November 2160
Hmm, you're doing well. You walked through fire and only got some scars on your arm. Pretty lucky, I'd say.
Don't worry about the scarring. Our military hospital doesn't handle that sort of thing, but there are plenty of specialty clinics outside that can completely restore your skin. It's nothing to worry about.
As for other things to pay attention to, there's not much besides being careful about what you eat... Hey, Vera, are you even listening?
The doctor removes the dressing from Vera's arm, frowning as she tries to get the attention of the young woman who seems to be miles away.
Hmm... huh? I'm listening.
You didn't hear a word I said! Why don't you care about your own body? You get injured on every mission, you get hurt during training, what's wrong with you?!
Vera blinks softly, her gaze briefly passing over the doctor's look of exasperated concern.
You—Forget it... you've always been like this. If you ever stopped to think about the consequences, you wouldn't have rushed into that burning building to drag someone out.
By the way, the person you rescued has finally woken up. They were in a coma for nearly a month, but at least they survived.
At the mention of this, Vera's attention returns instantly, like the subtle flutter of her eyelashes.
Oh, that's good.
Would you like to visit them? They've been moved to the general ward.
Hmm, maybe.
...
The doctor finally loses patience with Vera's absent-mindedness and smacks her hand on the desk.
Vera! Look at me when I'm talking to you!
！
You had the same expression when you came for your dressing change last time. What's been on your mind lately? Is it about graduation? Hasn't your probation period already ended? Are you still having trouble graduating?
...
Graduation shouldn't be a problem, as long as those "recruiters" stop tripping over themselves trying to collar me.
I'm thinking about something else...
Vera traces the raised scars on her forearm, her mind drifting back to that day in the burning building.
Back then, she was knocked to the ground by an escaped test subject from the building, and it felt as if her body and consciousness had become disconnected.
The moment passed in an instant, but that sensation still lingers in her body.
It felt as if... her bones and flesh had been replaced with cold metal. She's still herself, yet utterly different from who she once was.
Doctor, what's the current level of bionic prosthetic technology?
Prosthetics? Bionic technology? Why are you suddenly asking about that... Hey, you're not planning some kind of "mechanical ascension," are you?
I'm just curious, I want to know more about it.
Hmm, technology in that field is quite advanced now. Bionic prosthetics have a high adoption rate, and it's become a relatively successful industry.
There's a rather famous figure in the field... Professor Liston, have you heard of him? He's a leading representative of those researchers passionate about mechanical human augmentation. Though I've heard he's been focused on teaching students these past few years and rarely makes public appearances.
If you're interested in learning more, I could also...
So, is there technology now that can gradually replace the entire body with mechanical structures? The kind where not even a trace of biological tissue remains?
It does exist, yes. Our military district occasionally gets access to some cutting-edge projects like that.
I heard recently that someone has already achieved a complete body modification—replacing the entire body with metal structures. They can even discard the brain and nervous system, storing consciousness and memories through some special method.
—Yes, that's it! Something like that.
Gwynneth falls silent, studying Vera with a suspicious gaze.
...Something's wrong. I suspect you're having dangerous thoughts. I've known you for many years, and I believe every bizarre thing you say has a source.
I'm really just curious...
Stop, stop, stop, Vera. For your own sake, I won't discuss these things with you anymore. I can't keep up with your line of thinking or predict what "neural" impulse you'll have next.
The doctor gathers her things and stands up to leave.
You just said you wanted to meet the person brought back from the fire site—let's go then. From now on, I'll only answer your questions about this matter.
Through the hospital room window, Vera gazes intently inside.
That day's "counterterrorism" operation went awry, with multiple members of Vera's logistics squad injured. Yet even while surrounded by artificial "mutant" creatures, the squad still managed to rescue an ordinary person from the burning building.
Reportedly, the squad leader repeatedly confirmed this person showed no signs of "mutation" before sending them to the military hospital.
He doesn't seem to be recovering.
