Their Past, Part 4

(4)

Once the brief break was over, the female black-market doctor brought Cui Ji to their office and took out a syringe of reagent.

"This is a new enhancement drug developed by the higher-ups. They want to test its effects. It can also improve the combat capabilities of these... 'defective soldiers.'"

"Aha, how wonderful!" Cui Ji drew out the last word, but the smile on her face turned frosty. "But you should know that what I want is the [Silver Army], not some army of Ethereals!"

"The [Silver Army]~" The doctor repeated the words "Silver Army," then her expression darkened too.

"Cui Ji, so you do know we want the [Silver Army]!

The Silver Revival project has stalled, and you keep rejecting worthwhile projects. Why should the higher-ups give you any funding? The nutrient solution alone to keep all these defects alive costs a small fortune!

Cui Ji, surely you aren't naive enough to think a free lunch will just fall into your lap!"

Cui Ji's pupils contracted sharply at the doctor's words.

"Of course, defective as they are, they're still important specimens. Keeping them alive is fine. People need something to gain if you want them motivated..."

The doctor stepped forward, leaned close to Cui Ji's ear, and lowered her voice. "Cui Ji, I shouldn't have to tell you what to do next!

Make sure those defects realize their full value!"

The doctor's words finally snapped the thread that had been stretched taut in Cui Ji's mind for so long. She lunged forward with a howl.

"You bastard! You lunatic! You heartless piece of scum! You can't do this!"

Those earliest scenes flashed through Cui Ji's mind again and again—lying on an iron bed frame, having her body cut open, her organs taken, being treated as something disposable...

That