⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️
This post contains a detailed spoiler for an R&S that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation.
- (T/N: Most of this R&S take place somehere between S2 Chapter 14 and S2 Chapter 20)
- There will be references to S2 Chapter 10, 13, 14, and 20.
- Also, for easier differentiation, what Lucien said will be in italic.
[Chapter 1]
“Stretching, one, two, three, four, two, two, three, four… Rotating movements, one, two, three, four, two, two, three, four…”
The children in light blue lab coats formed several rows, waving their arms mechanically to the beat, and the researcher, with a smile on his face, demonstrated the movements, occasionally complimenting a child on their good movement, while the child whose face he complimented did not look happy, but only numb and indifferent.
In the snowy white space, only the lively, out-of-place music and the enthusiastic female broadcast voice resonate throughout the lab, like something out of a third-rate dark humor movie.
In the glass corridor on the second floor of the laboratory, Xiao Yue looked down into the hall directly below him, and several researchers in white coats beside him were introducing him with enthusiastic faces:
“As you can see, our experiment is very humane, and we care about the children’s development during the experiment. We ensure daily nutrition, physical fitness and learning, except that the psychologist we hired before could not come, but it should not affect them greatly…”
“Are you running a kindergarten or are you doing research?” Xiao Yue said.
The man in charge shrank back and no longer dared to speak.
When the broadcast was over, the children were led to the laboratory in a queue by the researcher. A small boy stumbled, stepped on the heel of a child in front of him, and almost crashed out of the queue, the researcher scolded him in a panic, grabbed him and shoved him back into the queue.
Xiao Yue frowned – in such a state and physique, he could not see these children as the “future soldiers” in any way.
“You invited me here to see this?” Xiao Yue half-squinted his eyes, “I don’t seem to feel that this project has a big future from the radio gymnastics just now.”
“Ahem…” the person in charge said with a smile, “Mainly because of the lack of staff, many research can’t be carried out in depth…”
“Can you guarantee that there will be enough people to ensure that I can see results?”
“I can.”
The person in charge said something to one of the researcher, who went downstairs and brought up a child a few moments later. The child’s wrist was covered with what looked like an electronic lock, and the red dot on the lock was flashing erratically.
“This child is the masterpiece of our project. In the first phase of the experiment, his Evol has been so strengthened that even a whole space can be distorted without restraints.”
“What is the use of distortion?”
“In short, his ability to close a loop of time into a kind of infinite loop. Although this ability is still unstable, I think if we can continue to strengthen it, it may be able to help CORE’s research experiments in the future.”
The man in charge said confidently while instructing his men to untie the child’s hands, but Xiao Yue raised his hand to stop it.
“I don’t want to see half-finished products, I just want results.”
“…I have already offered Professor Lucien an opportunity to start the Phase II experiment as soon as he joins us.”
- (T/N: a reference to S2 chapter 10)
“Lucien? The one from the Secret Research Division of the Task Force?” Xiao Yue raised his eyebrows, he had a slight impression of this name, which had been on the NW’s secret surveillance list and had never been deleted.
“Yes, yes, it’s him,” the person in charge, who had laid out so much before, now finally came to the real purpose of inviting Mr. Xiao to visit, and his voice was raised, “I invited him once before, but he refused, and I think he would’ve accepted if you had come.”
“If there’s nothing else to show me, I’ll go.”
Xiao Yue interrupted him and already turned around and walked towards the door, the person in charge was still reluctant and took two steps after him: “Mr. Xiao, I just want to ask you to help me…”
The person in charge swallowed his words before he could finish them, because Xiao Yue turned his head back and his eyes fell on the man face. In his indifferent eyes, there were only three words written in his eyes -are you worthy of it?
The silver door closed silently and Xiao Yue left the lab, leaving the man in charge standing at the door with a flushed face. Only after a long time did he grit his teeth and turn around, his grim gaze falling on the cowering child.
“Begin Phase II experiment.”
- (T/N: a.k.a chapter 13-14 timeloop :””)
[Chapter 2]
A few days later.
