The enraged lion

"The test results are back. Once again, it was multiple organ failure caused by a massive buildup of free radicals in the body, just like Old Ge."

The leader sitting at the head of the large conference table gave a quiet murmur of acknowledgment.

He wore formal attire, and his face showed neither joy nor sorrow. But judging by the hand gripping his pen, he was not as calm as he appeared.

"Comrades, we have lost two comrades in the span of a single month. Comrade Old Ge initiated the 88 Plan. Before that plan succeeded, there were long years when our own waters did not belong to us.

"But now, even waters that are not ours remain under our control. Within our strike radius, not one dares challenge us.

"He also trained a great many talented people for our country.

"Our ability to explore the stars and reach for the moon, and the many new types of equipment we possess, all depend on him and his students.

"Academician Tang was a doctorate holder who returned from overseas. He gave up wealth that countless people across the ocean could not have resisted and ignored warnings of danger and threats. Only after three years in detention did he return to his homeland.

"After his return, our country's high-energy physics advanced by leaps and bounds.

"He was also a soldier, a soldier who fought for the people!

"Back then, the country had countless things to rebuild and urgently needed an education system. It was Academician Tang who joined forces with scholars across the country to establish an effective framework. With research projects also on his shoulders, he worked himself to the point of fainting several times.

"I have no intention of glorifying the hardships they endured. Their names have long been engraved upon the foundations of our nation, remembered by its mountains and rivers, enduring as long as the country itself!

"'Treat me as a national hero, and I shall repay you as one.'

"I only want to say this.

"They have already made the contributions expected of national heroes. Now, it is up to us."

Everyone at the conference table looked at the leader, their hearts filled with anger. Every academician was a national treasure, and now two had died in succession. It was a loss the country could scarcely accept.

"In the decades since we stood up, we have never again suffered a loss so devastating, one that cannot be easily settled and on which we cannot compromise.

"They forged a sword for us, and that sword still shines brightly. They also trained soldiers, and those soldiers remain strong and vigorous.

"This is where our confidence comes from, and never has it been greater.

"Comrades, the matter of the two academicians cannot end like this. I hereby announce that we will take retaliatory measures, no matter what kind of monsters or demons they may be! Now, let us vote by a show of hands!"

"Retaliatory measures" was merely the official term. There was another, less respectable name for it: retaliation in kind.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

The people at the table could no longer contain their anger. Every one of them raised a hand, while some, after a brief moment of thought and consideration, also raised theirs one after another.

The lion rose to its feet, a little restless, and shook its mane. It looked down upon the world with pride, intending to pay back everyone who had angered it.

"Very well, more than half are in favor. Distribute the documents... These documents are classified top secret. I will not repeat the confidentiality agreement. Now, everyone, please read them."

The soft rustling of pages filled the conference room as the attendees began reading as soon as the documents reached them.

If Xu Chen had also been at the meeting and could have seen the document, he would surely have marveled at the state's capabilities. It recorded the full course of every event, from the Taihao Typhoon Incident through Academician Tang's case.

It clearly set out the responses and measures taken by each department during that period, including detailed accounts of what had happened with Dean Yang and Xu Chen.

There was even a great deal of information Xu Chen knew nothing about.

Academician Qi and his team had developed a drug that was highly effective at killing Aspergillus flavus. But the drug did more than efficiently eliminate Aspergillus flavus: it was a highly toxic organic chloride that caused immense harm to living organisms.

Even so, aside from high and low temperatures and strong acids and alkalis, this substance was currently the only one capable of effectively eliminating the mutant fungus.

If Mutant Aspergillus flavus spread again, a quarantine barrier made with this drug could effectively limit the spread of it and its subspecies.

The document stated that it was not yet known whether the drug was effective against Aspergillus niger. The drug had already been added to the list for cooperation with the other side in combating the mold disease, and its effects on Aspergillus niger would be reported truthfully afterward.

Next came various analyses of the full course of these cases by a think tank made up of leading experts who had been summoned.

Setting aside the complicated reasoning and procedures, they analyzed the abnormal occurrences in these incidents, interspersing their analysis with explanations of the latest cutting-edge technology. A number of highly distinguished scientists and criminal investigation experts from across the country had also verified and evaluated the findings. They confirmed that supernatural factors had indeed appeared in these incidents, proving that He could wield supernatural power.

At the very least, based on modern science, these scientists believed that even if He could not wield extraordinary power, He was still an alien with extremely advanced technology, because His methods were beyond what current science could achieve.

To guarantee the authenticity of this account, it also bore their signatures.

These disputes between science and the mysterious were not to be underestimated, because they concerned whether "He" truly existed.

This would change some people's views and prevent them from using certain conventional methods, avoiding needless deaths. It would also make others consider what means they should use against such an unheard-of enemy.

The document was enough to make everyone take the matter seriously, face "Him" squarely, and avoid mistakes they might otherwise make.

As for the deaths of Academician Tang and Old Ge, the think tank unanimously believed that "He" had killed them to silence them, because the two academicians had discovered information about Him—His methods or weaknesses.

He could not allow this information to spread, so as to prevent humanity from taking countermeasures. He had made a token effort to put on an act with Old Ge: if Xu Chen had not arrived, Old Ge would have died of inexplicable multiple organ failure. But by the time He got to Academician Tang, He did not even bother pretending.

In both Old Ge's and Academician Tang's cases, the think tank believed that the key information lay with Old Ge's student.

That was because Academician Tang had only begun displaying a series of abnormal behaviors after coming into contact with Old Ge's student.

They recommended contacting Old Ge's student once the matter of Academician Tang was settled. Judging by the time, contact should already have been made.

Some had finished reading and were discussing their views with the people beside them.

"At present, we should find out what information Academician Tang knew..."

"...Investigate the place where patient zero was..."

"Deploy observation equipment along the coast..."

"Mobilize mathematicians, statisticians, and sociologists to analyze the locations of mold disease outbreaks around the world and pinpoint where He is hiding..."

"Compensation for their families..."

"Quiet!"

The leader did not speak loudly, but everyone present was well trained. The moment his words fell, the conference room fell silent.

"Comrades, I have heard all your thoughts and suggestions.

"Pooling our ideas is good.

"Standing united is also good.

"I will issue a directive to coordinate the various government agencies and departments. The entire country will join forces.

"Whatever you need, whatever you want to mobilize, whoever you want to call upon, you will receive the fullest possible support.

"I have only one demand.

"Make Him pay a sufficient price!"