NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 18
Chapter 18: The Sea Without Light Part 18
Kui Xin took the elevator to Shu Xueyao’s office.
After entering the elevator, Augus sent her a new work schedule.
For the morning, there was only one arrangement — onboarding training. In the afternoon, there were two arrangements: from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM was training time, and at 6 PM, she needed to attend a collective team meeting at the field operations team’s conference room. The content of the meeting was not indicated in the schedule.
Although it seemed like there wasn’t much to do in a day, there was actually no free time. The training was monotonous, exhausting, yet necessary. Kui Xin relied on these skills for survival.
Ding! The elevator stopped at the third floor.
The elevator doors opened, and Shu Xueyao was waiting right outside.
“Captain!” Kui Xin put down the communicator and lifted her head.
“The timing is just right,” said Shu Xueyao stepping into the elevator and pressing the close door button then said, “Augus, Level Minus Six.”
“Yes, level clearance has been lifted,” Augus responded.
Noticing Kui Xin’s surprised gaze, Shu Xueyao patiently explained, “Our Investigation Bureau has many concealed floors. These floor buttons aren’t marked in the elevator. Only people with permissions can command Augus to lift the floor lock and enter.”
“Of course.” Kui Xin glanced at the elevator buttons. The highest floor shown was 66th, and the lowest one was Basement -3rd. Shu Xueyao had recently reported the level as -6th.
Could there be even more hidden floors between Basement Level -3 and -6? What were their purposes?
The mechanical dawn’s infiltration of the Investigation Bureau was shallow. Some information within the data chip that Dr. Huang passed to the organization was vague guesswork, while some points remained unmentioned. Kui Xin was the first insider to successfully infiltrate, unlike medical center’s Dr. Huang, who, though also an agent, stayed limited to healing and saving lives, and did not have contact with security officers, limiting his intelligence gathering.
This was different for Kui Xin. From her official start, her training covered core secrets of the Investigation Bureau.
The elevator continued downward until it soon stopped. Immediately after, the elevator doors opened, and she smelled the cold, damp air, followed by icy air entering the tiny elevator compartment causing goosebumps across her arms.
The inside of the elevator was illuminated, but the underground floors were dark. The deep blackness and cold, humid environment made one hesitant to step out.
Suddenly, lights flickered on, illuminating the underground area.
First, she saw seamless, silvery walls, treated to prevent glare; yet, water droplets clung to them, shimmering in the light.
Why such high humidity?
“Come along, Kui Xin. Switch into protective gear first,” Shu Xueyao led the way.
“This gives me the creeps. Captain, where are we?” asked Kui Xin.
“The morgue-one,” Shu Xueyao replied. “This place keeps some specimens of xenomorphs. Since their corpses cannot be preserved easily after death, we have to soak them in a special solution, constantly managing humidity and temperature.”
They turned right. Ahead was a long hallway. Shu Xueyao strode forward into the corridor where red lights started flashing. Disinfectant mist was sprayed from the ceiling as they walked through, and upon completion, the red lights changed to green. Shu Xueyao exited.
Kui Xin followed suit, walking down the hallway for disinfection.
“Some xenomorphs are sealed in cryogenic nitrogen, very cold. So protective clothing is thick, like a spacesuit,” explained Shu Xueyao as he retrieved a set.
She struggled to don the thick garment, which Shu Xueyao helped zip up. Lastly, they wore glass helmets.
Inside, a communication device was fitted into the helmet, allowing Kui Xin to hear him clearly despite the glass covering.
The last metal door opened, and Kui Xin walked alongside Shu Xueyao into “the morgue.”
Then came the shock.
A pallid human body was immersed in a translucent green liquid, its head replaced by a curled crimson tentacle. The tentacles floated silently in the green liquid.
This specimen wasn’t much of a surprise; worse things were waiting.
Turning, Kui Xin saw a half-human body submerged in a jar, victim to xenomorph parasitism. Half, because it was split in two, clearly revealing the deformed and mutated cross-section. Viscera, heart, intestines, all visible.
“Don’t throw up in the gear,” cautioned Shu Xueyao.
Kui Xin glanced away, suppressing nausea, “I didn’t eat much today… I think I’m okay.”
“You’re more composed than most newcomers.” Shu Xueyao smiled. “Earlier people vomited, even inside the garment.”
“Did they tour the whole facility still wearing those clothes?”
“No way. We’re not so harsh here,” he chuckled. “They went back to shower before coming down again.”
