Chapter 39 – Enge Laboratory

The middle-aged man said, “My name is Silva, and I was a former researcher at the Enger Corporation…”

As he spoke, Xiao Wuwang quickly grasped the background and mission context of this world.

The Enger Corporation was a colossal, monopolistic enterprise in this world, involved in most high-tech industries such as biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and military products. However, its true hidden core technology was research combining high-tech with life engineering and biological weapons—in simpler terms, biochemical weapon technology.

But they overestimated their ability to control the technology and underestimated the dangers of the biochemical virus.

During a critical biological weapon experiment, an unexpected loss of control caused the entire laboratory area to be enveloped by a terrifying biochemical virus.

Humans would be infected and turned into emotionless Zombies just by inhaling a trace of the original biochemical virus!

Other humans would also become infected if bitten by Zombies.

After the original biochemical virus leaked, it spread rapidly, infecting not only the entire laboratory but also quickly spreading to Xilong City outside the laboratory.

Within just one day, almost every human in Xilong City was either infected or had the virus lying dormant within them.

Initially, those with the dormant virus were unaware of their infection and fled frantically to other cities.

More critically, although the second-stage mutated biochemical virus could no longer spread through the air—only through the bodily fluids and blood of Zombies, thus weakening its transmission—once infected by a Zombie’s bite or scratch, the mutation speed was dozens of times faster than that of the original virus. Moreover, the second-stage mutated Zombies had significantly enhanced strength, speed, and perception, becoming even more ferocious and bloodthirsty.

Thus, a global apocalypse was triggered.

In this catastrophe, 99% of humans either died or turned into Zombies!

Now, Silva and his companions wanted to enter this laboratory to retrieve the experimental data hard drive to improve the virus serum.

However, they underestimated the number of Zombies beneath the laboratory, resulting in an entire squad being trapped, with only Silva managing to escape.

The others aside, among those trapped was a key figure in the virus serum research—Marcus.

Xiao Wuwang’s current mission was to find Marcus and bring him out alive. Only by rescuing Marcus could he receive the subsequent reward—30 Infinite Coins.

According to Silva’s Description, although there were many Zombies in the laboratory, the highest level was only Level 2, with no Level 3 Zombies discovered.

This might also be why the Danger Rating of this Platform was defined as Moderate Risk.

Xiao Wuwang did not accept his coins and instead said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t take on this mission. It’s too dangerous, and the risks don’t justify the rewards.”

With the experience from his Previous Life, Xiao Wuwang knew that missions on the Mission Platform could be negotiated. One shouldn’t simply accept whatever mission was offered.

Upon hearing Xiao Wuwang’s refusal, Silva’s face instantly turned pale. He frantically grabbed the hem of Xiao Wuwang’s clothes, his voice tinged with pleading, “Adventurer, please, reconsider. Marcus holds the key to saving the world. If he perishes inside, the survivors may have no hope left.”

Xiao Wuwang gently brushed aside Silva’s hand, his tone still firm. “I understand how you feel, but I also have to consider myself. This mission is too risky, and the reward is only a mere 50 Infinite Coins. Moreover, based on your mission requirements, I might not even receive the final payment. What if Marcus is already dead inside? Wouldn’t I have made the trip for nothing?”

Silva paused for a moment, then asked again after a brief hesitation, “How about this? Regardless of whether Marcus is alive or dead, as long as you bring him out, it will count as completing the mission. What do you think?”

Xiao Wuwang gave him a mocking look, as if staring at an idiot. “You want me to drag out a corpse even if he’s dead? Do I have a death wish? As I said earlier, even if you gave me all the Infinite Coins you have, I wouldn’t be willing to take this trip. If you can’t offer anything else that appeals to me, then I’ll have to give up on this mission.”

With that, Xiao Wuwang prepared to walk out of the station.

Seeing Xiao Wuwang’s resolute attitude, a flicker of despair flashed in Silva’s eyes, but it was soon replaced by a glimmer of hope. He gritted his teeth, as if making a major decision, and said, “Wait, adventurer. I know of a place where there’s something that might change your mind.”

A slight smile curled at the corner of Xiao Wuwang’s mouth. He stopped in his tracks, his expression turning serious as he asked, “Tell me more.”

Silva replied, “On the fifth underground floor of the laboratory, there’s a hidden vault containing a batch of enhancement serums developed just before the apocalypse. These are the results of another research line by the Engel Group focused on life enhancement. Taking this serum can greatly improve all aspects of human physical functions, granting strength, speed, and reflexes far beyond those of ordinary people. And I happen to have the key to that vault. If you agree to rescue Marcus and the others, I’m willing to give you the key.”

Xiao Wuwang responded, “Deal! I’ll take the mission! Give me the vault’s address and the key.”

Silva stared intently at Xiao Wuwang for a few moments and warned, “Don’t even think about deceiving me. The enhancement serum is locked in a password-protected safe, and only I know how to open it. As long as you bring Marcus back, dead or alive, it will count as completing the mission. Only after the mission is completed will I give you the final three Infinite Coins and help you open the safe.”

Xiao Wuwang narrowed his eyes slightly but finally nodded. “Alright, no problem!”

Silva took an electronic card from his pocket and handed it to Xiao Wuwang. “The fifth underground floor isn’t very large. It’s divided into the eastern and western zones. The vault is in Room D-205 in the eastern zone. Once you find the location, swipe this card on the electronic lock at the door to enter. Inside, look for the storage shelf behind the desk. Find the fourth compartment on the second row from the left—there’s a goat-head ornament there. Rotate it clockwise by 90 degrees, and a hidden room will open. The safe containing the enhancement serum is inside.”

Xiao Wuwang took the electronic card, examined it carefully, and after confirming it was genuine, stored it in his Portable Space. He then said, “I hope everything you’ve said is true. Now, give me a simple Map of the laboratory, along with information about Zombie distribution and any special danger zones. I don’t want to wander around like a headless fly once I’m inside.”

“Uh, okay!” Silva quickly nodded, pulling a pen and a notebook from his pocket. He flipped to a blank page and began writing and sketching, explaining each point to Xiao Wuwang as he went.

Xiao Wuwang noted down all the key details one by one.

Finally, Xiao Wuwang took the paper, skimmed through it briefly, reviewed everything once more in his mind, and after confirming there were no omissions, he stored the paper into his Portable Space.

Silva asked, “Any more questions?”

Xiao Wuwang replied, “None! Wait here for my news.”

Silva nodded, “Adventurer, good luck.”

Without another word, Xiao Wuwang turned and walked out of the station.