Chapter 1168 - Ch: 273-278

Chapter 273 The Only Chance

"This is our target," Lynn said, circling the mountainous area on the map. "They might be hiding there."

Mark nodded, hope rekindled on his face: "Then let's go. Let those people know that no matter where they run, we will find them."

Lynn and Mark began to investigate the Experiment Organization's backup facility on their own. This risky action was not approved by their superiors and even caused some controversy within the FBI. Although they carefully concealed their tracks, their actions were still noticed by several colleagues, causing quite a stir.

"Lynn, what exactly are you doing?" One morning, Erik, a senior Agent, walked directly into Lynn's office, his face full of displeasure. "You've bypassed your superiors and are doing things you shouldn't. This is not only dangerous, but it could also ruin your career!"

Lynn looked up, his gaze calm and firm: "Erik, you know this is necessary. If we don't continue to investigate, this organization will continue to abduct innocent people and destroy more families."

Erik sneered: "Necessary? We all know this case is complicated, but without authorization from your superiors, every step you take is a risk! If something goes wrong, no one can bear the consequences for you."

"Then I'll bear them myself," Lynn said calmly, yet full of determination. "If you can't accept it, you can choose to withdraw, but please don't interfere with my actions."

Erik was stunned, then shook his head and left the office. His attitude weighed heavily on Lynn's heart, but he knew that on the path to justice, there would always be moments of misunderstanding.

As Lynn was organizing his documents, Mark pushed the door open, glanced at the departing Erik, and then walked to Lynn's desk.

"Was he questioning you again?" Mark asked, with a hint of anger in his voice.

"It's fine," Lynn shook his head, putting the files into his briefcase. "Questioning is normal; after all, what we're doing is outside the norm."

"But they simply don't understand your persistence," Markpulled out a chair and sat down, his face showing full support. "I don't care what others think, but I know you're right. No matter how difficult it gets, I'll be with you."

Lynn looked at Mark, a faint smile of relief appearing on his face: "Thank you, Mark. I'm very lucky to have a partner like you."

The two continued to study the previously discovered logistics manifest and geographical data. Through cross-analysis, they finally pinpointed their target to a remote mountainous area. This area was about 50 miles from the nearest town, surrounded by only a few undeveloped forests and several abandoned mine shafts.

"If they really are here, we need to be careful," Lynn said, pointing at the map. "This mountainous area is easy to defend and difficult to infiltrate. They might have tight security."

Mark nodded: "We need more equipment and support. But without official authorization, all of this can only rely on ourselves."

Lynn thought for a moment and pulled out an equipment list: "We can still use some resources from previous operations, but we need to do it discreetly to avoid attracting attention."

The two spent several days preparing the necessary equipment and tools, including drones, thermal monitors, and sufficient supplies. Despite the high risk of the operation, neither of them backed down.

On the night of the operation, Lynn and Mark drove an SUV disguised as a wilderness exploration vehicle, slowly entering the mountainous area. They parked in a hidden thicket, launched the drone, and began scanning the surrounding terrain.

The drone's camera showed signs of human activity in the target area. Some makeshift tents and hidden vehicles indicated that some long-term activity was taking place here.

"It seems our conjecture was correct," Lynn whispered. "But this is just the periphery; we still need to find the facility's entrance."

The two hiked into the target area, carefully searching with night vision goggles and thermal detectors. They bypassed several monitored areas and finally found some traces at the entrance of an abandoned mine shaft.

"There are recent tire tracks here," Mark said, pointing to the mine entrance. "This might be their transportation route."

Lynn nodded: "Let's go inside and see."

After entering the mine shaft, they found the lighting dim inside, but the walls were very clean, indicating frequent use. They carefully followed the tire tracks and eventually arrived at a metal door.

Lynn gently knocked on the door and heard a faint Current sound from inside. "There might be an alarm system here," he said.

"What should we do then?" Mark asked.

"We have to take the risk," Lynn took out his toolbox and used a portable decoder to pick the lock. A few minutes later, the metal door slowly opened.

Behind the door was a long corridor, with complex wiring and instruments decorating the walls on both sides, clearly a high-tech facility. Lynn and Mark carefully infiltrated, trying to find valuable clues.

They eventually entered a laboratory and found a large number of data terminals and experimental equipment. Mark immediately started taking photos, documenting every detail of the scene.

Lynn walked to a control console and saw a series of gene sequences and experiment subject numbers displayed on the screen. He noticed that some of these numbers matched Allen's parents' files.

"This is indeed related to Allen's parents," Lynnwhispered. "But we need more evidence."

Just as they continued their search, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor. The two quickly turned off their flashlights and hid behind the laboratory bench.

Several guards entered the laboratory and began checking the equipment. Lynn and Mark held their breath, waiting for an opportunity to escape. But one guard suddenly stopped, seemingly sensing something.

"Someone has been here," the guard whispered. "Quickly notify superiors."

Lynn realized they couldn't delay any longer. He gestured for Mark to prepare for a breakthrough. The moment the guard turned around, Lynn quickly stood up and used the tranquilizer gun in his hand to take down the closest one, while Mark created chaos with a smoke grenade.

The two rushed out of the laboratory amidst the confusion, quickly retreating along the way they came. Although the alarm sounds from behind grew closer, they eventually managed to escape the mine shaft.

"We can't go back, but at least we have some important clues," Lynn said, panting.

Mark nodded, and though tired, his eyes were still full of fighting spirit: "This is just the beginning; we're getting closer to the truth."

Back at their temporary base, Lynn backed up all the collected data and began analyzing it.

Upon returning to their temporary base, Lynn and Markimmediately began analyzing the data brought back from the Experiment Organization's backup facility. Although incomplete, this data still contained many experimental records and personnel lists. Lynn opened a document, and his brows instantly furrowed.

"Mark, Allen's parents' names are here," Lynn said, pointing to a line of data on the screen. "Katherine Millerand George Miller. They are marked as 'core experiment subjects' and seem to be part of some special project."

Mark walked over, looking at the screen, with a hint of excitement in his voice: "This proves they're still alive, right? Since they're core experiment subjects, they should be prioritized for protection."

"Perhaps," Lynn sighed softly, "but their exact location is still unknown. And look at these names—" He scrolled the mouse over another part of the document, "There are hundreds of unidentified individuals here, all 'experiment subjects'."

Mark frowned: "Hundreds of people? This is far beyond our previous estimates. These people might all be victims who were abducted or forced to participate in experiments."

Lynn nodded: "This means the Experiment Organizationis much larger than we imagined. Finding Allen's parents is important, but we can't neglect the others. They also need to be rescued."

The two continued to review the data, finding that these names were also accompanied by numbers and experiment project codenames. Lynn noticed that some of the numbers were related to an experiment called "Epsilon Project," and these experiments seemed to be concentrated in a hidden facility in Manhattan.

"It seems we have to take this data back to Manhattan," Lynn saved the files to an encrypted hard drive. "We need more resources to decrypt this content, and Manhattanmight be the core of their next operation."

Mark nodded: "Then let's go. We've stayed here too long; the Experiment Organization will discover that this data has been taken sooner or later."

The two quickly packed their gear, hid the data hard drive in a hidden compartment of the vehicle, and set off back to Manhattan. Along the way, Lynn's mind was filled with the names of the missing people and Allen's innocent face. He knew that this investigation was not only for Allen's family but also for those innocent victims.

Upon returning to Manhattan, Lynn and Markimmediately handed the hard drive over to the technical department, hoping to decrypt more data as quickly as possible with more advanced equipment. However, their actions did not completely escape the Experiment Organization's surveillance.

A few hours later, Lynn received an anonymous call. The voice on the other end was low and cold: "Detective, you seem to have taken something you shouldn't have. If you're smart, you should return that data."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lynn said calmly, but his guard was up.

"Don't play dumb, Lynn," the other party sneered. "We know your every move. If you continue to dig deeper, it won't just be you and your team who will be in trouble, but also those you care about, like that female reporter who likes to dig for the truth."

Hearing Kate mentioned, Lynn's eyes instantly sharpened: "If you dare to touch a single hair on her, I promise you will regret it."

The other party was silent for a moment, then whispered: "Then we'll see if you have what it takes." The call was then hung up.

