevent the impending disaster.

"Mark," Lynn said softly, opening his eyes, his gaze firm, "This time, we must succeed. We cannot let Charliecontinue."

Mark nodded, his gaze fixed on the window ahead. "We will, Lynn."

The plane slowly landed at the airport in the southern Desert. The temperature in the cabin gradually rose, and the sandstorm outside seemed to foreshadow an unknown storm approaching. Lynn looked out the window; before him was a vast Desert, the horizon almost merging with the sky, and in the distance, a few solitary buildings were faintly visible, completely lacking the prosperity of a city, giving a sense of desolation and helplessness.

"Finally here," Mark said, sitting next to him, tightening his jacket, "This place is really remote, not at all like a normal scientific research Base."

"Indeed," Lynn responded softly, also withdrawing his gaze from the window, "Charlie's laboratory is probably very well hidden, not wanting anyone to find it. The environment here provides him with natural concealment."

The plane came to a steady stop, and the moment the cabin door opened, dry air and dazzling Sun hit them, instantly enveloping the two. Lynn and Mark quickly exited the plane. Through the vast, boundless Desertbefore them, they finally saw a simple building next to the airport. In the distance, there were indeed several buildings that looked like scientific research facilities. Clearly, this was the target they had been pursuing.

"Is this 'Elysium Institute'?" Mark couldn't help but ask in a low voice, looking around, appearing somewhat disbelieving.

"Very likely," Lynn's eyes were very calm, "We need to be careful; this kind of place is not simple."

The two then walked towards a small reception room at the airport, where an FBI support vehicle, arranged in advance, was waiting. While adjusting his equipment, Lynn briefly questioned the contact person. "We have confirmed the coordinates of 'Elysium Institute' and are now beginning the operation. Can you provide intelligence?"

The contact person, an FBI Agent in his forties, replied in a low voice: "Lynn, according to our intelligence analysis, 'Elysium Institute' does exist, but they have implemented very strict security measures. We can't even get detailed information from satellite images. According to underground intelligence, the security system of this place is quite complex, and no outsider can easily approach it, except for the staff inside the laboratory."

"Security system?" Lynn frowned slightly; this intelligence clearly made him somewhat alert. "What type of facilities are inside? Are there entry and exit records?"

"Yes, there are entry and exit records," the contact person nodded, "but these records are not quite like conventional management systems. It is said that they use highly encrypted facial recognition and fingerprint authentication; no one can enter except for specific individuals."

Lynn pondered for a moment, then turned to Mark: "It seems we need to prepare for a very complex situation."

"I understand," Mark replied, "We need to split up and try not to expose our movements."

The contact person handed them two portable devices, "These are satellite-connected monitoring systems that can provide real-time feedback on some basic scene surveillance. Although we cannot directly obtain detailed internal footage, they should be helpful in the surrounding area."

Lynn nodded, taking the devices. The contact person continued: "Additionally, some recent intelligence indicates that the scientific research projects inside 'Elysium Institute' are highly confidential, and external knowledge of it is almost Zero. However, we have some information on its connections with global pharmaceutical companies, and even criminal groups. Clearly, this place is by no means simple."

"Good," Lynn said in a deep voice, "We'll depart immediately once ready."

They put on camouflage clothing, black balaclavas, and carefully checked their equipment, ensuring all devices were working properly. The scorching Sun of the Desertmade everyone's skin feel hot, but they did not hesitate, quickly heading towards 'Elysium Institute'.

The car drove across the Desert plain; apart from occasional sand dunes, there was almost no life or buildings. The air was dry and hot, and the Sun scorched the earth, as if every inch of land was mercilessly oppressed.

"Lynn, do you really think Charlie would choose this place for his laboratory?" Mark suddenly broke the silence, "There's no external support here, and the equipment isn't complete. It doesn't look like a suitable place for research at all."

Lynn was silent for a moment, a profound glint flashing in his eyes: "It's precisely because of the harsh conditions here that Charlie would choose it. No one will easily disturb this place, and no one will realize that the secrets of the potions he's developing and other projects are hidden here. Plus, no one outside knows the internal details, so Charlie can conduct his experiments freely here."

Mark nodded, clearly understanding Lynn's meaning: "So this is like a hidden fortress, where Charlie's laboratory and his plans can be perfectly executed without any interference."

The two continued driving, the scenery outside the car window barely changing. The vastness of the Desertcreated an endless sense of oppression. Finally, the car drove into a secluded valley, where a few low-lying buildings and complex fences in the distance formed the overall outline of 'Elysium Institute'.

"We're here," Lynn said softly, his eyes fixed on the scientific research Base hidden in the Desert.

Mark also said no more, quickly got out of the car, and after adjusting his equipment, Lynn led him towards the fence ahead. The fence was not high, but it was surrounded by extremely complex cameras and alarm devices. Lynn raised his hand to signal Mark to stop. He carefully observed the surroundings, held his breath, and slowly took out a portable device from his pocket, beginning to scan the surrounding signals.

"The security system here is more complex than we imagined," Lynn said in a low voice, "They not only have real-time monitoring systems but also infrared detection and sound wave detection equipment. We must bypass these devices; otherwise, once the alarm is triggered, the entire Base's defenses will immediately activate."