“…The hunter games are now being monitored on a global scale, with a particular focus on those who are highly involved in the hunter games in the Loveland City, and samples of the toxic fog have been sent to the research department for analysis. Although some of the actions in the hunter games have resulted in casualties within the organization, they will not affect the normal operations of NW…”
“I want to hear the details of the casualties.”
Xiao Yue tapped his finger on the desk, and the bandage hidden in his sleeve waved in the dim light.
The worker in the NW uniform across the room had a lump in his throat and when he opened his mouth again, his voice was a little quieter than before: “Two people are dead, five people are seriously injured, and they are recovering.”
“Can they continue on their mission after treatment is over?”
“About that…”
The other party only hesitated for a while, Xiao Yue’s eyebrows were already furrowed, he made a stop gesture, he didn’t want to talk about the bad news, “Okay, let’s talk about the latter. The new CORE observation mentioned last time. How’s the subject? Isn’t there a result yet?”
“The results of the identification of the genetic bullets were already available some time ago, but the report was put on hold because of the hunter game.” With that, the staff member pressed the instrument in his hand twice, and the miniature 3d projector began to show the event.
In the screen, a girl is walking cheerfully with two cups of coffee, before her body jolts sharply and blood pouring from her chest, apparently having been shot.
“After the target was hit, the CORE gene did not respond to the bullet.”
Xiao Yue watched the video expressionlessly until a figure entered the camera and hurriedly hugged the girl, and only then did his face show a trace of surprise.
It’s Lucien.
“Why is he in the loop?” Xiao Yue asked.
“It was an accident… We just wanted to use the loop to stimulate the subject, we didn’t expect to involve Professor Lucien, but both of them have successfully left the loop, so if you feel the need to experiment again, we can take action immediately.”
Xiao Yue’s lips showed a hint of interest, “I know, let’s keep an eye on it, no hurry for now. “His eyes moved away from the screen, “What about the other projects?”
“The progress of other projects under research is normal, but there are two things to report about Professor Lucien.” Since Lucien was mentioned, the staff went along with it, “First, the Young Star Project has just submitted a request to change the person in charge to Lucien.”
- (T/N: a reference to S2 chapter 14)
“Young Star Project?” Xiao Yue recalled the project, remembering only the numb-faced children and the flatterer in charge, he grunted, “Better to change, what about the second thing.”
“The second thing is that Professor Lucien submitted a request today for access to the experimental records of Project E. Should we grant him access?”
“Oh?” Xiao Yue raised his eyebrows, not caring about the project name, “If he wants to see it, then give it to him.”
The officer nodded, took a half step back, and then had the courage to speak up:
“Mr. Xiao, forgive me for saying so, but this Professor Lucien used to be a member of the BS, and now he is under the Secret Research Division of the Task Force, so his background is rather complicated.”
“It’s not the first time for him to submit this kind of application, before that he has already accessed Project No.16, Project Phoenix, Project MR… Sir, Lucien’s hands are a bit too long, I suspect that he may be trying to collect something, shouldn’t we be more vigilant?”
“It is not necessary. For this kind of people, he is the most deadly when he has nothing to do.” Xiao Yue smiled and waved his hand, indicating that the other party could leave.
“I’d like to see what kind of gold Professor Lucien can find in those piles of scraps.”
[Chapter 3]
Xiao Yue just had two meetings and went to the research center to inspect the place. Right after he left the door, he heard a gentle male voice ringing out from the side.
“What a coincidence, Mr. Xiao.”
Xiao Yue turned his head to the side and met the smiling face of the man. Although he had never worked with him before, his outstanding memory as a soldier had made him filter the name of the person who came from his mind at the first time, “…Professor Lucien. Did you just come out of the archives?”
“I came as soon as I received your authorization.” Lucien admitted, and raised the notebooks in his hand, “After all, it was a rare opportunity to learn, so I had to seize every minute.”
“So, Professor Lucien has seen so many data, have you gained anything?”
