"Perhaps they need large quantities of licorice," Ji Yizhi conjectured. "We have some, but there’s a finite supply. Once it’s gone, we’ll have to grow more licorice plants to replenish it."
Wang Jun froze for a second, then nodded in profound agreement. "That’s entirely possible!"
Just then, Zhao Jun, the head of the Evolution Potion project, walked over. "The Evolution Potions are ready. Shall we begin the live-subject experiments immediately?"
Wang Jun replied, "Yes. Begin the experiments at once!"
Wang Jun, along with the other two, led a team to the compartment where the Lvzhi Country prisoners were being held.
In front of the captives, several heavy machine guns had been set up, all aimed at the prisoners inside the brig.
Yamamoto Goro, the former captain of the Feixiang Aircraft Carrier, frowned as he watched them.
’We’re already prisoners with no way to fight back. Why would the Dragon Country set up so many heavy machine guns?’
’Are they planning to execute us all?’ Yamamoto Goro couldn’t wrap his head around it. ’Do they not need test subjects anymore?’
His confusion didn’t last long. Wang Jun and his group arrived moments later.
"Strap grenades to the backs of the test subjects for this experiment," Wang Jun commanded. "And bring that scum Yamamoto along! It’s about time he got a taste of what it’s like to be a guinea pig!"
If this test was successful, they really wouldn’t need any more test subjects.
One hundred and fifty captives were selected and divided into three groups. A grenade was strapped to each of their backs, and their hands were bound.
Researchers attached various instruments to them to monitor their biometrics, which would determine whether the subjects had successfully evolved.
Then, the newly concocted Evolution Potions were injected into the test subjects.
When Yamamoto Goro saw them inject him with a syringe, he immediately understood. They weren’t executing him; they were starting another experiment.
’Why are they being so cautious this time? Why set up so many heavy machine guns?’ Yamamoto Goro suddenly had a realization. ’They couldn’t have actually created the perfect Evolution Potion, could they?’
That was the only explanation for why they were on such high alert.
Yamamoto Goro looked at Wang Jun and asked in stiff, broken Dragon Language, "Mr. Wang, have you developed the perfect Evolution Potion?"
He asked it like an old friend making an inquiry. He didn’t beg for mercy, because he knew it would be useless.
Wang Jun sneered. "Of course. This will likely be the last live-subject experiment we ever conduct. We had to let you have a go!"
Yamamoto Goro was utterly shocked. "How is that possible? Even the Sea Eagle Country hasn’t made any real progress. How could you?"
Long Zhan curled his lip. "Haven’t you ever heard the saying? The Sea Eagle Country comes up with the ideas, and the Dragon Country makes them a reality."
Yamamoto Goro froze. He opened his mouth, but couldn’t say a word.
Long Zhan was right. While the Dragon Country’s overall technological prowess hadn’t quite caught up to the Sea Eagle Country’s, the gap was closing fast. In some fields, it had even pulled ahead.
"UGH!"
A wave of pain spreading through his body shattered Yamamoto Goro’s train of thought. He let out a muffled grunt, his face contorting in agony!
Seeing Yamamoto Goro’s reaction, Ji Yizhi nodded slightly. "I was starting to think the Evolution Potion from Peach Blossom Base might allow for painless evolution. If that were the case, Yamamoto Goro would be getting off way too easy!"
"Yeah," Long Zhan responded with a grin. "Seeing him in so much pain puts my mind at ease!"
Wang Jun watched for a moment before shaking his head. "The pain he’s feeling now is less than one-ten-thousandth of what our countrymen endured. The Evolution Potion from Peach Blossom Base is certainly a huge improvement!"
Ji Yizhi glanced over at the other two test groups. Judging by their reactions, it was clear that the level of pain was successively lower for each group.
"Peach Blossom Base is truly remarkable," Ji Yizhi remarked. "Look at the third group of test subjects. Their suffering is clearly far less intense than the first two groups!"
Wang Jun and Long Zhan nodded in unison.
Just then, Zhao Jun hurried over to report. "Captain, we’ve analyzed the potions’ components. The primary ingredients are glycyrrhizic acid, licorice flavonoids, and other similar substances. It seems to be a concoction brewed from licorice. Furthermore, two of the potions were likely made from licorice alone, while the third probably has honey added to it."
"It’s that simple?" Ji Yizhi asked, astonished.
Zhao Jun nodded. "Based on our analysis, yes, it is."
"In that case, have your team try to replicate these potions. Then, test them on live subjects and see how they compare to the ones from Peach Blossom Base," Wang Jun ordered in a solemn voice.
"Sir!" Zhao Jun saluted, then turned and walked away.
The first group of test subjects injected with the Evolution Potion erupted in blood-curdling screams, striking fear into the hearts of the prisoners who weren’t part of the experiment.
Wang Jun and his men paid no mind to the prisoners’ reactions, instead continuing their discussion about the Evolution Potions.
"Did Peach Blossom Base mention how long it takes for these Evolution Potions to take full effect?" Ji Yizhi asked, frowning.
Wang Jun shook his head. "He didn’t say. I’ll ask him now so we can prepare accordingly."
Ji Yizhi nodded.
Wang Jun immediately sent the question to Ren Yuanyang.
"Potions Number One and Two require forty-eight hours to complete the evolution. Potion Number Three requires twenty-four hours. This is based on data from experiments on lab mice, so you can use it as a reference," Ren Yuanyang replied swiftly.
Wang Jun shared the information with Ji Yizhi and Long Zhan.
"Looks like it will be a while," Long Zhan suggested. "We might as well come back in a day."

Comments

Loading...