The man in the hospital room remains in deep sleep. One of his arms is ruined, and beneath his clothes, his body is covered in freshly healed burn scars.
One could say he "barely cheated death."
You probably don't know this, but he was comatose in the ICU for a long time, and the first thing he did when he woke up was demand to know if that building had burned down.
Vera raises an eyebrow at these words.
And then?
We told him the truth, "Yes, it was completely burned down," and he suddenly became extremely agitated. We had to tranquilize him before he calmed down.
...Hmph, this person is suspicious.
What?
Don't worry, I'll look into it and confirm the facts.
Through the window, Vera continues to study the unconscious man, watching as he clings to life with his broken body.
Before you breathe your last... why don't I squeeze whatever value I can get out of you?
Military Academy
Military Academy
"Red-haired Vera" returns from the hospital, walking through the corridors of the Military Academy.
She passes by many fellow students without greeting any of them.
Everyone is bustling about preparing for their final graduation assessment. Once they pass, they'll be able to join various combat teams and enjoy a stable and comfortable life in this era of peace.
Yet despite the hustle, everyone spares a glance, secretly eyeing the girl who always keeps to herself.
...Went out again? To change your bandages at the military hospital? Still injured after a whole month? Must be nice enjoying all that free healthcare.
The Team Three squad leader blocks Vera's path, "congratulating" her snidely.
Thanks to your heroic sacrifice during the last mission, we managed to rescue the hostage with you as the only casualty... If you don't deserve a commendation, then who does, right?
You poor thing, is that burn on your arm healed yet? Oh no, is it scarred?
Get lost. Child.
Vera understands perfectly, this sarcastic "concern and congratulation" has a meaning. It's a subtle warning about her "unauthorized commendation."
About what we discussed last time, have you thought about it?
After graduation, continue with us in logistics. Almost everyone in Team Three wants this.
This is the second time we've extended this invitation. Don't be difficult. Once this opportunity passes, it won't come again. You might find yourself "reassigned" to some freezing outpost along the Arctic Union Route.
Is this an invitation or a threat?
Vera stands her ground and lets out a contemptuous laugh.
"As long as Vera's around, all of our problems will be easily solved."—isn't that what you all think?
You people haven't even graduated yet, and you've already found the perfect workhorse to secure your careers and fast-track your promotions. How convenient for you all.
Vera rolls up her sleeve, revealing the scar left by the tongues of flame that licked her arm.
I'd rather be on the frontlines collecting more scars like this one than be associated with any one of you.
Haha... "Pampered swine of the Golden Age"—that's exactly what you people are, tuah (spits).
You *****, you make me sick... Vera!! You'll beg for this opportunity if you know what's good for you!
With a cold expression, Vera sidesteps the fuming squad leader and continues walking forward.
She knows she can provoke them with just one sentence—but she's also aware that such verbal sparring brings no benefit, so she doesn't bother to continue the confrontation.
What she needs to do now is far more important than any petty conflicts.
Arriving at the office at the end of the hallway, Vera knocks lightly before pushing the door open.
...and regarding that "hostage" rescued from the fire, I believe it's also necessary to...
...
A well-dressed woman sits at the superior's desk, discussing procedures for the "terrorist attack."
My apologies, I'll return later.
No, your timing is perfect. Please stay and listen, Vera.
Vera... you're the student who rescued that "hostage."
The woman extends her right hand, gently shakes hands with Vera, and presents her work identification.
I'm Hilda from the Control Court. Please, come here and listen to what I have to say.
Hilda gestures with her hand, and Vera nods, walking over to stand stiffly at her side.
As I was just saying... regarding the "hostage" you rescued, we need to confirm his identity. You were the first person with close contact at the scene, and I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Understood. I'll cooperate.
According to the medical report, his face is completely destroyed, and his DNA information doesn't match anything in the resident database. We're currently unable to determine this person's identity.
But we do have a theory.
Hilda sends a file to Vera, who immediately reads it.