Lynn put down the phone, his face grim. He immediately contacted Kate to confirm her safety. Kate clearly sensed Lynn's tension and tried to reassure him with a lighthearted tone: "Don't worry, I'm safe here. As for you, don't bear all the pressure alone."

"Kate, this is not a joke," Lynn's voice was tinged with urgency. "They might have noticed you. I need you to keep a low profile during this time and avoid going out alone."

Kate was silent for a moment, then finally agreed to his request: "Alright, I'll be careful. But if you need any help, don't forget to tell me."

After hanging up the phone, Lynn took a deep breath and refocused on the investigation. He knew that this Experiment Organization was no longer just a hidden enemy, but a threat that could strike back at him and those around him at any time.

News came from the technical department that decryption work had made progress. They found an experiment report that detailed the purpose of the "Epsilon Project": to enhance the physical abilities of ordinary people through gene editing technology, giving them Mutant-like abilities.

"This is their goal," Mark said angrily, looking at the report. "They are not only exploiting Mutants, but also trying to weaponize these technologies for their own use."

Lynn pondered for a moment, pointing to a part of the data in the report: "And they have already achieved some results. It mentions a group of 'successful cases,' which seem to be experiment subjects who have already completed the transformation."

"Successful cases?" Mark frowned. "Could these people be those missing individuals who suddenly disappeared?"

"Very likely," Lynn nodded. "And if they really succeeded, these people might have already been transformed into dangerous weapons."

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the two immediately contacted some trusted colleagues to form a small team, preparing to raid the Manhattan facility mentioned in the report. This was their only chance to find more clues about Allen's parents and to stop the Experiment Organization's further expansion.

On the eve of the operation, Lynn sat alone in his office, repeatedly checking the names of the missing people. His finger lingered on the names of Katherine and George Miller, and he silently vowed that no matter the cost, he would find them and bring them back to Allen.

In the evening, when Lynn emerged from his office, he found Kate leaning against his car, holding two cups of coffee, smiling at him. The lingering glow of the sunset illuminated her face, making her smile appear especially warm.

"How did you get here?" Lynn was a little surprised, but a sense of relief welled up in his heart.

"I was passing by and thought you must still be busy, so I brought some coffee," Kate said, handing him a cup of coffee with a smile. "But I think you need more than just coffee."

Lynn took the coffee and gave a wry smile: "You're right, I'm a bit overwhelmed."

"Then let's take a walk," Kate pointed to the park at the end of the street. "Isn't there a small park here? No matter how much work pressure you have, you need to give yourself some breathing room."

Lynn looked at his watch, initially wanting to refuse, but seeing Kate's eyes, he couldn't help but nod: "Alright, you win."

The two walked into the park, where the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and plants, the path beneath their feet was covered with fallen leaves, and around them were playing children and resting elderly people. Everything seemed so peaceful, forming a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere Lynn had been experiencing recently.

Chapter 274 Unusual Signs

"You look tired, Lynn," Kate said softly, her eyes filled with concern. "Have you been pulling all-nighters again?"

"Pretty much." Lynn took a sip of coffee, his voice low. "This case is getting more and more complicated. Every step feels like struggling in quicksand. I don't know when I'll see the light."

Kate stopped and turned to him, "You've done so well, Lynn. You know what? Those people you rescued, and those families who found hope, they all thank you. Even in the darkest times, you are their light."

Lynn paused slightly, then smiled. "You're always so good at encouraging people. But I still feel like I haven't done enough. Whenever I see Allen's eyes, or look through the files of missing persons, I feel like my efforts are insignificant."

Kate sighed and said slowly, "Lynn, you're a human, not a machine. What you've achieved so far is far beyond ordinary people. No one expects you to save the World; we just hope you don't break yourself."

Lynn was silent for a moment, then whispered, "You know what? Sometimes I really feel like I'm carrying too much responsibility. But I can't let go, because letting go means someone will get hurt."

Kate gently held his hand, her voice soft and firm, "You don't need to bear everything alone, Lynn. You still have me, and Mark, and your team. We are all by your side."

Lynn looked up into her eyes, which held no doubt, no pressure, only a comforting trust and warmth.

"Thank you, Kate," his voice was low and gentle. "I don't know if I could have held on until now without you."

Kate smiled slightly and teased, "Since you're so grateful, then listen to me and learn to rest properly, otherwise I'll have to report you for overwork."

Lynn couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, this counts as a short break for today. But there's still a lot of work waiting for me."

The two continued to walk slowly along the park path, chatting about topics outside of work. Kate mentioned a report she was writing about urban communities and also talked about some lighthearted things, like Jamie's new hobby of collecting hero comics.

"Jamie's been obsessed with Spider-Man lately, constantly mimicking him in front of me, saying he wants to be a superhero too," Kate laughed. "I told him his hero now is Uncle Lynn, and he actually blushed."

Lynn shook his head, a slight smile on his lips. "He's a good kid, with justice in his heart. Maybe one day, he really can become a superhero."

"With your guidance, he certainly can," Kate said, a hint of expectation in her tone.

As dusk fell, the streetlights began to illuminate, casting long, soft shadows of the two. Lynn suddenly stopped and looked at Kate. "Kate, sometimes I really feel like I'm letting you down."

Kate was taken aback. "Why do you say that?"

"Because I've dragged you into all this danger," Lynn said in a low voice. "You could have quietly been a reporter and lived a normal life. But because of me, you've become a target of the Experiment Organization, and you could be in danger at any time."

Kate gently patted his arm, her voice firm, "Lynn, I've never regretted facing these things with you. I'm a reporter; exposing the truth is my mission. And you should know, I'm never one to back down."

Lynn looked at her, his eyes complex. "I know. But I still worry."

Kate smiled and said lightheartedly, "Then protect me in your own way, Mr. Detective. I trust you."

Lynn was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "I will."

The night breeze brushed past as the two continued to stroll along the path, talking about ordinary yet heartwarming topics. Their relationship seemed to have quietly changed during this walk. Their hearts grew closer, with a greater sense of understanding and reliance.

When they reached the park exit, Kate looked back at the quiet path and said softly, "Thank you, Lynn. Today was a rare moment of relaxation."

Lynn smiled slightly. "I should be thanking you, Kate. You made me realize that no matter how busy I am, I shouldn't forget the meaning of life."

They parted ways at the intersection. Kate waved and walked towards her car. Lynn stood still, watching her figure disappear around the street corner, feeling a sense of peace and contentment he had never experienced before.

The experimental data Lynn brought back to Manhattan, after further decryption by the technical department, finally revealed some valuable information. One name on the list caught Lynn's attention: Eric Moore, a driver who had participated in the transportation of experimental materials.

Lynn immediately searched the internal database for Eric's address and background, discovering that he had worked for a logistics company a few years ago, and this company was the primary contractor for transporting equipment for the Daedalus organization. More interestingly, Eric suddenly resigned a year ago, and his whereabouts had been unstable ever since.

"This person might know everything we need," Lynn told Mark, placing a short file on the table. "His work experience is highly relevant to these experimental Bases. We must find him."

"I can follow up on that," Mark took the file and scanned it. "But will he be willing to cooperate? If he's too deeply involved, it might be hard for him to speak."

"We can only try," Lynn said. "If he really participated in the transportation, he must know some key information."

A few hours later, Lynn and Mark drove to Eric's currently registered address, a small apartment building on the outskirts of Manhattan. The hallway was dim, and the air was filled with a stale, moldy smell. They found Eric's door and knocked gently a few times.

A slight sound came from inside, followed by a man's low voice, "Who is it?"

"FBI, Detective Lynn," Lynn said directly. "We'd like to talk to you about your previous work."

The door was silent for a moment, then slowly opened. A haggard middle-aged man stood at the doorway, unshaven, with a hint of wariness in his eyes. His hands trembled slightly, clearly uneasy about Lynn and Mark's arrival.

"What do you want to ask?" Eric asked in a low voice, with resistance in his tone.

Lynn stepped inside and looked around the room, finding it simple but clean, with a few packed cardboard boxes stacked in a corner, looking as if he was ready to move at any moment.

"You used to work for a logistics company, right?" Lynngot straight to the point. "That company undertook many transportation tasks involving experimental equipment. We are now investigating the whereabouts of these devices and what they were used for."

Eric's face instantly changed. His gaze darted around, as if he wanted to deny it, but he ultimately remained silent.

