Chapter 307: The Parasite's Life (2)
A.R.G.U.S. Seals the Factory
Disasters in the DC world are like the wool on a sheep—you can never pluck it clean. This situation has led to a highly developed media industry, far surpassing that of our previous world.
On the morning of December 26th, Luke was planning to take a day off after a restless night. Before his bed could even warm up, his phone started buzzing.
Charlie, who was working overtime in Metropolis, called to briefly outline the "Bloody Christmas" case.
Luke, still feeling groggy, dragged himself to the living room, turned on the TV, and tuned into the news. As the reports reached his ears, his mind started to clear.
"Purple monster, dry corpses, life-force devouring..."
"Could it be the Parasite?"
Just then, the door opened, and Dio rushed in.
"There's trouble."
Luke yawned. "What is it?"
"The A.R.G.U.S. people have sealed off the meteorite crater, along with the factory."
Luke frowned. "Because of Bloody Christmas?"
Dio nodded, speaking gravely. "I don't know who leaked the information, but word got out that the purple meteorite that crashed on the beach contains an alien parasite that can inhabit a human host and turn them into a monster. It devours life, feeding on an individual's life force. The killer from the Bloody Christmas incident is a human hosted by this alien bug."
"Now the entire Metropolis is in an uproar."
"Since A.R.G.U.S. realized the incident couldn't be kept quiet, they used it as an excuse to seal off the area two miles around the crater. Their people are searching everywhere for meteorite fragments, and the factory is now included in the lockdown."
The smile vanished from Luke's face, replaced by a cold intensity.
"Did they get into the factory?"
"Security is resisting, but I don't think they'll hold out much longer."
Luke sighed. "Let's go. Head back to Metropolis immediately. This holiday is proving to be a real headache."
Due to the dispute over the Exoskeleton Armor, the relationship between Tesla and the Department of Defense was already strained. Those generals kept demanding the armor be classified as a military secret, restricted solely to the armed forces. But Luke wouldn't budge, and the White House wouldn't sign the order. Without presidential authorization, the unilateral restriction had no legal standing. The DoD was frustrated and had even considered surrounding the factory with troops. Gradually, as the armor entered the public market, they had to concede and sign orders with Tesla through official channels.
But the enmity had certainly taken root.
The Meeting with Luthor
The "Bloody Christmas" case had thrust A.R.G.U.S. into the center of public scrutiny. As a government department on par with the FBI and CIA, this case was a crucible. If Sam Lane couldn't solve it quickly, A.R.G.U.S. would face scorn from its rivals, and the President would be questioned by Congress over the hundreds of billions in government funds allocated to them.
After the information leaked, Sam Lane did not hold a press conference. Instead, he and his deputy drove to the outskirts of Metropolis.
The black sedan stopped in front of a secluded villa.
Lex Luthor, waiting outside, stepped forward and offered his right hand. "Hello, General Lane."
Sam Lane gave him a hard look, ignoring the handshake.
"Let's talk inside."
Lex Luthor smiled faintly, glanced at the box the deputy carried, and turned to enter the villa.
The villa's interior was highly stylized and antique: sculptures, carpets, oil lamps, a fireplace, Renaissance-era figure drawings, and dark, mysterious Gothic murals depicting fear and solitude.
Sam Lane ignored the eclectic art. His gaze went straight to the old man sitting on the sofa.
The old man, wearing a lab coat and around sixty years old, had a peculiar appearance: a small nose, large mouth, and protruding ears, like a goblin from a fantasy novel. His eyes were bright and piercing, hinting at a subtle, restless greed.
"Anthony Ivo!"
"You really aren't dead!"
The old man didn't bother with Sam Lane, not even looking at him. He rushed over, pointing excitedly at the box in the deputy's hands.
"The alien parasite is in there?"
"Give it to me, quickly."
Reaching out to snatch it, the deputy quickly backed away, warning sharply,
"Be careful, this thing is very dangerous. You shouldn't touch it casually."
"Dangerous, my foot! Give it to me, now!"
The deputy, flustered, looked to his General. Sam Lane hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Seeing this, the deputy reluctantly handed over the box.
Receiving the box, Anthony Ivo was ecstatic, gesturing with excitement like a child with a new toy. Ignoring the deputy's protests, he opened it right there.
A small stone shimmering with purple light appeared—the meteorite fragment containing the parasite.
Ivo took out specialized glasses to examine it closely. Confirming its authenticity, he clutched the box and strode out, never once speaking to Sam Lane or even Lex Luthor.
Perhaps, in his view, the two men—regardless of their power or wealth—simply didn't matter.
That was Anthony Ivo: an absolute genius, an absolute freak!
Sam Lane's face was dark. He had never been so completely ignored and seriously considered arresting the professor.
Lex smiled thinly. "Professor Ivo has a unique personality; he doesn't like speaking to others. Please forgive him."
Sam Lane scoffed.
"Mr. Luthor, you have a staggering nerve. Harboring an internationally wanted fugitive and rebuilding his laboratory for him? Aren't you afraid of getting burned?"
Lex slightly shook his head. "If civilization is to develop, a large population is the foundation, but the direction is controlled by the top minds. Professor Ivo is one such person. He is a treasure to humanity. His existence could advance technology by hundreds of years. How could a man like that be allowed to rot in a prison?"
Sam Lane countered, "He nearly destroyed Scotland."
"Nearly and actually are two different concepts, like murder and intent to murder. They shouldn't be confused."
Lex sat on the sofa, smiling. "General, your time is tight. Let's discuss the actual matter."
Sam Lane raised his hand to signal his deputy, who nodded and pulled out a device resembling a signal jammer, placing it on the table. Lex Luthor frowned.
"No trust, no cooperation. Surely the General understands that principle?"
"Between trust and cooperation, there is also mutual interest. I don't trust anyone, but I will cooperate with anyone."
Lex Luthor shrugged. "Alright, then let me see the sincerity of A.R.G.U.S."
"You misunderstand."
Sam Lane's expression was grim. "This cooperation is strictly between you and me. It has nothing to do with A.R.G.U.S."
Lex Luthor set down his glass.
"General, I don't follow. Cooperating with you?"
"Yes. Just me."
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