TIC Chapter 57

“You aren’t a child. Ten years isn’t enough time for you to conduct any research of real depth—not enough to fall in love with someone, or even enough to figure out what it is you truly want.”

“Do you care?”

Xiao Yan didn’t know why he felt compelled to keep asking. It was as if he wouldn’t rest until he seized this opportunity to witness this man—who usually held absolute control over everything—completely lose his composure.

Hein looked at him but remained utterly silent.

Hein loosened his grip on Xiao Yan’s collar and took a half-step back. His expression reverted to its usual coldness—impassive, devoid of even the slightest ripple of emotion, save perhaps for a hint of disappointment.

This was the very last emotion Xiao Yan ever wanted to see in this man’s eyes.

“What I injected myself with wasn’t the X-virus.”

Hein halted his retreat. He stood at a distance—neither too close nor too far—and gazed at Xiao Yan. He resembled the silent depths of the ocean: capable of surging forth at any moment to obliterate everything in its path, or perhaps, in this very moment, Hein Burton himself stood teetering on the brink of total destruction.

“It was X-2.”

Xiao Yan swallowed hard, unsure if he should continue speaking. After all, Casey had been dedicated to researching X-2 for ages yet had made absolutely no headway. And now Xiao Yan—a researcher with no military rank—claimed to have synthesized the X-2 virus? Who would possibly believe him?

Yet, in Hein’s gaze, there wasn’t a shred of doubt.

“But... it isn’t a *completely* successful version of X-2. Its effects last for only a very short period.”

“You’re using yourself as a test subject.”

Hein’s voice deepened, heavy with gravity.

Viruses are volatile and ferocious by nature; a single lapse in control or the slightest oversight during cultivation can result in a pathogen vastly different from the one originally intended. The line between harmlessness and lethality is razor-thin.

“To verify this virus’s efficacy, the human body is the only viable host... Rather than making someone else bear the consequences of my experiments, I’d rather bear them myself! Besides, I’m confident that my body will be able to metabolize the virus completely! My research into X-2 stems from a hope—the hope that, one day, I might be able to leave *Char* just like the rest of you... to step out of this spacecraft and walk the world outside...”

“Then do two things,” Hein interjected abruptly. “What?”

“First: under no circumstances are you to let anyone know that you have synthesized X-2.”

“...Understood.”

Xiao Yan suddenly grasped the source of Hein’s apprehension. If the Tide Organization were to find out—even if the X-2 synthesis hadn't been entirely successful—he would instantly become a prime target for them. He had lived in terror more than once at the thought of his brain being severed from his body, preserved in a nutrient tank, and hooked up to a terminal—forced to think and process data until it completely lost all biological function. Therefore, this specific condition laid down by Hein was one he intended to observe with absolute, one-hundred-percent compliance.

“Second: any future experiments of this nature must be conducted under my direct supervision.”

“Yes, sir!”

Xiao Yan broke into a broad smile. During his experiments, he typically had no Special Forces personnel standing guard over him; if the virus were to fail before he had managed to neutralize all the zombies, the situation could become incredibly perilous.

Hein’s words signified that he had given his stamp of approval to everything Xiao Yan had done thus far. Moreover, this research project had now become a little secret shared exclusively between him and Hein—a shared confidence that, for some inexplicable reason, made Xiao Yan feel as though the emotional distance between them had suddenly narrowed.

A week later, on the day of his final graduation assessment, Xiao Yan stood inside the training room—a space where he had practiced countless times before—his heart fluttering with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

His unease wasn't caused by the zombie that was about to be released from behind the door; rather, it stemmed from the fact that dozens of Special Forces soldiers had gathered to watch the spectacle. Mark, in particular, had actually started taking bets on the outcome involving Xiao Yan and the other soldiers. Even the other researchers currently undergoing their own mandatory training had paused their sessions to gather along the sidelines.

“Xiao Yan! You got this!” Casey shouted, pumping a fist in encouragement.

