The magic binding the test subjects was lifted.
────!
The test subjects, varied by race, let out grotesque screams as they raised their torsos from the experiment tables.
As they looked around with murky pupils,
“What on earth are you doing, Theo Lyn Waldeurk!”
Thomas shouted.
He repeatedly yelled at Theo, who did not respond at all.
“Do you even realize what you’ve done!”
“I’m not quite sure.”
“······You’ve awakened beings that should have disappeared into the abyss for the advancement of humanity! Beings who refuse to acknowledge their own grand sacrifices!”
Theo, scanning the test subjects that had risen from the tables, said,
“I’m not quite sure. We should listen to what they have to say.”
The test subjects, noticing Thomas, stood up.
They walked towards Thomas.
Gone were their murky pupils, replaced with eyes full of rage.
“This, this is madness······!”
Thomas’s eyes bulged as he stumbled backward.
The test subjects, with parts severed and holes punctured, blood streaming, walked towards Thomas.
Orcs and lizardmen took the lead.
To open the door of the laboratory, one must enter the password just as when entering.
Thomas was tied up, unable to use his hands.
Back against the laboratory door, he shouted to Theo.
“Pl, please help me, Theo Lyn Waldeurk! These are no different from living corpses! A few swings of your sword and it would be over!”
Theo, arms full with Woo Hyoyeon, replied.
“As you can see, I’m a bit tied up. Thomas, this seems like a good opportunity to test just how far your luck goes.”
“What, what kind of bullshit······ Guh, guck!”
Suddenly, the test subjects began to lynch Thomas en masse.
Thud.
Thwack.
Crunch.
Soft impact sounds echoed throughout the laboratory. The test subjects' attacks were not strong.
A typical orc could tear apart a human male's head and body with bare hands, but these test subjects were emaciated and severely injured.
As Thomas said, the test subjects were no different from living corpses.
Each time they attacked, blood gushed from them.
────!
Nevertheless, the test subjects did not care and continued to beat Thomas mercilessly.
With each hit, they sustained more damage themselves but did not stop.
Trapped in the laboratory, their hatred did not diminish. It flared even more.
“Guh, guck. Kyah······ Kyaaak-!”
Thomas’s groans grew louder.
Beaten by the test subjects' feeble hands, he ended up battered and collapsed in a corner.
The test subjects, seemingly out of strength to hit any further, just silently looked down at Thomas.
With his face swollen, Thomas looked up at the test subjects and said,
“That’s, that’s enough, right? Let me go now. I won’t forget your sacrifices.”
The test subjects sat on the floor, lacking the strength to stand any longer, their bodies appearing as if they were collapsing.
Thomas's expression noticeably brightened.
"Yes, yes! Just like Theo Lyn Waldeurk over there, I keep my word too! Your sacrifices for the advancement of humanity will never be forgotte-"
Thomas's words were abruptly cut off.
This was because the orc test subject at the forefront had bitten into Thomas's neck.
And it didn't end there. Other test subjects also bared their teeth and tore into Thomas's flesh.
Thomas screamed loudly enough to fill the entire large laboratory, but the test subjects did not stop.
Flesh was ripped off, and the sound of chewing followed.
Blood splattered and flowed.
The scene was a chaotic mix of Thomas trying to escape and the test subjects refusing to let go.
Theo calmly observed the scene.
After some time, Thomas's screams stopped.
Thomas's head was turned towards Theo. Until the moment of his death, his expression was one of disbelief, unable to accept his demise.
"······."
Theo silently moved towards the exit to leave the laboratory.
Creak.
Entering the password, the door opened.
Theo stepped out of the laboratory.
The test subjects inside did not come out.
They lay scattered on the floor like Thomas, merely looking up at Theo.
Theo said,
"Will you come with me?"
But there was no answer.
Instead of responding, the test subjects shook their heads, lacking even the strength to crawl out.
"Then, I'll be on my way."
As Theo was about to turn his back,
A human test subject in front of him moved his lips. He had lost the ability to use his vocal cords, as no clear sound came out.