Take a closer look at the details. That building is the headquarters of a biotechnology company under the Copperfield Group.
The company's business performance is average. Copperfield barely bothers to manage it, and I hear they're preparing for an acquisition process. Overall, though, there aren't any significant issues.
Their main business has been the extremely common "genetic selection" program that's currently on the market, highly popular among the upper crust.
—Through genetic selection, they "manufacture" the most superior offspring, free from various hereditary diseases and unstable developmental factors. Sounds like a good thing, doesn't it?
As Vera offers a blunt "assessment," the officer at the desk shoots her a warning glance.
However, Hilda gives a slight nod.
Yes.
Now I need to tell you this—the "hostage's" skin was severely burned, with only faint markings remaining. But after thorough examination, we believe it's a code sequence.
You suspect he's one of their test subjects?
It's entirely possible. Given all those modified "monsters" that appeared there, I imagine human experimentation wouldn't be much of a stretch for them.
But the timing makes no sense.
Oh? Tell me what you're thinking.
Vera doesn't respond immediately. Instead, she glances toward the desk.
Commander.
The officer at the desk continues to frown.
Vera, you're free to express your thoughts, even if you think they're just "loose threads" of speculation.
...Understood.
As it happens, the Kowloong Fuxi Research Institute was recently embroiled in a scandal, prompting an investigation and restructuring by the Science Council's Ethics Committee. Many people were held accountable.
With such precedents, if a biotech company like this were truly engaged in illegal activities, logically, they would scatter out their labs in different locations and maintain strict secrecy.
Yet their headquarters, located near the city center, "brazenly" housed those experimental subjects, conducted human experiments that crossed every single line, and even exposed ordinary citizens to these activities.
Even if the company was struggling financially, a smooth acquisition wouldn't have been a bad outcome. But this behavior is corporate suicide, like grabbing a megaphone to broadcast their wrongs to the world.
Therefore, I suspect someone must have deliberately exposed them, sending out experimental subjects and even a "hostage" as evidence.
Vera finishes explaining her theory, and Hilda nods repeatedly in agreement.
Hmm... hmm... so, is this the work of "Justice Judgment"?
The media should have picked up on this by now... No, why hasn't there been any news after an entire month? People on the outside still seem to think it was just an ordinary terrorist attack.
Did you suppress the information?
Vera slightly furrows her brow. She suddenly feels something isn't quite right, as if she's overlooked a subtle but critical detail.
Hilda looks directly into Vera's eyes, then passes her own device to Vera. The screen displays a video.
Yes, we did suppress information. Here's the reason why.
The video begins to play.
My name is Liston. I'll spare you the lengthy introduction.
Let me explain the situation in simple terms: I've been conducting a "human cybernetic modification" project for several years now, and the most advanced results are right before your eyes.
All research conducted by myself, my laboratory, and my students has remained within ethical boundaries. We've undergone regular reviews and have never engaged in any unethical practices that violate human dignity.
Next is my formal accusation—I'm reporting my former student, Haynes.
Haynes was already using illegal methods to obtain cadavers back when he was studying under me, to facilitate his human modification experiments.
At that time, he received an offer from a biotechnology company, reportedly controlled by the Copperfield Group. I took the initiative to inform the company about his background, but they hired Haynes anyway.
After many years, I've come to believe that this company is likely illegally collecting human genetic data samples and conducting embryonic cultivation.
I don't have conclusive evidence, but I've forwarded all the information and relevant documents I'm aware of to you. I kindly request that you investigate this matter.
That's it.
Liston raises his hand in the video, and the screen goes black.
Professor Liston is quite the character. He's always been straightforward.
Two months ago, he sent us this information whistleblower. We took his allegations very seriously and conducted a public investigation into that company. It was then that we discovered the company was performing poorly and was about to be acquired.
However, our investigation didn't uncover any of these alleged ethical violations. This "Haynes" that Liston reported was conducting what appeared to be normal biological research projects. Nevertheless, as a precaution, we temporarily suspended the project.