The guy had been undergoing physical conditioning for six months and still hadn't managed to graduate; yet, looking at him now, he was visibly stronger and had grown quite a bit taller, his eyes gleaming with a newfound vitality.

Major General Gordon, serving as the assessment officer, stepped forward to face Xiao Yan and offered a gentle smile. “Are you ready? If not, we can certainly postpone this test until a later date.”

“I’m ready, Major General.”

Xiao Yan had killed zombies in this very room countless times before; he knew, deep down, that he was capable of doing it again.

“Excellent. You have the courage to face the challenge head-on, never seeking to evade it. Regardless of how today’s test turns out, you have already achieved half the victory.”

Major General Gordon pressed the activation button, and a zombie came hurtling out of the doorway at lightning speed.

It had been captured less than three days prior and was still incredibly active. In the world outside these walls, a glimpse of a living human being was a rare occurrence; yet here, at this very moment, it found itself surrounded on all sides by them—a sight that drove it into such a frenzy that its eyes were completely bloodshot. The first to become its target was Major General Gordon, who stood closest to it.

It opened its jaws, baring yellowed, razor-sharp teeth as it lunged for Major General Gordon’s shoulder. Yet, the Major General stood motionless—perhaps placing his absolute trust in Xiao Yan’s ability to handle the threat.

The very next instant, Xiao Yan’s palm slammed against the creature’s forehead, shoving it away from the Major General. Pivoting swiftly, Xiao Yan drove his knee violently into the zombie’s lower back; a distinct *crack* rang out.

A few impatient Special Forces soldiers shouted out, "Hurry up! Or it’ll recover!"

Xiao Yan lowered his center of gravity. The moment the zombie turned its head, he delivered a sudden, powerful uppercut to its jaw. The zombie let out a strangled groan; just as a look of enraged fury began to contort its features, Xiao Yan agilely darted behind it. Seizing the split-second opportunity while its chin was still thrust upward, he twisted—and with another sharp *crack*—snapped its neck.

Stepping back two paces, Xiao Yan watched as the zombie went limp and toppled to the ground, showing no signs of ever rising again.

Major General Gordon checked his watch. "Twenty-six seconds. That’s six seconds faster than your usual training time. Impressive."

After a brief moment of silence, the surrounding Special Forces soldiers burst into applause—including the evaluating officer himself, Major General Gordon.

Xiao Yan let out a steady breath. Although passing the test had been entirely within his expectations, he still couldn't suppress the surge of elation welling up inside him.

"Xiao Yan, well done. As a reward, I’ve decided..."

Xiao Yan’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily. *Please, don't let this guy say he’s decided to give me a day off or something like that...* His last experience with that kind of "reward" had been more than enough to last him a lifetime. “On behalf of the Central Academy of Sciences, Lieutenant General Aver officially announces: Cadet Xiao Yan—at this very moment, having proven yourself a qualified researcher—you have graduated with honors from the Central Academy of Sciences. The Department of Military Affairs hereby officially confers upon you the rank of Second Lieutenant!”

Major General Gordon stepped forward to stand before Xiao Yan; his expression was solemn as he placed a finger against Xiao Yan’s brow. “May you forever retain the fiery spirit of a soldier! May you ceaselessly pursue excellence within your chosen field, becoming the most steadfast pillar of support for our Special Operations Force!”

In Major General Gordon’s eyes, Xiao Yan glimpsed a depth of sentiment too profound to be captured in words. He looked around him—his shoulders felt heavy with the weight of responsibility, yet his mind remained in a state of bewildered daze.

He was no longer merely a technical reservist; he was now a technical specialist—endowed with both research prowess and combat capability—upon whom great hopes were pinned!

At that very instant, every special forces soldier observing the ceremony snapped to attention and saluted him in unison—standing tall and unyielding, like a forest of razor-sharp blades.

Major Wynn gave him a slight nod; he had invested a great deal of time and effort into Xiao Yan’s development. Mark winked at him, mouthing the words: “You did it, kid.” And Liv, too, felt a genuine sense of pride on his behalf.

Standing beside Major General Gordon was Hein Burton.

