Chapter 49: The Raging Lion

"The autopsy report is out. It is still systemic organ failure caused by a massive accumulation of free radicals in the body, exactly the same as Elder Ge."

The leader seated at the head of the large conference table gave a faint, low hum to indicate he had received the information.

He was dressed in a formal suit, his expression neither joyful nor sorrowful, but the way his hand tightly gripped his fountain pen betrayed that he was not as calm as he appeared on the surface.

"Comrades, we have lost two comrades in the span of just one month. Comrade Ge was one of the initiators of the 88 Project back then. Before that project came to fruition, it was a long and arduous era when our territorial waters were not truly our own.

"But now, even areas that are not strictly our waters remain under our control, within our strike radius. Not a single entity dares to challenge us anymore.

"He also cultivated a vast amount of talent for our country.

"Our ability to explore the stars and reach the vast expanse of the moon, and the massive array of new equipment we field, all rely entirely on him and his students.

"Academician Tang was a doctor who returned from overseas. He abandoned wealth that countless people across the sea could never resist, and ignored dangerous warnings and threats, finally returning to the motherland after enduring three years of detention.

"Following his return, the speed of development in our high-energy physics leaped forward as if by wings.

"He was also a warrior—a warrior who fought for the people!

"When the country was initially rebuilding from the ruins and urgently needed to establish an educational system, it was Academician Tang who united with domestic scholars to build an effective framework. For this, even while burdened with scientific research projects, he collapsed from exhaustion several times.

"I have no intention of merely singing praises of the suffering they endured; their names are already engraved upon the foundation stones of this nation, commemorated by mountains and rivers, enduring alongside the country for all time!

"'If the country treats me with the courtesy due to a national treasure, I shall repay the country with the devotion of a national treasure.'

"I will only say this.

"They have made the contributions expected of national treasures. Now, it is up to us."

Everyone at the conference table looked at the leader, their hearts burning with indignation. Every academician is a national treasure; the successive passing of two is an unacceptable loss to the nation.

"Ever since we stood up, we have not suffered such a heavy, irreconcilable, and uncompromising loss in these past decades.

"They forged a sword for us, and that sword remains brilliant. They also trained soldiers for us, and those soldiers remain strong and robust.

"Our confidence stems from this, and our confidence has never been this abundant.

"Comrades, the matter of the two academicians cannot simply end here. I declare the initiation of retaliatory measures. Regardless of what ghosts or demons, monsters or goblins they may be! Now, let us begin a show of hands."

Retaliatory measures were merely the official phrasing. It had another, less gentle term: lex talionis, or an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

The people at the conference table could no longer suppress their fury. One by one, they all raised their hands. Even those who had paused to weigh the matter for a moment raised theirs shortly after.

A majestic lion stood up with a trace of restlessness, shaking its mane. It looked down proudly upon the world, intending to give payback to anything that dared provoke it.

"Very well, the majority has voted in favor. Distribute the documents... These documents are classified at top secret level. I will not reiterate the non-disclosure agreement. Now, everyone, please review them."

The conference room was filled with the subtle, rustling sound of turning pages as the attendees began reading the documents as soon as they received them.

If Xu Chen were also present in this conference hall and able to read this file, he would surely marvel at the vast capabilities of the state. This document recorded the entire sequence of events from the Taihao typhoon incident all the way to Academician Tang.

It clearly and explicitly detailed the responses and measures taken by various departments during this period, including detailed records of the matters concerning President Yang and Xu Chen.

There was even a great deal of information that Xu Chen was completely unaware of.

Academician Qi and his team had developed a drug with extremely potent lethality against Aspergillus flavus. However, this drug was not only capable of efficiently eliminating Aspergillus flavus, but because it was a highly toxic organic chloride, it posed extreme hazards to biological organisms.

Nevertheless, aside from extreme temperatures, strong acids, and strong bases, this substance was currently the only one capable of effectively eradicating this mutated fungus.

Should the mutated Aspergillus flavus spread again, a quarantine barrier constructed using this drug could effectively limit its transmission and that of its subspecies.

The file noted that it remained unconfirmed whether the drug was effective against Aspergillus niger. This medication had already been added to the list for cooperation with the opposite shore in combating fungal diseases, and subsequent feedback regarding its efficacy against Aspergillus niger would be reported truthfully.

Following that were various analyses of the entirety of these cases, compiled by a think tank composed of major experts who had been summoned for the task.

Setting aside the tedious logic and processes, they analyzed the abnormal events occurring within these incidents, interspersed with explanations of cutting-edge modern science. A group of preeminent domestic scientists and criminal investigation experts had also verified and evaluated the findings, confirming that supernatural factors had indeed appeared in these incidents, proving that "It" was capable of wielding supernatural power.

At least under the premise of modern science, these scientists believed that even if "It" did not wield transcendent power, "It" was an alien of vastly advanced technology, because "Its" methods were currently unattainable by science.

To ensure the authenticity of this account, the signatures of these individuals were affixed to the document.

One must not underestimate this struggle between technology and the mysterious, because these analyses served to prove whether the existence of "It" was true or false.

This would overturn certain people's preconceptions, prevent them from using conventional methods that would result in throwing away their lives, and prompt others to ponder what methods should be employed against such an unprecedented enemy.

This document was sufficient to make everyone take the matter seriously, confront "It" directly, and avoid potential mistakes of their own.

As for the deaths of Academician Tang and Elder Ge, the think tank unanimously agreed that "It" was silencing them because the two academicians had discovered information concerning "It"—specifically, "Its" methods or weaknesses.

"It" could not allow this information to spread, in order to prevent humanity from counter-attacking. Elder Ge had barely been given a performance; had Xu Chen not arrived, Elder Ge would have died of inexplicable systemic organ failure. But by the time it came to Academician Tang, "It" didn't even bother to put on a show anymore.

Whether it was Elder Ge or Academician Tang, the think tank believed the crucial information lay with Elder Ge's student.

This was because Academician Tang only began exhibiting a series of abnormal behaviors after coming into contact with Elder Ge's student.

They recommended contacting Elder Ge's student once Academician Tang's affairs were concluded. Calculating the time, contact should have already been made by now.

Some people had already finished reading and were discussing their views with those beside them.

"At present, we need to figure out what information Academician Tang learned..."

"...Investigate the location where Patient Zero was..."

"Deploy observation equipment along the coast..."

"Recruit mathematicians, statisticians, and sociologists to analyze the locations of the world's fungal diseases and pinpoint 'Its' hiding place..."

"Provide compensation and pensions for their families..."

...

"Quiet!"

The leader's voice was not loud, but everyone present was well-trained. The moment his voice fell, the conference room instantly plunged into absolute silence.

"Comrades, I have heard all your thoughts and opinions.

"Pooling our wisdom—very good.

"Uniting as one—also very good.

"I will issue directives to coordinate all government departments, uniting the entire nation from top to bottom.

"Whatever you want, whatever you need to mobilize, whatever you need to requisition, you shall receive the maximum level of support.

"I have only one demand.

"Make 'It' pay a heavy enough price!"