An hour before Bai Zhu was beaten to a pulp in the laboratory, Tserriednich returned to his manor.
The alloy door to the underground passage closed, and six transport vehicles pulled into the unloading area one after another. The transport crew undid the rear latches and rolled out the securing frames.
The cultivation tank stood three meters tall, its base connected to an independent power supply. The nutrient fluid was murky, and a mass of black feathers clung to the inner glass, swaying with the current.
The hand that had pressed against the glass earlier was gone.
Researchers gathered around the tank and plugged in their diagnostic cables.
"Tank pressure normal. Oxygen supply normal. Nutrient circulation normal."
"Internal activity has decreased."
"Is that thing in there still alive?" A guard turned toward the researcher.
"No significant drop in vital signs."
Another guard smacked the one who had asked on the head.
"Are you stupid? It was pounding on the glass like crazy just now. Of course it's alive! But what was that sudden outburst about?"
The researcher looked down to check the data.
"Possibly vibrations during transport."
"Tch. Your explanations are always so half-assed."
No one answered.
The guard rubbed his neck and walked away, muttering to himself as he went.
"Something feels off today!"
At the end of the passage, a lift slowly rose, carrying the tank to Paga Manor's underground laboratory. Several staff members wheeled over a frame, secured the tank in place, and checked each latch.
Tserriednich paid no attention to the commotion.
Standing on the steps, he turned the Inverted Cross metal tag in his hand. He glanced at the black feathers in the tank that had been unloaded, then headed for the exit.
"Your Highness, aren't you going to examine the Experimental Subject first?" A