“I’ve gained a lot.” Lucien nodded, “If Mr. Xiao is interested in these gains, we can talk about them somewhere else.”
Xiao Yue stretched out his hands noncommittally: “Has Professor Lucien ever tasted NW’s staff canteen?”
Lucien smiled knowingly, “No, but I hope it tastes better than the cafeteria at the task force.”
The NW staff cafeteria has an a la carte system, with several sets of meals to choose from each day, and Xiao Yue handed the menu to Lucien, who waved his hands, “The same as you.”
Looking around, Lucien said, “The environment in the staff cafeteria is really much better, whether it’s a university cafeteria or a task force cafeteria, it’s always loud and noisy, but here there are even a few private rooms.”
“It’s more convenient to have a private room to talk in.”
“That’s true.”
Lucien lifted his hand and poured a cup of tea, Xiao Yue watched the water slowly soak the tea leaves, and suddenly opened his mouth: “I didn’t expect Professor Lucien to be willing to participate.”
“How is the Young Star Project?” Lucien smiled, pushed another cup of tea to Xiao Yue, and sighed, “It’s mainly because I’m soft-hearted, I can’t resist being asked repeatedly, and I’m very interested in the project.”
“Professor Lucien is interested in this kind of project?” Xiao Yue sneered, “I’ve always considered Professor Lucien to be a brilliant man, so let’s talk about it- you don’t need to use the Young Star Project as a springboard, I’ll give you a chance now, let’s talk about what you think is the most valuable project in NW.”
“I find each of NW’s research projects to be valuable.”
It’s good for a smart person to play dumb, but playing dumb will only make people lose patience, and Xiao Yue was already a little impatient: “For example?”
“For example…” Lucien raised his eyes, pupils as deep as ink, ” 24.782073.”
- (T/N: !!The number that appeared in Chapter 13)
Xiao Yue’s face instantly sank down.
“Mr. Xiao seems to hate this number?” Lucien kept a smile on his face.
“That is not true,” Xiao Yue raised his chin, “I just think that Professor Lucien really knows a lot, and I am very happy that we have such a talented person in NW.”
“But Mr. Xiao doesn’t look very happy, why don’t I share something that can really make you happy?” Lucien took a sip of his tea cup, “…Well, NW’s tea is really delicious.”
Xiao Yue’s thin lips were tightly pursed.
“To cut to the chase, I did a little research after I got this number,” Lucien changed his sitting position, “and if this number is proven, it may indicate that there is indeed some kind of a strange dislocation in our world.”
“Dislocation?” Xiao Yue repeated the word, “Professor Lucien is not going to talk about the theory of relativity with me, right?”
“No, theoretical astronomy is not my area of expertise.”
“I’ve just discovered that this number may have a strong connection to the CORE, and once that relationship is established, perhaps the CORE will become a being that not only activates Evol, but opens up a new world- Of course, this is all just talk on paper, and I’m sure there are many talented people in NW, so I’m afraid someone else has already figured this out.”
Xiao Yue did not respond to Lucien’s probing, but lowered his head and took a sip of tea,” …not bad.”
Lucien looked straight at him: “Mr. Xiao doesn’t need to be so alert, I’m simply worried that someone might find CORE before NW.”
A long silence stretched between them. Xiao Yue realized that he might have underestimated the man in front of him, as he had already thrown all the bets on the table and was still so calm and collected.
“Professor Lucien is far too talented to be the head of a Young Star Project.”
After a few moments, Xiao Yue’s tense shoulders relaxed and he regained his smile, “We have talents like you in NW, so there is no need to worry about what you said.” He emphasized the word “we”.
“Mr. Xiao, don’t you think that our goals are always the same?” Lucien also smiled, his lips pursed in a victorious curve.
He had already gotten an answer from Xiao Yue.
[Chapter 4]
This conversation was not so much about understanding Lucien’s behavior as it was about confirming his ambitions. Xiao Yue was used to seeing all kinds of ambitious guys, and it was easy to control such a person -as long as he wanted something for NW.