Mark looked around, his eyes flashing with vigilance, "Then how do we get in?"

Lynn fumbled for a while and finally found a damaged fence in a nearby corner; clearly, the security personnel here might have overlooked this area. He gestured for Mark to walk towards it, and the two carefully passed through this gap, entering the outer perimeter of the Base.

"We're in," Mark said in a low voice, with a hint of excitement in his eyes, but he did not relax his guard.

Lynn did not respond immediately but carefully observed his surroundings. The facilities inside the Base were much more modern than he had anticipated. Although deep in the Desert, it seemed unaffected by the scarcity of external resources. The ground was flat, and the buildings looked sturdy and heavily protected. Clearly, this was not just a simple laboratory, but more likely a research institution with an extremely high-security level.

"Go," Lynn commanded in a low voice, leading Markquickly towards one of the buildings inside the Base.

As they approached the building, Lynn suddenly stopped, signaling Mark to stop as well. "Did you hear that?"

Mark frowned, listening intently. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, "It's footsteps."

Lynn quickly crouched down, silently approaching the building's wall. He carefully observed the movements around them, noticing a rhythmic sound of footsteps coming from a distance, clearly indicating patrolling security personnel.

"We need to go around," Lynn said softly, quickly gesturing for Mark to take another path. The two carefully moved along the edge of the Base, bypassing the patrol, and finally arrived at an entrance.

"We're here," Lynn said softly, then used his device to scan the security lock system on the door. As the device operated, he extracted the password from it, quickly entered it, and the door gently opened.

"Go in," Lynn told Mark.

The two entered the interior of the laboratory and immediately felt a chilling atmosphere. The air inside the laboratory was exceptionally fresh, a stark contrast to the heat outside. Along the long corridor, various high-tech equipment and experimental apparatus were arranged. Clearly, this was not just an ordinary laboratory, but also a high-end scientific research institution.

Chapter 318 Charlie's elaborate trap to hide the secret

"The equipment here seems more advanced than we imagined," Mark whispered. "Charlie really managed to hide a place like this here."

"Yes," Lynn nodded, his gaze solemn. "Our next mission is to find Charlie's core laboratory. We must acquire more critical information as quickly as possible."

The two continued forward, passing several security gates, until they reached a sealed area. Lynn stopped, carefully observing his surroundings.

Lynn and Mark stood silently before the entrance to the sealed area, an undeniable tension permeating the air. The walls here were sturdier than outside, and the corridors were lined with rooms full of various electronic surveillance equipment, every corner bristling with high-alert facilities. Lynn looked at the heavy steel door ahead, took a deep breath, his heart involuntarily quickening, yet his face remained expressionless.

"This door should be the challenge we must overcome next," Lynn murmured, his gaze fixed on the complex lock system above the steel door. "It looks like we've reached the most crucial part."

Mark nodded, responding in a low voice, "The security system for this door is probably even more complex than the ones outside. We must be careful."

Lynn took out a portable device and began scanning the security lock on the door. His eyes were focused, his fingers rapidly sliding across the device's screen, searching for all the encryption programs of the door lock. In the past few years, he had faced similar situations many times, but this defense system still made him feel some pressure. The locking system on the door was very advanced, employing multiple layers of encryption and even including biometric technology. Lynn could clearly sense that behind this door lay more complex and dangerous secrets.

"It seems the defense system here isn't just a physical barrier; it also involves high-tech biometrics," Lynn said in a deep voice. "Without the corresponding password or fingerprint, we can hardly get through."

Mark frowned, clearly feeling helpless about this as well: "How do we crack it?"

"We need to find a way to temporarily bypass these security systems." A decisive glint flashed in Lynn's eyes as he quickly pulled out a tool from his backpack specifically designed for cracking biometrics. This device could simulate or trick biometric systems in a short amount of time, making it a crucial tool for their infiltration.

"Can this thing really crack it?" Mark looked at the tool in Lynn's hand, appearing somewhat uncertain.

Lynn smiled slightly and whispered, "No time to explain, follow me."

He quickly connected the device and plugged it into the port next to the door lock. The device started to run, displaying complex encryption programs on the screen. Lynn's eyes were glued to the screen, his fingers constantly operating the device. After about five minutes, the device emitted a low "beep" sound, the red indicator light on the door lock went out, and then the door gently opened a crack by itself.

"It worked!" Mark whispered, a hint of surprise on his face. "That was really efficient."

Lynn didn't pause, quickly pushing the door open and silently entering with Mark. The environment inside was completely different from outside; the layout was more modern and clean, with various LCD screens and surveillance equipment covering the surrounding walls. In the center was a large experimental table, covered with a transparent glass layer, seemingly conducting some kind of biological experiment. Various chemicals and glass test tubes were scattered around, and the entire laboratory was filled with a strong chemical smell.

"This is Charlie's core laboratory." Lynn's gaze locked onto the central experimental table. "We finally found it."