His gaze was distant and profound—yet its ultimate destination was Xiao Yan.

This man—whose sheer strength seemed almost unreal—held his fingers rigid against his temple in a crisp salute. His expression remained utterly devoid of excess, his eyes holding not a shred of warmth; yet Xiao Yan knew, deep down, that he had finally earned his recognition.

The moment Major General Gordon lowered his hand from the salute, Mark rushed forward impatiently and hoisted Xiao Yan up onto his shoulders.

“Kid! You really pulled it off!”

“What happened to calling me a ‘rookie’?”

“Haha! You *are* still a rookie—just not quite as clueless as you used to be!”

“Come on! Let’s head to the mess hall and celebrate properly! I’ve already reserved ten liters of beer in advance!” Liv called out, waving her arm excitedly.

“Ten liters?” Xiao Yan stared back, utterly dumbfounded.

“Hey! Did you think it was just going to be the few of us? As the very first technical specialist in the entire Department of Military Affairs to successfully complete the Special Operations Force training, you’re going down in the history books!” Liv laughed. While perhaps not quite as dramatic as Liv’s feat of "going down in history," Xiao Yan’s success nonetheless validated the hard work and dedication that the technical soldiers—who had been tasked with training the researchers—had poured into the effort over the past few days. Even if not for Xiao Yan’s sake, they certainly deserved to raise a glass and celebrate for themselves.

Upon entering the mess hall, Casey immediately rushed to Xiao Yan’s side and wrapped him in a tight embrace. "You were absolutely amazing! You finally gave us technical soldiers a reason to hold our heads high in front of those Special Forces guys! You have no idea what my instructor said about me!"

"What did he say?" Xiao Yan asked, giving Casey’s cheek an affectionate pinch.

"He said I’m doomed to spend the rest of my life stuck here doing physical training..."

"Haha! Well, what can you do? I actually think he’s right!"

"Xiao Yan! You’re dead meat!"

Casey lunged to grab Xiao Yan by the shoulders, but to his surprise, Xiao Yan deftly twisted his wrist around. Grinning mischievously, Xiao Yan planted a loud, smacking kiss right on Casey’s cheek. "I’m not the same old Xiao Yan anymore—I’m not going to let you push me around that easily!"

"You’re dead meat! You are absolutely dead meat!"

Casey began to struggle furiously, but Xiao Yan just found his flushed face and ruffled demeanor utterly adorable.

"I’m waiting—come and make me dead meat, then!"

Xiao Yan deliberately thrust his nose right up to Casey’s face, leaving Casey with no choice but to glare at him indignantly.

Whether it was just his imagination or not, Xiao Yan felt an intense gaze pressing down on him; the more playful and intimate he became with Casey, the heavier that oppressive sensation grew.

Turning around, Xiao Yan spotted Hein Burton leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He was speaking to Wynn, but the moment his gaze shifted in their direction, Xiao Yan quickly averted his eyes.

That was a close call...

Mark slammed a large mug of beer down in front of Xiao Yan. "Alright, break it up! This guy is a Lieutenant Colonel, after all! You’d better watch out, or he might come looking for trouble later!"

Xiao Yan blinked in surprise, realizing that the "guy" Mark was referring to was Casey.

"So, are you going to come looking for trouble with me?" Xiao Yan asked Casey, feigning a look of utmost seriousness.

"You just wait and see!"

Several researchers gathered around, offering their congratulations to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan acknowledged each of them in turn, his eyes scanning the room in his peripheral vision—only to discover that Hein Burton had already left. An occasion like this—it didn't seem like the right fit for Hein Burton.

Xiao Yan felt that this man would forever remain lucid and razor-sharp, indifferently distancing himself from any temptation—alcohol included.

Once the beer had been drained dry, everyone began to disperse. Xiao Yan remained seated alone in his original spot; he wasn't drunk, but in this moment, he simply savored the tranquility that settled in once the clamor had faded away.

Mark clapped Xiao Yan on the shoulder. "Hey, let's get going, bro!"