Lynn continued, "We know you participated in some of those transportation missions. This isn't about accusing you, but we hope you can provide the information we need. Believe me, Eric, if you don't cooperate, these people will find you and make sure you never have a chance to speak again."

This sentence seemed to hit Eric's weak spot. His body trembled slightly, then he slumped onto the sofa, covering his face with his hand.

"I knew this day would come," his voice was low and hoarse. "Those guys… they're too dangerous. I resigned to get away from all of it."

"Then tell us the truth," Lynn's tone softened. "The more you know, the more we can protect you."

Eric was silent for a moment, then finally took a deep breath and slowly said, "I did participate in a few transports. They had me transport equipment and some special cargo. Most of the time, we didn't know what these things were for. But once, I was assigned to deliver cargo directly to a secret Base; they called it 'Daedalus'."

Lynn and Mark exchanged glances. Mark quickly asked, "Where is Daedalus?"

Eric shook his head. "I don't know the exact address. The routes they gave us were very complicated; we were required to follow navigation and passed through several transfer stations, with different people taking over at each point."

Lynn patiently pressed, "So, what are your impressions of the surrounding environment? Like the terrain, climate, or any special buildings near the Base?"

Eric frowned, trying to recall. "The Base seemed to be in a mountainous area. We drove a long mountain road, with almost no human habitation around. After entering the Base, I saw some tall walls and a lot of surveillance equipment, and even a helicopter landing pad."

"Anything else?" Lynn continued to prompt. "Did you hear them mention any place names, or see any signs?"

Eric thought for a moment, his eyes suddenly lighting up. "Once, I heard a security guard mention 'Blackstone Mountain'. I don't know if that was the name of the Base, but we were definitely in the mountains at the time."

"Blackstone Mountain…" Lynn repeated softly, then turned to Mark. "Sounds like a geographical landmark. We can check it on the map."

"There's one more thing," Eric continued, his voice tinged with fear. "They mentioned that 'Daedalus' was just one facility, and the true core of these experimental projects isn't just one place. I don't know where the other Bases are, but Daedalus is definitely a key node for them."

Lynn nodded and stood up. "Thank you, Eric. This is very important to us."

Eric looked up, his eyes showing a complex emotion. "I don't know if you can succeed, but if you can, please get justice for those who were taken away. Many of them… were truly innocent."

"We will," Lynn said firmly.

After leaving the apartment, Lynn and Mark immediately returned to the office and began searching for information related to "Blackstone Mountain." Through cross-referencing geographical databases and maps, they finally discovered an area known locally as "Blackstone Mountain" in a mountainous region approximately two hundred miles from Manhattan.

"This is an old mining area, with almost no signs of development," Mark said, pointing to the map. "If the Experiment Organization wants to hide a secret Base, this place is very suitable."

"Then let's go," Lynn picked up his jacket. "We can't waste any more time."

Although the road ahead was fraught with danger, Lynnknew that every step would bring them closer to the truth. Allen's face appeared in his mind, a silent motivation that would make him never back down.

Lynn and Mark drove out of Manhattan, following the route marked on the map towards "Blackstone Mountain." This mountainous area was dozens of miles from the nearest town, with almost no human habitation except for desolate forests and scattered mining trails. The road became increasingly rugged, and the trees were so dense they almost blocked out the daylight.

"This place is indeed a good spot to hide a Base," Marksaid, looking out the window. "No ordinary person would casually come here, let alone deep into the mountains."

Lynn gripped the steering wheel tightly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "The more secretive it is, the more it indicates they might be hiding something important. We need to be careful; this place must be heavily guarded."

They finally arrived at the area marked as "Blackstone Mountain" on the map. This mountain range was steep and rugged, and the mountain paths were covered with rubble and weeds. Lynn parked the car in a hidden clearing and got out with Mark to check their equipment.

"Is the drone ready?" Lynn asked.

Mark nodded, taking a portable drone from its case and connecting it to the controller. "Ready. This is the latest model, equipped with a thermal camera and real-time transmission function, which should help us find any heat activity."

After the drone ascended, Lynn and Mark observed the surrounding terrain through the controller's screen. The initial footage only showed dense forests and occasional cliffs, but when the drone passed over a steep mountain wall, they finally discovered some unusual signs.

"Look there," Mark said, pointing to an area on the screen. "The vegetation in that clearing looks like it was deliberately cleared. And there are some hidden road traces here, as if vehicles have driven over them."

"Zoom in further and see if there are more clues," Lynnurged.

The drone lowered its altitude, its camera focusing on the clearing. They clearly saw that it was a hidden area covered by trees, surrounded by camouflage netting, seemingly to block direct sight from above. In one corner of the clearing, there was a structure resembling a metal door, with cameras and other surveillance equipment faintly visible.

"This is their entrance," Lynn whispered. "They hid the Base in the mountains, and the entrance is very cleverly concealed. If it weren't for the drone, we might never have found it."

"The question is, how do we get in?" Mark asked. "The defenses here are clearly very tight; if we approach rashly, we'll probably trigger an alarm."

Lynn frowned in thought for a moment, then said, "We need to find another entrance. Facilities like this usually have emergency exits or ventilation shafts, which might be our only chance to infiltrate."

Chapter 275 Don't Hold On Alone Anymore

The two continued to control the drone to search, and finally found a suspicious mine entrance about a mile from the main entrance.

This mine looked abandoned for many years, but the surrounding soil showed signs of recent disturbance, indicating recent activity.

"It might be here," Lynn said, pointing at the screen.

"We'll go in and take a look, but we need to be careful."

After retrieving the drone, the two equipped themselves with portable tools and weapons and proceeded on foot towards the mine.

The mountain path along the way was steep, and a slight misstep could lead to a fall into a deep valley, but Lynnand Mark were fully focused, carefully avoiding any potential traps.

As they approached the mine, Lynn observed it carefully with binoculars, confirming that there were no obvious Guards or surveillance equipment around before bringing Mark closer.

They carefully inspected the mine entrance and found a half-open iron door with a complex electronic lock on the doorframe.

"Looks like this is a backup entrance," Mark whispered.

"They use it to transport equipment or for emergency evacuation."

"We need to avoid alarming them as much as possible."

Lynn took out a portable decoder from his toolkit and carefully deciphered the lock.

A few minutes later, the lock clicked softly, and the iron door slowly opened.

The inside of the mine was dim and damp, with the smell of mold and rust permeating the air.

Lynn turned on his flashlight and led Mark forward cautiously.

Rusty tracks were installed on the walls on both sides of the mine, which seemed to have been a aisle for transporting ore.

"They might be using the old mine for transportation," Lynn said.

"But we must find the specific path to the Base."

The two proceeded along the mine, careful to avoid any potential sensors or alarm devices.

About half an hour later, they found a fork in the road, at the end of which was a newly installed metal door with a fingerprint scanner on the doorframe.

"Looks like we're here," Mark whispered.

"But we can't crack this lock."

Lynn frowned in thought for a moment, then said, "We need more intelligence to see if we can find an easier way to infiltrate.

The security here is too tight; we can't risk alarming them."

The two decided to retreat first and take the discovered intelligence back for further analysis.

They carefully returned along the original path, ensuring they left no traces.

Back at the temporary stronghold, Lynn imported all the footage captured by the drone into the computer and began analyzing it frame by frame.

He noticed that there seemed to be a hidden ventilation pipe next to the mine, which might be another route for them to infiltrate.

"This is our breakthrough," Lynn said, pointing at the screen.

"The ventilation pipe is more hidden than the main entrance and the mine.

If we can find a way to enter the pipe, we'll have a chance to directly enter the Base."

Mark nodded: "But we'll have to prepare more equipment.

The defenses here are no joke; we can't make any mistakes."

Lynn took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination: "No matter how difficult, we must find the truth.

This is not just for Ellen's parents, but also for everyone harmed by this organization."

After Lynn and Mark reorganized their equipment, they decided to go to Blackstone Mountain again, this time planning to bypass the mine and enter the Experiment Organization directly through the ventilation pipe.

Although this route was more concealed, it also meant they had to face more unknowns and greater dangers.

It was late, the air was cold, and the mountain road was still rugged.

After analyzing the information collected by the drone and previous intelligence, Lynn and Mark deduced the location of the ventilation pipe.