Mark looked around, realizing that the laboratory's setup wasn't just for basic scientific research; it was more like a high-security biological laboratory. "This doesn't look like an ordinary research institute. It's more like a secret Basefor some arms company or illegal organization."

"Exactly." Lynn nodded. "Charlie must be using the equipment here to research the agents. We need to quickly find the relevant experimental data."

They walked towards the laboratory's computer workstation, where the computer screen was displaying some chemical formulas related to agents. Lynn quickly operated the keyboard, and experimental data began to appear on the screen, showing a drug development project named "X-12." Lynn's gaze fixed on this data, his expression growing increasingly serious.

"X-12?" Mark whispered. "What is that?"

Lynn browsed the files, quickly understanding their content. "X-12 is the agent Charlie is developing. It's a gene-modification-based project aimed at enhancing human capabilities and endurance." He paused, then continued, "And the side effects of this agent are extremely strong. According to these experimental data, once a subject receives the injection, their body undergoes drastic changes, even leading to uncontrollable violent behavior."

A hint of shock flashed in Mark's eyes. "Does this mean Charlie is developing an agent that can make the human body stronger, even mutated?"

"Exactly." Lynn's voice was low and cold. "And this is just the preliminary stage of the X-12 agent. Some test subjects in the experiment have already shown extreme strength, but also severe mental problems. Charlie's goal is to commercialize this agent, or use it for larger experiments."

"What about these test subjects?" Mark asked. "Where are they now?"

Lynn browsed the files and found some test subject identification numbers mentioned. One name caught his attention—test subject "E-17." According to the files, E-17 was a test subject with special abilities, but during the experiment, the agent in his body mutated, causing the test subject's body to completely lose control, turning him into an uncontrollable super-powered violent individual.

"E-17…" Lynn repeated the name softly, a sudden unease welling up in his heart. "This test subject clearly didn't proceed as expected. Charlie probably realized early on that the agent's instability far exceeded expectations."

Mark's brow was tightly furrowed, clearly deeply disturbed by this information. "If these test subjects lose control, can Charlie control them?"

Lynn stood in front of the computer, his eyes solemn. "Charlie doesn't intend to control them. On the contrary, he will likely use these unstable test subjects as weapons, or for larger-scale experiments."

Mark's expression grew even more grim. "We cannot let this agent leave the laboratory. It's not just a weapon that harms ordinary people; it could trigger a disaster."

Lynn took a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Next, we need to find E-17 and terminate the experiment."

They left the computer workstation and headed deeper into the laboratory. In the corridor, the quiet atmosphere made their footsteps exceptionally clear. Suddenly, a heavy thudding sound came from ahead, breaking the surrounding silence. Lynn and Mark immediately stopped, nervously watching ahead.

The footsteps grew closer, clearly belonging to patrolling security personnel. Lynn and Mark quickly hid behind the door of a temporary storage room, holding their breath. A few seconds later, three security personnel passed by them, completely unaware of their presence. Lynn and Mark exchanged a glance, then tacitly continued to move forward.

After several careful maneuvers, they finally reached the deeper parts of the laboratory. This was clearly the area for storing test subjects, surrounded by various high-end equipment and cold storage units. Lynn and Mark passed through door after door, finally arriving at a room protected by a heavily encrypted lock. Inside the room, in a massive cold storage pod, E-17 was sleeping. The test subject on the bed was huge, with defined muscles, but his facial expression was abnormally twisted, as if he was still enduring the violent reactions of the agent.

"This is E-17," Lynn whispered. "It looks like he hasn't completely lost control, but he could change at any moment."

Mark gazed at the test subject in the cold storage pod, a hint of unease in his eyes. "We need to act quickly to avoid any accidents."

Lynn slowly approached the cold storage pod, operating the control panel. With a soft "click," the door of the cold storage pod slowly opened. E-17's body still didn't move, and Lynn breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew this was only a temporary calm. According to the data, the agent in E-17's body had almost reached a critical point; once it lost control, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"We need to get him out of here first," Lynn's voice was resolute. "Take him to a safe place, then decide what to do next."

Mark nodded, quickly taking out his equipment to take measurements. "He shouldn't be aggressive now, but we can't let our guard down."

Just as they were about to turn and leave, a sudden, violent noise shattered the laboratory's calm. Lynnwhipped his head around, only to see E-17 in the cold storage pod suddenly open his eyes, which glowed with an intensely red light, instantly becoming exceptionally violent.

"Damn it!" Lynn reacted quickly. "He's lost control!"

Mark immediately drew his weapon. "We need to retreat!"

E-17 lunged from the bed with immense power, almost destroying the surrounding facilities. They had no time to linger and quickly ran towards the laboratory's exit.

Lynn and Mark rushed out of the laboratory, their heartbeats suddenly accelerating. They could feel the Violent Breath (furious aura) emanating from E-17 after he lost control; that power, almost capable of tearing everything apart, seemed to be right behind them. Lynnquickly analyzed the surrounding environment, looking for possible retreat routes, but the massive roar from the cold storage pod almost disrupted his thoughts.

"We need to get out of here fast!" Mark shouted from behind, his voice filled with anxiety. "He's completely out of control!"