Xiao Yan rose slowly, and Mark walked him back to the door of his room.

"Hey, I heard that starting tomorrow, you're going to be holed up in the lab doing... well, doing all that research stuff I don't understand. Suddenly feels a bit lonely around here," Mark said, scratching the back of his head.

"So, whenever a mission comes up, don't forget to cook up an excuse to bring me along."

"You bet!"

All the training had finally come to an end.

Xiao Yan pursed his lips; his true quest, however, was far from over. He would continue to refine X-2, striving to extend its duration of effect further and further. One day—eventually—he would stand at the very same height as Hein Burton!

Late that night, lying in bed with nothing better to do, Casey switched on his communicator and sent a text message: *Hey, when are you coming back to Char? Your beloved little pet has officially made Lieutenant now, you know!*

Less than two seconds later, a reply came back: *Soon.*

In the darkness, the corners of Casey's lips slowly curled upward.

Fully immersed in his research, Xiao Yan embarked on a second round of modifications to X-2.

However, the progress was hardly noticeable—neither in terms of the virus's decay rate nor its overall potency.

Later, in the mess hall at lunchtime, Xiao Yan spotted a completely exhausted Casey. The guy looked like he was about to face-plant right into his food tray. Xiao Yan deliberately sat down beside him and nudged his arm with a finger. Casey, eyes still closed, grumbled, "Just you wait until I’ve had enough sleep—I’m going to make you pay!"

"You’ve said you’re going to make me pay plenty of times already."

Casey’s expression immediately turned aggrieved as he burrowed into Xiao Yan’s embrace. "I don’t want to do any more training... I want to go back to the lab..."

Looking down, Xiao Yan noticed the bruise at the corner of Casey’s eye. The guy had finally graduated from physical conditioning to combat training—though he’d already taken a hit on his very first day.

Xiao Yan’s fingers gently ruffled Casey’s hair.

"What kind of research have you been working on lately?" Casey rubbed his forehead against Xiao Yan’s chest, his face lighting up with eager curiosity.

Xiao Yan nearly blurted out his recent breakthrough, but then he remembered the promise he’d made to Hein. Besides, if Casey found out that he had successfully synthesized X-2, the guy would become even more impossible to rein in.

"I’m currently attempting to synthesize a certain virus, but I just can’t seem to achieve the specific effect I’m aiming for."

"And what kind of effect are you trying to achieve?" Casey asked, looking utterly intrigued.

Xiao Yan flashed a mischievous grin. "Well, you know... enhancing *that* kind of performance!"

"Enhancing *what* kind of performance?" Casey asked, wearing a look of total bewilderment.

Xiao Yan’s hand slid down Casey’s flank to his backside, giving it a playful pat. "What do you *think* I mean?"

Casey predictably flew into a rage. It was a good thing he was currently drained of energy; otherwise, he surely would have twisted Xiao Yan’s head right off. "You’re so juvenile! If you don’t want to tell me, then just don’t!"

Xiao Yan feigned an expression of hurt innocence. "I’m not lying to you! It really *is* about enhancing *that* kind of ability... I actually think it’s a very meaningful area of ​​research!"

Casey flashed a sly smirk, propping himself up on his elbows. He tilted his head back slightly; his thick, curling lashes looked inexplicably alluring, and the emerald eyes beneath them sparkled with mischief, instantly captivating Xiao Yan’s gaze.

"Even without the aid of any virus, my performance in *that* department is more than enough to make you beg for mercy. Care to put it to the test?"

"Huh?"

Before Xiao Yan could even process what was happening, Casey—moving with the languid grace of a cat—curled back up onto Xiao Yan’s lap. He gave a low hum, closed his eyes, and murmured: "All viruses are like sealed containers; inside each container lies a 'mutation.' Some mutations can induce cancer in the human body. Others can enhance the body's capabilities—take the X-Virus, for instance. Still others can transform a person into a zombie—like the Comet Virus. These sealed containers must reach their intended destination via the correct pathway; the moment they are opened, they unleash the 'mutation' and alter the human body. So, beyond simply ensuring that the 'mutation' itself is the one you desire, the far more critical question is this: is the pathway by which the virus enters the human body appropriate?"

