276: Departure from the laboratory.

Wei Ziqing returned to GUPA Base, carrying the approval he received from his master and an even firmer resolve.

He was about to head to the training grounds for more practice, but as he walked through the central corridor, he glimpsed Golden Bone and Cynthia standing by a relatively secluded data terminal, conversing in low, serious tones.

He paused, then walked over. "Investigator Golden Bone, Cynthia."

The two stopped talking and looked at him. Golden Bone's iconic exoskeleton subtly adjusted its posture, and a steady electronic voice rang out: "Wei Ziqing. You're back."

"Mm." Wei Ziqing nodded, his gaze sweeping between the two, with a hint of inquiry, "I see you were discussing something. Is it about...?"

"Nothing much," Golden Bone replied, but then glanced at the visibly tense Cynthia beside him and added, "Just some follow-up progress from the interrogations. I'm synchronizing it with Cynthia. She always has a high demand for information in this area."

He paused, seemingly considering for a second, "If you want to know, there's no harm in telling you."

Wei Ziqing's spirits lifted: "Really? Is it about 'Prometheus'?"

"That's right," Golden Bone confirmed. "Regarding the memory issues of some of the low-to-mid-level personnel we captured earlier... our initial judgment was correct. Their memories were indeed tampered with through special means, implanting false backgrounds and loyalties.

If we force an excavation using anti-hypnosis methods, the risk is high. It could lead to brain damage or trigger deeper self-destruct commands, so we haven't delved deeper."

He changed the subject, with a cold sternness based on facts: "However, there is no absolutely perfect defense in the world. No matter how meticulous the arrangement, there are always oversights.

From some fragmented testimonies, contradictions in behavioral patterns, and extremely subtle clues in their personal belongings, we cross-referenced and identified a lead—the core developer of their dangerous drug that can forcibly... 'evolve' people, a doctor codenamed 'X'."

"Another rat hiding in some underground laboratory?" Wei Ziqing frowned, his tone filled with disgust.

"This time, it might be different." Golden Bone's electronic eyes flickered. "According to our intelligence analysis department's deduction, this 'Doctor X'... is very likely hidden within an official or large legitimate scientific research institution, using a legal identity and resources to conduct illegal research."

Cynthia immediately stepped forward, pressing, "Then what do you need us to do?"

Golden Bone's gaze swept over the two of them, and he slowly said, "Internal review and the investigation of specific research institutions are handled by specialized departments; that's not our direct mission.

However, we have located a large comprehensive laboratory deeply associated with this doctor's research. It's not here with us; it's in Haichuan City on the southeastern coast. That's where one of our most important GUPA logistics and research centers is located."

He clarified the directive: "Your next objective is to go to Haichuan City and find a way to approach or monitor that laboratory area. The goal is to find precise clues about 'Doctor X' or evidence that can confirm his identity."

"We need a plausible reason, or... something to lure the snake out of its hole," Cynthia reacted quickly.

"A 'bait' has already been prepared." Golden Bone's voice lowered, ensuring only the three of them could hear.

"Bait?" Cynthia asked, puzzled.

Golden Bone explained: "Previously, when we raided the Prometheus stronghold, we seized original samples of their forced evolution drug.

Our researchers have been conducting reverse analysis on it. Recently, they made a critical Breakthrough—based on our understanding of its mechanism, we successfully developed a corresponding prototype vaccine."

He paused, letting the information sink in: "Once this vaccine passes testing and is deployed, it will fundamentally cripple their most covert and efficient means of recruitment and control. This is equivalent to directly severing a major arm of theirs. They will absolutely not stand by and do nothing."

Wei Ziqing understood: "So, this prototype vaccine, or the related research, is the 'bait'?"

"Correct." Golden Bone nodded. "A top-secret report detailing the vaccine's key Breakthrough, along with some core samples, will be sent to that key laboratory in Haichuan City for further in-depth research and safety assessment, under the highest security Rank. The process is legal and compliant, but very few people are aware of it."

