Chapter 118: Journeying into the Unknown World of the War Maiden (Part One)

Three months later.

In the dim underground lounge, a few gray steps led down to a seamless bar counter where a bartender was meticulously polishing a glass. At this long bar, only one person sat with her head bowed.

She was a woman. The glass in front of her sat slightly off-center from its coaster, seemingly pushed to the edge with nonchalance.

"What would you like to drink, miss?"

"No need. I’m actually here to find someone... this lady here."

The bartender paused, then offered a knowing smile, nodded elegantly, and returned to his work. Inside the lounge, there were only a few patrons scattered about, and soft music had been drifting from an old-fashioned record player for quite some time.

"Dr. Scarlett Ohara."

The woman with her head bowed looked up in surprise. Her face was flushed, and her eyes, half-closed, betrayed a state of five or six parts intoxication. "Who are you?"

"Zhao Nan. The one who intends to hire you."

"...I don't know you."

"No, you know who I am... Now, come with me."

Scarlett’s eyes closed a bit further, as if she were about to fall asleep. She parted her lips slightly and murmured, "Yes..."

Suddenly, she stood up unsteadily and began to walk forward. The bartender watched this scene with slight surprise, then gently set down the glass, gave a thumbs-up, and didn't forget to add, "Please settle your tab, guest."

After the two walked out of the underground bar, they went straight to a luxury RV. The back door opened, and a refined face peeked out, smiling, "You're really fast, Brother Nan."

This person was none other than Xiong You. As for the person beside him, it was naturally Zhao Nan.

He moved aside to let them sit comfortably inside. Xiong You then tapped the edge of the seat; a small, sleek screen popped out. He whispered, "We can go."

The vehicle began to merge into the not-too-busy traffic under the neon lights, moving neither too fast nor too slow.

***

After a while, inside the cabin, Scarlett suddenly sobered up. She felt as though her head were incredibly heavy. She rubbed her forehead forcefully before surveying her surroundings.

She was in a car, the interior of which was extremely luxurious—not something an ordinary person could possess. At the same time, she saw two very young men. One of them seemed quite curious, examining her with an expression that carried a hint of peculiar excitement.

Scarlett frowned. She no longer remembered how she had gotten into this car, but she was certain it hadn't been by any normal means.

"What is your goal?"

Zhao Nan said, "We recently established an organization to conduct scientific research, and we would like to invite you to serve as our technical director."

Scarlett replied coldly, "This is certainly an unconventional way to extend an invitation."

Zhao Nan smiled. "As long as you accept, Dr. Ohara, that’s all that matters."

Scarlett sneered, "Do you think I would just agree?"

"You will."

At this point, Xiong You winked with considerable confidence. "We can provide you with sufficient funds to complete your research. This is your chance to surpass Dr. Aoi, Miss Scarlett."

Scarlett’s expression shifted slightly. "Who exactly are you? Are you with the Chevalier?"

"No," Zhao Nan shook his head. "We don't belong to any faction. You only need to know that we possess the financial resources to support your research."

Scarlett sneered, "You are certainly confident."

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Zhao Nan said casually.

Scarlett knit her brows and fell silent, lost in thought.

Zhao Nan suddenly said, "It would be best if you cooperate, Doctor. This car is equipped with signal-jamming capabilities. After all, I only wish to hire you; I have no desire to resort to violence."

Scarlett froze. The hand she had been quietly sliding into her pocket withdrew, instead resting on the edge of the window as she propped her chin up and looked at the scenery outside.

The car gradually drove out to the suburbs and soon pulled into a luxurious villa. As they drove past the garden, Scarlett was suddenly drawn to something.

***

In the courtyard, under the concentrated glare of spotlights, a blonde woman stood alone with a sword. Suddenly, her body split into two, then four, manifesting as four distinct figures. Then, she struck.

Countless flashes of sword light erupted, and in less than two seconds, a pillar as thick as a barrel was reduced to fragments of near-equal size.

"Pandora... this technique is..." Scarlett couldn't help but gasp.

When the blonde woman saw the car pull up, she wiped the sweat from her forehead and walked over slowly, smiling, "You're back!"

Zhao Nan nodded. "Xiaoyou, go prepare. Dr. Ohara, please come with me."

Judging by the blonde woman’s ability, Scarlett realized she had no power to escape on her own. Having fallen into a tiger's den, she had no choice but to adapt. Since she had been abducted, she decided to maintain a cooperative attitude; after all, she had no desire to be treated roughly.

On the way in, Scarlett saw a middle-aged man sitting motionless in a hall, his face devoid of expression.

Scarlett’s expression changed instantly. She whispered, "That is... the Suzuki Heavy Industries Group..."

"I said I would provide you with enough funds," Zhao Nan said. "This is just the tip of the iceberg."

Who... who are they?

This time, Scarlett only asked herself in her heart. Her face quickly returned to calm as she followed Zhao Nan into the villa, passed through layers of hidden checkpoints, and finally went deep underground into a massive, man-made basement.

The area was filled with the sheen of metal and cutting-edge equipment. A transparent glass partition stood before the three of them.

Through the glass, she could see many people in white lab coats busy at work inside the basement.

"Dr. Isuzu, Dr. Watanabe, Dr. Kali... weren't they killed in an attack at last month’s genetic engineering symposium?" Scarlett exclaimed in shock.

"I hope you will work well with these people in the future," Zhao Nan said.

Xiong You walked over at this moment, looking at Scarlett. "Doctor, please come with me. I’ll briefly explain your future work. Oh, we need to hurry, because Nan is about to finish making my late-night snack!"