Several hours later, Detroit, the Underground Research Facility.
The heavy hibernation pod was set down steadily in the center of the laboratory.
"Go get some rest, or have some fun for a while," Lucian said to Annie and Cate beside him.
He had brought them along mainly because he did not feel comfortable leaving the two of them alone at the base. Now that he needed to seclude himself to copy an ability, having them around would only be inconvenient.
"Will you be all right on your own?" Annie looked at the enormous metal coffin with some concern.
"Don't worry." Lucian smiled. "I'm just doing some research."
Cate narrowed her eyes. Every time Lucian finished his research, he had more abilities, and they grew stronger and stronger. That defied common sense.
But she quickly suppressed the urge to ask. He would tell her when he wanted to. She looked at Annie, who stood beside her, lost in thought.
Being considerate was also part of maintaining a harmonious married life. She had won again this time.
"Annie, let's go."
"Why does that sound like you're ordering me around?"
"Because you really should leave now."
"Cate!"
Their bickering gradually faded into the distance.
Once they had left, Lucian moved the hibernation pod by himself into a sealed chamber deeper underground.
He began examining the massive contraption.
A complex life-support system, a low-temperature circulation unit, and a precision system for injecting minute doses of poison. The workmanship was crude, but it certainly worked.
Lucian did not spend much time on the external equipment. He walked straight up and located the emergency release for the pod door.
Hiss-
White mist gushed out as the sealed door slowly opened.
A blast of cold air washed over him.
Lucian held his breath and reached into the