However, the shape of his lips made his intention clear.
─Sorry.
Theo closed his eyes and nodded in acknowledgment to the test subject.
Thump.
Shortly after, all the test subjects slumped their heads to the floor.
"Rest in peace."
Theo, holding Woo Hyoyeon in his arms, turned his back.
Theo returned to the laboratory where his companions and the researchers were.
Jang Woohee immediately ran over upon seeing Woo Hyoyeon in Theo's arms.
Jang Woohee looked down at Woo Hyoyeon.
Woo Hyoyeon, reduced to mere bones, was covered in red blood here and there.
However, there were no notably visible injuries.
Jang Woohee asked Theo,
"Did you... heal her?"
"To be precise, I used an imitation panacea."
"I've heard about it. That's a really rare item, isn't it?"
Theo neither confirmed nor denied her words.
He simply stated what he had done.
"Using it healed the external injuries quickly, but she hasn't woken up. It looks like a mental issue."
Jang Woohee put her ear to Woo Hyoyeon's nose. Faint breathing sounds could be heard.
Theo took out a luxurious blanket from his [Subspace Bag] and said,
"Amy."
"Understood, young master."
Amy, who had been waiting, spread the blanket on the floor with neat and efficient movements.
Theo laid Woo Hyoyeon, whom he had been carrying, on top of the blanket.
Jang Woohee knelt in front of Woo Hyoyeon and silently stared at her intently.
'I should not disturb and just leave them be.'
With that thought, Theo approached Taylor.
"Taylor, I've returned. Let's head back after a bit."
Taylor had become friendly with the researchers in the meantime, exchanging various stories with them.
Taylor responded,
"Hahaha. When we leave is up to you, Theo. You're the leader after all. Did everything go well with your task?"
"The aftertaste is a bit bitter, but the objective was achieved. I'd like to forget what happened there."
Taylor, quick to catch on, did not ask about Thomas's whereabouts.
"You must feel even more so after all everything today. Eat well, rest well, and you'll soon forget about it. However, I do have a favor to ask of you, Theo."
"What is it?"
Taylor gestured towards the researchers and said,
"Could you leave these people to me? There could be quite interesting things to..."
"Go ahead."
Theo agreed even before Taylor finished his sentence.
'If they were to go outside as they are now, they would likely end up with the order.'
The Order of Light is thoroughly rotten from the inside.
That was the case in the game, and according to Isabella's words as well.
These are exceptional researchers.
Considering what they've created so far, the higher-ups in the order would surely have other intentions.
'They'll be busy filling their own pockets.'
Of course, it would be a different story if they were of help to him, but that likelihood is slim.
And for someone like him, with many things to juggle, taking control would be challenging.
Leaving them to Taylor was the best option.
Taylor said,
"Hahaha. I knew you were straightforward, Theo, but I didn't expect this extent. Alright. I'll proceed with research that could be of help to you."
"Understood. Excuse me for a moment."
"Yes, take your time."
Taylor resumed his conversation with the researchers.
Theo turned towards Jang Woohee.
Jang Woohee, who had been silently looking down at Woo Hyoyeon, lifted her head.
"I have something to say."
"Go ahead."
"It's a bit... Let's go over there."
Jang Woohee stood up and walked to a secluded, dimly lit place.
Theo followed her.
Upon arriving at the secluded location, Theo asked,
"What's the matter?"
Jang Woohee pressed her lips tightly together.
After a moment, with her eyes reddening, she said,
"Thank you, really. I just wanted to say that."
Theo responded calmly,
"Alright. Let's go back now."
"?"
Jang Woohee looked at Theo puzzledly, but he had already turned his back.
'Is... is that it?'
His demeanor was excessively matter-of-fact.
She had been prepared to grant any request of hers, but instead, she felt deflated.
A curiosity that had been lingering in her mind suddenly surfaced.
Jang Woohee spoke to Theo's back,
"······I've been curious about something for a while, may I ask?"
