"The MX4 is responsible for the genetic modifications… I see. But the results cannot be the same for everyone, you should know that."
Dr. Ilene nodded.
"I do. We carried out the first experiment a year ago, but it was a disaster. Nonetheless, we learned that the mode of intake of MX4 also mattered…"
"…hence direct inducement into the bloodstream."
Curtis added.
Dr. Ilene affirmed with a nod.
"Even after the change, the losses were more than we accounted for. Hence, we had to outsource resources through other means. For such a step to be made, sacrifices are inevitable. Sometimes the future we desire can only be laid on a foundation we aren't proud of…"
She then turned to Curtis,
"Now that you know this, I can only tell you further when you're still onboard."
Dr. Curtis thought for a moment before he replied,
"This is merely research… emotions and morals will only get in the way."
Hearing this, Dr. Ilene nodded, wearing a smirk.
Many similar cases were reported of children possessing certain characteristics that went beyond human limitations. No doubt these characteristics didn't come without a cost, but those who survived would soon have their lives changed permanently.
Three more months passed and the children who were rushed out of the nursery hadn't returned. The rate at which the children fell sick reduced, with only a few incidents occurring once in two weeks or more. Currently, only twenty-five children are left at the nursery. The usual procedure was just concluded and once again, they were left in a miserably weak state.
That night, a security team stormed the children's dorms. The children were forcefully woken from sleep and dragged to the nursery with confused expressions. Ahead of the security team was Dr. Ilene, but this time around, she didn't have her usual friendly smile.
She coldly scanned through the children as she spoke emotionlessly,
"I promised to give you all a new life… to cure the disease that plagues you. Unfortunately, the news I bring is contrary to that."
She went silent for a moment before she continued,
"I'm afraid we have tried all we could to rid you of the virus, but your body has rejected treatment. Your friends you thought fell sick are those responding positively to our treatment. Since there's nothing we can do for you, we have to likewise make this decision for you."
There was no point discussing her scientific views with eight-year-olds. Dr. Ilene signaled one of the guards, and in response to that, the guard took out a pistol and shot one of the children right in the forehead. Without understanding anything Dr. Ilene just said, the boy was directly killed, not having the chance to close his eyes in peace. Facing such a situation, it was impossible not to panic. However, no matter how much they struggled, they were all gunned down in a moment.
Johan has never been this afraid in his life as he was at this moment. His body trembled violently, so much that he perspired. His fear held him at a spot, and even when he heard the cacophony of screams and gunshots, he remained silent, looking straight at Dr. Ilene. That beautiful lady with a friendly smile turned out to be capable of such ruthlessness.
"W-Wait…"
Johan called out with a faint voice, but it wasn't heard over the commotion.
Just then, a guard pointed his gun at him, and Johan's eyes widened.
"Wait, please don't kill me… please!!!"
Tears flowed down his cheeks as he called out.
Bang!
The guard's gun went off, but before then, Johan reacted quickly and lunged forward, holding onto the guard's leg. Nonetheless, the bullet grazed his left arm.
"Get off!"
The guard shouted and pointed his gun at Johan again.
"Please I don't want to die!"
Johan bawled his eyes out.
"The procedure… let me go through the procedure again. Give me another chance please!!"
The guard's gun was cocked and ready to fire when Dr. Ilene suddenly called out to him,
"Don't shoot yet," she said and turned to Johan.
"You want to go through the procedure again?"
"Yes… yes please!"
"And why should I let that happen? I need all the materials I have to nurture the others, why should I waste them on you?"
Dr. Ilene's voice and words cut through Johan's heart like sharp knives. He didn't understand what Dr. Ilene was talking about, but all that mattered at this moment was to give a convincing answer.
He lifted his face, staring straight at Dr. Ilene with tears ceaselessly flowing down his eyes.
"I-I…"
Johan tried to speak but choked on his tears.
"I don't know but give me a chance to save myself at least."
Dr. Ilene's brows creased, and at the same time, the last gunshot went off signaling the end of the execution, leaving only Johan. At this time, everyone had their gaze focused on him, and Johan didn't dare meet them. He only looked at Dr. Ilene hoping she would have a change of heart.
After a short moment of silence, Dr. Ilene issued a command,
"Cremate the bodies and clean this place up,"
She then turned to Johan,
"Come with me."
Johan was startled but soon followed after Dr. Ilene. He took one last look at the blood-soaked nursery and the corpses of his friends, a memory that imprinted itself in his consciousness.
Johan was led to the lab again, where he was led straight to the testing area, strapped to the chair. Dr. Curtis saw this and walked up to Ilene,
"I thought you said you'll handle the failures."
"I did, but he surprised me… he wanted the procedure again."
"That's dangerous," said Dr. Curtis.
"His body is still under stress from the previous one. What he wants is a death sentence."
Dr. Ilene nodded,
"I know, but it's one he willingly embraced. It changes nothing still. It's his luck if he survives and it's not a loss to us if he doesn't. We'll just keep inducing him until we get results."