“Poor Lan Lan.” Kui Xin commented. “I saw parasitic jellyfish. Their tentacles are transparent and less shocking… but these crimson ones…”
These tentacles were terrifying, evil, and bizarre. Worryingly so compared to parasitic jellyfish tentacles.
“These are Red Spine Hunters. Aggressive and deadly, usually killing humans in three days. Hence they change hosts every three days,” Shu Xueyao pointed to labels on the container.
Kui Xin examined the tags that described the specific details:
Species: Red Spine Hunter. Status: Developmental. Execution Time: 19/2/2083. Executor: Weizhi.
“The Red Spine Hunter was killed three years ago by Team Leader Weizhi when performing a task,” Shu Xueyao explained. “Very rare. One per day needs to host, taking two months to reach full growth. Think of how long it must’ve existed.”
Kui Xin gasped, “That many deaths? How couldn’t the bureau find out?”
“It was aboard a smuggler ship with over twenty people as reserves. Once the ship drifted near Black Sea City’s seas, there was only one survivor, who was spotted by the coastal security squad. Now, that survivor’s body rests in this container.”
Shu Xueyao spoke calmly, showing no surprise.
“You said it is in developmental stage?” Kui Xin queried.
“Right, stages are immature, developmental, and mature,” Shu Xueyao explained, leading her around some specimen jars to a large metal cabinet. He opened the seal.
Frost rose as a semi-transparent, jellyfish-like creature inside glimmered. Different sizes compared to previous encounters, small, fist-sized, jellyfish-like, harmless.
“We don’t have immature Red Spine Hunters, but we do have the jellyfish in juvenile stages,” Shu Xueyao mentioned. “This creature lives in the ocean, attaching to fish before possibly parasitizing humans if caught.”
Shu Xueyao closed the cabinet, sealing it:
“Mortal parasitic jellyfish melt upon death. Freezing preserves them longer.”
He moved to another cabinet beside, “This is in developmental stage. We encountered one similar to this before.”
Like the Red Spine Hunter, this parasitic jellyfish specimen showed human parts intertwined with its mass, twisted and evil-looking.
“Although resilient, parasitic jellyfish fear fire and water, making beach areas prime spots for encounters,” Kui Xin offered. “Car patrols spraying flames severely injure them.”
“This and other aquatic aliens rely on marine environments. They rarely venture into cities,” Shu Xueyao confirmed.
“Are mature forms known?” Kui Xin asked.
“A few,” Shu Xueyao nodded. “Partially dissected and studied.”
“Only fragments?!” Kui Xin exclaimed.
“One half went to the Black Sea Institute’s laboratory, the other remains,” Shu Xueyao clarified. “Let’s take a look here.”
They walked past numerous jars holding peculiar creatures and human organs, arriving at a singular chamber.
Shu Xueyao validated iris recognition, “Your access permits you three minutes. Commence exploration.”
Metal doors opened, releasing intense chill through thick gear. Unlike previous specimens, the ice encased an octopus-like alien. Massive enough to nearly fill the entire chamber, its eyes yellow and narrow, tentacles huge as soccer balls.
This specimen remained immaculately preserved, lifelike even to the point Kui Xin felt a sense of dread.
“This is the Kraken,” Shu Xueyao noted. “Impressive, isn’t it?”
“Kraken?” Kui Xin echoed with recognition.
“Folk legends about sea monsters, believed to live in deep waters. They pull ships underwater and eat crews,” Shu Xueyao elaborated. “Legends hold true. Kraken are alien beings, now disbelieved by society. Our bureau secretly eradicates them, maintaining societal order.”
“Is the cargo ship called ‘Kraken’ derived from this legend?”
“Not exactly cleared by the bureau, but its name could be inspired.”
“How was the Kraken monster eliminated?”
“This Kraken wasn’t eliminated by our bureau. It died naturally and washed ashore. Krakens hunt on their own instead of parasitizing humans.”
Time expired, and Shu Xueyao guided Kui Xin out of the refrigeration chamber.
“Why preserve these specimens here?” Kui Xin pondered. “Costly to maintain controlled environments, yet photos and images suffice for educational purposes.”
“Indeed costly, but supplementary technology can assist,” Shu Xueyao explained. “Preservation extends beyond education.”
Kui Xin concluded: “Still focused on research. You mentioned the Black Sea Institute, so they too study?”
“Exactly. Besides education, we also extract value from them.”
“Extract?” Kui Xin questioned.
