The Truth and the Abduction / Putting Out the Fire and the Situation
"Yes, good morning. I just didn't sleep well last night, it's nothing serious." After hearing Sakura's words, Silence forced a smile and explained to her.
"So that's how it is."
Upon hearing this, Sakura nodded slightly without delving into the matter. Then, as if she had thought of something, she asked, "By the way, I heard you're going to resume 'treatment' of Ifrit today. Do you need me to be there to help?"
This question was purely on Sakura's whim, and in the end, she didn't really care whether she needed to stay or not.
If she can stay, she will naturally keep a close eye on Silence while the plan is in progress, adding another layer of protection for her safety.
If they can't stay, it won't be a big deal, since the Tyrant, under Griseo's command, still has some sense of propriety.
"Um?"
Faced with Sakura's sudden question, Silence was momentarily stunned, then quickly waved his hand and said:
"No need. The dosage of medication injected today is not high. Besides, Miss Sakura, you haven't slept all night. You should go back and rest as soon as possible."
"Okay, you can call me if you need any help. I remember you have my contact information, Miss Silence." After hearing Silence's reply, Sakura nodded slightly and said.
"Yes, I will. Goodbye, Miss Sakura."
"Goodbye."
Since she wasn't needed here, Sakura had no reason to linger. After saying goodbye, she left.
"..."
Silence watched Sakura's departing figure, sword in hand, and after a moment, he quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
She had witnessed Sakura's strength before, and since the Serpent Lord was coming to "kidnap" her today, she dared not leave anyone here, lest something unexpected happen.
After calming herself down for a Silence, Himeru resumed her steps and headed towards the laboratory. She still had many tasks to complete before the "treatment" began...
After leaving the Structural Department, Sakura didn't go back to her dormitory to rest. Instead, she went straight to the Ecology Department because she wanted to check if Muelsyse had found any clues.
Upon arriving at the Ecology Department area, Sakura sensed Muelsyse's presence as she walked in that direction.
At this moment, Miss Fox had to admit that sometimes, chance encounters really are not coincidences.
Muelsyse, who was walking briskly towards the Ecology Department database, instinctively said after encountering someone at the corner of the corridor, "Excuse me, I have..."
However, after seeing who was in front of her clearly, she swallowed the words she was about to say and changed the subject, saying, "Why is Sakura in the Ecology Department?"
"Just got off work and was thinking of trying my luck here to see if I could run into you in the cafeteria." As she spoke, a helpless smile played on her lips, and she continued:
"However, Muelsyse from how anxious you are, it seems impossible for us to have breakfast together. You go ahead and get busy; we'll meet up later."
"Ah, what a pity, Sakura invited me to breakfast!... But I do have something to do right now, let's get together later."
After saying that, Muelsyse waved to Sakura with a somewhat regretful expression, then continued on her way to her goal without lingering.
"..."
Watching Muelsyse's hurried departure, a knowing glint flashed in Sakura's azure eyes. Although they hadn't exchanged much, she had already gotten what she wanted to know.
P. S.: Greetings everyone, please urge them to hurry up.
Chapter 142 Truth and Kidnapping
After saying goodbye to Sakura, Muelsyse rushed straight to the Ecology Department's archives, opened the door with his director's badge, and went inside.
Although she had come here to investigate a few times before, thanks to Sakura's reminder, this was the first time she had come with such a clear purpose...
Sitting in front of the computer containing all the data from the Ecology Department, Muelsyse tremblingly gripped the mouse, searching through the various projects he had bid on, following the clues on the note...
As she searched, the elf lady kept looking for clues in her mind, but the more she thought about it, the more her hands trembled...
Because she suddenly remembered a highly anticipated project she had previously participated in bidding for, but which, because it wasn't a major area of the Ecology Department, she hadn't looked into carefully...
"Gurgle..."
Muelsyse swallowed hard, then nervously moved the mouse to check the project she hadn't paid attention to since bidding for it...
"!"
After retrieving the project tender document and continuing to investigate it, Muelsyse's face turned pale, and she dropped the mouse in fright.
"It's over! The Diablo Project really exists! And it really is related to Ifrit!! It's all over, all over, all over!!! The Ecology Department participated in the bidding, Saria will definitely kill me!"
Sitting in front of the computer Muelsyse stared at the project in front of her, clutching her head, her face filled with unconcealed panic.
What a joke! Others might not know, but doesn't she know her old friend well enough? If Saria knew she was involved in something like this, she'd definitely smash her head in!
However, as she carefully examined the details of the [Diablo Project], Muelsyse's panic gradually faded, replaced by an increasingly grim expression.
"How could such a project exist... Kristen, what are you doing?!"
Muttering something under her breath, Muelsyse disregarded everything else and quickly contacted Saria.
"Hello..."
"Saria, I think I've learned the truth we've been searching for..."
"What?"
"The matter is complicated. You need to come to the Ecology Department's database..."
"Good."
Hearing her friend's unusually cheerful voice and hearing the proposed meeting place, Saria realized the seriousness of the situation and readily agreed.
"Call..."
After hanging up the call, Muelsyse seemed to have all her strength drained away, and slumped into her chair.
Then, Ifrit's radiant smile from that night involuntarily flashed into her mind... Thinking of her promise to that child, she felt a mix of emotions, including a touch of sadness.
Rhine Lab Structural Department --
As time passed, the researchers in charge of this "treatment" arrived one after another, including Silence's teacher, Ahrens Parvis, the head of the Department of the Structural Department.