"Don't look back!" Lynn calmly responded, his hand gripping his weapon, his gaze rapidly scanning the passage ahead. He could hear E-17 roaring furiously behind them, his footsteps growing closer, shaking the entire corridor floor, almost shaking the entire laboratory. Clearly, E-17 possessed inhuman speed and strength in his enraged state, which brought an unprecedented sense of crisis to Lynn's heart.

They passed through a temporary storage area, and the door slammed shut, seemingly temporarily blocking E-17 outside. However, Lynn knew that this was only a temporary delay; E-17's violence was enough to break through any obstacle.

"Turn left ahead, and quickly hide in that laboratory," Lynnpointed to a door ahead, which looked like a relatively secluded room. They had almost no time to stop, rushing directly to the target, pushing the door open, and quickly entering.

The moment the door closed, they had just breathed a sigh of relief, but the tense atmosphere still hadn't dissipated. This room was clearly a temporary research area, piled with various experimental materials and equipment, but no one had had time to clean these things up. Lynn quickly looked around, chose a corner that was not easily discovered, and stood quietly against the wall.

"Isn't there an exit from this place?" Mark's breathing was still rapid, his words revealing tension. "If E-17 catches up quickly, we won't have any chance to escape."

Lynn didn't answer immediately, instead focusing on checking some of the surrounding documents. "Don't rush, Mark," he said slowly. "There should be some hidden passages or escape routes here; we need to stay calm."

Just then, E-17's roar came from outside, and the massive footsteps once again shook the entire corridor. Lynn's brow furrowed; although they were now hidden in the room, given E-17's speed, it was hard to imagine how long they could hide here.

"If he comes in, the only thing we can do is fight back." Mark's weapon was already in his hand. "However, what I'm more worried about is that once he loses control, he'll destroy the entire laboratory."

Lynn nodded. "Yes, we need to try to find a place with an exit. Fighting back isn't our best option right now."

He continued to quickly sift through the surrounding documents, looking for any possible clues. Just then, his eyes suddenly landed on a document labeled "Emergency Evacuation Tunnel." He quickly picked up the document, glanced at it, and his expression changed slightly. "Found it, Mark! There's an emergency tunnel ahead, leading to an underground shelter! Let's go!"

Mark didn't hesitate, immediately rushing over. "Go!" They almost ran, completely disregarding everything.

Passing through the room, Lynn and Mark discovered that the entrance to the emergency tunnel was hidden in a wall on one side of the laboratory. This entrance was very concealed, and only a specific password could open it. Lynn quickly operated the device, entered the relevant code, and the door opened with a "click."

The air inside the tunnel was fresh and cool, a stark contrast to the stuffy environment outside. The two quickly entered, closed the door, and through the crack in the door, they could vaguely hear E-17's footsteps growing closer, as if he was right behind them.

"Faster! Don't stop!" Lynn urged, his heart still unable to calm down. Although they had temporarily escaped the pursuit, they knew that this underground tunnel was not safe, and might even be a trap carefully designed by Charlie to hide his secrets.

"How long is this tunnel?" Mark's voice was filled with anxiety. "Will we be able to escape from here?" 

Chapter 319 Charlie's True Purpose

Lynn ran, observing the data screen in his hand. "According to the blueprints, this passage leads directly to the outside of the laboratory, which should allow us to escape. We just need to reach the exit there and then initiate the evacuation procedure."

The two of them quickly moved through the dark passage, their steps becoming more and more hurried. Lynn kept thinking that if they could escape through this passage, they might be able to continue investigating Charlie's plan, but now they had to eliminate the threat of E-17 as soon as possible, otherwise everything would be in vain.

Suddenly, a heavy mechanical sound came from the end of the passage, like the sound of a heavy device starting, followed by a strong light illuminating the front. Lynn's pupils suddenly contracted, and he stopped cautiously.

"What's going on?" Mark also noticed the anomaly. "How can there be such strong protection here?"

"We've been discovered!" Lynn's tone became tense. "No, it should be Charlie's system activating some kind of alarm."

They had no choice but to quickly change direction, avoiding the beams of light and heavy obstacles ahead. Lynn's heart raced as he realized that this underground passage was not a simple escape route, but a hidden deep experimental facility that might lead them to an even deeper place.

"Mark, stick close to me!" Lynn shouted, and he quickly turned and headed for a side passage.

As they ran towards the new passage exit, a piercing alarm sounded behind them, and the entire underground facility was instantly activated. Various red lights flashed, and warnings sounded everywhere, indicating that the laboratory's security system had been fully activated. Despite this, Lynn did not stop. He knew that if he couldn't find an exit soon, he would face more difficulties.

"This place is getting more and more complicated." Markpanted. "Are we just trapped like this?"

Lynn took a deep breath. "No, we'll find a way. We have to be fast; we can't be trapped by these systems."

The two of them traveled through the intricate passages and laboratories, and finally, at a turn, they saw a huge iron door at the end of the passage. There was a prominent red button on the iron door, which seemed to be the last barrier to the outside World.

"This is it!" Lynn shouted, pointing at the iron door. "Go press that button!"

