MTLNOVEL Chapter 523: Discoveries
With its regeneration ability halted, Shane and the others knew that it was just a matter of time before they could kill this abomination.
After more than 30 minutes of constant battle, the monster's vitality could no longer hold on. It endured so much injury in its body and it could no longer be recognized.
Bam!
The Quad-Maw collapsed with a thunderous crash, its remaining eye dimmed as the green glow faded from its veins.
Shane and the others lowered their weapons as they breathed heavily. Shane was truly shocked at the vitality of this monster.
"That was... insane," Maya said, wiping sweat from her brow.
"I think it had four hearts as well." Nia commented as she sat on a nearby rock, a part of the ceiling that had collapsed.
On the other hand, Shane was just so happy as he looked at the message from the system. It seemed this abomination was something the system also wanted dead. Although he could not loot its body for some reason, the system was very generous with the rewards!
[ You have defeated Quad-Maw Abomination. ]
[ Rewards: Genetic Sample x1, Mutant Core x1, Regenerative Serum Blueprint x1, 10,000 Reputation Points. ]
[ Your team has earned 20,000 Experience Points each. ]
Just like that, Lysandra experienced a sudden level-up.
"Genetic sample?" Shane muttered, examining the glowing vial that materialized before him.
"It might be the key to whatever they were working on here…" Nia said, cautiously stepping closer to the creature's remains.
Shane inspected the vial as well and read its description but it wasn't saying much at all. Nonetheless, it must be important, so he kept it inside his inventory.
"Let's grab what we can and keep moving." Shane said as he looked at their surroundings. He was actually planning to take all those scrap metals and other things that he could use as raw materials. There were also various knives and even broken weapons that were probably used by the guards of this facility before.
After a few minutes, their group then continued to check the other chambers or rooms of this underground facility.
The next area they entered was another laboratory, its walls lined with rows of shattered glass containers. Each container was equipped with intricate monitoring devices, their screens cracked but still faintly glowing, displaying unreadable data after they turned on the electricity supply that Cloud had detected.
It was really surprising that the power supply of this place was still working.
Anyway, they saw that inside some of the containers, there were remnants of unidentifiable organic matter but they were already decayed, rotten, and oozing with unknown liquid.
Nia shivered. "Whatever they were growing here… it wasn't meant for anything good. No wonder Subject 12#A became like that."
Vernon then checked a console covered in dust. "Military or medical? Hard to say…"
Shane, on the other hand, was a bit surprised that his Otherworldly Mechanic Talent was triggered after scanning the room filled with medical equipment or devices. Then, with the aid of Cloud, his AI assistant, Shane had a better understanding of the holographic interface that popped out because of his Talent.
[ Analyzing equipment... Most systems are inoperable, but certain components can be salvaged for repair or dismantling. ]
[ Do you like to purchase the missing parts from the Anima Store to repair/improve the machine? ]
"No…" Shane muttered.
He then continued to listen to a more detailed report from Cloud about the various devices here.
Anyway, with Cloud's assistance, they found a storage of energy cells!
Using a portable energy cell, they powered up the console.
The console was soon activated, displaying fragmented records of experiments after browsing it for a bit.
"This place was focused on bioweapons and enhancing human capabilities," Shane muttered. "They were definitely trying to control the Zombie Virus."
Apparently, Shane just read the early days of the government's research logs. The records started when they had just initiated the project and Shane found some interesting bits of information.
[ Research Log: Day 128 ]
Subject: Project Genesis - Phase One
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"Our initial trials on the Z-Series Viral Strain have yielded promising results. By modifying the virus's protein structure, we've managed to slow its zombification effects and enhance regenerative properties in human test subjects. However, the side effects are extreme—accelerated aggression, heightened physical capabilities, and a rapid decline in cognitive function. We are effectively creating weapons, not cures."
[ Research Log: Day 176 ]
Subject: Enhanced Human Capabilities
"Efforts to integrate the Z-Series strain into non-lethal applications have led to mixed results. While some subjects demonstrate remarkable physical enhancements—strength, speed, and resilience—others have undergone uncontrollable mutations. Subject 17A has developed additional limbs, while Subject 24B's cranial growth suggests the onset of advanced telepathic capabilities. These mutations make containment increasingly difficult. Security protocols are under review."