Xiao Yan stood stunned. After a long silence, he lowered his head and sighed in admiration: "Casey! No wonder everyone calls you a genius!"

Casey tightened his arm around Xiao Yan’s waist. "Stop talking now. Let me get some sleep... just for a little while..."

Xiao Yan gently ruffled his hair and whispered: "You’re so brilliant; I’m sure combat training and the like won't be any trouble for you at all."

"Mm."

That very afternoon, upon returning to his laboratory, Xiao Yan shifted the focus of his research. Two weeks later, he successfully synthesized a new virus.

Clutching a transparent vial between his fingers, Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes to observe the luminous liquid swirling within. Finally, he loaded it into an injection gun.

He took a deep breath, activated his communicator, and selected a specific name from his contact list.

"Greetings, Colonel."

On the holographic screen, the man sat leaning against his bed, his long, slender legs crossed. It was the first time Xiao Yan had ever seen him without his combat gear or military uniform. He wore a simple, unadorned white casual outfit that revealed the elegant curve of his neck. With his hands resting calmly over his abdomen, he lacked the razor-sharp, coiled-spring intensity Xiao Yan was accustomed to seeing; yet, a cool, commanding presence still radiated through the screen, seeping deep into Xiao Yan’s mind.

"Training Room 002. Five minutes."

Before Xiao Yan could even voice his request, Hein had already anticipated exactly what he wanted.

Training Room 002?

In Xiao Yan’s experience, any training facility designated with a "00" prefix was strictly reserved for elite special forces personnel holding the rank of Major or higher.

Xiao Yan had to pass through three separate security checkpoints before he finally located the designated training room. As the door to the training room slid slowly open, Xiao Yan beheld a space twice the size of the usual one; light—approximating the brilliance of natural daylight—streamed down from overhead, while with every step he took, the floor beneath his feet registered the precise weight and force of his stride.

Hein stood at the very center, light seemingly flowing through the strands of his golden-brown hair. He was still clad in his casual white attire, the wide neckline revealing a glimpse of his collarbones—a feature at once alluring and powerfully defined—while the aura surrounding him continued to carve out a distinct domain, utterly impervious to intrusion.

He was, as always, akin to a deity—a being meant only to be admired from afar.

“This training room automatically records all your activities; you are free to take the data with you. All data generated here is encrypted, and only I have the clearance to access it.”

Xiao Yan nodded; this was all done for his protection—to ensure that none of his data would ever be leaked.

“There are no zombies here. Your only opponent is me.”

Hein’s hands hung naturally at his sides; yet, this very air of casual ease only served to make Xiao Yan feel even more tense.

“Let’s begin.”

Raising the injector gun, Xiao Yan heard a distinct *snap*. He closed his eyes, sensing a surge of power coursing through his bloodstream—a force that stretched and flowed, flooding into every single cell of his body.

Time starts now!

Xiao Yan lunged violently toward Hein, moving at twice his usual speed as he drove a straight punch directly at Hein’s face.

He knew full well that his fist stood no chance of actually connecting; he simply wanted to test whether the current Hein remained as effortlessly composed as he had been before.

Hein’s steady hand deflected Xiao Yan’s punch with the back of his hand. Just as Hein began to twist his wrist to execute a takedown, Xiao Yan flowed with the motion, circling around to Hein’s blind side before leaping into the air to deliver a vicious elbow strike aimed squarely at Hein’s spine.

As if he had anticipated the move all along, Hein shifted his body laterally; with one hand, he clamped down on Xiao Yan’s forearm, while using his other hand to brace against Xiao Yan’s elbow. With a sudden exertion of force, Xiao Yan’s arm was twisted behind his back. Hein forced him to bend forward at the waist, leaving Xiao Yan with no choice but to defiantly lift his head and lock eyes with his opponent.

“Not bad. A little green, though.”

