NOVEL WEB Chapter 73: Experimental Subject
「Stigmata: the most important treasure in human history. It is not a product of natural evolution, but a miracle of pre-civilization biotechnology. Its principles and mechanisms of action still have many mysteries to be solved.」
「Humans who carry Stigmata possess a higher adaptability and control over Honkai energy, thereby exhibiting a variety of incredible powers.」
「However, with the iteration, mutation, and exchange of genes, the originally complete Stigmata genome was broken apart.」
「Therefore, although the human body still carries Stigmata genes, it is difficult to form a complete pattern, and they are unable to awaken a natural Stigmata.」
「Schicksal uses artificial implantation of Stigmata to utilize them, but that is just a clumsy imitation. Under the guidance of the Serpent, we have achieved a leap in development.」
「We have obtained the means to artificially interfere with Stigmata awakening. Although this technology has great risks, and once it fails, humanity will be reduced to zombies, everything is worth it.」
「In order to speed up the research progress of our plan, we have chosen a densely populated city to conduct experiments…」
The moment she saw this information, Kiana had a single word spring to mind—madness.
"They planned to use the entire city, millions of people, as experimental subjects. There is no doubt that ARC City was their chosen site."
"No wonder the Honkai outbreaks have been occurring one after another. It was indeed caused by Heliopolis Life Sciences Pharmaceutical's constant experiments?" Kiana clenched her fists.
Just thinking about the innocent civilians suffering from Honkai, and even some of the civilians that she had rescued who went to Heliopolis seeking medical aid, only to be tricked into signing a voluntary trial agreement and becoming experimental subjects, made her feel a strong sense of anger burning in her chest.
There was a lot of data stored on the computer, including some specific lists of the experimental subjects. This data was displayed before her without any protection, as if someone had deliberately wanted her to see it.
But now wasn't the time to think about this. The data was indeed there, so who was guiding her was no longer important.
She continued to look through the lists of the experimental subjects. These experimental subjects only had simple identification numbers and photos, without any names being recorded. However, when she saw two familiar photos, as if struck by lightning, Kiana's entire body trembled.
"Griseo…"
"And… Ren's mother."
After Griseo had disappeared for so many days, Kiana was still stubbornly trying to find clues, because she still held onto a sliver of hope that, as long as she worked hard enough, she would be able to bring her back. However, when she saw this file, and the densely written experimental procedures underneath it, that last bit of hope was also torn to shreds.
As if out of some sick humor, the computer also had full video recordings of the experiments being carried out, and the sounds being recorded.
She listened to Griseo's painful screams as she was subjected to inhumane experiments.
She saw her body tissues being cut open and studied piece by piece.
She watched her being injected with special Honkai agents, her entire body being torn apart by the Honkai energy, stained with blood.
She watched her originally energetic body gradually being destroyed by the effects of the drugs, her skin being covered in a dense mass of needle marks, and the stitches that held her together like a rag doll without any sense of pain.
Until the very end of the experiment, the girl's screams had become weaker and weaker, and her body had gradually lost its response, but the researchers still hadn't let her go. Instead, they had tried to transplant Honkai beast limbs onto the girl's body, trying to turn her into a monster.
Her mind was filled with these brutal images. However, the memories that kept flashing were piecing together the starry sky, the girl, and these images, constantly assaulting her mind, and dragging her reason step by step into the abyss.
Finally, she became the bewildered and lost little girl of that night, standing alone by the side of the road, waiting for her help. And she, had mercilessly chosen to leave.
The gold in her eyes became denser, and Sirin, who had been suppressed for a long time, began to revive. Even the Honkai energy in the air was surging.
"No!" Just as her reason was about to break down, the Void Lance pierced through her palm, and Kiana forcefully pressed the hand that was dripping blood on her right eye, as if all of her strength had been drained.
"No, not here… he's still in this city."
Even if the world was plunged into darkness, there were still people she needed to protect, who were waiting for her.
The intense self-blame and regret intertwined in her heart, but on this journey, there were still people who were lighting her path forward, whether it was Himeko or Ren...
"At least let me personally atone to him…"
「Kiana, if you make a mistake, then do your best to make up for it. If the result can no longer be changed, then make yourself better, and never make the same mistake again.」
In a daze, Kiana seemed to see the figure that lit up the sky, embracing her.
「Kiana, don't give up.」
"Teacher Himeko…" Tears flowed down her face. Kiana wanted to hug that figure, but it dissipated like a bubble.
Her collapsing spirit had been pulled back from the edge of the cliff. Kiana, who had fallen to the ground, supported her body. She looked at the computer in front of her, and the Void Lance pierced through it directly.
After the computer was destroyed, the electronic chip that stored the information was ejected. Kiana wiped away her tears, and took the chip into her hands. When she looked at Heliopolis Life Sciences Pharmaceutical again, her eyes were filled with hatred.
Thump—
Thump—
Just as Kiana was preparing to leave, and completely destroy Heliopolis Life Sciences Pharmaceutical's conspiracy, the sound of bare feet stepping on the ceramic floor echoed in the empty hall.
A petite figure walked out of the darkness. She was completely covered by the large white clothes, and even her face couldn't be seen. But from her exposed forearms and bare feet, it was obvious that her body had been severely eroded, and her gait was no different from a zombie.
Gathering her thoughts, which had been filled with pain, Kiana grabbed her Void Lance. She couldn't give up yet, and she couldn't fall here. At least, after destroying Heliopolis Life Sciences Pharmaceutical, she would use the rest of her life to atone for her sins.
"Zombie or enemy?"
The petite figure didn't respond to Kiana's voice. Instead, the railings, tables, and other objects around her began to distort and be destroyed. Then they were lifted into the air by an unseen force, and shot towards Kiana.