Everything seemed fine—at least back then, there weren't any monsters in that building yet.
...
Something's not right.
Vera raises her head, a new idea forming in her mind.
I'd like to add to my earlier hypothesis, though... it's still just a "half-baked" theory. I hope I'm not wasting your time.
We're just having a casual chat. There's no need to treat this as a formal "investigation," you can just relax and speak freely.
...Thanks. Is Haynes missing now?
Yes, his disappearance coincides with the timing of the building incident.
Additionally, there were severe casualties among the personnel involved, and all relevant documents have been lost.
Is it possible that someone deliberately "exposed" these things to the outside world, and intentionally left behind that "hostage" for me to rescue?
Or rather... here's what I think:
Vera steps forward.
Someone at a Copperfield Group subsidiary gained a rare scientific "sanctuary," only to be reported by their own mentor years later. Their project was quickly suspended for investigation.
When everything you've worked so hard for falls apart, if it were me, I'd be inclined toward "revenge."
My "masterpiece" should have made a spectacular debut.
And as for where I should position myself... naturally, as close to the stage as possible, somewhere I can appreciate my masterpiece up close.
Vera traces the raised scars on her forearm, her mind drifting back to that day in the burning building.
A bomb detonates softly in Vera's eyes, erupting into blazing red flames, just like the building on that day.
BOOM.
Apart from our "hostage" who's still under supervision at the military hospital, could anyone else have accomplished all this so effortlessly within two months?
—Perhaps we should call him "Haynes."
But his DNA information doesn't belong to Haynes. Genes are a person's biological code, so how could he rewrite his own genes?
Our current level of human modification technology can replace limbs with more powerful mechanical prosthetics, or make biological enhancements to the original flesh...
...but what if Haynes actually went a step further and achieved genetic modification?
If it can't be achieved on the original body... what about before the next "self" is born?
Ethically reprehensible cloning has always been a major focus of such illegal research, and I doubt someone who casually steals corpses would care about ethical boundaries.
After all, in this era, there are far too many ways to "shed one's skin and disappear."
...
Hilda smiles and looks at the officer at the desk.
You're right. She wasn't just a "crazy girl."
She's razor-sharp.
I've said it before, she's perfect for this new mission.
Vera, we need to search for more evidence going forward, and your mission is to continue guarding our rescued "hostage."
Until we can confirm he's the root of the problem, and then arrest him.
So until your formal graduation assessment, you won't need to participate in any other missions. Just focus on doing this one properly.
What about the regular training sessions...
You don't need to attend those either. I see some people have already found their place, but you don't belong among them.
...Okay.
The red-haired Vera leaves the officer's office, clearly aware that she's just earned some recognition and was fortunate enough to gain a buffer period before graduation.
The two people remaining in the office continue chatting about other matters.
So how does it feel, holing up here as an instructor? I see you're even pretending to be serious.
Ah, well... Sometimes you have to put on a show for young people. They're at that age where they only judge by appearances...
But I don't plan to continue staying in this place anyway. Otherwise, I'd really become the second fool to spend their entire life as a soldier.
Enough about that. What are you here to see me about this time? Is it about the zero-point reactor ignition again?
I'm not interested in any "ceremonies." If you want to treat me to drinks, just leave a few bottles in this office and I'll appreciate the gesture.
It is related to the zero-point energy ignition, but actually I'm just here to deliver a message from someone.
...Don't mention their names.
Fine, I won't. The Security Intelligence Bureau will arrange defensive forces near the reactor to ensure the ignition procedure isn't disrupted. The chief... the new Security Bureau chief will personally oversee the operation.
The new Security Bureau chief hopes you can assist with the operation—you're not far from there, right?
Just for convenience's sake?
Just for convenience's sake.
...
Hilda stares directly at her superior, waiting for his answer.
Fine, I'll consider it.