Mark quickly ran forward and pressed the red button forcefully. The iron door slowly opened, and the outside World appeared before them. The air flowed, and sunlight streamed through the Desert air. Before their eyes was a seemingly desolate ruin, but that was the only exit to the outside World.

"We made it!" Mark almost breathed a sigh of relief, with a look of relief in his eyes.

However, Lynn's expression remained solemn. He looked into the distance and said in a low voice, "This is just the beginning, Mark. Charlie and his plan are far from over."

Just as they were about to walk out of the iron door, a sudden immense force slammed the iron door open, and standing before them was the out-of-control E-17. Its eyes were blood red, its muscles bulging, and it exuded a sense of oppression, as if ready to destroy everything at any moment.

"He... he's here." Lynn gripped his weapon, his gaze firm.

"We must stop him!" Mark shouted.

E-17's rage had reached its limit, its limbs tensed like a bow, about to charge at Lynn and Mark. However, at this critical moment, Lynn reacted quickly, operating the device in his hand and firing a beam of electric shock, which directly hit E-17's chest.

The electric shock seemed to have an unexpected effect. E-17's body trembled violently and paused for a second. Lynn seized this opportunity and quickly led Mark through the exit, rushing into the wilderness outside.

"Go!" Lynn shouted, dragging Mark and running quickly into the distance.

Lynn and Mark rushed towards the distant Desert, their footsteps echoing in the empty wilderness. The sun scorched the earth, and the Desert's heat waves were almost suffocating, but their bodies did not feel tired. Lynn's heart still raced, and the terrifying scene of E-17's rampage echoed in his mind, but he did not stop.

"Lynn, we need to get out of this area quickly." Markpanted, looking back. "That laboratory is fully activated, and once other personnel discover our escape, it could trigger a large-scale pursuit."

"I know." Lynn replied, his tone calm. "The most important thing now is to figure out the true power behind Charlie, and we must find his next target as soon as possible."

"But the problem now is that Charlie already knows we know his secret." Mark frowned and said, "He will definitely be more vigilant against us and may eliminate all clues."

Lynn nodded, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "He can't erase all the clues. If he really does that, he will lose the opportunity to play against us. We still need to continue tracking him."

At this point, they had completely left the laboratory area and entered the open Desert. The two quickly walked to an off-road vehicle parked in the distance. Lynn opened the car door without hesitation and got in.

"What's next?" Mark sat in the passenger seat, looking at Lynn nervously.

Lynn started the engine, and the car quickly drove away from the edge of the Desert, heading towards the city. "We're going to Los Angeles," Lynn said. "Charlie may have abandoned his initial experimental plan, but his goal hasn't changed. Our mission is to find out his true purpose."

"Los Angeles?" Mark looked at Lynn in surprise. "Are you sure Charlie is still there?"

"He's likely hiding a new Base near Los Angeles." Lynn's eyes were firm. "We need to track his last whereabouts, and this time we must not let him escape again."

The wheels rolled over the Desert sand, making a dull sound, but Lynn's thoughts remained tense. Facing Charlie, he always felt an invisible sense of oppression. Charlie was not just a simple biological researcher; the power and ambition behind him were the most deadly parts. And what Lynn and Mark faced was not just a scientific project, but a conspiracy that could change the entire World order.

"Lynn, do you think Charlie might have other forces supporting him?" Mark broke the silence, his gaze directed out the window.

"I suspect he stopped being a pure scientific researcher long ago." Lynn replied. "He has likely collaborated with the Military of other countries, and even some criminal organizations. The X-12 agent is so powerful; it can't just be simple research and development. There must be a larger strategic goal behind it."

Mark was silent for a moment, then suddenly said in a low voice, "You mean, the agent Charlie developed might be for some Military purpose? Or, even..."

"Yes," Lynn interrupted him, "its potential far exceeds our imagination. Allowing humans to gain extraordinary physical abilities and strength might give them an absolute advantage in future wars. Charlie may have long intended to commercialize this agent or supply it to certain international forces. The question now is, who are these forces, and what is Charlie's ultimate goal?"

"Sounds like a global conspiracy." Mark's voice was filled with intense vigilance. "If Charlie really has this purpose, we can only stop him, otherwise... the consequences would be unimaginable."

Lynn said no more, his hands firmly on the steering wheel. He knew that this mission had gone beyond any conventional investigation, even entering the high-risk realm of international affairs. Charlie's experiment was not just for the experiment itself, but to change the entire social structure and power balance, and this power, once out of control, would be impossible to ignore.

A few hours later, they finally arrived in Los Angeles. The city's night was still brightly lit, a stark contrast to the desolate Desert they had just experienced. Lynn and Mark did not immediately return to FBI headquarters but chose a temporary hotel, preparing to rest and conduct the next step of their investigation.

"Where do we start?" Mark asked, picking up a notebook and flipping through documents. "Charlie's ultimate Basecertainly won't be an ordinary place. He's probably hidden very deeply."

Lynn was silent for a moment, then said, "We can start with Charlie's early activities in Los Angeles. We know he collaborated with some pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and private investors. Next, we need to find the specific locations of these collaborators and investigate their financial flows."

