Chapter 499: Chapter 500 Surgery in Advance_1
Silence permeated between Professor Dodge and the military officer, continuing to ferment and emitting an unsettling aura.
"Balance Space," also known as the Forbidden Zone, was the most central area of the "Infection" project. There, the most secretive part of the "Infection" experiment was conducted—fusing humans with demons and stabilizing their conditions. Those experimental subjects that could not be stabilized were executed on the spot.
The Balance Space was designed to accommodate only a fixed number of people. Once the number was equal to or exceeded, people from the outside could not enter. And if the number was less than the limit, those inside could not leave.
After some time passed, Professor Dodge spoke up, "The entrance to ’Balance Space’ is constantly under your surveillance, haven’t you caught the intruder?"
"There were no traces, no one saw the intruder," the officer shook his head, "But when we were replenishing ’materials’ to the Forbidden Zone, the last person couldn’t get in. This situation lasted about ten seconds. We’ve checked and the ’scale’ has been operating normally. We can only assume someone risked sneaking into the Forbidden Zone for reconnaissance, possibly using some method to stay hidden."
Professor Dodge fell into silence once more, a chill slowly crawling up his spine.
He thought of the intruder’s method of infiltration because he could do it himself.
The military base in Sunset City was not the only tightly guarded place; the entire research institute located inside the mountain was covered by an Anti-Magic Barrier. To infiltrate unnoticed under these circumstances, one would need to rely on a power that surpassed black magic.
It had to be the power of the "Void Authority," a fact which Professor Dodge was all too aware of.
Without a doubt, an individual or a force that possessed the power of authority had set their sights on the "Infection" project. Behind this so-called Revival Association, there must certainly be someone of significance, able to pose a threat to the project.
"At that time, we were a step too slow in making our decision. We should have killed a person right away. That way, the intruder would have been trapped inside," the officer said with a hint of regret.
"Is hindsight of any use now?" Professor Dodge asked with a somewhat stern voice.
"I’m very sorry," the officer quickly bowed his head, "Indeed, what’s most important now is countermeasures. I’m here specifically to convey this matter."
"Are you planning to relocate the research facility?" asked Professor Dodge.
"The higher-ups intend to end the plan as soon as possible and put it into application," the officer replied, "The experiment is nearing its end, and we do not have the resources to build another research institute."
"So what are you implying?" Professor Dodge realized the issue.
"After the last batch of experiments is concluded, the experimentation will be temporarily suspended, but our contract still stands," the officer answered, "Your surgery may need to be moved up."
"You are forcing me to use these half-finished results as a treatment plan, is that the reward you’re giving me?" Professor Dodge glared at the officer.
"It’s not a half-finished product. The success rate of the experiment has already reached seventy percent," the officer emphasized, "And I must remind you, each new round of experimentation costs a dozen human lives..."
"Are you now discussing conscience with me?" Professor Dodge sneered, "You should know how many people you have killed in this experiment."
"It’s ’we,’" the officer nodded toward himself and then pointed at Professor Dodge, "I’m not talking about a moral issue, but risk mitigation. Each experiment requires ’materials,’ and every personnel movement involves the risk of infiltration, and now we cannot find the opponent’s method at all. You should understand how great this risk is!"
Professor Dodge fell silent, he was all too clear about what it meant for someone who wielded the power of "Void Authority" to be targeting their experiment; the two Divine Artifacts used in Balance Space weren’t so easily found, but continuing the experiments only increased the risk of the results being stolen. This was his only hope for treating his son.
"Only a seventy percent success rate..." Professor Dodge murmured to himself.
Objectively, this success rate was already quite high. When he had desperately placed his child in the Empire’s project, there was no such thing as a success rate—it was a gamble with the Divine Artifact that fused humans and demons together, full of randomness, beyond control.
"The direct mortality rate is not that high," the officer reminded.
"But the outcome is something I absolutely cannot endure," Professor Dodge said softly with a sigh.
The first experiment had taken away Tony’s chance to live as a normal person.
If Tony were to die during the second experiment, it would be as if he had killed his own son with his own hands.
"Whether you can bear it or not, you must make a choice, that is inevitable. Once you have made your decision, we can allocate half a day for you, allowing you to utilize the entire institute’s resources for your child’s surgery," the officer said respectfully.
Professor Dodge considered for a long time before finally speaking slowly, "Alright, when does the last batch of experiments end?"
"All procedures can be completed by tomorrow morning, but it will take some time for the analysis report," the officer answered.
"Then schedule it for the morning after next, is that possible?" Professor Dodge asked slowly.
"No problem," the officer replied, bowing deeply.
"I need to tell our son that he is going to a special charity organization," Professor Dodge said.
"A charity organization, huh..." The officer let out a sarcastic smile, "We will cooperate, please rest assured."
"Then go with that as your response," Professor Dodge waved his hand.
"Understood," the officer saluted, "On the day, we will have someone come to take you to the base, please wait patiently."
Professor Dodge nodded and said goodbye to the officer.
He returned to the house and, considering that his son might have fallen asleep, he lightened his footsteps as he entered the room.
But to his surprise, his son was still awake.
"Dad?" Tony turned his face as soon as he entered the door.
"Son, there’s good news," Professor Dodge struggled to put on a smile and sat down at the edge of the bed, "We have contacted a secluded charity congregation that seems to have a way to cure your illness."
"Really?" Tony immediately widened his bright eyes.
"Of course, the success rate isn’t one hundred percent, but the chances are very good," Professor Dodge answered with a smile, "Your wish will soon be fulfilled."
Wish... Tony paused for a moment.
All his life he had prayed many times to different entities, but the wishes were much the same.
To run and jump like other children, to have a body that doesn’t feel pain, to have his mother come back, to still be alive next year...
Just to have a normal body would be enough—thinking that this wish had hope, he felt an uncontrollable excitement within him.
But looking at his father’s smile, he could feel that his father was calm, not as wildly overjoyed as he was.
His father’s words hid a lie, but he didn’t say anything because he knew his father was the only one... who would never harm him.