His electronic eyes fixed on Wei Ziqing and Cynthia: "What you need to do is arrive in Haichuan City in advance, and closely monitor any disturbances inside and outside the laboratory before and after the 'bait' arrives.

See who shows unusual interest in this vaccine research, who tries to approach, steal, destroy, or even... try to develop countermeasures.

That 'Doctor X,' or his tentacles, are very likely among them. Your mission is to observe, identify, and gather as much evidence as possible."

Wei Ziqing felt a heavy pressure, but even more, a keen eagerness. Cynthia's eyes were sharp as knives, as if she could already see the path to revenge.

"Detailed mission briefings, cover identities, and contact methods will be provided to you shortly."

Golden Bone concluded, "The situation in Haichuan City is complex, with various forces deeply intertwined. Remember, the primary mission is to observe and draw out the target; avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary. Prepare yourselves and depart as soon as possible."

"The bait is ready," he repeated, his voice metallic and cold, "Now, let's see which fish can't resist first."

On the GUPA Base's dedicated helipad, a busy scene unfolded. A medium-sized transport plane was undergoing its final pre-flight checks, with ground crew and uniformed GUPA members bustling about.

Lu Jianchuan helped Shen Mingyuan carry a light equipment box up the boarding ramp, his brow slightly furrowed as he lowered his voice to reconfirm: "Are you really okay? The doctor said you need at least two more days of observation; the internal concussion won't heal that quickly."

Shen Mingyuan stretched his shoulders, where deep soreness lingered after removing his armor, but his face bore his usual, slightly playful and relaxed smile. He pushed up his non-existent glasses on his nose: "Rest assured, Officer Lu. How can such a minor injury hinder the footsteps of a righteous Detective pursuing the truth?"

He lowered his voice, speaking in a slightly exaggerated, solemn tone, mimicking a stage play, "Look, beneath the shadows of that bustling city, the tentacles of evil are quietly spreading, attempting to defile the vaccine of hope and stifle the light of the future... As a shadow, as a passing Detective, how can I stand by? This game of chess, lurking in the cracks between light and darkness, is destined to have my name written within it! The truth shall be revealed by my own hands!"

Lu Jianchuan looked at him like this, couldn't help but rub his forehead, letting out a deep sigh, his face conveying 'here we go again' and 'I can't do anything with you,' but the tight corners of his mouth relaxed slightly:

"...Alright, alright, if you insist. But," his expression turned serious again, "Once we're there, follow orders for all actions. Don't mess around, and don't try to be a hero. If something feels wrong, retreat immediately, understand?"

"Understood, understood, sir!" Shen Mingyuan laughed, patted Lu Jianchuan's arm, then picked up his box and briskly boarded the plane.

Although his movements seemed agile, Lu Jianchuan keenly noticed that he almost imperceptibly paused for half a second when stepping onto the last rung of the boarding ramp, as if a certain injury had been aggravated.

On the other side of the helipad, Cynthia had already boarded. Today, she wore a sharp casual outfit, her long hair tied in a high ponytail, appearing exceptionally capable.

She was leaning by the porthole, watching several researchers in white lab coats, under the strict escort of several fully armed combat personnel, carefully load an exceptionally sturdy silver portable thermostatic container onto the plane.

Inside was the 'bait' for this mission—the first-generation prototype vaccine against the Prometheus forced evolution virus and its core data. Every step was executed strictly according to the highest security protocols, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Wei Ziqing also arrived, carrying a simple military pack, his expression unprecedentedly calm and focused. After nodding to Lu Jianchuan, he silently boarded the plane. His gaze lingered on the silver box for a moment, his eyes complex.

Soon, all personnel, equipment, and the crucial box were in place. The cabin door slowly closed, and the roar of the engines gradually intensified.

The plane taxied down the runway, accelerated, and finally soared into the blue sky, heading southeast towards Haichuan City. Inside the cabin, some closed their eyes to rest, some checked their equipment, and some quietly reviewed the post-arrival procedures.