"Also."
He paused, his gaze deepening.
"Furthermore, select a group of the most elite biologists, geneticists, and material scientists from the American Academy of Sciences."
"I need them to prepare to possess Overworld Bio creatures, enter the world opposite, and conduct first-hand research."
Bringing the zombie sample back to the real world?
No, the risk is too great.
Move the top scientists and laboratories directly into the World Zeta.
This is the safest plan.
"Alright, I'll arrange it immediately."
General Randy nodded heavily, excitement also visible in his eyes.
Due to the World Zeta, he had spent the entire previous night cramming zombie-related media, knowing that the drops from zombies with special abilities were usually related to those abilities.
Fortress, inside the A-3 Biological Laboratory.
Several white-haired, national-treasure-level biologists were gathered around a high-precision electron microscope, fiercely discussing the structural model of a certain protein molecule.
Suddenly, the laboratory's alloy door slid open silently.
Several Iron Golems, nearly three meters tall, walked in with heavy, steady steps, and without a word, began effortlessly picking up the priceless precision equipment inside the laboratory.
"Hey, what are you doing? Be careful! That centrifuge was just imported; it costs tens of millions."
The leading old expert, Doctor George of the american Academy of Sciences, was so anxious his beard bristled and his eyes widened.
The Base Liaison Officer following the Iron Golems quickly stepped forward and respectfully explained.
"George, esteemed experts, please don't misunderstand."
"Upon receiving the Highest Directive, we urgently need to requisition your team and equipment to research a special zombie sample in the World Zeta."
All the experts present were stunned for a moment, then their eyes erupted with light a hundred times more fervent than when they were discussing academic issues just now.
"We can finally go in and research!"
"The equipment is being urgently transported. Please prepare yourselves."
"Good, this is great!"
Doctor George Cooper slapped his thigh, the anger on his face already replaced by fervent excitement.
"This is a biological sample from Other World. If we can achieve results, human biology, genetics, and medicine will usher in an unprecedented revolution."
Soon, a dozen top experts from various fields, led by George, were invited to the Soul Link Center.
Under Steve's personal guidance, their consciousnesses were precisely injected into a group of Villagers summoned from Overworld... World Zeta, Outpost Base.
A flash of light, and a dozen or so Villagers wearing simple robes and sporting strangely large noses appeared inside the base.
"This... this is my new body? This is truly amazing."
George shook his arm, feeling this body entirely composed of blocks, and expressed heartfelt admiration.
However, the scientist's instinct quickly overcame his curiosity.
His gaze was instantly drawn to the corpse of the Mutated Zombie resting in the center of the base.
"Quickly, quickly!"
He strode quickly to the side of the corpse, squatted down, and began examining it closely.
"Perfect muscle fibers! This is simply a treasure trove."
"Come on, George."
Another Doctor of Materials Science looked at the nearby white crystal radiating a faint glow, his eyes full of curiosity.
"Once all our gear is transported here, we must thoroughly study this thing."
With the research team settling in, the Outpost Base became busy yet orderly.
Meanwhile, the Shadow Marine Unit's cleansing operation did not stop.
Like phantoms in the dark night, they continued to explore deeper into this City of Death, searching for more potential variants.
Inside the Command Center, Steve looked at everything on the screen, but his brow furrowed slightly.
"I wonder if there are still humans existing in this world?"
He murmured softly to himself.
"If they do exist, what would their strength be like?"
General Randy, standing nearby, keenly caught the fleeting worry on Steve's face and asked in a low voice.
"What's wrong, Steve? Is there a problem?"
"Randy."
Steve turned his head, his expression serious.
"I suspect that there might still be human survivors in this world."
"An apocalypse capable of spawning such powerful variants has no reason not to allow humanity to evolve corresponding powers."
"I'm just thinking, if they also possess extraordinary abilities, then our contact might..."
Hearing this, General Randy's expression also grew solemn.
He nodded and said in a deep voice.
"Indeed, your speculation has also been simulated by the guys at Staff Headquarters. Their conclusion is that the probability of human survivors existing is as high as 90%."
"Then..."
Steve pressed for an answer.
"Randy, what attitude has the higher-ups decided upon regarding these potential survivors?"
General Randy's expression paused slightly, and then a sharpness flashed in his eyes.
"Negotiation is best. We are all humans; we can sit down and talk properly, cooperating for mutual benefit."
"And if they refuse to comply?"
He paused, his tone becoming cold and resolute.
"Then, annihilation, they will simply be designated as foreign terrorists and annihilated."
A simple sentence, yet filled with undeniable dominance.
Steve understood.
He understood the attitude of Kennedy and the others towards Other World.
This matter concerns the future of the entire USA. In the face of the massive wheel of national development, there is no room for mercy, and certainly no retreat.
One can be friendly, but when it is necessary to be tough, one must be tough.
With this understanding, Steve had no further worries.
He only needed to conquer this world and complete the system's mission.
If there truly were survivors, as long as they didn't obstruct the path, it wouldn't matter.
He glanced at the Command Center, where all tasks were proceeding smoothly and orderly; the entire base had entered a state of efficient, normal operation.
Outside the window, the sky had completely darkened.
"Randy, there's nothing major happening at the base. I've fixed the entrance to Overworld near the Hibernation Pods. Call me if there's an emergency."
"Mhm, alright."
General Randy nodded.
"You've been busy all day, hurry back and rest."
Steve left the base, found Fred Jones, and got into the car returning to the villa.
Inside the car, just as he closed his eyes to rest, a familiar phone ringtone suddenly sounded.
He picked up his phone and saw a character that warmed his heart flashing on the screen: Mom.
Steve slid the answer button, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
"Hello, Mom."
On the other end of the line, his mother, Nicole's familiar voice, tinged with a hint of urgency, immediately came through.
"Steve, where are you right now? Have you eaten?"
"Mom, I've eaten."
Steve laughed.
"I'm in the capital right now. How about you? Are Dad and the others doing well?"
In an ordinary residential community in Maryland, Nicole was holding the phone, her face full of confusion.
"Mhm, we've all eaten, and we're doing well."