With a casual shove, Hein sent Xiao Yan stumbling backward, out of striking range.

This time, Xiao Yan sprang into the air again, channeling the full momentum of his body into his elbow joint as he attempted to strike Hein’s shoulder. He knew that at this speed, Hein would undoubtedly be able to dodge it; yet, just as he began his descent, he abruptly retracted his arm and unleashed a side-kick aimed at Hein’s midsection.

Unexpectedly, Hein lunged forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Xiao Yan. With his waist pinned in an iron grip, Xiao Yan felt himself being abruptly pulled backward as Hein threw himself to the ground.

It’s over! My neck!

Xiao Yan’s eyes went wide with alarm. However, just as the back of his head was about to slam into the ground, he managed to brace himself at the last instant, breaking his fall by slamming his palms against the floor. Yet, at that very moment, Hein lifted his leg to brace against Xiao Yan’s spine, slowly lowering him to the ground.

“You think too much before you attack. No offensive move can ever be perfectly choreographed; only decisive judgment in the moment can save your life.”

Hein’s palm cupped the back of Xiao Yan’s neck, guiding him as he slowly rose to his feet.

Xiao Yan felt the other man’s hand slide down from his neck, tracing along his spine to his lower back; the instant that touch was withdrawn, Xiao Yan instinctively let out a relieved breath.

“Again.”

No wonder Hein always stood motionless just before Xiao Yan attacked; in those fleeting moments—too brief for the eye to follow—he was analyzing Xiao Yan, making split-second decisions to counter and strike back without a shred of hesitation.

This time, Xiao Yan simply stepped to within an arm’s length of Hein and launched a fierce knee strike toward his abdomen. The instant Hein’s palm pressed against Xiao Yan’s knee, his hand shifted—edge-on like a blade—slicing toward Xiao Yan’s carotid artery. Xiao Yan arched backward, springing into the air, and drove his other knee upward toward Hein’s chin.

Faced with such a complex assault, Hein still managed to evade the blow. He raised his elbow, poised to shatter Xiao Yan’s ribcage; yet, in that precise instant, he abruptly shifted his movement, reaching out instead to pull Xiao Yan into a tight embrace.

The two of them crashed to the ground.

Xiao Yan’s eyes went wide, staring blankly up at the bright overhead lights until Hein’s face finally came into focus above him.

“Are you hurt?”

Hein’s palm cupped Xiao Yan’s cheek; receiving no immediate response, a furrow of concern actually appeared between his brows.

Xiao Yan tried wiggling his fingers, then slowly bent his legs; as his knee brushed against Hein’s calf, he felt—or perhaps imagined—the man lying atop him give a slight shudder.

“I... I’m fine. It feels like the virus has finally worn off...”

Had Hein’s elbow actually come crashing down in that moment, the outcome for Xiao Yan would have been gruesome—his sternum would have been driven into his lungs, crushing his heart. The mere thought of it sent a cold sweat running down his back.

But... how had Hein managed to determine, in that exact instant, that the virus coursing through Xiao Yan’s body had finally lost its potency? Hein glanced up at the timer. "Three minutes and twelve seconds."

In that moment, Xiao Yan completely forgot about his research; he simply gazed at the sharp, clean lines of Hein's jaw and the fluid contours of his neck as he tilted his head back.

Hein pushed himself up, dropping to one knee beside Xiao Yan, and pulled him swiftly to his feet.

The data indicated that, following the viral metabolism, all of Xiao Yan's physiological functions were operating normally.

Hein studied the data with intense concentration; only after the final set of readings confirmed that the virus had inflicted no damage upon Xiao Yan's body did he deactivate the holographic display.

"Go get some rest."

Hein was just about to open the training room door when Xiao Yan suddenly reached out and seized his wrist.

"Wait!"

Realizing that his actions might displease Hein, Xiao Yan hurriedly withdrew his hand.

"What is it?"

"Teach me... how you manage to predict an opponent's moves in the shortest possible time..."

Xiao Yan knew that such a request was incredibly presumptuous.