Xiao Yue still allowed the various access records submitted by Lucien, and he didn’t think that the other party could get a glimpse of the core of NW from these second-rate projects, but to be on the safe side, he still sent someone to monitor Lucien from a distance for a period of time.
In the report he received, Lucien was always very busy, as if he had 48 hours a day to do, how could he still have time to extend his hand to NW when he was so busy? Xiao Yue tsked and threw away the report. The officer from the prison island handed him another pile of documents respectfully.
CORE gene identification report of MC.
Xiao Yue remembers everyone who may carry the CORE gene, they are all under the surveillance of NW, and MC is undoubtedly the most special one.
Not only are the bullets can’t identified her gene, but also her relationships are extremely complex- complex enough that her research can be conducted in places where outsiders cannot interfere, such as Prison Island.
The officer next to him looked down and explained, “Here is her data report on the CORE response drug injection experiment. Simply put, she has neither the CORE gene in her body nor the CORE gene excluded. Our analysis is all here, and you can give it to the new experimenter. With his help, the experiment will go much more smoothly.”
Who is the new experiment leader? Lucien’s face appeared in Xiao Yue’s mind. That face was always full of confidence and calmness, like a cunning fox, who could calculate others, but no one could touch his tail. But he had also seen Lucien’s panicked face on camera as he hugged the girl. So now…
Xiao Yue laughed coldly.
“Well. I hope he won’t disappoint us.”
Xiao Yue pressed the communication button on his desk.
“Officer.”
“Immediately execute the arrest of the subject, MC, and then inform Lucien to participate directly in the test experiment.”
“Yes.”
Xiao Yue straightened his collar, stood up and walked to the door-
He hoped that Professor Lucien will enjoy this belated “meeting gift”.
[Chapter 5]
“The prison island has sent us a suspected CORE carrier, and we want a definitive answer as soon as possible.”
“I don’t need someone to tell me how to do the experiment.”
“I’m sorry, but the suspected carrier was a test subject for a previous CORE gene identification bullet. The commander is very concerned and has come to see…”
“So? I’ll say it one last time.” The man in the middle of the crowd in the lab looked around the room coldly, “I have my own way of handling things.”
The researchers stepped back and watched Lucien walk toward the subject in front of them. One man took a half step backward in the crowd and accidentally bumped into another person, who turned back to apologize and was startled when he saw the figure in the shadows: “O-officer.”
“Has the experiment started yet?” Xiao Yue stopped the other party’s long-winded apology with a gesture and asked straightforwardly.
“I think it will start soon, do you have any orders? Should I go get Professor Lucien?”
“There’s no need, you should go ahead.”
Xiao Yue hid in the shadows and watched Lucien’s back quietly. His calm words didn’t seem to calm the agitated subject who was looking at him through a glass panel, and Lucien ignored the girl’s agitated demands for an explanation. When the girl was on the verge of anger, Lucien simply turned off the microphone.
He turned his head and looked at Xiao Yue, “Hasn’t Mr. Xiao already inspected this place before?”
“It’s true that I have come here once, but it’s not good to leave without seeing you, the person in charge.” Xiao Yue’s eyes landed on Lucien’s hand, “Professor Lucien is great, how can you not even tremble your finger in this situation?”
“Similar experiments have been done many times, how can I be nervous?” Lucien chuckled.
“But it’s different to experiment on someone you know, right?” Xiao Yue, while pretending to sigh, clearly emphasized the word “know”, “I didn’t know that this lady was your business partner, if you feel uncomfortable, I can arrange for someone else to do it.
Lucien was silent for a while before he spoke softly: “Mr. Xiao, why bother. Regarding my relationship with the lady inside, isn’t the NW report already in your hands?”
“If you think I am the kind of person who would let my personal feelings affect my research, then I can only say that we need to get to know each other again.” Lucien extended his hand to Xiao Yue, “CORE research experiment leader, Lucien.”
“NW commander, Xiao Yue.”
Xiao Yue smiled and shook his hand.
The experiment begins-