previous chapter excerpt:
"Even if Mr. Vred is your father, he will act justly." With that, Luna turned and walked off, her assistants following behind her.
Vinnie let out a soft laugh, then turned her gaze toward her father, who remained frozen in place. She smiled at him, then carried the unconscious Kav to her lab.
"Perhaps it's true… that child is a disaster waiting to happen."
~~~~
I stood right in front of the room where Jack and Aunt Luna were. After that intense battle between Subject 0034 and 0067, we had only brushed past each other in the arena. Well, not that I wanted to come see that snake of a woman.
A junior researcher had come to me earlier and said that Father was calling for me. I had no choice but to go—refusing wasn't an option. Who knows what underhanded trick Luna's playing this time? It seems like she's trying to eliminate anyone who might replace her.
"Ugh, she's already old. Why is she still looking for trouble?" I muttered in frustration.
"Who are you calling old, Vinnie?"
I turned toward the voice. Mr. Vred—my father—was now standing behind me. I let out a quiet sigh and reluctantly stepped into Luna's room. As if he could read my thoughts, Father simply shook his head and followed behind me.
I stood near the wall, pressing my body against the cold surface just to feel something—anything. But of course, Father glanced at me and cleared his throat. Ugh, how annoying. It's not like they're going to talk about anything important anyway.
"Speak," Luna said.
I waited for someone to speak, but instead, the room fell silent as all eyes turned toward me. I furrowed my brows slightly and asked, "What is it? Why are you all staring at me?" Upon hearing that, they collectively let out a sigh.
There were three senior researchers present, not including my father. Two others appeared to be on the same level as me—possibly Luna's assistants—and one was a junior researcher.
It wasn't until I observed our current arrangement that I realized what was happening. We were standing in a circle, with one individual placed at the center—as though they were the suspect of an interrogation. And in this case, I was the one positioned at the center.
Were they suspecting me because of the outcome of yesterday's match? Really? I'm not the kind of researcher who hungers for rank and would resort to underhanded tactics just to rise to the top. Even in matters of life and death, I would choose to stand on the side of truth.
"So, what exactly do you want from me? A confession, or a denial?" I asked firmly.
"Let's not waste time. Young people these days truly lack manners," one of the senior researchers remarked with a tone of disapproval.
"Excuse me, but aren't you the ones wasting my time here? My workload has increased significantly because some of you have failed to manage your responsibilities. So, shouldn't you be the ones clarifying what exactly the issue is?" I responded firmly, unable to hide the sharp edge in my tone.
Their expressions clearly reflected their disapproval of me, although they refrained from showing it openly—likely due to my father's presence. It was obvious they were trying to corner me into admitting to something I didn't do. If this isn't about trying to gain favor, then what else could it be?
I stepped toward Luna and gestured for her to stand where I had just been placed. She gave me a look that clearly said, 'how dare you?' At least, that's how it appeared to me.
"Shouldn't Aunt Luna be the one offering some clarification?" I asked, holding up a small chip in plain view. Her expression changed instantly.
I raised both brows and allowed a faint, knowing smile to cross my lips. See? I knew she was behind this. The senior researchers turned their attention to her with questioning looks, while her assistants lowered their gazes—as if they already knew something wasn't right.
"Ah... forgive me, Aunt Luna. You implanted this into Jack quite well. Unfortunately, I happened to discover it by accident. I'm not entirely sure what it does yet, so wouldn't it be appropriate for you to present the results of your work?"
I noticed Father clenching both fists, his expression remaining unreadably cold. I couldn't tell whether he was upset because Luna had acted deceitfully, or because I had successfully exposed the senior scientist's underhanded tactics. Well, I suppose it's impossible to truly know what's in someone's heart.
"It seems there's no need for me to be involved in this matter any further. I assume scientists of Tier Three aren't welcome to participate in you're discussions," I said, bowing slightly as a gesture of respectful departure.
Father nodded silently, and I left the room without another word. This time, Luna might not be granted leniency.
