Volume 4 Chapter 290
by Need_More_SleepVolume 4 + Chapter 290: The Forbidden Experiment
The Human World, Rhine Kingdom.
“Sigh. No matter how many times I test it, it’s useless.”
Dr. Claire Morrison looked at the failed specimen in the container before her, her eyes filled with disappointment.
She glanced at the pile of experimental reports at her feet. She’d lost count of how many attempts she’d made.
And yet…
Not a single success.
Even though she was an absolute genius in alchemy, she had encountered an unprecedented obstacle, one that seemed impossible to overcome relying solely on her own abilities.
“Tired~ It’s such a hassle without an assistant. I have to do everything myself~”
The doctor leaned back in her swivel chair, took out a lollipop, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.
As the ample sugar hit her tongue, her weary spirit finally relaxed for a moment.
She pushed off the floor, and the chair began to spin.
Facing the mountain of failures left her deeply frustrated.
Perhaps this experiment truly required the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to create a miracle, to make the impossible possible?
“I do miss my days at Rhine Alchemy a bit. Back then, I had plenty of little minions to order around. It’s nothing like now~”
Currently, the doctor was the only person in the laboratory.
This was a lab she had secretly built using her own funds. It could be said that apart from her, no one would ever find this place, it was absolutely secure.
The reason the doctor was hiding here was to evade capture from the outside world.
The entire Rhine Kingdom was searching for her now.
After finishing one lollipop, the doctor rummaged in her pocket but found nothing.
“Oh dear, that’s not good. I’ve run out of lollipops. Should I figure out a way to go out?”
The doctor stood up, a troubled expression on her face.
Lollipops were like air to her.
She could skip meals, but without sugar, she’d go crazy.
“However, if I go out and get caught, that would be very bad…”
“You don’t need to worry about that now, Doctor.”
Sounds came from outside the lab.
The doctor turned around to find many figures already at the laboratory entrance. Paladins in armor had entered the space.
Leading them was the captain of the paladin squad.
“Finally found you, former Head of the Alchemical Life Experiment Department at Rhine Alchemy, Claire Morrison. Please abandon all resistance and cooperate obediently with the actions of the Paladin Order.”
“Oh my, have the Paladins already tracked this place down?”
No trace of nervousness appeared on the doctor’s face. Instead, she took her time to taunt them.
“I truly wish you displayed such excellent efficiency when seeking justice for the common folk~”
Faced with the provocation, the paladin captain felt displeasure in his heart, but due to his discipline, he did not lash out.
“Doctor, one final warning. Surrender peacefully! His Majesty the Knight King has decreed a ban on any experimental research that violates human ethics. Your actions are tantamount to opposing the entire human world, to betraying humanity!”
“Ah, this spiel again? What era is this, still spouting nonsense about humanity and grand causes! It’s giving me a headache. You paladins, why are you all so fond of talking about grand causes? Yet in reality, I don’t sense you’re any army of justice. You seem more like you’re using the banner of justice to eliminate dissidents…”
“Silence!!”
The paladin captain couldn’t listen any longer.
He’d long heard that the Doctor had a problematic way of speaking, capable of indiscriminately angering anyone, from royalty to paupers. Seeing it today, it was indeed true.
He was about to draw his weapon, intending to use force to subdue her and complete the mission.
“Wait.”
A familiar, aged voice sounded. An elderly alchemist appeared. His attire and family crest displayed his extraordinary status in the alchemy world.
He was Hohenheim Morrison, the patriarch of the Morrison family, one of the Four Great Families of Rhine, and the true master of Rhine Alchemy.
Simultaneously, he was also Claire’s grandfather.
“My apologies, young sirs. My granddaughter is somewhat lacking in social graces. This is a failure in the Morrison family’s upbringing. On behalf of her earlier impertinence, I offer my sincere apologies. Might I request a moment of your time to speak with my granddaughter in private?”
“This…”
The paladin captain was somewhat conflicted.
“Please rest assured, Captain. Our Morrison family has sworn allegiance to His Majesty the Knight King. We would absolutely never condone or shield any wrongdoing. I am here to persuade Claire to turn back from her erring ways. I beseech you, grant us this chance.” Hohenheim humbly requested once more.
“Very well. I can only give you five minutes. After five minutes, if the Doctor remains obstinate, we will take measures.” The captain ultimately agreed, giving him face.
“Thank you for your understanding, Captain.” Hohenheim nodded.
The paladin captain temporarily withdrew, simultaneously ordering all his men to surround the laboratory, sealing it tight.
Inside the lab, only the grandfather and granddaughter remained.
“You old fossil, you’re here,” the Doctor said with a laugh. “Have a seat. I’m living frugally now and can’t offer you tea. This place can’t compare to the family estate. Please bear with it.”
Hohenheim was long accustomed to Claire’s disrespectful attitude.
He wasn’t angry. Instead, he observed his granddaughter.
“Claire, have you been hiding here all this time?”
“Not exactly. I abandoned several labs before, this one was only recently relocated to,” the Doctor replied. “You know, only an idiot would stay in one place.”
“I see. No wonder those outside couldn’t find you. So you used this method. Did you spend all your earnings on this?”
“Yep. I anticipated this day would come long ago and prepared in advance.”
“Then, what kind of experiment could drive you to abandon your status within the Rhine Kingdom, cast aside all your reputation and prestige, become a wanted criminal, and still be so determined to complete it?”
Hohenheim picked up an experimental report from the floor and quickly scanned its contents.
After comprehending what was written, even this seasoned authority in the alchemy world, having weathered great storms, couldn’t help but show an expression of shock.
This experiment was a thousand times more insane than the Hybrid Species Plan. It belonged to the realm of absolute taboos.
“Claire, have you lost your mind?”
“I haven’t lost my mind, old fossil. Aren’t I conversing with you quite normally?”
Hohenheim slammed the experimental report onto the table, his emotions somewhat out of control. “Answer me! Why are you conducting such an experiment?!”
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