Chapter 303: Joshua Allen!
General Lane's Frustration
After leaving the base, Sam Lane did not go home for Christmas. Instead, he drove to a somewhat dilapidated building and took the elevator down to the third basement level.
This was a secret research facility belonging to the A.R.G.U.S., one of the assets left behind by Amanda Waller.
The head of the secret base was named Amachev, a Russian who was wanted by the Russian government for certain matters. After several transfers, he was recruited by Amanda Waller and became a dedicated researcher for the A.R.G.U.S..
Sam Lane disliked Russians, but he liked Russian defectors.
"What is the situation?"
"Excellent, unbelievable."
Amachev was both surprised and delighted. He led Sam Lane to the testing area, where two cats, mutated after being injected with the alien organism, were fighting fiercely. The domestic cats, now purplish-brown, were small but possessed terrifying strength and speed, even leaving dents in the concrete floor.
"After comparison, their overall physical stats have been enhanced by at least twenty-five times. Their muscles and bones are extremely resilient and can withstand attacks from small-caliber handguns. Large-caliber weapons can still cause damage, but they are not fatal."
"The alien organism has completely changed the cat's physical structure, enhancing all bodily functions. Its current combat ability is comparable to three tigers."
Sam Lane quietly watched the cats fight until they died, then pulled back his gaze, saying indifferently,
"Is it possible to develop a strength-enhancing serum from this?"
"That..."
Amachev was hesitant. "In principle, there's no problem, but we can't control it. The alien organism drastically increases the host's aggression and negatively affects cognition. Even injecting tranquilizers has limited effect. To control it, we would need to approach it at the genetic level, but... we don't have the technology for that."
"How many years would it take to develop this technology?"
Amachev gave a wry smile. "General, this isn't a matter of time. Technological development requires accumulation. Based on the current pace of biological technology, perhaps we could begin genetic-level modification work in thirty years."
Sam Lane fell silent. He knew Amachev was right, but he was intensely unwilling to accept it. The increasing number of supernatural incidents recently had made him, as the A.R.G.U.S. Director, feel extremely troubled. He was gradually realizing that relying on agents and soldiers wasn't enough. The A.R.G.U.S. needed a powerful, fearless team capable of rivaling Superman to maintain balance.
Seeing Sam Lane's expression grow darker, Amachev became nervous. After a moment of thought, he said quietly,
"Perhaps there is one person who can help."
"Who?"
"Ivo, Anthony Ivo!"
Sam Lane was startled, frowning. "Didn't that lunatic die?"
Amachev shook his head. "I'm not sure if he's truly dead, but there are rumors that he is currently working for Lex Luthor and has re-established the Ivo Laboratory."
"If that's true, he might be able to help. As you know, Professor Ivo is no ordinary person..."
Sam Lane looked thoughtful. Intelligence officers had all heard of Anthony Ivo. He was a world-famous scientific madman. The Gambon Virus he created eight years ago nearly killed one-third of Scotland's population, and he was still on the wanted lists of the UK and the EU.
It was said that the lunatic had the memories of an alien scientist in his mind and possessed unimaginable expertise in the field of biological cells. As the scientific community once said, if he had the dedication to focus and be a decent person, the Nobel Prize in Physiology would be renamed the Ivo Prize in Physiology.
Unfortunately, the thoughts of a genius are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Compared to regular biological technology, he preferred the study of dangerous, potent viruses that could kill millions in the blink of an eye.
"Is he truly at LuthorCorp?"
"I don't know, it's just a rumor."
Sam Lane nodded. "I will look into it. You must also press ahead with your work here, understand?"
"You have my word, General. I will do my best."
A Chance Encounter
When Sam Lane left the building, it was already nine o'clock in the evening. Looking at the deserted streets, he suddenly thought of his beloved daughters.
Lucy was graduating and planning to join the military, which made Sam Lane, a career soldier, very proud.
Lois, however, was a troublemaker, always reporting secret events the government didn't want disclosed. While this gave Sam Lane a terrible headache, he also felt a strange sense of pride—his daughter was a brave and righteous person, much like him. The only thing that annoyed him was her boyfriend.
Clark Kent!
Thinking of the country bumpkin from a farm, Sam Lane was instantly irritated. According to his subordinates' reports, the simpleton hadn't even gone to college.
What on earth was Lois thinking, choosing such a fool!
"Forget it, I can't control the business of young people."
General Lane, feeling quite heavy-hearted, drove away. When he arrived at his villa's gate, he spotted a shadowy, suspicious figure loitering outside. He quickly pulled out his pistol and yelled sternly,
"Who's there? Don't move! Move an inch, and I'll blow you away."
The figure froze, quickly raising his hands. "D-don't shoot! I'm a delivery man, just delivering a package. I'm not a bad guy."
Sam Lane cautiously walked over, his eyes sweeping over the work uniform, finally settling on the thin, shivering face, which was pale from the cold.
"What's your name?"
"Joshua A-A-Allen. I'm here to deliver a package. I have no other motive."
The delivery man stuttered, his voice trembling with fear.
Sam Lane stared intently into his eyes. After confirming the man was not lying, he holstered his gun.
"It's Christmas Day. Everyone is on holiday. Why are you still delivering packages?"
Joshua awkwardly lowered his head. "I... I need the money!"
Sam Lane surveyed him again: worn sneakers, stiff pants, a face turning blue from the cold. He seemed to understand something.
"Where's the item?"
Joshua quickly handed over the package.
"Wait here. I'll be right back."
Sam Lane took the package and returned to the villa. A few seconds later, he returned. In his left hand, he held a leather coat and warm boots. In his right, he held a lunch box containing corn chowder, turkey leg, seafood platter, and beef salad specially prepared for Christmas dinner.
Sam Lane shoved the coat and lunch box into Joshua's hands.
"Merry Christmas!"
With that, he turned and returned to the villa.
Watching the retreating figure, Joshua's eyes instantly reddened, an indescribable emotion welling up inside him.
He wiped his eyes, etched the house number into his memory, and turned to leave. Finding a bridge underpass to shelter from the cold, he put on the coat, opened the lunch box, and ate while replaying the kind old man's face and voice in his mind.
Just then, a bright light entered his field of vision. A stone glowing with purple light was floating by on the rapidly freezing river.
Curious, Joshua used a wooden stick to pull the stone out.
The stone was fist-sized and emitted a purple glow from within, giving it a mysterious and unfathomable appearance.
"Could it be a jewel?"
Joshua picked up the stone and examined it closely in front of his eyes. Suddenly, an excruciating pain shot through his palm. His entire hand felt like it was tearing apart. Purple lines crept up from his palm, reaching his shoulder in a blink.
Joshua's eyes widened, and he let out a piercing scream. The sound echoed beneath the quiet, secluded bridge, but received no response.
The night continued.
The distance was lit up with bright city lights. Here, there was only boundless darkness.
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