Chapter 688: Genetic Drugs

Chapter 688 — Genetic Drugs

Baili Changqing’s words piqued Zhang Yi’s curiosity.

"What do you mean? If you’ve got something to say, just say it. You know I hate guessing games," Zhang Yi said, annoyed.

Baili Changqing chuckled,

"Sure, weapons made from Adamantine Metal and the nano-fiber black combat suits are great gear."

"But those are still just external enhancements. They can boost your basic combat ability—but they can't raise your limits."

Zhang Yi immediately started to catch on.

"You’re talking about genetic drugs, aren’t you?"

Zhu Zheng had once tricked Outer City Superhumans with a little box of laundry powder, claiming it was Compound No. 2 that could boost superhuman abilities.

Logically, something like that should also be on the exchange list.

But Zhang Yi didn’t dare mess with it lightly.

The example of Bian Junwu was still fresh in his mind.

Although Bian Junwu had become incredibly powerful soon after the apocalypse began, he had also paid a heavy price.

In the end, he died from hidden injuries inside his body.

Zhang Yi had always suspected that it was the so-called genetic drugs from Blizzard City that caused it.

Baili Changqing nodded.

"After the apocalypse hit, the pressure on the District was massive."

"At that time, the whole world was in chaos. Mutated creatures popped up everywhere. Even Blizzard City struggled to maintain stability."

He took a deep breath, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

"As the District tasked with guarding Jiangnan, we had to quickly gain enough strength to stabilize the region."

"Genetic drugs were actually a research project from many years ago, originally intended for military use."

"But now, they’re being used to accelerate Superhuman evolution. However... developing these drugs required plenty of test subjects to verify the effects."

Zhang Yi narrowed his eyes and stared at Baili Changqing.

"So you guys became the lab rats?"

Baili Changqing sighed.

"Captain Bian was among the very first batch."

Zhang Yi sneered.

"Of course. Safer to test on people whose loyalty is guaranteed. That way, even if they become powerful, you don’t have to worry about them going rogue."

But Baili Changqing explained,

"Back then, we really didn’t have a choice. If we hadn't done it, Blizzard City might not even exist today."

"For the sake of peace, we had to be willing to sacrifice. As soldiers, we couldn't afford to hesitate."

His eyes were filled with steely determination.

Even now, in the apocalyptic era, he hadn't abandoned his beliefs.

Zhang Yi shrugged.

"I’m not in a position to judge you. Honestly, what you did was admirable. Or maybe... you simply had no other choice."

"But personally, I only care about one thing—whether those drugs have side effects. Even a tiny side effect makes them useless to me."

Zhang Yi would never allow an unknown substance to be injected into his body.

Baili Changqing laughed,

"Over the years, they’ve continued improving them. Superhuman drugs have become much more stable now. Look at me—I’m perfectly fine!"

He raised his arm and slapped his rock-hard bicep proudly.

"Forget it. I really don’t need that,"

Zhang Yi rejected him without hesitation.

Baili Changqing walked over and slung an arm around Zhang Yi’s shoulders.

"I still suggest you consider getting Compound No. 5."

Seeing how serious he was, Zhang Yi asked,

"What’s that?"

Baili Changqing answered,

"An explosive booster drug!"

"It gives you a massive surge of power for a short period—but after that, there are serious side effects."

"Basically, it’s something you use as a last resort. Think of it as a super-powered stimulant."

Zhang Yi immediately understood.

"So basically, it’s an emergency lifesaver?"

Baili Changqing nodded.

"I always carry a dose with me. If I get trapped in a hopeless situation, I can use it to save my life."

"Of course, Compound No. 5 is very expensive in terms of points—not everyone can afford it."

"That’s why I suggest you exchange for one. It might save your life when it really counts."

Zhang Yi suddenly turned his head and stared at Baili Changqing.

"Then why didn’t you use it back in Tianhai City?"

Baili Changqing answered calmly,

"If you hadn't given Captain Bian the Ice Soul, maybe we would have used it."

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Actually, Ice Soul’s effect seemed even better than Compound No. 5. Too bad that biological catalyst, harvested from an Epsilon-level Superhuman, can't be replicated."

Zhang Yi started to feel tempted.

Since there was such a good item, it wouldn't hurt to have one just in case.

Better safe than sorry.

The two of them entered the elevator and headed toward the Operations Command Center’s weapon warehouse.

On the way, Zhang Yi asked about the Reincarnation Squad.

"How strong is the Reincarnation Squad—compared to your Black Robe Squad and Deng Shentong’s Celestial Squad?"

It wasn’t surprising.

If everything went according to plan, he’d be working with them during the third assault on Moon of Corrosion.

Knowing a bit of info ahead of time would definitely help.

Baili Changqing’s face lit up noticeably when he heard the name.

"In theory, the six major investigation squads of Blizzard City are roughly on par with each other in strength—it’s hard to say who's stronger."

"But, if it’s confirmed that Moon of Corrosion has a prophet-type ability user, then deploying the Reincarnation Squad is definitely the best choice."

Zhang Yi asked curiously,

"Why’s that?"

Baili Changqing smiled mysteriously.

"Can’t tell you. It involves the abilities of the Reincarnation Squad’s members."

Zhang Yi chuckled.

"Actually, based on what you just said, I can pretty much guess a little. But I won't say it out loud."

Squad names weren't given randomly.

They usually reflected the team’s characteristics.

The Black Robe Squad and Celestial Squad both had strong individualistic styles.

Reincarnation Squad.

A name about reincarnation.

And they were specifically effective against prophet-type enemies.

So most likely, their powers involved causality manipulation—either countering prophecy or altering fate.

Even though Baili Changqing wasn’t spilling the details, Zhang Yi wasn’t rude enough to press him.

Still, Baili Changqing leaned in mysteriously and said,

"When they get back, I’ll take you to meet them. I guarantee, once you find out who their captain is—you’ll be shocked!"

"Oh? Really?"

Zhang Yi shrugged.

"Well, let’s wait and see then!"

He thought to himself—

It’s probably just some famous figure from society or whatever.

Author's Note