The male corpse was discovered on a small boat in a coastal area. There were initially twelve personnel who came into contact with the corpse, all of whom were infected by the unknown pathogen and died.
Compared to the relatively well-preserved corpse inside the glass isolation room, the other corpses that died from pathogen infection were all shell-hardened, turning into powder immediately upon touch.
The reason behind this was still unknown, and the entire research facility's human resources were focused on this corpse and the unknown pathogen.
Since the corpse was found on a small boat, its random drift meant the source of infection could potentially cover a vast sea area. The exact location of the origin was completely unclear.
To prevent disaster before it strikes, it was crucial to quickly uncover the true nature of the pathogen.
After a period of research, Sanbica and her team found that the pathogen's contagiousness was actually quite low, but its vitality was astonishing. It could slowly reproduce on the corpse while preserving the body as if soaked in formalin, preventing easy decay.
So far, the research facility had not found the reason why the other twelve corpses became shell-hardened and then turned to powder.
The entire research institution was meticulously analyzing pathogen specimens taken from the corpse. They had also stationed personnel near the area where the corpse was found to monitor for any signs of similar flu-like phenomena.
"Sanbica, you haven't slept in three days. Go rest."
At the control panel, a slightly hunchbacked man said to Sanbica.
"Okay."
Sanbica didn't refuse. She nodded to her working colleagues and turned to leave straightforwardly.
The hunchbacked man was the team leader. The timing of him telling Sanbica to rest was precisely when the collection was complete. In other words, he didn't want to give Sanbica a chance to refuse.
Sanbica understood this, so she obeyed without argument.
She passed through a series of complicated checkpoints before finally removing her protective suit and returning to the clean, bright locker room.
Arriving at her locker, looking exhausted, she took out her ID card and scanned the device. With a click, the locker door automatically popped open.
The phone placed in the corner was flashing a faint green light, indicating an unread message.
Seeing the green light, Sanbica seemed to think of something, her eyes suddenly brightening.
The number of people who would send her messages or call her was very few. Law was the most likely one.
Sanbica immediately took out her phone and turned on the screen. Sure enough, it was a message from Law.
She carefully read the message content. The tiredness on her face vanished completely, replaced by a smile. She then pressed the screen and began typing a reply.
But halfway through composing it, she reconsidered, deleted the message, and instead dialed the number.
…
16th Floor, Association Building, Kurapika's Room.
Half an hour had passed since Kurapika woke up.
Apart from the few sentences spoken upon waking, Kurapika had remained silent since.
Law stayed by his side, also silent, giving a different kind of silent companionship.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, for the Kakin Empire."
These were the first words Kurapika spoke after the long silence.
Law looked at Kurapika, whose expression was now completely calm, and said, "Be careful."
"Mm."
Kurapika responded softly.
"Get some rest early. I'm going back to my room," Law then said.
"Mm."
Again, a brief response.
Law stood up and left the room.
This trip to the Kakin Empire would likely be the most perilous journey of Kurapika's life.
But from beginning to end, Law did not proactively offer to help Kurapika with this matter.
For such things, he would only help if Kurapika asked him directly.
Law returned to his own room. Machi was lying on the bed watching TV. Seeing Law return, she looked at him.
Beep beep.
The phone rang right on time.
Law took out his phone and looked at the name displayed on the screen: Sanbica.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he subconsciously glanced at Machi lying on the bed. It wasn't out of guilt, nor did he overthink it. He simply pressed the answer button.
"Law, are you free now?" Sanbica's slightly tired voice came from the other end of the phone.
Machi had noticed Law's brief reaction. Feeling a bit puzzled, she pricked up her ears. Immediately after, she barely managed to hear the voice coming from Law's phone.
"Hmm?"
Machi's eyes changed slightly. She recognized the voice as Sanbica's.
Law looked at Machi, thought for a moment, and replied, "Yes, I'm free. Where are you?"
"I just left the research facility, walking on Flower Road," Sanbica replied.
"Flower Road? I remember there's a Golden Arches nearby," Law said.
Sanbica understood and then said, "Mm, I'll wait for you at the Golden Arches then."
"Okay."
Law agreed and then hung up the phone, putting it back in his pocket.
He then looked at Machi and said very naturally, "I'm going to see Sanbica."
His tone was as if he were saying he was going to meet an old friend.
"Come back soon."
Machi nodded calmly and didn't ask further questions.
Law nodded, opened the door, and walked out.
As the door closed, only the sound from the TV remained in the room.
Machi looked at the closed door. Even though the friend Law was meeting was that woman she had always been wary of, her expression remained completely calm from start to finish, showing unreserved trust in Law... or so it seemed!
She immediately got out of bed, didn't even turn off the TV, hurriedly changed her clothes, and stood by the window looking down at the night scene below.
After waiting about ten minutes, she climbed out the window, used her Nen Threads to descend vertically from the 16th floor, landed steadily, and then headed straight for the Golden Arches on Flower Road.
On the other side, Law arrived at the Golden Arches and immediately spotted Sanbica sitting at a window-side seat.
No matter how much time passed, it was still that familiar attire, with only a pair of beautiful black eyes visible.
Although the mask and hat covered most of her face, Law could still see a trace of fatigue gathered around the corners of Sanbica's eyes.
'She must have been busy with work again, neglecting rest.'
"Law."
Seeing Law come in, Sanbica raised her hand and waved at him a few times.
Law walked over quickly, glanced at the burger wrappers and empty boxes on the table, then sat down opposite Sanbica. "Just having dinner now?"
"Mm." Sanbica stared intently at Law, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
Being stared at like this by Sanbica, Law reached out and touched his cheek, smiling, "What, is there something on my face?"
"No," Sanbica shook her head honestly, then added, "I just haven't seen you for a while, wanted to see if you've changed."
"Did you see any changes?"
"You've gotten older."
Sanbica cupped her chin, carefully examining Law's unkempt stubble. Her eyes curved slightly, and a faint smile appeared under her mask.
Hearing this, Law chuckled softly.
Neither of them knew at that moment that someone outside was watching them.
Machi stood behind a tree in the roadside greenbelt, suppressing her own Aura, carefully monitoring Law and Sanbica inside the Golden Arches.
She kept her distance as much as possible to reduce the risk of being discovered. The downside of the distance was that she couldn't read their lips.
If Sanbica and Law hadn't been sitting by the window, she wouldn't have had a chance to observe them at all.