Chapter 620: 474: Space Program (Two in One)

Chapter 620: Chapter 474: Space Program (Two in One)

As Hu Peng’s tales unfolded, everyone in the courtyard fell into deep thought.

“Makula, plague, demon, mutant beast… What is the connection behind it all…”

Xiao Shun murmured to himself.

He had great passion when it came to solving mysteries.

“Do you guys think that guy could really be a demon? Just like the Fallen Angel we encountered before?”

Everyone turned their attention toward him at his words.

In the past, they definitely wouldn’t have believed in such things as demons.

However, now, having been exposed to the Extraordinary World and having seen so many things that were once mere legends, the existence of demons didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.

Besides, hadn’t a Fallen Angel just appeared in Sheep Village not too long ago?

In a sense, aren’t Fallen Angels the demons of legend?

For a moment, everyone was hesitant.

Perhaps, the so-called Makula was indeed the legendary plague demon.

As they pondered, one person spoke up.

It was Weiss.

He hesitated before speaking, “Hu, I think I heard you mention something about the bubonic plague…”

Everyone looked at him again.

They all knew his Chinese wasn’t very good.

Hu Peng had spoken too fast earlier, and Weiss might have only caught a gist of it, without fully understanding the specifics.

“Yes, the bubonic plague. Legend has it that Makula created that virus which swept across Europe. Why, did you discover something?”

He deliberately slowed down his speech this time, fearing that the other party might not understand.

“I also thought I heard you mention something… European black rat…?”

“Yes, according to historical records, the black rat was one of the main vectors of the plague virus.”

Weiss’s expression turned somewhat strange.

“Well, I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but recently in the tavern’s ongoing bounty tasks, there have been more and more of those mutated black rats…”

Hu Peng was startled and suddenly remembered the Mutated Black Rats brought by a Gallia named Morris.

“Let’s go! To the basement!”

He immediately called out.

Two minutes later.

In the tavern’s basement.

“Clang~”

A metallic noise sounded as a refrigerator door was yanked open, revealing the stored rat corpses inside.

“This is it.”

Weiss said as he opened several cabinets,

All these cabinets were filled with the bodies of black rats, and at a cursory glance, there were more than a dozen.

“All the black rats are here; these were set to be shipped to headquarters tomorrow. These are the goods we received in the last few days. Other taverns received some as well, but Bali received the most.”

The others saw the bodies of more than a dozen rats and looked uneasy.

Without saying much, it was clear to everyone that they were all thinking of some unpleasant possibilities.

“Brother Xiao, I heard you were also involved in the research over at the lab. What have you found about these creatures? Are they carrying a large amount of viruses or something?”

Xun You suddenly turned to look at Xiao Shun.

Xiao Shun pondered for a moment before speaking:

“We don’t actually know much about these rats. Most of the research was conducted by Tina, but I’ve looked at some of the reports too.”

“According to those reports, these rats didn’t carry any special viruses, but they exhibit a highly advanced level of genetic modification, which includes genes from rattlesnakes, Twist Cats, North American opossums, Huskies, and more.”

“Huskies?”

Hu Peng suddenly asked with a hint of confusion.

Xun You explained:

“Don’t underestimate Huskies. These dogs have nearly triple the oxygen-carrying capacity of humans, and their muscle cells contain over 70% more mitochondria. These genes are likely to enhance their endurance.”

“Right, it’s evident from their genes that those rats have fused the strengths of various animals: thermal sensing, speed, strength, endurance… They want to create a perfect creature!”

A look of concern appeared on Xiao Shun’s face.

“However, thankfully, the secrets of genetics are not so easily uncovered, and these creatures aren’t without flaws.”

“I remember Tina once said there is no Mutant Beast so far with the ability to reproduce on its own. The reproductive barriers brought by gene fusion are difficult to break through.”

The group breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing his last words.

It was good that they couldn’t breed. If such monsters could freely reproduce, it would be a disaster for humanity.

Seeing their reaction, Xiao Shun couldn’t help but throw a damper on their relief:

“Don’t celebrate too early. According to recent research reports, we have reason to believe that the Transformer is researching ways to reproduce on their own, including hermaphroditism. If he succeeds, then the consequences…”

The room fell silent once more.

After a while, Hu Peng finally spoke:

“So you’re saying there’s a demon named Makula who is conducting some kind of genetic modification research, intending to create an army of Mutant Beasts for some nefarious purpose?”

Xun You spread his hands: “I think so.”

“Alright then, we don’t have much time. We need to find him and stop him before he completes the next phase of the transformation.”