Chapter 439

Chapter 439: Canned Experiment

He spoke with such certainty that it felt as if he had released the pent-up frustration in his chest.

The other three people in the room displayed expressions of relief as the Captain turned to the two strangely dressed soldiers, a hint of pride on his face:

“See? I told you Liu Xiaoheng is not a coward.”

The two soldiers nodded in agreement, each producing a document: a confidentiality agreement and a responsibility acknowledgment.

Liu Xiaoheng took the two documents and began to read them word for word.

In truth, his trust in Sir Arthur meant he had no intention of scrutinizing the terms closely.

However, considering that everyone’s memories had been altered, even the most powerful superpowered individuals had fallen for the council members’ tricks, he felt compelled to review the content.

Not for any other reason, but at least to have peace of mind. Even if he fell into a trap later, he would know where he stumbled.

If there truly were any hidden pitfalls, he would raise them before signing and would not act like a fool.

Although, given Liu Xiaoheng’s level of knowledge, it was challenging to spot any traps.

After skimming through the documents, he was surprised to find no issues with the terms. At least from his perspective, every sentence was written clearly, even reducing the use of jargon, as if they were doing their utmost to ensure everyone could understand.

The potential risks of joining the plan were also thoroughly listed on half a page, resembling the “Adverse Reactions” section of some medication instructions.

While many of the symptoms didn’t even qualify as “adverse reactions” in his eyes, they had all been detailed without exception.

The confidentiality required was also somewhat lenient. He couldn’t discuss the plan’s content with outsiders, but if both parties were members of the plan, then this clause would be nullified.

This at least allowed for some space to discuss and communicate among members, requiring only appropriate confidentiality towards those not involved.

Confirming that there were no problems, he once again picked up a pen and signed both documents.

The two soldiers put away the signed documents, their expressions becoming more amiable.

“Let’s go.”

“Now? Just like that?”

Liu Xiaoheng was a bit surprised. Such efficiency was still ahead of its time for Hope City. He had originally planned to sell any items he could during this period and deposit the money in his account before joining the plan.

“Yes. From now on, you are a member of the plan.”

One soldier replied, and the four of them left the building. The two soldiers took Liu Xiaoheng to a military vehicle, while the Captain stood by the roadside waving to them:

“Xiaoheng, make sure to show your best side once you get there. You’re the only retired soldier I’ve recommended from our squad.”

As the Captain’s farewell echoed, the vehicle started and headed toward a remote area in the inner city.

The Wager Chemical Factory’s history dates back to the third year of the New Era after the establishment of Hope City. It was the first chemical factory directly constructed under the leadership of the council and holds significant historical importance.

Although its function had been replaced by highly specialized factories decades later, and it had even been emptied out to become a genuine empty shell, this didn’t change its unique geographical position in the inner city of Hope City.

The previous generation’s council member Nia developed this site into the largest black market in Hope City and profited greatly from it, becoming a notable figure even among the council members.

However, this gray industry was uprooted three days before the New Year, resulting in this current generation of Nia becoming a laborer in prison.

The remaining shell of the chemical factory still stood, along with its secret passage leading directly to the spire, now serving as a new laboratory.

Liu Xiaoheng was taken to this site by the two soldiers. By now, night had fallen, and the staff responsible for his reception led him to a single dormitory, reminding him of a morning assembly task the next day.

Liu Xiaoheng was so excited that he hardly slept. The next morning, as the assembly order came through the broadcast, he sprang from the single bed like a spring, quickly got dressed, and arrived at the designated assembly location mentioned yesterday.

It was a square in the center of the chemical factory, now transformed into a new training ground.

As Liu Xiaoheng jogged over, he adjusted his cap while looking around at the equally excited crowd. He even spotted a few soldiers who had joined around the same time as him.

After nodding at each other, everyone took their positions, and a man of similar age and build stepped to the front of the line.

“Hello, veterans. My name is Yan Ming, and I will be your instructor starting today, helping you here… to be reborn.”

—

Research Institute, Underground Area

After calculating the building’s strength, the underground laboratory under Ji Yongxing’s supervision began another round of expansion.

The researchers were baffled by how this supervisor managed to find a superpowered individual who nearly doubled the underground area’s size in just one night, without any structural issues appearing.

In awe of the superpower’s might, they also began to further explore the proposal put forth by Arthur.

Currently, a familiar set of armor was worn by Wang Xiao. It was the same suit he had worn before, but with many added attachments, clearly a work in progress with upgrades being made.

“How does it feel?”

Ji Yongxing held a hard folder in one hand and prepared to take notes with the other.

Wang Xiao pressed a button on his arm, and his helmet popped off with a “thud.”

“I still think there’s a problem.”

He sat down on the floor next to Ji Yongxing and expressed his doubts:

“You mentioned before that the device capable of empowering materials cannot be used excessively. Using it for one or two instances is fine, but more than that affects the spire’s operation.

“Plus, the stability of that thing is indeed not very high…”

Wang Xiao recalled the time he and his team went on an exploration and accidentally blew up the battery strapped to the back of the mech, allowing him and several teammates to escape successfully.

His backside had even been blown into a nearby tree. Not to mention the possibility of mass production, safety was a significant concern.

“Alright, I understand.”

Ji Yongxing wrote rapidly, documenting this assistant’s feedback.

“Then the idea of external energy sources can basically be dismissed. We still have twenty-eight alternative plans; I appreciate you helping us test each one.”