The next morning, Ethan woke up early, his mind still buzzing from the previous night's events. The information he had gathered at the Crystal Lounge was valuable, but it also left him with more questions. The Shadows of New Eden were clearly a powerful and dangerous faction, and their interest in the Bio-Crafting System put him directly in their crosshairs.
He sat at the small table in his apartment, staring at the data pad Mira had given him. It was filled with information about various factions, key players, and the latest developments in Bio-Crafting technology. Ethan knew he needed to dig deeper, to understand not just the immediate threats but the broader landscape of power and influence in New Eden City.
"I can't afford to stay on the defensive," he muttered to himself. "I need to take the initiative."
He decided to start by tracking down the origins of the Bio-Crafting System itself. If he could learn more about its creators and their intentions, he might gain an edge in the struggle that was unfolding. The system had already proven to be more than just a tool—it was a key to a much larger game, one that involved not just the city but possibly the entire world.
Ethan accessed the data pad and began reviewing the files related to the Bio-Crafting System. The information was dense, filled with technical jargon and references to cutting-edge research. But one name kept appearing: Dr. Elias Thorn, a leading scientist in the field of gene-modification and the rumored mastermind behind the system.
"Dr. Thorn... where are you now?" Ethan wondered aloud as he scrolled through the data.
According to the files, Dr. Thorn had disappeared from the public eye several years ago, shortly after the Bio-Crafting System was rumored to have been developed. There were conflicting reports about his whereabouts—some claimed he had gone underground, while others suggested he was still working in secret, continuing his research in a remote location.
One lead pointed to an abandoned research facility on the outskirts of the city. It had once been a hub of innovation in gene-modification technology but had been shut down after a series of mysterious incidents. The facility was now a derelict structure, officially off-limits but rumored to still be active in certain circles.
Ethan made up his mind. If there was any chance that Dr. Thorn—or clues about his work—could be found there, he had to check it out. He packed a small bag with essentials, including a compact weapon for self-defense, and set out for the facility.
The journey to the outskirts of New Eden City took him through increasingly desolate areas. The gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets gave way to abandoned buildings and crumbling infrastructure, a stark reminder of the city's forgotten corners. As he approached the facility, the air grew colder, and an eerie silence settled over the area.
The research facility loomed ahead, its once-advanced architecture now decayed and overgrown with vegetation. Broken windows and rusted metal gates gave the place an ominous, haunted feel. Ethan hesitated for a moment, taking in the scene, before steeling himself and moving forward.
The entrance to the facility was locked, but Ethan managed to find a side door that had been forced open. He slipped inside, his senses on high alert. The interior was dark, with only faint shafts of light penetrating through the grime-covered windows. Dust hung in the air, and the smell of mildew was pervasive.
Ethan activated a small flashlight and made his way through the facility's labyrinthine corridors. The place had been left in disarray—scattered papers, overturned furniture, and broken equipment littered the floors. Yet there were signs that someone had been here recently. Fresh footprints in the dust, and a few areas that seemed to have been cleared of debris.
He reached what appeared to be a central lab area. The room was dominated by a large, high-tech console, its screen flickering with residual power. Ethan approached it cautiously, wiping away the dust to reveal a control panel. The system was partially functional, but most of the data had been corrupted or wiped clean.
"Come on, there has to be something here," Ethan muttered as he navigated the console's interface, trying to access any remaining files.
After several tense minutes, he found a fragment of a video file that hadn't been erased. He played it, hoping for some clue.
The screen flickered to life, showing a grainy image of a man in a lab coat—Dr. Elias Thorn. He appeared haggard, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and determination.
"This is Dr. Elias Thorn, recording what may be my final message," the man in the video began. "The Bio-Crafting System has surpassed all expectations, but its power has drawn too much attention. I fear that it could become a weapon in the wrong hands."
Ethan leaned in, his heart racing. This was the breakthrough he had been searching for.
"I have encrypted the core data and hidden it away," Dr. Thorn continued. "Only those with the right key can access it. If you're watching this, you may be the one who can continue my work. Be careful—the Shadows of New Eden are already closing in, and they won't stop until they have what they want."
The video cut off abruptly, leaving Ethan staring at the blank screen. The implications of what he had just seen were staggering. Dr. Thorn had hidden the most critical parts of the system's data, and now it was up to Ethan to find it.
But the Shadows of New Eden were already aware of the facility, and it was only a matter of time before they returned. Ethan knew he couldn't stay here for long, but he couldn't leave empty-handed either.
He quickly searched the lab for any other clues or items that might help. In a locked drawer, he found a small, sealed capsule with a biohazard symbol on it. It was marked as a prototype, with a serial number that matched some of the data from the files. Ethan pocketed the capsule, feeling its weight—a tangible reminder of the responsibility he now carried.
As he made his way back towards the exit, Ethan heard a noise—a faint echo of footsteps. Someone else was in the facility. He quickly extinguished his flashlight and moved silently, trying to avoid detection.
The footsteps grew louder, and Ethan ducked into a side room, peering out from the shadows. A group of figures, dressed in dark tactical gear, entered the lab area. They moved with precision, clearly searching for something—or someone.
"They're here for the same reason I am," Ethan thought grimly. "I need to get out of here, now."
He carefully retraced his steps, keeping to the shadows as the group searched the facility. It was a tense, nerve-wracking game of cat and mouse, but Ethan's experience in the underworld had taught him how to stay hidden.
Finally, he reached the side door and slipped out into the open air. The cold wind hit him as he quickly made his way back to the city, his mind racing with the implications of what he had discovered.
The hunt for the Bio-Crafting System's core data had begun, and Ethan was now a key player in a game that was far more dangerous than he had ever imagined.