That small chip had been deliberately implanted into Jack's back—Luna's way of gaining full control over him. If I not removed it, Jack would have won the fight effortlessly. Once activated, the chip would flood his system with adrenaline, driving him into an uncontrollable frenzy.
That's right—that's why Luna insisted on ending the match suddenly. She realized the chip was missing, but instead of admitting fault, she turned the tables and accused me of cheating. Fortunately, I had the evidence in my hands, and there was nothing she could do to refute it.
I frequently overheard junior researchers discussing how Luna deliberately set traps for others, resulting in their dismissal or punishment. I had assumed she would not dare to confront me, given that I am the son of Xevana's owner.
"How is the analysis progressing?" I inquired upon arriving at Kav's room.
Hannah turned to face me, then swiftly approached and embraced me tightly. "Ah! I'm relieved you passed the interrogation," she said, her voice slightly trembling.
"Please, release me. Do I look as if I have just been released from prison?" I replied, attempting to free myself from her firm grip. I wished to relax after inspecting Kav's condition. Hannah pursed her lips and pinched me; frankly, I preferred when she was quiet and composed rather than behaving so childishly.
"Step aside. I must assess his condition before he becomes uncontrollable," I said, taking several sheets of paper from Hannah's hands.
I examined the documents thoroughly. The report indicated that Kav had two fractured vertebrae and unstable blood circulation caused by an injected fluid. I had anticipated these conditions; however, the presence of this fluid was unexpected, as I had not administered any medication to this werewolf.
Based on the traces, the substance entered through the nerves in Kav's arm. However, there is no evidence of an injection mark or any indication that he received an injection from me. It is important to clarify that I am the only person authorized to administer any medication or fluids. Although Hannah or my other assistants may perform the injections, it is always under my explicit permission.
"Have you identified the type of fluid that is interfering with his blood circulation?" I inquired. Hannah shook her head in response.
"I have requested Bagas and Reevyna to conduct a laboratory analysis, but the results have yet to be reported," she continued.
His heartbeat and pulse remain within normal limits, yet the blood flow from his liver and surrounding tissues to the brain appears unstable. Furthermore, he remains unconscious following the confrontation. Under these circumstances, I decided against questioning him.
Despite having shared the same room yesterday, alternating shifts for rest, it is conceivable that an intruder managed to enter without detection. I should consider reviewing the CCTV footage later.
"Where are Intan and Ben?" I asked.
"They are currently in the control room. Would you like me to summon them?" Hannah responded, to which I nodded in agreement.
Perhaps I should instruct those two to conduct a comprehensive review of all CCTV footage—there's a possibility the perpetrator acted in a different room. Only individuals with specialized keycards are granted access to this area. I myself am restricted from entering rooms designated for specific subjects or researchers.
Our protocol is centered around optimizing the development of our subjects while minimizing external disturbances—such as unauthorized entry, off-topic conversations, or activities unrelated to research. These measures also serve to ensure the safety of both the subjects and the researchers. Therefore, the notion of someone entering this room undetected seems implausible. The intruder detection system would have been immediately triggered if anyone had entered without authorization.
"You called me?" Ben asked upon arrival.
"Go to the CCTV control room. If the guards refuse access, override the system and retrieve all footage available," I instructed.
Ben nodded and reached out to pull Intan along with him. Instead of following, however, she remained standing in front of me, visibly uncertain.
"Why are you still here?" I asked, confused.
"Um… am I going with Ben too?" she replied, even more confused.
I rubbed my temples—honestly, where did Ben even find this girl? Hannah chuckled from across the room while munching on her snacks, clearly amused by our exchange.
"Just go with Ben—or do you want to get fired?"
Upon hearing that, Intan bolted ahead of Ben. I highly doubt she even knows where the CCTV room is, but I deliberately granted her access so she could gather evidence for future reporting—possibly even for the media.
"Which division is she even part of? She seems to just wander around all day," I muttered, recalling her various odd behaviors.
"If I'm not mistaken, the recruitment team placed her in the Information Division. I'm not entirely sure what that department actually does," Hannah replied helpfully.
"No wonder... that division does nothing but stir up confusion..."