After some climbing, they finally reached the target location, hidden behind a large rock.

"This place doesn't seem like somewhere an ordinary person could easily find," Mark whispered, pressing his hands on the rock, carefully examining the surrounding environment.

"Hmm, indeed," Lynn gazed around, his eyes sharp.

"This is one of their secret passages, and the outside should be covered with protective devices.

We can't let them find us."

The two began to inspect the entrance of the ventilation pipe, and sure enough, as Lynn expected, there was an iron door at the entrance with a complex security system.

Lynn took out the decoder from his bag and slowly began to crack the lock.

The night outside gradually deepened, and the surroundings were silent, as if everything was waiting for their decision.

A few minutes later, the lock clicked softly, and the iron door opened silently.

Lynn and Mark exchanged a look, signaling to enter.

The inside of the ventilation pipe was very narrow, and the air was damp and stuffy.

The two cautiously squeezed into the pipe, keeping a low profile and avoiding making too much noise.

Due to the complex layout of the pipe, they followed the pre-prepared map, trying to track the route closest to the core area of the Base.

"According to our previous intelligence, this pipe should lead directly to the Central Control Room of the Experiment Organization," Lynn whispered.

"We need to try not to attract attention; once exposed, there might be bigger trouble."

Mark nodded: "We'll be careful and make sure not to trigger any alarms.

It's just, I have to admit, this kind of place really makes one uneasy."

"Yes," Lynn took a deep breath, his eyes firm.

"But we can't back down; this concerns the fate of many people.

We must uncover the true face of Daedalus."

After fumbling in the ventilation pipe for about half an hour, Lynn and Mark finally approached the core area of the Base.

They stopped in front of a vent and looked out through a small window, seeing some clear signs: several security personnel in uniform were patrolling, and it was clear that the security measures here were even stricter than they had imagined.

"It seems we can't enter directly," Lynn whispered.

"There must be surveillance nearby; we need to find a way to bypass it."

Just as the two were about to continue searching for a better entry point, footsteps suddenly sounded, followed by a bright searchlight sweeping across the entrance of the pipe.

They immediately crouched down, remaining hidden.

"They found us," Mark whispered, gripping his weapon tightly.

"We need to retreat quickly."

However, it was clear that the Experiment Organization's vigilance was even tighter, and soon after, Lynn and Markfound themselves completely surrounded.

Several fully armed security personnel suddenly emerged from the surrounding corridors, seemingly having detected the presence of unknown intruders.

"Damn it, we didn't expect them to react so quickly," Lynnmuttered, his brows furrowed.

"We've been discovered."

Mark quickly pulled out his pistol, preparing for the impending conflict: "We need to break through the encirclement and find a chance to evacuate."

However, an alarm suddenly blared, and the Experiment Organization's security system activated, with red warning lights flashing all around.

The Guards quickly took action, rapidly surrounding Lynnand Mark's position.

Lynn quickly assessed the situation and decided to use a smoke bomb to create chaos and buy time for their retreat.

He took a smoke bomb from his equipment bag and threw it violently towards one side of the Base.

Thick smoke quickly spread, blurring the entire passage in just a few seconds.

"Quick, now!" Lynn shouted, pulling Mark towards the other end of the ventilation pipe to retreat.

They struggled forward in the smoke, the darkness around them making their movements even more difficult, but Lynn remained calm, accurately judging the direction.

At the same time, the Guards in the smoke lost their vision, and Lynn and Mark seized the opportunity to quickly retreat deeper.

However, just as they thought they could escape smoothly, a strong explosion suddenly occurred, and the entire passage shook violently.

The chaos activated by the smoke bomb did not fully cover them, and the Base's traps and counter-systems began to take effect, further exacerbating their predicament.

"Hurry!" Lynn shouted, leading Mark quickly away from the explosion area.

The vibrations from the explosion caused the entire pipe to shake violently, and they rushed through this most dangerous area almost by instinct and experience.

Fortunately, the cover of the smoke bomb and their prior preparations meant that Lynn and Mark did not suffer fatal injuries.

But when they finally ran to a relatively safe place, the physical exhaustion and tension almost made them unable to stand steadily.

"Are you alright?" Mark asked, panting, his weapon gripped tightly, alert to his surroundings.

"I'm fine."

Lynn's breathing was ragged; he quickly checked his equipment to ensure he hadn't lost anything important.

"This retreat was hasty, but at least we brought something back."

He took out several data storage hard drives and handwritten notes from his backpack; these records were almost the most valuable gains from their infiltration of the Base this time.

Although they encountered unexpected obstacles and fierce counterattacks during the process, they still successfully obtained more valuable clues.

"Although this operation was a bit chaotic, at least we're alive and brought back new clues," Lynn took a deep breath, looking at Mark.

"We haven't reached the end yet, but we're getting closer to the truth."

Mark nodded, his face full of exhaustion, but his eyes still gleamed with determination: "Yes, we can't stop.

Next, we have to find out the truth behind this data and save them from this dark World."

The two rested briefly, reorganized their equipment, and then began their return to Manhattan.

Lynn and Mark finally returned to Manhattan, bringing with them the data and records they had successfully retrieved from the Blackstone Mountain Base.

Although they had escaped from a dangerous situation, the physical and psychological exhaustion did not disappear.

Lynn knew that although this raid had not yet brought fatal consequences, it was still far from enough to uncover the truth.

And in his heart, he was always concerned about Kate.

Kate's concern always lingered in his mind, especially her words that night—she was always so warm, so caring about him.

Whenever he thought of her, his heart was filled with complex emotions.

The pressure and tasks of work were important, of course, but every time he talked to Kate, he always felt a comfort and dependence different from the focus and seriousness of work.

Lynn took out his phone and saw Kate's text message: "Are you okay? You haven't replied to me today."

He hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to call her.

"Kate, I'm back."

On the other end of the line, Kate's voice came through the phone, carrying a faint hint of anxiety: "Lynn, I finally heard your voice.

I just heard you went to the Blackstone Mountain Base.

How did things go?

Are you alright?"

Hearing Kate's anxious tone, Lynn's mood relaxed slightly.

He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady: "I'm fine, Kate.

It's just... there were some unexpected incidents; we almost got ambushed, but luckily we managed to retreat successfully."

Kate was clearly relieved, but then became worried again: "Almost ambushed?

You weren't hurt, were you?

Where are you now?"

"I'm in the office, organizing some data."

Lynn paused, his voice deepening a bit, "Kate, I don't want you to worry, really.

I'm very grateful for your constant concern, but you know, this job is never safe.

You don't have to..."

"Don't say 'don't have to,'" Kate interrupted him, her tone firm and with a hint of urgency.

"Lynn, you always bear things silently by yourself, whether it's danger or your own emotions.

I know you've done a lot for those missing people, but I also hope you can pay attention to yourself, especially those around you.

If something really happened..."

"It won't," Lynn gently reassured her.

"I've been very careful, Kate.

I promise, even though this situation is urgent, I will try to avoid putting you in a difficult position."

Kate listened silently, paused for a moment, then softly said: "You really make me angry sometimes, Lynn.

You always put so much pressure on yourself, but I know you don't not care about others; it's just... you always blame yourself too much and take all the responsibility on your own shoulders.

You feel like you have to protect everyone, but I hope you know that you are not alone."

Lynn listened to her voice, and an indescribable emotion swelled in his heart.

Kate's concern made him feel warm, but also a little guilty, because he knew that sometimes he was too focused on work and neglected those who cared about him, especially Kate.

"I..." Lynn paused, then said in a deep voice, "Kate, I don't want to make you worry anymore.

Really."

Kate sighed softly on the other end of the phone: "I just hope you understand, Lynn.

You are a good person, but you can't always bear all the responsibility alone.

Sometimes, I also hope I can do something for you."

Lynn stood up and walked to the window, looking at the city lights outside through the glass.

Countless thoughts intertwined in his mind.

He involuntarily closed his eyes, feeling a strange sense of oppression.

Kate's words struck a soft spot deep in his heart, bringing a slight tremor.

"Kate..." Lynn's voice was low and firm, "If you can do one thing for me, I hope you take care of yourself.

Don't worry about me anymore; I know what I need to do."

The phone was silent for a few seconds, then Kate softly said: "Okay, I will.

