Theory (Part Two)

"If the final step of the experiment succeeds today, then the Titan Power will no longer be the symbol of the Eldians, but a new Lighthouse for humanity!"

"First, gather the coordinates of the eight Titan, and we'll have a chance to compete for the Founding Titan Power. Finally, we'll strive for the power of the Hallucigenia!" Norman stared intently at the test tube in his hand. Inside, the black liquid shone like amber under the light.

However, when it came to the final step of the experiment, Norman hesitated. The final step required an experimental subject, a non- Eldians experimental subject. If successful, this subject would become the first Intelligent Titan outside of the Nine Titans in a thousand years, and also the first Intelligent Titan outside of Eldians. This Titan would also become a pioneer that would change the Fate of the Eldians.

However, failure meant only death, so Norman hesitated: who should be the test subject?

Rationally, Norman should have chosen a suitable Marleyan volunteer, but Norman didn't dare because he wasn't sure if the chosen Marleyan would accept the Titan Power or be willing to help change the future of the Eldians as much as he was.

Norman couldn't gamble; once he made a mistake, there would be no chance to regret it. With that thought, Norman's eyes hardened.

After a series of rustling sounds, Norman carefully placed the paper covered in writing on the corner of the table. Then, he slowly took out a clean Syringe from the cabinet, along with the test tube he had just used. He filled the test tube with the black, amber-like liquid and aimed it at the vein on his wrist.

The sharp needle easily pierced his blood vessel, and the black liquid was injected into his body.

The next second, the Syringe fell to the ground and was crushed to pieces by Norman's foot. At this moment, Norman's face was flushed, the veins on his neck were bulging, and he was swaying as if he were drunk.

Thump! Norman lost his balance and fell to the ground, clutching his neck tightly with both hands as if suffocating, making intermittent hissing sounds, with faint steam rising from his nose and mouth.

His body temperature rose sharply, and his previously damp clothes were quickly dried by the extreme heat, with wisps of steam rising from Norman's body.

As time went on, Norman's struggles lessened, and his once-black eyes turned bloodshot as the blood vessels in his eyes burst due to the excessive heat, filling his pupils with blood.

Norman's decision to experiment on himself was risky, as he shouldn't have acted so impulsively. This experiment was the culmination of his life's work, and he shouldn't have taken the risk. In fact, Norman knew he had another option: to use his best friend Ebson, as the experimental subject. Norman knew Ebson would certainly not refuse, but Norman was unwilling to let Ebson take the risk.

Norman couldn't accept that Ebson would die because of his failed experiment, because Ebson had been passively accompanying him throughout the experiment. Ebson's refusal to refuse wasn't for the sake of the Eldians; it was solely for his friendship with Norman.

Therefore, Norman decided to personally act as the experimental subject. If successful, he would experience the results firsthand; if unsuccessful... Norman's suicide note placed all his hopes on his unborn child. With Ebson's help, there was still hope for the future.

Meanwhile, Ebson, on whom Norman had placed his hopes, leaned against the Laboratory door, arms crossed, his gaze somber. Was he truly as trustworthy and reliable as Norman thought? Perhaps he had been...

The sounds from inside the Laboratory reached Ebson's ears clearly: Norman's struggle on the ground, the faint groans of pain, the ear-piercing sound of glass shattering. However, none of this caused any change in Ebson's expression; he remained leaning against the Laboratory door, his expression grim.

I don't know how much time has passed, maybe half an hour? Maybe an hour?

The Laboratory was suddenly pulled, Ebson turned his head to see Norman looked weak but very excited.

As soon as Norman stepped out of the Laboratory, he excitedly grabbed Ebson, gave him a bear hug, and shouted, "We did it! We did it! Ebson! We did it, hahaha! It's amazing! I dare say there's no Paths in the world! The Titan Power, the Founding Titan Power, it's truly a miracle!"

"Pei Xi! Wait for me, I will soon fulfill our promise and change the future of all Eldians! Let our children live openly and happily in the world!" Norman looked up at the cloud-covered sky and clenched his fist, as if he could see the bright moon through the thick clouds.

The excited Norman was completely unaware that Ebson, standing in the shadows behind him, had a cold look in his eyes and calmly said, "Congratulations, Norman. I knew you could do it."

"Of course! By the way! Ebson, can I borrow your car? Take me to the hospital right away. I want to tell Pei Xi the good news! And I'll also be waiting for my lovely baby to be born!" Norman was in a very good mood.

"Okay." Ebson answered with just one word. Norman had no doubt whatsoever. He couldn't wait any longer and turned to walk toward the car parked outside the Laboratory. However, a cold gaze was already fixed on his neck.

Suddenly, a muscular figure darted out of the shadows and rushed to Norman's side with lightning speed, so fast that Norman had no time to react before he was tackled to the ground.

The figure seemed to have been prepared. The instant he tackled Norman, a Dagger appeared in his hand, and without the slightest hesitation, the sharp Dagger pierced Norman's neck.

Swish! A flash of silver light, and scalding blood splattered out, mixing with the cold rainwater on the ground. In the blink of an eye, half of Norman's neck was severed!

The faint steam that had just risen from the broken end vanished without a trace; once the spine was severed, even the Titan Power could not save the host.

Norman's pupils gradually dilated as his wide eyes cooled, but the lingering joy in them hadn't completely vanished. He never imagined his life would end so suddenly.

Ebson stood there quietly, calmly watching his dearest friend lose his life, when the figure holding the Dagger walked up to him. In the dim light, it could be seen that this person was the driver who had brought Norman and Ebson to this Laboratory.

The driver looked at Ebson with a beaming smile and said ingratiatingly, "Young Master, was it quite efficient?"

Ebson didn't look at the driver, but stared at Norman lying on the ground, and nodded indifferently.

The driver didn't say anything, put away the Dagger and prepared to deal with the scene. He was just following orders, after all, it was the Young Master's command.

"Tsk tsk tsk, who would have thought that the Young Master, who looks so cowardly, is actually quite ruthless, huh." The driver sighed, but the next moment, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, and then his whole body fell forward as if he had been hit by a heavy blow.

The driver struggled to his feet in horror, looked down, and saw a gaping hole in his chest from which blood was gushing.

"Why, why, why?" The driver was completely bewildered, but a dark gun barrel was already pressed against his head.

Bang!! Ebson pulled the trigger, and yellowish-white brain matter and blood splattered all over his face.