[ Research Log: Day 210 ]
Subject: Project Chimera
"In a bid to weaponize the virus for military applications, we initiated Project Chimera, combining Z-Series strains with genetic material from various predators. The result was a line of bioengineered combat units, including what we now call Quad-Maws. These units possess unparalleled combat capabilities but are highly unstable. Quad-Maw Prototype-03 escaped containment today, resulting in the loss of three researchers. It took the intervention of armed guards and experimental plasma weapons to neutralize it."
[ Research Log: Day 287 ]
Subject: Virus Control Protocols
"Attempts to control the virus using nanotechnology have met with limited success. The Nano-Inhibitor Module can suppress the virus for short durations, but prolonged exposure leads to viral adaptation and resistance. It's clear that the virus evolves faster than we can counteract it. Deploying this technology on a global scale would be impractical without further refinements."
[ Research Log: Day 310 ]
Subject: Ethical Concerns
"Several researchers have voiced concerns about the direction of our work. The application of the virus in enhancing human capabilities has sparked debates about the moral implications. Are we saving humanity, or are we dooming it? The leadership insists that the ends justify the means, but I can't shake the feeling that we're tampering with forces beyond our control."
Shane read a lot of information and he actually found these records interesting as if he just got a glimpse of the past. It was such an amazing feeling getting closer to the truth of this Zombie Virus.
After everyone had a glimpse of such information, the team moved deeper into the facility, coming across rooms filled with various things.
"Whoa…" Shane was quite happy to see so much modern equipment. With his Otherworldly Mechanic Talent, he could use them in various projects.
The first chamber they found had 10 small Cryogenic Storage Units.
To be exact, there were dozens of them but only these 10 were still active. Their digital displays were still indicating stable temperatures.
'How is this still working? Is it nuclear-powered?' Shane thought.
These storage units contained vials of preserved biological samples floating in a bluish liquid. It was such a magical sight.
After cross-referencing they found in the console, Cloud and Shane identified some as "Z-Series Viral Strains", possibly the origins of the Zombie Virus.
Shane decided to store them for now and in the second chamber, they confirmed that it was a Military Prototype Room. Here, the walls were lined with experimental weaponry.
Shane's eyes lit up as he spotted a plasma cannon and a set of modular rifles.
Some were broken beyond repair, but Shane used his Talent to dismantle a few, collecting Plasma Core Components and Energy Stabilizers.
Nonetheless, it didn't end there, Shane was shocked to see the room where they seemed to be making armor to fight against large Zombies.
"What's this?" Lysandra's eyes widened.
"A full body armor… for Zombies?" Kale said with wry smile
"Of course, it's not! It's definitely for humans! Probably to fight against Zombies." Vernon said.
According to the records, the things in front of them were Exoskeleton Frames! A specialized suit that Shane previously had.
There were two massive exoskeleton prototypes at the far end of the wall. Their frames were already rusted but still mostly intact.
Shane examined one of them and Cloud analyzed it.
[ This can be repaired with the right components. Suggest salvaging for Tactical Sentinel Combat Exosuit integration or trading with the Anima Store. ]
Shane smirked. "We'll take what we can."
After that, Shane stored all of them in his inventory.
Then, they found several rooms connected to a hallway and a few of them seemed to be offices of some researchers. After some thought, they chose to enter the largest room, which was Medical Wing
Here, they stumbled upon a room filled with medical pods, most of which were already shattered or heavily damaged. However, one pod still functioned, albeit barely.
"Amazing..." Shane muttered.
A flickering display indicated it was designed for rapid healing and augmentation.
It needed repairs but according to Shane's mechanical knowledge and abilities, he could just dismantle it and use its parts to create a better one with the help of the Anima Store...
"With a little work, these pods could be game-changing," he softly said while already imagining the enhancements he could bring to their arsenal.
This would greatly benefit all the shelters under his control!