But you have to promise me, if there's danger again in the future, remember to tell me, and don't try to tough it out alone again."

Lynn smiled slightly; although the other person couldn't see it, he knew her concern and persistence.

He whispered: "Thank you, Kate.

You really make me feel not alone."

Chapter 276 A Quiet Haven

Kate smiled, "You are never alone, Lynn. It's just that sometimes you don't want others to know how much you need help. Remember, I'm always here."

They looked at each other silently, the slight quiet in the air only strengthening their bond. Lynn knew he could no longer ignore the growing affection he felt for Kate. She was no longer just a fellow reporter; she was an indispensable presence in his life.

A few days later, Lynn met Kate again. This time, they didn't talk about work, but instead went to a small restaurant Kate frequented, enjoying some rare quiet time. Kate didn't bring up work, but chatted easily about her recent reports and Jamie's growth.

"He's really becoming more and more sensible lately," Kate said with a smile. "I just heard him talking about Spider-Man, and he said that one day he wants to be a true hero, just like Uncle Lynn."

Lynn felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, "Tell him that a hero isn't just someone who wears a suit. Everyone who thinks of others and strives for justice is a hero."

"If you say that, he'll like you even more," Kate teased. "Jamie has always admired you, not just because you can always solve all sorts of tricky cases, but also because you are always so steadfast."

Lynn chuckled, "Is the hero he mentioned praising me too much?"

"No," Kate said seriously. "He sees not just your ability to solve cases, but your courage and determination when facing challenges. You always bear the burden silently, even with countless burdens in your heart, you still move forward. You have your own sense of justice and never give up. These are the true heroes."

Listening to Kate's words, Lynn felt a warmth in his heart. He looked at her, suddenly feeling an inexplicable sense of emotion. Although Kate never explicitly said it, the concern hidden in her eyes had already revealed her deepening feelings for him.

"Kate, do you know?" Lynn whispered, "You've made me understand a lot. Actually, sometimes I feel like I've always been fighting alone, but when I realized you were supporting me from behind, I found that feeling of loneliness had long since vanished."

Kate paused slightly, then chuckled softly, "I've always been here, you just might not have noticed."

Their gazes met, and a silent understanding filled the air.

Lynn and Mark handed over all the documents and data retrieved from the Blackstone Mountain Base to the technical team, hoping to unravel the mysteries within as quickly as possible. Although they had already obtained key information about the Daedalus Experiment Basefrom the site, the encrypted file remained their biggest challenge. The file contained crucial Base locations and the names of high-level personnel involved in illegal experiments. Decrypting these files was not only key to solving the case but also the only way to uncover the deeper conspiracy hidden behind the Experiment Organization.

Days passed, and the members of the technical team worked overtime, using the most advanced decryption tools, but progress remained slow. The encryption algorithm in the file was complex and multi-layered, and some information had even been partially tampered with. Lynn knew that time was increasingly pressing for them; the longer they delayed, the greater the risks they faced. Moreover, the Experiment Organization had clearly begun to act to protect its hidden truth.

During an emergency team meeting, Mills, the head of the technical department, finally brought good news: "Detective, we've decrypted part of the data. Based on the clues in the file, we've pinpointed the exact location of Daedalus."

Lynn's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stood up: "Where is it?"

Mills opened a portable terminal, and the display rapidly showed the decrypted content. The location coordinates and a map gradually appeared before them. Mills pointed to a spot on the map and whispered, "This is an abandoned mining area in the northern mountains, about two hundred kilometers from our current location. This place has obvious camouflage and defense systems, and it's very likely one of their main Experiment Bases."

Mark leaned in, carefully examining the map: "This place looks very remote, with no large cities or villages nearby. It's perfect for secret experiments."

"Exactly," Lynn nodded. "This is the place we're looking for. We must get there as soon as possible."

"But we can't act rashly," Mills reminded him. "The file mentions that this Base is multi-layered, with many secret areas. Once an alarm is triggered, the Base's internal security defense system will activate immediately, and their emergency response is very fast. We should prepare thoroughly beforehand."

Lynn was silent for a moment, considering Mills's suggestion: "We will send a small, elite team to approach the Base silently. First, we need to gather more intelligence and minimize the risk of exposure."

The technical team continued to help Lynn and Markanalyze other information in the encrypted file, while Lynnbegan to contact external support resources and quickly prepared an action plan. Under Lynn's arrangements, the team members began targeted training to ensure everything would proceed smoothly.

In the following days, Lynn and Mark continued to follow up on the Base's intelligence and used various methods to further confirm the Experiment Organization's movements. According to the information in the file, they discovered that this Base was not only the core laboratory for the Daedalus project but also had close ties with several biotechnology companies. These companies supported the Experiment Organization through different funding channels, conducting illegal human gene editing and enhancement experiments, with the goal of developing superhuman abilities.

"Now we not only need to destroy the Daedalus Base, but also expose these companies behind it and their dark secrets," Lynn said, his gaze becoming even more resolute. "These experiments not only violate ethics but also destroy the happiness of countless families."

"We will definitely bring the truth to light," Markresponded firmly. "However, our goal must be clear: strike these forces and rescue those who were forced to participate in the experiments."

After detailed planning, Lynn and Mark led the team, ready to depart. The plan of action was cautious, low-key infiltration, ensuring no alarm was raised. Everything seemed ready, and they knew that this operation would directly determine the fate of the Experiment Organization.

The morning sun had not yet fully entered the office, but Lynn and Mark were already prepared to head to the target location. The convoy quietly drove out of headquarters, heading towards the northern mountains. The journey was long, and as the mountains gradually came into view, Lynn's mood grew increasingly tense.

On the way, Lynn hardly spoke, his thoughts entirely focused on the impending operation. Mark, noticing his silence, softly said, "Lynn, don't worry. We're well-prepared, and everything will go smoothly."

Lynn nodded. Although he didn't speak, Mark's encouragement brought him a sense of comfort. He knew that in this operation, it was not just his own mission, but also for the innocent victims, especially Allen's parents, who had been imprisoned for many years, awaiting salvation.

A few hours later, Lynn and Mark led the team to finally arrive at the target area. Before entering the mountainous region, they decided to scout ahead to ensure they hadn't been detected by the enemy. Through drone reconnaissance, Lynn saw that the Base was highly guarded, with towering walls, and even several helicopters parked near the Base, seemingly awaiting the deployment of emergency missions.

"The Base's defenses are even tighter than we imagined," Lynn said in a low voice. "However, this also indicates that they Haven't fully exposed their true location. As long as we find the right moment, we should be able to break through the defenses."

Mark frowned slightly: "Be careful, these defensive measures might be a probing deployment, and the real heavy defenses are inside the Base. Once we're discovered, retreating will be very difficult."

"Yes," Lynn nodded. "So our goal is infiltration, not direct breakthrough. We need to silently enter the core area, gather intelligence, and then make a decision."

As night fell, Lynn and Mark led the team quietly closer to the Base. Their goal was not only to find more information about the experiments but, more importantly, to rescue the innocent people trapped inside. According to the plan, they slowly approached from the outer perimeter of the Base, avoiding triggering any alarms.

The environment outside the Base was quiet, and the night wind blew softly, bringing a touch of coolness. However, the pressure and tension in Lynn's heart made everything feel heavy. Each step taken was a test of life.

Finally, Lynn and the team members successfully breached the outer defenses and entered the core area of the Base. After entering a place similar to a laboratory, they discovered a storage room containing a large number of experimental samples and equipment. All of this seemed consistent with the information mentioned in the files. Lynn and Mark carefully searched every corner, gradually obtaining more valuable intelligence.

Just then, a hurried voice came through their earpieces: "Detective, situation changed! We've been discovered! A large number of reinforcements are on their way!"

Lynn's heart rate instantly sped up. He knew that if they didn't retreat quickly, they would face unprecedented danger. But he remained calm and quickly made a decision: "Evacuate, evacuate immediately! Take all the data you can, and return the way we came."

They quickly followed the evacuation plan, but since the Base's alarm system was activated and the passages were blocked, they had to escape through a hidden small path. As urgent footsteps grew closer and closer, Lynnand Mark led the team to rush towards the exit with almost their last ounce of strength.

