Chapter 386. Tobba
After conducting various tests, we have confirmed that this instance of 177 is identical to the one detained on the island, ▇▇▇▇. They share the same fingerprints, iris patterns, and DNA.
Based on his account, we have pinpointed the exact location of 010 and its operational mechanism.
Given 010's unique properties, we suspect it to be a part of the entity designated as 005. According to 177's explanation, we have come to understand the method to activate 010. By exposing it to the singing of ▇▇▇▇ and using ▇▇▇▇ to simulate it, 010 would be activated to alter time and space.
However, there are no recorded uses to date, or perhaps we have used it countless times, but we had no knowledge of it.
After discussion, Dr. ▇▇▇▇ and Dr. ▇▇▇▇ have decided to contain this project at the highest security level and issued documents to establish a dedicated containment side to include it as one of the contingency plans for"▇▇"
In the event of any calamity of KA level and above, the personnel stationed at Containment Site V4 will immediately activate 010 to reverse time and prevent the catastrophe.
(Dr. K9 has requested to use 010 to travel to ▇▇▇▇, but was turned down by the Foundation.)
As Charles read the contents on the tablet screen, his eyes widened in astonishment. This was the experimental log of 010, and if he remembered correctly, 177 was Tobba's designated number.
Wait. That's not the point now. Now that I've found 010, shouldn't I continue on my way back?
Just as Charles was pondering his next step, the hazmat suit in front of him tore open down the middle, and Tobba emerged from it, completely naked.
Unlike the crazy and rambling Tobba, this one before him had eyes that shone brightly like that of a baby.
The sailors' gazes alternated between the two Tobbas; they felt as though they were in a dream.
"Well, well! Isn't this Tobba? Long time no see! How are you!" With a mouse in his hand, Tobba chuckled as he walked toward his naked self.
However, Naked Tobba outrightly ignored his crazy counterpart. He eyed Charles with apparent anxiety and asked, "What did you have for breakfast today?"
Charles furrowed his brows as he stared at Naked Tobba in front of him. He paused for a brief moment and asked slowly, "Are you the Tobba before you went insane?"
"Quick! Answer me! What did you have for breakfast today? It's my doing that you guys are able to get here. So hurry up and answer my question honestly if you want to go back!" Naked Tobba questioned, his tone extremely agitated.
"I didn't have an appetite today, so I didn't have breakfast," Charles answered as he cast a wary glance at Naked Tobba.
Unbeknownst to him, the moment he spoke, Naked Tobba's expression twisted into one of profound regret.
"Did you not see the message I left for you on the tablet from thirteen years in the future? Why haven't you had breakfast yet? Why didn't you? Don't you know it's bad for your health to skip breakfast?!"
A message from 13 years in the future? He's referring to the message on Doctor's tablet!
Immediately, Charles caught the message. Naked Tobba's reference to breakfast was not literal but symbolic; he was using "breakfast" to hint at something else!
Charles stared into Naked Tobba's eyes and asked, "What if I told you I've had breakfast today?"
"Then. You. Wouldn't. Be. Hungry," Naked Tobba replied, emphasizing each word.
Naked Tobba then slumped over in resignation and plopped down on the ground, "Forget it. It doesn't matter anymore. It's too late; your hunger has already set in."
Though Charles couldn't understand the meaning behind Naked Tobba's words, he instinctively sensed the significance of those words on himself. Squatting down next to Naked Tobba, he softly asked, "Is there no way to rectify this?"
Naked Tobba shook his head in defeat. "There's no way. Continue onward. I'll use 010 to send you back to your own time now."
Naked Tobba then knocked against the transparent glass floor and commanded, "010, send them back to their time."
"Wait! 177! You can't do that! Activating 010 requires the headquarters' authorization!" one of the restrained Foundation staff exclaimed as he struggled to break free. However, his efforts proved to be futile as Dipp knocked him on the head, rendering him unconscious.
One of 010's bubbles slowly floated upward and swiftly enveloped everyone.
Still feeling rather confused, Charles turned toward Naked Tobba and pressed for an answer, "What are you trying to say? Can't you just tell me in a straightforward manner? Are you wary of the Pope? He can read minds, so secret codes are useless."
Naked Tobba took a few steps back and stood outside of the bubble. Looking at Charles, he said, "Forget it. Just pretend that you've never encountered me. The purple tentacle you faced earlier was from a future version of 010. Stay far away from the 010 of your world; it has gone completely mad."
The moment Naked Tobba finished talking, his physical form disappeared, and the scenery outside the bubble shifted rapidly, mirroring a fast-forwarded scene.
Charles was taken aback for a brief moment before he quickly picked up the remaining Foundation staff and threw them out of the bubble amidst their screams.
When the rapid transitions beyond the bubble had halted, the group scanned their surroundings. To their astonishment, nothing had changed. They were still in the same white, immaculate laboratory, though now devoid of the Foundation staff.
Dipp eyed the brand-new equipment around him in curiosity before he turned to Charles and suggested, "Captain, despite the hurdles, we have achieved our goal. Since we have met 010, isn't it time to go back up and leave this island?"
However, Dipp received no response. He turned back to look at Charles and noted the latter's unusually pale demeanor.
A trace of unease appeared on the Deep Dweller's face. Dipp approached Charles and asked, "Captain, are you alright? Did something happen?"
Charles' expression was extremely grim as he remained silent. Currently, through his enhanced vision, he could see that the entire laboratory was filled with bubbles of varying sizes, and these bubbles intersected and encased everyone present,
These bubbles differed significantly from the previous 010—they appeared bloated and had muted colors. The stark shift was abnormal.
Time had returned to normal, but a subtle change had happened to 010, and they were now standing inside of 010.
Before Charles could voice a warning to the group, enormous purple tentacles sprang from every direction—walls, floor, ceiling—encircling them completely in an instant.
While the others couldn't perceive 010, they could clearly see the tentacles. A palpable sense of dread washed over everyone.
"Pope, we are all relying on you now," Charles said to the old man next to him.
However, the Pope's grim expression mirrored Charles' expression as he said, "Me? Do you think it's possible for one of me to defend against so many of them? What about you? You are a Chosen One, too, and you possess immense power within you. It's time to wield it!"
Before Charles could retort, the tentacles made their aggressive move and shot out toward the group.
Despite his complaints, the Pope couldn't sit idly. Instantly, his eyes emitted a radiant golden glow. A formidable aura descended upon the room once more, and the encroaching translucent purple tentacles vanished in an instant.
"Hurry up and move! We must get out of here immediately. We have encountered 010, so we can leave now!"
Charles led the group in a sprint toward the laboratory's exit. Upon reaching the circular staircase outside, they inhaled a sharp breath of air.
The previously empty circular staircase was now overrun by purple tentacles. It was as though the entire stairwell had transformed into the innards of some monstrous octopus.
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