Chapter 163 Mutation and Doomsday are two completely separate things
He introduced himself as Dr. Li, a researcher at The Nineteenth Institute, and he bears a heavy responsibility for the appearance of those creatures.
He Liang gently shook his head. "Now is not the time for self-blame. We need to get back to the base first, and we can talk in detail when it's safe. Your knowledge is very important to us, Dr. Li."
K analyzed the route, ensuring safety while interjecting, " Dr. Li, can you tell us more about X-34? Its connection to these creatures, and possible solutions?"
Dr. Li sighed, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "X-34 is a gene-modifying agent we developed to improve the adaptability of organisms to harsh environments; the initial intention was good. But the experiment went out of control, producing unpredictable mutations. I've been searching for countermeasures, but..."
"But you haven't given up yet, have you?"
He Liang interjected encouragingly, sensing Dr. Li's persistence and unwillingness to give up.
Dr. Li nodded, his eyes regaining their light.
"Yes, I haven't given up. I believe there must be a way to solve this problem."
And so, the three of them, carrying new hope and heavy responsibility, embarked on their journey back to their base.
During the journey, Dr. Li began to gradually share all the details he knew about X-34, including experimental data, records of failures, and countermeasures he had tried in private.
He Liang and K listened attentively, asking questions from time to time. Their conversation gradually built a clearer picture.
They returned to the base at noon the next day and were immediately surrounded by Yu Miaomiao and others. Upon learning of the success of the operation, everyone was extremely excited.
Dr. Li's arrival undoubtedly brought new research directions and possible hope to the outpost, while He Liang and K's adventure once again proved their determination to find light in despair.
Among the crowd, only Ye Jian's eyes changed. He seemed to feel that he had seen this Dr. Libefore, but he couldn't remember where.
"I didn't expect your survivor Squad to have such abundant supplies."
Dr. Li looked at the scattered food packaging boxes on the ground, his eyes clearly revealing a greedy look.
"Is there anything else? I haven't had a decent meal in ages."
Everyone looked at each other, but in the end, they all turned their gazes to Yu Miaomiao.
Dr. Li also looked at the woman with an inquisitive gaze. A young and beautiful female leader? This was quite rare in the Post-Apocalyptic World.
But women are easy to deal with. With just a few words and a little coaxing, they will immediately submit to a high-quality man like him. Then, wouldn't this survivor Squad be completely at his mercy?
Yu Miaomiao sighed and continued, "We still have some expired canned goods here, supplies we brought back from yesterday's search. If you want them, you can trade them for other items or participate in future search operations to offset the cost."
As her team grew, she felt the burden becoming heavier, and she knew this couldn't go on forever. She needed to come up with a plan to relocate some people, and this Dr. Li —who didn't even dare to use his real name, just a fancy title—she simply couldn't let her guard down around him.
She has no obligation to support idlers.
"What? I'm the key to humanity's survival! Don't you want to know what happened at The Nineteenth Institute? If you do, give me food."
Dr. Li clearly hadn't expected this woman to be so ungrateful. He was the sole survivor of The Nineteenth Institute, and he held the secrets of the human catastrophe. They showed him no respect whatsoever.
"You're overthinking it. Everyone here is equal. We all earn our wages through our own labor. If you don't want to talk or don't want to stay here, that's fine with you."
Yu Miaomiao rubbed her temples, not wanting to say anything more. Ji Mu picked up two military cans from the ground beside her and handed them to Dr. Li, saying, "Remember to include these two in the supplies allocation for tomorrow's operation."
"You!! This is outrageous!" Dr. Li was unwilling, but his actions betrayed his words; he took the can of food and began to wolf it down.
Xu Nanwei had just recovered from the effects of the anesthesia, her mind still reeling from the fear of being kidnapped. "Ah... help!"
" Weiwei, it's alright." Yu Miaomiao quickly walked to the girl's side and held Xu Nanwei's small hand. She slowly calmed down, her eyes were still a little unfocused, and she could only see a few familiar blurry figures, but she obviously realized that she was safe.
Xu Nanwei burst into tears. This kind of near-death experience was something that an ordinary little girl could not easily accept.
"Thank you for saving me," Little Girl said, sobbing as she thanked the Ji brothers.
Yu Miaomiao then held her and gently smoothed her back. Before long, Little Girl drifted off to sleep again.
"Is this anesthetic really that strong?"
Everyone felt that Xu Nanwei had been sleeping for far too long, one nap after another...
"This isn't an anesthetic, it's a biological pheromone." Dr. Li's mouth was stuffed full, but he kept talking.
"It is made from the mucus of the Mutated Beast, and it is also our product."
The Nineteenth Institute is researching theseMutated Beasts, and they seem to be doing so in great depth that it couldn't have been accomplished overnight. Could these mutated creatures have existed long before the apocalypse?
Does this mean that mutation and apocalypse are two completely separate things?