After an intense chase, they finally successfully evacuated and returned to the pre-set safe area. Although they were safe, they knew that this battle was far from over. Lynnstood by the car, secretly deciding, "Next, we will completely destroy this Base and thoroughly expose their dark secrets."

Mark patted Lynn's shoulder: "We're getting closer to our goal, no matter how difficult, we won't give up."

Lynn nodded, his gaze firm: "Yes, we cannot give up. Not until those innocent people receive true salvation will we stop."

Lynn and Mark secretly prepared their raid plan in the following days. The Base's defenses gradually escalated; the Experiment Organization had clearly sensed their actions and began to prepare for a counterattack. Lynnknew that only a successful surprise attack could thoroughly uncover the dark secrets behind the Experiment Organization and rescue the innocent people trapped in the Base.

They knew this would be a race against time. Lynn and Mark carefully analyzed the Base's layout, finding several potential paths that could bypass the main defenses and quietly approach the core area. However, the success of all this depended on whether they could complete the operation without raising an alarm. Once discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Lynn meticulously arranged the action plan, ensuring every detail was thorough, so the team could break through the defenses in the shortest possible time, destroy the Experiment Organization's key facilities, and find enough evidence to expose their crimes. He knew that if this attempt failed, all their efforts would be in vain. Worse still, the Experiment Organization might take more drastic retaliatory actions, targeting their team, or even those close to them.

Despite Lynn understanding these risks, he remained unwavering. Regardless, he could not let these people continue to act with impunity, nor could he allow more innocent people to fall under their control. Especially Allen's parents, who had already sacrificed too much for this experiment, and Lynn could never forget Allen's expectant and helpless eyes.

That night, Lynn, as usual, returned home after a busy day at work. His small apartment remained simple, but for him, it was a quiet Haven. The pressures and dangers of work seemed to slightly alleviate once he returned here. Lynn habitually closed the door, took off his coat, changed into comfortable loungewear, and intended to rest for a bit. Kate's words still echoed in his mind, making him feel a touch of warmth.

However, just as he was about to make a cup of coffee, he suddenly heard a slight movement outside the door. Lynn's alertness immediately heightened. He quickly walked to the door and peered through the peephole. Seeing no abnormalities outside, he breathed a sigh of relief, but his heart remained uneasy. He muttered to himself, "Am I too nervous?"

Just as he was about to turn around, there was a soft knock on the door. He stopped, staring nervously at the door. The knocking was very light, clearly not from a typical visitor. Lynn knew that the Experiment Organization couldn't rely solely on normal reconnaissance to deal with them. He decided to check if there was any danger.

He cautiously walked to the door, pressing his ear against it, trying to hear the movement outside. Just then, the knocking stopped abruptly, followed by a harsh metallic scraping sound. Lynn's heart raced. He knew something was wrong and quickly grabbed the pistol nearby, whispering, "I need to be careful."

Chapter 277 Successful Transfer

He quickly moved to the window, trying to look outside through it. Just as he approached the window, a sudden loud explosion occurred, and the wall outside the door shook violently, almost causing Lynn to fall. His mind went blank, but his instantaneous reaction told him that the situation had become urgent. The explosion wasn't an ordinary bomb; it was more like a precisely designed stun grenade, specifically used to disrupt the target's vision.

Lynn quickly pressed the alarm button, attempting to notify the team members outside through the internal security system. But the moment he pressed the button, the door was violently kicked open, and an armed individual in black combat gear burst in.

"FBI, drop your weapon!" the person commanded in a low voice, with a clear threat in his tone.

Lynn quickly assessed the situation, his gun still in his hand. He knew that this invasion was no accident; the Experiment Organization had clearly become aware of their actions. Without time to think, Lynn reacted swiftly, calmly turning and aiming his gun at the intruder.

However, the armed individual seemed to have anticipated this. He quickly pulled out a pistol and, with one hand, pressed down on Lynn's arm, aiming the gun at Lynn's chest.

"You think you can handle me?" the person sneered. "You don't know how complex these plans are; even your 'hero' is just cannon fodder."

Lynn gritted his teeth, not wanting to give the enemy any weakness to exploit. He tried to adjust his position, preparing to find an opportunity to counterattack during the brief standoff. In that instant, he felt his body being violently pushed away. The aftershocks of the explosion and the violent impact briefly blurred his vision, but with years of experience, he quickly regained consciousness.

"Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, turning and quickly retreating towards a nearby doorway.

The armed individual followed closely, his gun constantly aimed at Lynn, while Lynn himself was gradually forced into a confined area. Lynn knew that if he didn't react soon, he would quickly be completely surrounded by the enemy.

He violently kicked open a wooden door, then turned and fired, shattering a window with a loud crash. Taking advantage of the enemy's momentary panic, Lynn seized the opportunity to jump out the window and quickly ran into the alley downstairs.

As soon as he ran out, he heard hurried footsteps behind him, clearly someone giving chase. Lynn quickened his pace, using the street buildings and shadows to cover himself, and quickly disappeared around the corner.

He didn't look back; he just ran desperately. His heart was filled with tension and unease, realizing that this attack was far more than just a simple warning. The Experiment Organization had clearly prepared to take action, not only against him but possibly against Jane, and even everyone around him.

He had to contact Jane as soon as possible, warn her about her safety, and re-evaluate the upcoming operation. Lynn stopped in the alley and urgently dialed Jane's phone: "Jane, listen, be careful—"

However, after a few rings, the phone gave a busy signal. Lynn quickly hung up, a wave of unease washing over him.

"Jane must also be under surveillance," he gritted his teeth, gripping his phone tightly. "I can't delay any longer."

He quickly checked his gear to ensure it was complete, then silently made up his mind: "I must protect her as soon as possible; I can't let her become their target."

As Lynn rushed out of the apartment building, his heart pounded like a drum. He knew that the recent attack was merely a warning; the Experiment Organization had realized they were closing in on the truth, and all these measures were merely to suppress their actions. What was worse, Jane, as the only informed journalist, might have become their new target. Lynn's heart was filled with anxiety; he had to contact Jane as soon as possible to ensure her safety.

Reaching the street corner, Lynn dialed Jane's number, but the phone rang several times in the empty street without being answered. Lynn's brows furrowed tightly, and his unease gradually turned into anxiety. Just then, his phone suddenly vibrated, displaying Jane's name.

"Jane?" Lynn almost immediately answered the phone, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Lynn, it's me." Jane's voice was clear and calm, but Lynncould sense the tension within it. "Are you okay? I just heard you were attacked. What happened?"

Lynn quickly replied, "I'm fine, but I need to make sure you're safe too. Jane, you must immediately avoid all possible dangers and leave where you are now. I don't want you involved in this chaos."

Jane clearly had no intention of removing herself from the situation: "Lynn, don't underestimate me." Her tone was firm. "I'm ready to continue pursuing this story, not just to expose the truth, but also to protect those who are threatened. You know, this isn't just a report about the Experiment Organization; it concerns everyone's safety."

"Jane, I can't let you delve deeper into this danger," Lynn's voice was low. "I know you're persistent, but this time, you can't take the risk. The Experiment Organization has discovered our tracks, and things are getting more and more dangerous."

"I understand, but I've already decided." Jane's tone showed no hesitation. "I won't back down, and I don't want you to fight alone. I have my own ways, Lynn; rest assured, I can protect myself."

Lynn took a deep breath, his tone becoming more serious: "Jane, I cannot agree to you continuing to intervene in this operation. Our only goal now is to raid the Base and expose the truth, but we must maintain absolute secrecy and safety. I don't want you to become their target."

"I understand your concern, Lynn." Jane's voice softened. "But you should also know that I won't back down because of temporary danger. I have my own channels and can get the necessary help. And, as you said, this isn't just about you and me, but about the story of everyone harmed by the Experiment Organization."

Lynn was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone. He knew that Jane wouldn't easily change her mind once she made a decision, but he still felt a strong sense of unease. Jane's persistence touched him but also worried him. She was always so determined, daring to face risks and overcome difficulties. However, this time, facing such immense power from the Experiment Organization, Lynn couldn't bear to let her take risks alone.

"Jane, I know you have your own methods." Lynn's voice softened. "But please listen to me, if there's any danger, I hope you'll tell me immediately. We'll face it together."

Jane seemed to sense the deep concern in Lynn's words and sighed softly: "I promise, Lynn, but you also need to remember, this isn't just your battle. We stand together on the side of justice."