“Follow.” Led by Shu Xueyao into the lab.
An older researcher greeted them. “Xiao Shu, bringing in the newcomer?”
“Yes, just a brief overview.” Shu Xueyao nodded politely.
“Good to see new blood.” The researcher studied Kui Xin briefly.
Shu Xueyao selected a blue reagent from the desk.
“This is raw venom from Red Spine Hunters, highly corrosive capable of corroding metal.”
He slipped on gloves and placed a drop onto a metal plate.
With a sizzling sound, a small circular void appeared in the metal.
“Encountering these beings is dangerous; our bulletproof gear provides no safety against parasitic touches or venom,” Shu Xueyao warned. “Despite their dangers, these creatures hold valuable secrets within their bodies.”
“They survive by parasitizing humans. Both grow similarly, sustaining hosts even in deteriorated states until nutrients deplete.”
“Their secretions extend host lifespan by sustaining them artificially.”
“Like leeches?” Kui Xin followed. “Leeches secrete coagulants that harm but can aid in medical applications.”
“Exactly my point. While formidable foes, they possess immense potential value. Understanding their secretions could lead to major medical advancements,” Shu Xueyao smiled.
“Do we have results?”
“Absolutely.” Pointing to two vials. “This compound alleviates inflammation and pain. Another accelerates healing and cell division. Both have been widely used in the bureau.”
“These medicines significantly speed recovery. Two years ago, our field agents saw fewer casualties attributed to these developments,” Shu Xueyao stated. “Researchers aim to exploit these secrets further.”
“They are solely medicinal in purpose?” Kui Xin questioned.
“Three key values. First, pharmaceutical; second, materials, outsourced to biotech firms. Here, we keep some samples,”
On a nearby table rested a jet-black fabric, which Shu Xueyao picked up.
“This is a new biomaterial extracted from tentacle-shaped xenomorphs. Stretchable, resistant to sharp objects, although currently non-producing. Let’s stretch it.”
Snatching it, Kui Xin pulled the material, extending several times its length.
“It stretches indefinitely, practically indestructible,” Shu Xueyao remarked.
“These materials represent but a fraction of our research. Many more institutions are involved. Primarily, our goal is removing threats, not harvesting them for personal gain. Secondary benefits like new medicines and materials are secondary, and relative profits pale compared to risks…”
Kui Xin listened, already understanding the stakes deeply.
“To your question,” Shu Xueyao addressed, “There are three uses for xenomorphs. Let me show you.”
“Third?” Kui Xin prompted.
“Come along to Level Minus Three. There you will learn,” Shu Xueyao gestured toward the elevator.
“Level Minus Three is detention, housing untried criminals,” Kui Xin added, following Shu Xueyao.
“In addition to holding common criminals, Level Minus Three is crucially secured,” Shu Xueyao continued, entering the elevator again. “Divided into East and West zones—East for regular offenders, West for special cases.”
Reaching the level, the doors opened, revealing guards on both sides.
Exiting the elevator, each path had heavy metal doors blocking areas. Shu Xueyao guided Kui Xin to the right and scanned their irises.
Metal doors slid upwards loudly, visibly thick and heavy.
Security indeed stringent.
Echo of footsteps resonated through the empty corridor. Cells lined both sides, glass windows replacing traditional bars, bulletproof for visibility but protection.
Cells were mostly empty. Few prisoners occupied Western areas.
“Recently, a new prisoner arrived, condition critical. Might not last long. Doctors could not save him,” Shu Xueyao revealed. “Witness this case.”
The newcomer was unmistakably different.
Stopping abruptly, Shu Xueyao pointed towards a cell.
Kui Xin gasped immediately at first sight of the man.
Lying on the floor, his eyes vacant, skin a ghastly grayish tone, knuckles swollen, fingers elongated, limp, almost tentacle-like!
The prisoner coughed, retching blood that writhed slightly on impact.
“He is infected by a monster?” Kui Xin remarked, feeling nauseous.
Even without breakfast, constant stimuli overwhelmed her tolerance levels.
“Not infected,” Shu Xueyao clarified matter-of-factly. “He transformed himself!”
“He calls into question the third use of xenomorphs.”
“Some unlawful religious cults gather and distill xenomorph blood for sinister goals. Consuming the blood seeks to acquire strength…”
“They dub these xenomorphs descendants of ancient gods. Extracted blood termed ‘Divine Blood,’ users labeled ‘Heterogeneous Blooded.'”