Upon noticing her teacher's arrival, Silence glanced deeply at Ifrit, who was sitting with her head down in the room, before "consciously" leaving the room and taking a backseat.
She had done all she could; now, all she could do was trust the Serpent Lord.
After all preparations were complete, someone brought restraints into Ifrit's room to secure her.
However, before anyone could get close, Ifrit, who was sitting on the experimental bed with her head down, let out a low growl.
"Don't come near me!"
As she finished speaking, fiery red flames rapidly rose around her body, forcing back anyone who approached and creating a large safe distance.
The male lab technician, forced to retreat, instantly turned pale. Then, through the scorching flames, he threatened in a low voice, "Behave yourself. If you keep causing trouble, it'll be Silence who suffers."
"You don't want to put her in a difficult position, do you?"
"!"
Hearing these words from the person in front of her, Ifrit was startled, but instead of extinguishing her flames and becoming docile as usual, the flames around her body became even hotter and spread even wider.
The male researcher, who had initially looked grim and tried to approach the area with threats, reluctantly retreated after nearly being burned by the rising flames.
Not long after he left, Ifrit's uncontrolled flames ignited the various instruments around him, and a violent explosion swept through the entire room in an instant, with the shockwave and flames shooting outwards.
As the dragon continued to use its abilities and energy, its previously normal pupils gradually transformed into vertical pupils that seemed to be burning with flames.
However, someone who had already planned ahead didn't give her the chance to go berserk...
A massive, crimson figure silently appeared behind Ifrit, shielding her from the impact and damage of the explosions, while simultaneously injecting a vial of medicine into her body.
As the dark blue potion was injected, the rampaging Charmander quickly fell into a coma.
After doing all this, the Tyrant added his own flames to the dwindling fire before picking up Ifrit and disappearing into the ruined room.
All of this happened so fast that the group of people outside, who were affected and frightened by the explosion, didn't even have time to see clearly what was happening.
Having only tripped and fallen due to the impact while outside the lab, and suffering no real injury, Silence quickly stood up and looked up at the room engulfed in flames, searching for Ifrit's figure.
Ecology Department Database
"Your Ecology Department won the bid for this project! Muelsyse, you'd better give me an explanation!?"
After reviewing all the information about the [Diablo Project] on the computer, Saria glared at Muelsyse with a terrifying expression.
"This... this really has nothing to do with me! All I knew at the time was that it was a high-profile, big project, and I just wanted to get a piece of the pie!"
Muelsyse was startled by Saria's glare, and quickly waved his hands to explain, afraid that he would be beaten up by his old friend if he was even a step too late.
"You have to believe me. If I had known all this beforehand, I wouldn't have dared to come with you to investigate! Besides, didn't you sign quite a few of the documents Saria?"
"..."
Saria gave Muelsyse a serious look, and only after confirming that he didn't seem to be lying did she look away, her face pale as she lowered her head and explained:
"Those things were all labeled '[Technical Reserves]' during the project review. I thought it was just one of countless routine research projects, which is why I signed off on them."
"This..."
"Beep!"
Just as Muelsyse was about to say something, Saria's phone suddenly rang, interrupting her.
P. S.: I tried my best, but I got my comeuppance for staying up all night yesterday. Today I have a cold and am on my period, with a headache, stomachache, and body aches. I can't stand it at all. Best regards everyone.
Chapter 143 Firefighting and Situation
"I understand. I'll head over there right away. Oh, and please prepare a fortified Bastion for me."
After hearing what was said on the other end of the phone, Saria's expression changed, and she answered seriously before hanging up.
"What happened?"
Noticing her friend's even more unpleasant expression, Muelsyse frowned slightly and asked.
"Something's happened to Ifrit..."
After saying that, Saria didn't linger and rushed out of the archives.
"..."
Watching Saria rush out and disappear from her sight, a hint of helplessness flashed in Muelsyse' eyes. She then resignedly shut down the database computer, locked the door again, and then hurried towards the Structural Department.
Although she didn't know exactly what had happened, the elf lady still decided to go and see.
Saria didn't rush headlong into the Structural Department. Instead, she went back to change her equipment and put on her shield before heading there.
However, when she arrived, she did not see the out-of-control Ifrit as described in the report; instead, she found only a room covered in scorching black flames and ruins.
"Where are the Ifrit?"
Looking at the Security Department personnel who had arrived before her and were trying to put out the fire, Saria frowned and asked.
"I don't know. The Structural Department told us the patient had gone berserk, but we haven't seen the berserk patient since we arrived."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Saria instinctively tightened her grip on her shield, glancing at the flames that couldn't be extinguished even slightly. A look of anxiety flashed in her eyes, and her expression became even more grim.
Just then, a clear, cold voice accompanied by a chill rushed in from behind, making the many Security Department members, who were already sweating profusely from the heat of the fire, shiver.
"These flames are unusual, Director Saria, please do not rush in."
"..."
Saria sensed the chill and looked towards the sound, only to see Sakura, who should have been off work and resting. Then, as if remembering something, she asked with a serious expression:
"Miss Sakura, I remember your Originium Arts are ice-based. Do you have a way to suppress the flames here?"
When Sakura saved Ifrit with the power of the Spirit Blade: Frozen Naraka last time, she lied about her abilities when filling out the report afterwards, saying that the power of ice was her Originium Arts and that her sword was a special staff.
Therefore, Sakura was not surprised at all when faced with Saria's question.