After hanging up the phone, Lynn stood on the city street, feeling the surrounding noise, but a strange emotion surged in his heart. He knew that Jane's decision would not easily change, no matter how much he tried to persuade her; her determination was deeply rooted in her heart. However, Lynn's heart did not relax because of her persistence; instead, he felt an even greater sense of responsibility and pressure.

Jane did have her own resources and strength; she had independently completed many challenging reports in the past, but this mission was extraordinary. Facing the vast conspiracy of the Experiment Organization, her independent actions might put her in extreme danger. Lynn knew that if Jane truly delved into it, they might face not only media scrutiny but also potential assassination by the Experiment Organization.

Lynn took a deep breath and adjusted his emotions. The next actions had to be even more cautious, and Jane also needed protection.

At the same time, Jane was still sitting in her office, pondering the upcoming operation. She understood Lynn's concerns and his determination, but she still had her own undeniable sense of mission. She believed she could help Lynn, and she also trusted her own judgment.

Jane had already prepared some contingency measures. Through her resources in the journalism circle, she contacted several old friends, all of whom were experienced individuals who had secretly investigated similar cases. Her cooperation with them had never been exposed, and they shared a strong foundation of trust. Jane knew that with the help of these people, Lynn would be able to obtain more internal intelligence about the Experiment Organization and even receive necessary support.

"Are you ready?" Jane called one of the senior journalists, and the other end of the phone brought a steady voice: "We are ready. What do you need us to provide?"

"We need to get some details about the internal operations of the Daedalus organization," Jane said in a low voice. "Can you help investigate information related to this Experiment Base? I want to know their current specific situation and whether they have any further actions."

"Understood, we will send people to investigate, but you know, this kind of thing usually doesn't have much direct evidence. We will collect clues from the side and then provide you with further information," the other party replied.

Jane hung up the phone, still sitting firmly at her desk, a surge of determination filling her with unprecedented clarity. She understood that Lynn's worries were not unfounded, but she had decided to take this battle deeper—she would no longer be a bystander but an important force on the front lines.

As night fell, Lynn and Mark once again delved into preparing for the raid, ensuring everything was foolproof. Meanwhile, Jane continued to gather and interweave different clues within her journalistic circle, secretly providing support to Lynn.

Lynn and Mark's team, after several days of intense preparation, finally decided to launch a raid on the Daedalus Experiment Base located in a remote mountainous area. According to intelligence gathered from Jane and the technical team, this Base was considered one of the core facilities of the Experiment Organization, holding many innocent experimental subjects. Lynn knew that only by destroying this place could they effectively stop the Experiment Organization's evil deeds and rescue those forced to participate in experiments.

That night, they quietly crossed the Base's defenses, using the cover of darkness and drone reconnaissance results to gradually approach the Base's main gate. Lynndirected the team to move silently through the forest, avoiding the patrols and surveillance equipment on the Base's periphery. Although the Base's security defenses were extremely tight, with Lynn's years of experience in various raid operations, they were still able to approach the core of the Base without raising an alarm.

"Stay alert; we're about to breach the first line of defense," Lynn ordered in a low voice, directing the team to move quietly through the dense woods.

"Yes, Detective," Mark followed closely, leading the team members forward.

As they got closer to the Base, the tension in the air grew thicker. Lynn clearly felt that every step could determine life or death. He was fighting not only for those trapped but also for his and Jane's future. He knew that if this operation succeeded, he could not only uncover the true face of the Experiment Organization but also bring a glimmer of hope to those innocent families.

Finally, they bypassed the Base's outer security barrier and entered the inner area of the Experiment Base. Lynncarefully checked his communication device, confirming that the team's connection with headquarters was unobstructed. They cautiously approached a main building within the Base—the laboratory. Through the windows, they could see rows of locked experimental subjects inside. Without exception, these individuals bore clear signs of body modification, evidently having become part of the Daedalus project.

"We are close to the target; prepare to begin the rescue," Lynn said in a low voice to his team members. "Remember, prioritize the safety of the imprisoned individuals; under no circumstances should they be harmed."

The team members nodded, quickly set up perimeter security, and began preparing to breach the door. Lynntook out a portable laser cutter from his bag and carefully cut the laboratory door lock. The door opened softly, and they cautiously entered, seeing the experimental subjects all confined in iron cages, their eyes hollow and bodies weak. No one had dared to imagine that such biological modifications were for the experimental goal of "enhanced humans."

Lynn quickly gave the order: "We need to quickly rescue these people and ensure their safe evacuation."

As the team members began opening the iron cages, Lynnnever ignored the movements around him. His intuition told him that the secrets hidden in this Base were far deeper than they imagined. He couldn't help but think of Allen's parents, and a strong sense of unease surged within him. Since this Base was the core of Daedalus, then they might be hidden in this place. However, despite his comprehensive search with the team, he still found no trace of Allen's parents.

"Lynn, everyone has been safely evacuated," Markreported in a low voice. "The experimental subjects have all been successfully transferred."

Lynn nodded, but his heart did not relax after rescuing these people. He scanned the surroundings again, his gaze anxiously searching every corner. Just then, he suddenly saw a hidden room in the corner. The door to that room was tightly locked, with "TOP SECRET" written on it. Lynn's heart tightened, feeling that this was the key to their mission. "Here." Lynn pointed to the door, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. "We're going in."

Chapter 278: Evacuate Immediately

Mark and the team members followed Lynn towards the room without hesitation.

Using a laser cutter, they successfully opened the door.

The layout inside the room was different from other places; the walls were covered with various scientific research data, records of human modification experiments, and specimens.

On the tables were several running computers, their screens displaying real-time experimental data.

"These are all their experimental records," Mark said, walking to a table and quickly browsing the content on the screen.

"Here's detailed gene editing data, and even records of 'Enhanced Human' outcomes."

Lynn took a deep breath, realizing that these data might reveal the true nature of the entire experiment plan.

But at the same time, the unease in his heart grew stronger.

Were Allen's parents trapped here?

Were their experimental records hidden within these materials?

He eagerly began to search through the files, and in an experimental report marked "Completed," he finally found the crucial clue—the names of Allen's parents.

It turned out that they were not just experimental subjects, but also played an extremely important role in this project.

The document showed that Allen's mother, Katherine, had participated in the initial gene experiments, while George was a key figure in providing financial support for the project.

"Katherine and George… they've been here all along," Lynn's voice was low, the document in his hand almost crushed.

"We must find them."

Mark came over when he heard this, looking at the document in Lynn's hand: "How could they be here?

The experiment records say they participated in the 'Enhanced Human' project?"

"This isn't just gene experimentation, Mark," Lynn's voice gradually became heavy.

"This is more like controlling their life and death.

Katherine and George, they became part of the 'Daedalus' experiment, forced to be the core of this plan."

They immediately began to search for more clues about Allen's parents.

After a search, they finally found a special storage room deep within the laboratory.

Upon entering the room, Lynn saw dozens of large cryogenic chambers, each preserving different experimental specimens.

To his shock, the nameplates on two of the chambers clearly displayed the names Katherine Miller and George Miller.

Lynn felt a shock, as if a lifetime had passed, and the heavy feeling in his heart deepened.

He clenched his fists, anger surging within him: "We finally found them… but they are still in the laboratory, unable to wake up."

"Lynn, these experimental specimens… these people…" Mark's tone also became sorrowful.

"They were forced to participate in these terrible experiments."

Lynn took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down: "We must take them back.

We cannot let them stay here any longer."

However, just as they were about to rescue Katherine and George from the cryogenic chambers, an emergency alarm blared through the Base, red warning lights began to flash, and the surrounding defense systems started to activate.

The Experiment Organization's counterattack had finally arrived.

"We need to evacuate quickly!" Lynn knew time was short; they had to leave before the Base was completely sealed off.

The team moved swiftly, following the pre-arranged retreat plan, everyone began to rescue Katherine and George from the cryogenic chambers and remove them from the laboratory.

At the same time, Lynn and Mark coordinated to cover the team's retreat, doing their best to protect the safety of the evacuation route.

Just as they were about to evacuate, the security defenses within the Base began to fully activate, and several fully armed security personnel surrounded them from different directions.

"We must hold on!" Lynn said through gritted teeth.

