Rise of the Phoenix - Apocalypse Rebirth

Chapter 52 - Nan Cao

Artemis Base - Aria

S3: Nan Cao was test subject number 0014 in Dr. Xiang's research lab. Nan is able to neutralize the ability of others around him, within a certain radius.

He lasted for 1 year and 2 months, a total of 52 tests.

Luckily large amounts of his blood and sperm were collected and after 3 years, after hundreds of failed attempts, a successful specimen was created. This specimen was named 2622. The researchers discovered something amazing in 2622's blood; it was poisonous to ability users. Subjects injected with 2622's blood solution will permanently lose their ability.

Aria's fingers trembled as a numbing sensation slowly suffocated her chest. A bead of cold sweat dripped down from her forehead.

She still remembered the cold hard metallic "bed" she was strapped to. How it would tilt to an upright position for the people in the research lab to hose her down on the daily in the wet room. They couldn't risk letting their subjects move their bodies and escaping, so this was the easiest method to keep them clean and odor free.

Aria remembered feeling ashamed at being stripped of her clothing, baring her body for all to see. But the feared lustful gazes never came. Only the cold indifferent looks fell on her with bursts of scientific interests.

She wasn't the lab's most interesting or favorite subject. But was used on and off throughout the year when someone had a thought to test something on a wind ability user. She survived 38 tests herself before being injected with a very unique poison during her escape.

Eros: Master? Master? Are you okay?

The little fluff ball flew worriedly around Aria. It rarely comes outside the G Space now since it was too cold. But it sensed the weird emotional fluctuations as the first time the master entered the cellar.

So it came out to see what's going on. After calling its master several times, it can sense Aria's emotions stabilizing so it calmed down too.

Aria: It's alright. I'm okay now.

Aria squeezed her cold fingers to bring back the circulation as she snapped out of her unpleasant memories.

Aria suddenly stood up as she made a decision internally. She is going to go after Nan.

Quickly changing into her white temp suit, Aria left her room. Pausing in front of the Chens' door, she scanned her card and knocked on their door, her foot tapping impatiently as she waited.

The door was opened by a familiar red helmet and Aria walked inside. Walking to the office area, 3 pairs of male eyes fell on Aria's body.

Aria: "I'm heading out to pick up someone."

Joseph: "Do you need one of us to go with you?"

Aria's mind raced at this option. To get there in the quickest amount of time, she needed to fly instead of drive. And to take away people, she needed a large transportation. But since the whole area is under military surveillance, she can't take anything in and out of her space carelessly.

Aria: "Yes, I need one person to fly a shuttle and another to keep an eye on surveillance while I search and pick up people."

John: "David and I will go with you. I can fly anything."

Aria: "Okay. Let's go."

Within 2 minutes, 3 people left the room all in their temp suits. One white and 2 in black instead of their iconic red. Aria didn't want the base to know that only half of the management team are leaving with her. Quickly making their way to the top floor, Aria bumped into Alex as they exited the building.