"How long will that take?" Mark asked.

"Based on the information we have, at least one to two days." Lynn replied. "But if we can get information from inside these companies or institutions, the speed might increase."

The two decided to act separately the next day. Lynnplanned to delve into Charlie's relationship with certain private investors, while Mark was responsible for tracking the pharmaceutical companies that might have collaborated with Charlie. They knew that this mission could not fail, and any oversight could lead them to completely lose contact with Charlie's target.

The next morning, Lynn began his operation as planned. He arrived at a pharmaceutical company in downtown Los Angeles. This company, named "Noah Bio," was well-known in the industry and had a significant cooperative relationship with Charlie's research. Lynn obtained some high-level company information through an inside source, learning that the company had close financial ties with multiple international companies.

After entering the company, Lynn disguised himself as a reporter, carrying a fake ID and work pass, and spoke with a company receptionist. The receptionist gave him a business card for a company internal event. Lynn politely accepted it and asked some detailed questions about the company.

"Our company recently has a new biological research project related to the 'X-12' agent." The receptionist inadvertently revealed a key piece of information during their conversation. Lynn nervously caught this sentence, a surge of excitement in his heart. "'X-12'? That's Charlie's project!"

"Yes, the research phase of 'X-12' is nearing completion, and new breakthroughs are expected soon." The receptionist continued, "However, the specific partners and funding sources are quite sensitive, and ordinary employees don't know about them."

Lynn outwardly appeared nonchalant, thanked the receptionist, and quickly left the company. This intelligence undoubtedly brought him a breakthrough. Now, he had to investigate this project more cautiously to find more connections between Charlie and "Noah Bio."

Meanwhile, Mark was also conducting an in-depth investigation at another pharmaceutical company. After several days of observation and investigation, he discovered that "Noah Bio" had intricate ties with a company named "Ross Bio." And behind Ross Bio was strong Military financial support. Mark's intuition told him that this was no coincidence; Charlie's experiment had likely gained the support of a certain Military group.

When the two met again, Lynn told Mark about his findings. Mark also shared what he had learned about the financial flows behind "Ross Bio."

"It seems we're getting closer to the truth." Lynn said. "Next, we need to track the financial flows of these companies more closely, uncover their Militarybackground, and ascertain Charlie's true purpose."

Mark nodded, a hint of determination in his eyes. "We can't wait any longer. The conspiracy hidden behind Charlie is growing, and we must stop him as soon as possible."

Lynn also clenched his fist, his gaze firm. "That's right, Mark. We won't allow this crisis to spread. Every step from now on concerns the future of the World."

Lynn and Mark's investigation became increasingly tense, their pace quickened, and time had become their biggest enemy. As their investigation into "Noah Bio" and "Ross Bio" deepened, they gradually uncovered a corner of Charlie's conspiracy, but more secrets remained hidden in the dark.

The two arrived at a secret meeting room in Los Angelesto discuss their next plan. Lynn's face was grim, a small mountain of documents and files on the table, and Markwas organizing the data.

"This information is becoming more and more abundant," Lynn pushed aside the documents in his hand, "but also more chaotic. Charlie's partners are involved in increasingly broad areas—Military, pharmaceutical, technology—all have deep connections with these companies. Now, we must clarify the network behind all their financial flows."

Mark nodded, his brow furrowed. "The flow of these funds is not just simple business cooperation. The collaboration between Charlie and these companies may have taken root globally, and to find their Veins, we need to examine it from a broader perspective."

Lynn pondered for a moment, then looked up and said, "We know that the research and development of the 'X-12' agent involves massive financial flows, but its ultimate purpose is not just to enhance human strength. Charlie is likely seeking a weapon that can change the international balance of power. If his cooperation with these companies has already involved the Military field, then it proves that this is not just simple pharmaceutical research and development."

"Exactly," Mark said, looking at the data on the screen, "and from our investigation, the 'X-12' agent has already been tested in the Military fields of some countries. This is not just a technological or pharmaceutical advancement, but the prototype of some kind of superpower weapon."

Chapter 320 Launching a New Pursuit

Lynn nodded, "This means that Charlie isn't just a scientist; he's been bought by certain countries or criminal organizations, becoming their tool for specific purposes. The question is, what exactly is this purpose?"

"Perhaps we should directly find Charlie's final destination," Mark suggested, "His most likely hiding place should be where he has the closest ties to these military forces and pharmaceutical companies."

Lynn wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes glinting. "I agree. We need to find Charlie's current hidden location. Once we find his hiding place, all mysteries will be solved."

"So, what do we do?" Mark asked, "These companies have strict defenses; breaking in directly might expose our identities."

"We can track the capital flow of 'General Ross Bio' to find their core Base," Lynn said in a deep voice, "Charlie's cooperation with them is no longer an open commercial transaction, but a deep-seated government collaboration. We must rely on the flow of these funds to deduce their ultimate Base."

Mark quickly scanned the data in his hand, then suddenly pointed to a number and said, "There's a huge transfer of tens of millions of U.S. dollars here, coming from a military contractor named 'Nova Group.' This contractor has a powerful political background. We can start by tracing the money flow from here."