"Everyone maintain formation, don't let them interfere with the evacuation."

After an intense firefight, they finally broke through the outer defense line, successfully rescuing Katherine and George, and bringing them back to a safe area.

Although they had successfully rescued these important experimental subjects, Lynn's heart still could not calm down.

He knew that he had not completed the true mission—the secrets of the Daedalus Base had not been fully uncovered, and the Experiment Organization's evil conspiracy was far from over.

"Lynn, mission accomplished," Mark panted beside Lynn.

"We rescued Katherine and George."

Lynn nodded silently, looking at the successfully rescued Katherine and George, his heart filled with complex emotions.

He knew that although they had successfully rescued some people, the real battle had just begun.

Their mission was not over, and the true mastermind still lurked in the darkness, waiting for the next counterattack.

"We will continue," Lynn's gaze was firm, "until the entire 'Daedalus' project is destroyed, until every victim receives justice."

Lynn and Mark successfully brought Katherine and George back from the Daedalus Experiment Base, but despite achieving a phased victory in the operation, the heavy burden on their hearts did not lift.

The remnants of the Experiment Organization still existed, and they were larger and more secretive than they had imagined.

After the rescue operation at the Base concluded, Lynnand Mark did not immediately relax; instead, they intensified their tracking and clearing of all the Experiment Organization's networks.

By analyzing the data brought back from the Base, they discovered that the Experiment Organization was not conducting research and experiments at a single location, but simultaneously carrying out work at multiple sites, relying on a global underground network to operate secretly.

The technical department, through further decryption of the data, found some important clues: the Experiment Organization maintained low-key activities in several places, one of which caught Lynn's particular attention—an abandoned factory in a remote small town.

This town seemed far from all mainstream urban activities, but due to the existence of this factory, it became a new testing ground for the Experiment Organization.

"These guys are too cunning," Lynn said, frowning as he stared at the computer screen.

"They've moved their experiments to places like this, where almost no one pays attention to these small towns."

Mark walked to Lynn's desk and whispered, "If this town really is their center of activity, it means they're still plotting something behind the scenes.

We can't let go of these clues, Lynn."

Lynn nodded, his gaze resolute: "We have to go see.

It's hidden too deeply here; if we don't investigate thoroughly, we'll never find their roots."

Immediately, Lynn and Mark led a small, elite team, preparing to go to that remote town for investigation.

They knew that this operation had no guarantees; the enemy might have already detected their presence and be preparing for a counterattack.

Despite this, Lynn still decided to lead the team.

The journey was long and solitary.

Lynn's convoy moved through the wilderness along the way, the scenery becoming increasingly desolate, gradually moving away from the bustle of the city.

Mountains and forests became denser, and a heavy silence permeated the air.

Lynn gazed ahead through the car window, and worry for Kate couldn't help but surface in his heart.

This continuous struggle had deeply infiltrated his life, and Kate remained a part he could never ignore.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked softly from the seat beside him, his eyes still fixed on the road ahead.

"You seem a bit distracted."

Lynn snapped back, smiling: "Just thinking about things.

I'm a little worried about Kate."

Mark was silent for a moment, his gaze remaining focused: "She won't sit idly by, Lynn.

You know her personality.

And you can't stop her.

Right now, the most important thing is for us to find more clues about the Experiment Organization as soon as possible and solve the problem."

Lynn nodded, took a deep breath, and looked up at the front of the car.

Although the worry in his heart remained, he knew he could only focus on the task at hand.

Hours later, the convoy finally arrived at the remote small town.

It was completely different from the metropolis Lynn was used to; the streets were narrow, the buildings ancient, as if time had stood still here for decades.

There weren't many people on the streets, occasionally a few old-fashioned cars drove by, a few shops were quietly open, and the air was filled with a quiet and lonely atmosphere.

"It doesn't look like there's anything special here," Marksaid, looking around.

"But we know the Experiment Organization's people might be nearby."

Lynn nodded: "Let's split up first and investigate the background of this town and the situation of this factory.

I'll find someone to inquire about the factory, and Mark, you're responsible for reconnaissance in the nearby small streets, ensuring we don't expose our whereabouts."

The two split up and began to search for clues in this unknown town.

Lynn quickly learned about the abandoned factory through local contacts.

The factory had ceased production several years ago, and the entire plant area looked abandoned for a long time, but in reality, almost no one dared to approach it.

Locals knew that the area was owned by a mysterious company, and although no one was clear about what this company was doing, many rumored that the factory had once been a storage facility for weapons and chemicals.

As for now, it remained a place that was almost completely sealed off.

"It sounds like there's definitely something wrong with this place," Lynn said after reuniting with Mark, briefly reporting the situation to the team members.

"Now what we need to do is find a way to enter the factory as much as possible, whether it's direct or covert.

We don't have time to waste."

They regrouped once more and entered the factory area.

The surroundings were desolate, with hardly any other vehicles in sight.

Lynn and the team members cautiously advanced along the factory's perimeter wall, trying to find an entry point they could infiltrate.

"We need to be careful not to attract anyone's attention," Lynn whispered, directing the team members who moved silently behind him.

The only way into the factory was an abandoned main gate, whose lock was easily broken.

Upon entering, Lynn saw a dark area, with only a few lights inside the factory faintly flickering.

The factory's internal layout was complex, filled with abandoned machinery and corrugated iron structures, and the air was thick with the smell of oil smoke and decay.

"It looks like this place has indeed been abandoned for a long time," Mark whispered.

"But something's still not right."

Lynn nodded, his gaze still alert: "We need to be careful; the enemy might be active in this area.

Maintain contact, and evacuate immediately if there's any anomaly."

They continued to investigate deeper into the factory, and suddenly heard a faint sound—like metal rubbing.

Lynn quickly signaled everyone to be quiet, and the team members quietly approached the source of the sound, discovering a hidden door leading to an Underground Room.

"Here," Lynn whispered, "let's go take a look."

They opened the door to the Underground Room and found the situation inside to be even more complex than imagined.

The Underground Room was filled with various experimental equipment and materials, and the walls were covered with documents and research data.

Lynn found a familiar name in one of the documents—codename "Epsilon Project."

"They're not just doing gene experiments," Mark said, his brows furrowed as he looked at the records on the wall.

"These devices should be used for human enhancement experiments.

The 'Epsilon Project' is completely consistent with the experiment records we saw before."

Lynn's heart tightened suddenly; he understood that the opponent they faced had far exceeded their initial expectations.

The Experiment Organization was not only conducting gene editing but also more dangerous biological modifications.

They were attempting to create a "super-soldier," not just physiologically enhancing experimental subjects, but also comprehensively improving their psychological state and reaction speed.

"We need to take these records back and find out more truth," Lynn said, directing team members to collect evidence while contemplating their next move.

He knew that this was not just a simple raid; this struggle had become more complex, involving deeper interests and dangers.

Suddenly, the lights in the Underground Room flickered a few times, and then the entire factory's alarm system blared.

Lynn's expression instantly turned serious, and his heart rate accelerated.

"Quick! We need to evacuate immediately!" Lynncommanded loudly.

At his command, the team members quickly packed up the data and evidence they had collected and rushed towards the exit of the Underground Room.

Although they had anticipated a reaction from the Experiment Organization, the emergency alarm now meant that their actions had been exposed, and the enemy had likely begun to gather forces for a counterattack.

Lynn's heart raced as he quickly scanned his surroundings: "Mark, lead the team to evacuate.

I and the others will cover you."

Mark nodded, immediately leading the team forward.

Lynn, meanwhile, took the lead towards the exit, his gun tightly gripped in his hand, his eyes constantly vigilant, watching the movements around him.

He knew that at this moment, the situation they faced had become extremely dangerous.

Just as they were about to reach the Underground Roomexit, a rapid sound of footsteps suddenly came from the stairwell.

Lynn's heart instantly sped up; he immediately signaled the team members to stop, and they crouched in the corner, holding their breath.

"Someone's coming," Lynn whispered.

"Get ready; we'll counterattack in a moment."

A few seconds later, the figures of security personnel appeared at the stairwell, armed and wearing black tactical suits, their eyes stern, seemingly a unit specifically responsible for emergency response.

Lynn calmly observed, seeing that their numbers were not large, likely not enough to pose a fatal threat, but time was short, and they had to act quickly.