Chapter 696 - 696 LOCKED IN

696 LOCKED IN

The four people walked to Hu Lei and Zhong Feng with different looks on their faces. Hu Lei nodded to Zhong Feng, and he pressed a button below the screen. Immediately, it lit up to reveal a man looking at the camera in a lab.

Based on the angle, it was obvious that they were standing in the same space or at least, the replica.

Hu Lei felt her mind fill up with that white noise. The man on the screen was both familiar and unfamiliar. He was the closest person to her in the past, but the memories of him were already fading. Her heart fell into a mess.

She closed her eyes to shut out the torrent of feelings flooding her. Then, she felt a hand touch her head. The gesture was familiar and warm. Despite how much she protested Zhong Feng patting her head, she had grown accustomed to the sensation.

And his touch was her anchor when the demons came.

The noise faded, and she opened her eyes. The look between them spoke everything they needed to know. She was alright.

On the screen, Dr Hu Ming started speaking.

“The potential of the human body is unlimited, but this power remains locked within inactive DNA. Still, significant concerns remain on the dangers of activating dormant genetic material.” His tone was genial and held the air of a seasoned scholar.

“While unlocking the secrets could mean accelerated evolution and power beyond comprehension, it could mean activation of harmful DNA that could explode the very existence of man. One wrong move could lead to the devolution of the species.” He continued.

.....

Somehow, the group was held rapt by the speech. Hu Lei knew the power her father held. He always cast a spell when explaining science, even to people without a past interest in the field.

“The eyes provide a unique chance for advancing research without the body collapsing unto itself under the stress of harmful DNA. As understood through research, the eyes have the immune privilege. The normal immune response is limited in the eyes, making it an ideal area for controlled research. I will now initiate human trials.” Hu Ming said before moving the camera.

On the surgical table, someone was trapped to the table. However, before the specific person could be seen, the screen turned black. On the other end of the room, sliding door at the other end of the room, across the piranha pool, opened.

A countdown began on the dark screen.

Hu Lei took a deep breath. She knew the person at that table was her. She was the human experiment her father was preparing to test his theories on. She could not remember this preliminary record, but she knew he always recorded his work.

It felt strange to see him abstractly talk about her, but she was already used to it. With another reassuring look at Zhong Feng, she looked at the group.

“It looks like we are in an escape or get-locked-in situation. If my assumptions are correct, we need to leave this room before the countdown hits zero, or the door will lock us in. So, let us try to hurry and get out of this hole.” Hu Lei said. “Ideas?”

Emi had already forgotten her scare. “I think the clue is in what that scientist said about the eyes. Maybe, we need to see something that cannot be seen under normal circumstances.”

“Under normal circumstances, human vision is limited to visible light. We can only see beyond this segment of the electromagnetic spectrum only in special circumstances or with tools.” Shi contributed in a calm tone.

“Maybe, we should look for tools in the lab?” Inei asked.

Yagi was frowning. “I do not think so.”

Inei cursed inwardly. It was like this man was just here to oppose him. “Make a suggestion, then.”

“The scientist said that the human eye, in theory, could be capable of more. I think we need to see, not create a tool.” Yagi said.

“The result would be the same. And do you think that you will develop magic eyes and start seeing something you haven’t already?” Inei responded sarcastically.

Hu Lei and Zhong Feng thought about something and looked at each other. Perhaps, the key was actual magic eyes. After all, the room was designed with her in mind. She had never understood the changes her father made well, so it was likely Yuan Haoran knew something more.

“I think he is onto something.” Emi chimed into the argument, ignoring the hostility. “Maybe, the person we saw before the end of the video was a clue. If the experiments began with a person on that surgical table, we need to lie on the same table to see what they saw.”

The room was silent for a while.

“That makes sense,” Yagi said. “I think we should try it.”

“Then, you should be the first one to try it.” Inei immediately volunteered his enemy. Based on what he knew about Yuan Haoran and his tricks, it would not be that simple. He wanted to see Yagi suffering.

“Let me do it.” Shi offered since he was Yagi’s bodyguard, at least, for now.

Inei was dissatisfied because his plan was blocked. He could only watch as Shi walked to the surgical table and climbed on it. Nothing happened until he laid down. When he did, shackles appeared and bound his hands and legs.

Shi remained calm and looked to the ceiling. He felt a thick electrical surge flood his body, but he did not flinch apart from the involuntary muscle stiffness. He focused on the ceiling, trying to see. He could see some vague writings but nothing clear.

After thirty seconds, the current stopped, and the manacles released Shi. He left the table a little unsteadily and looked at the expectant group.

“There is something written on the ceiling, but I could not make it out,” Shi said. “Someone else might be luckier.”

Yagi stepped forward since he was the natural choice after Shi. Shi looked at Inei and one side of his lips quirked into an imperceptible smile. But Inei was quite familiar with him, enough to know he was communicating something to him.

When Yagi was shackled in, he let out a groan of pain as the electricity surged through his body. It was like countless painful prickles entered his body. He could hardly focus on the ceiling, but he opened his eyes and saw there were indeed vague markings there.

He stood up with difficulty with a dark look at Shi. “You did not say anything about the electrical shock.”

Shi shrugged lightly. “It would not have changed anything.”

Inei was delighted, but his joy was extinguished when Emi rushed to support Yagi. Hmph! A weakling who could not take a little bit of electric shock.

“I will go. I am feeling lucky.” Hu Lei said.