A cold light flashed in Lynn's eyes, "'Nova Group' is very likely the bridge between Charlie and certain international forces. We need to find the specific location of this group and uncover the secrets behind it."

The two didn't waste time, quickly gathered their information, and decided to launch a more in-depth investigation. Their goal was clear—to find 'Nova Group' and expose the true faces of Charlie and these forces.

"This is the place we're looking for," Lynn said, looking at the map, a slight smile playing on his lips, "'Nova Group's' Base is located within this abandoned military Base, and they seem to be conducting experiments related to the 'X-12' serum here."

Mark nodded, "It looks like Charlie's experiments are not limited to pharmaceutical companies; he has advanced his research into the military field. We must act quickly to find out Charlie and these forces' ultimate plan."

The two immediately began planning their operation, preparing to head to that military Base.

Hours later, Lynn and Mark arrived at their destination in the Midwest—the abandoned military Base. This Basewas located in a vast Desert, and the desolate landscape all around gave a sense of endless oppression. The exterior walls of the Base were already dilapidated, and the iron gate and fences were covered in thick dust, clearly having been unmanaged for a long time.

"This place clearly doesn't look like an active Base," Markwhispered, "It looks more like a deserted military ruin."

Lynn's gaze was deep, "Don't forget, 'Nova Group' has a powerful political background. Although this Baseappears abandoned, it might just be on the surface. Charlie and his collaborators might be using this Base to conduct secret experiments."

The two quickly concealed themselves, circled the perimeter of the Base, and began to approach the main entrance. The security of this Base was very high; although it looked desolate, the surroundings were still covered with cameras and infrared detectors. Lynn, based on the intelligence he had gathered earlier, had already prepared his cracking equipment.

"I'll do it," Lynn whispered to Mark, "You wait here. If there's any movement, notify me immediately."

Mark nodded, nervously observing the surroundings. Lynn walked to an inconspicuous corner, quickly connected his equipment, and began to crack the Base's intrusion system. After a few minutes of operation, the alarm system was successfully bypassed, and the main door slowly opened.

"We're in," Lynn whispered, motioning for Mark to follow.

The two quietly entered the Base, where the interior environment was in stark contrast to the outside. It was well-maintained, and the equipment around them looked very advanced. Clearly, the interior of the Base had not been completely abandoned but had been repurposed. The corridors were wide, the walls were fitted with various surveillance devices, and security personnel patrolled every few meters.

"This place doesn't seem as empty as we imagined," Markwhispered, "We need to be careful; anything could happen at any moment."

Lynn said nothing more, his gaze constantly sweeping across the surroundings. They slowly walked through the corridor, approaching a room marked "Laboratory." According to previous intelligence, Charlie's core laboratory was located here.

"We're here," Lynn stopped and whispered, "We must go inside and find Charlie's research data."

They quietly pushed into the room, where the situation inside was completely different from the laboratories outside. This was a highly confidential research area, filled with various equipment and chemicals. On the central experimental bench, test tubes and bottles of chemicals were quietly placed, emitting a strange odor.

Lynn quickly scanned the data and equipment in the room, "This is Charlie's laboratory. His drug development has entered its final stage, and the experimental data and samples are all here."

Mark opened a document, "The chemicals here seem to be not only for enhancing physical strength but more for controlling human genes, and can even activate certain potential superpowers through the drugs."

Lynn stared at the experimental data in front of him, "That's right, this data confirms our previous speculation that Charlie's ultimate goal is to create a drug that can activate superpowers in human genes. This is not just for combat effectiveness, but to enable the experimental subjects to gain superhuman abilities through genetic modification."

"This is terrifying," Mark was stunned, "If this drug is widely used, the consequences are unimaginable."

"We must immediately destroy this data and stop Charlie's plan," Lynn said, quickly operating the equipment, trying to destroy all related files.

However, at this moment, the laboratory door was violently burst open, and several fully armed security personnel rushed in, their guns pointed at Lynn and Mark.

"Don't move!" one of the security personnel shouted, "You are surrounded!"

The moment the security personnel burst into the laboratory, Lynn and Mark had almost no time to react. Several armed security personnel stood at the door, their guns pointed directly at them. Lynn and Mark instinctively dodged to the side, reacting quickly at the same time. A tense atmosphere filled the air, and after a few seconds of standoff, intense fighting suddenly erupted.

"Go!" Lynn commanded in a low voice, instantly widening the distance between himself and the security personnel. He quickly crouched down, agilely circling a table, then picked up some bottles and jars from the tabletop and threw them at the security personnel at the door. The bottles hit the ground, making a loud shattering sound, instantly creating a thick smoke that obscured the security personnel's vision. Lynn took the opportunity to grab an experimental syringe, aimed it at one of the security personnel's legs, and injected precisely.

"Ah!" The security personnel screamed, falling to the ground, the paralysis in his leg quickly making him unable to stand.

Mark had already seized the opportunity, from the side, he pointed his gun at another security personnel and pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the man's shoulder, forcing him to stumble back a few steps, but it was not immediately fatal. The security personnel suddenly rolled over and fell to the ground, quickly returning fire, gunshots echoing in the laboratory, the entire space enveloped in a tense atmosphere.

"Quick!" Lynn shouted, quickly jumping up to dodge a flying bullet and running towards the laboratory exit. His only goal was to escape this Base and find Charlie's ultimate destination.

Mark followed closely, quickly lunging towards a nearby filing cabinet, raising his hand and pushing it over with force, forming a barrier for cover, temporarily blocking the security personnel's gunfire. At the same time, Lynn had already begun searching for the emergency exit button on the wall.

"No time! We have to get out!" Lynn shouted.

As the security personnel's footsteps grew closer, Lynnpressed the emergency exit button. The door swung open violently, but it didn't fully reveal the exit. Lynn knew this was just a hidden passage and they had to pass through it quickly.

"Keep following me!" Lynn quickly rushed out the door, leading Mark through the narrow corridor. The two were almost side by side, each step taken carefully and quickly. As their footsteps faded, more urgent sounds of pursuit came from behind. The security personnel clearly wouldn't give up on them easily.

"These guys aren't slow," Mark panted, "We need to find a route to escape."

Lynn looked back, seeing more and more security personnel rushing into the corridor. He gritted his teeth, a flicker of determination in his eyes, "First, to the parking lot. We should be able to find the car we arranged there."

"Understood," Mark said no more, quickly following.

They ran through the underground passage of the Base, and the faint sound of security personnel's footsteps could be heard from around the corner ahead. Lynnwhispered a reminder: "Quick, right turn, quick!"

They rounded one corner after another, finally seeing the distant parking lot exit. Several black military vehicles were parked not far away, and Lynn and Mark almost unhesitatingly rushed towards them, their hearts practically pounding out of their chests.

However, just as they had covered half the distance, two fully armed security personnel suddenly burst out of a door to their right. They quickly raised their guns, locked onto their targets, and aimed directly at Lynn and Mark.

"Don't move! Surrender immediately!" one of the security personnel shouted.

Lynn's heart was in his throat, but he remained calm. He nodded slightly at Mark, then quickly dropped to the ground, his lightning-fast movement allowing him to dodge the bullets fired at him. At the same time, he pulled a flashbang from his waist, pulled the pin, and threw it fiercely at the two security personnel.

The flashbang arced brightly through the air, followed by a blinding flash and a deafening roar. The security personnel's eyes were instantly stung by the flash, their vision completely disrupted, making them unable to aim accurately.

Lynn took the opportunity to roll to the side, quickly stood up, and fired without hesitation. The bullet hit one of the security personnel's shoulders; the man fell painfully, his weapon clattering to the ground. The other security personnel had not yet recovered his vision, and Lynn fired another shot, hitting him in the leg and knocking him to the ground.

"Go!" Lynn commanded in a low voice, quickly running towards the parking lot exit.

Mark followed closely, and the two finally reached the designated vehicle. Lynn unhesitatingly pulled open the car door and started the engine. "Get in quickly!"

The car quickly started and sped out of the Base's parking lot. However, shortly after they drove out, they saw a convoy of military vehicles in their rearview mirror, clearly the security personnel had realized their escape and began to pursue them.

"They'll catch up to us soon," Mark said, looking in the rearview mirror, his voice anxious, "We can't drive directly back to the city."

"I know," Lynn replied calmly, turning the steering wheel and driving the car onto a secluded side road. "We need to shake them off and find a place to hide."

Driving through several deserted streets, Lynn, relying on his familiarity with the terrain, skillfully maneuvered the off-road vehicle, traversing the edge of the Desert. The pursuers behind them did not follow as easily, but Lynnknew that the security personnel had abundant resources and would likely launch a new pursuit soon.

"Keep going, there's an abandoned factory here, we should be able to hide there temporarily," Lynnaccelerated, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

The car entered the abandoned factory area. The surrounding buildings had long been eroded by time, and rust and dust covered the entire area. Lynn skillfully drove the car into a hidden parking lot. After parking, they quickly got out and hid in the shadows of the factory.

"We should be safe for now," Lynn whispered, "But that doesn't mean we can relax our guard. The road ahead, we need to be even more careful."

Mark wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes showing tension, "What if the security personnel catch up again? What do we do?"

"We will try to contact headquarters via radio for more support," Lynn quickly assessed the situation, "But for now, the most important task is still to find Charlie's final Base. Once we completely uncover his secret, this chase will be meaningful."

After a short rest, Lynn and Mark began to re-organize their information and quickly formulate the next plan. They had to delve into Charlie's core Base to prevent him from completing his final experiment with the "X-12" serum, but they also understood that the enemy they faced was not just Charlie, but also complex international forces and dangerous military organizations behind him.

"We know that Charlie's laboratory is just the tip of the iceberg," Lynn said in a deep voice, "Every step we take next must be even more careful, because once exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"Don't worry, we've reached a critical moment," Marknodded, "Next, I believe we will definitely uncover the bigger secrets behind Charlie."

Lynn looked up, gazing ahead, his eyes firm. "We must succeed. This is not only to stop Charlie's plan but also to prevent this disaster from spreading to the entire World."