American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“But I’d be in more danger without you,” Emily insisted. “At least with you, I know I’ll be protected. And if those criminals really want revenge, they’ll find me no matter where I hide. It’s better to actively participate in the investigation than to wait passively.”

Lynn found that Emily's logic made some sense. Moreover, she did possess some important information that could potentially be helpful to the investigation.

“I need to think about it,” Lynn said. “This decision can’t be made hastily.”

The car arrived at Columbia University Medical Center. It was a modern complex of buildings, including teaching buildings, laboratories, and a hospital. Dr. Richard's laboratory was located on the third floor of the biology research building.

The two took the elevator to the third floor and followed the corridor to Richard's laboratory. Through the glass door, they could see various sophisticated experimental devices inside, and complex molecular structure diagrams on the walls.

Lynn knocked on the door, and Richard opened it quickly. The man was around forty years old, of medium build, wearing glasses and a white lab coat. He had a friendly smile on his face, but it faded when he saw Lynn's serious expression.

“Lynn, you look worried,” Richard said. “Come in and tell me what happened.”

The three entered the laboratory, and Richard closed the door to ensure the privacy of their conversation.

“Richard, what I’m about to tell you might shock you,” Lynn said bluntly. “We’ve discovered a criminal organization conducting illegal genetic modification experiments, attempting to artificially create mutants.”

Richard's expression immediately turned serious. "Is it true? Do you have proof?"

Lynn pulled out a portable hard drive. "This contains all their experimental data and records. I need you to help me analyze this data and assess the feasibility and risk level of the experiment."

Richard took the hard drive and walked to his computer. “I’ll start analyzing it right away. But Lynn, you need to understand, artificially creating mutants is theoretically extremely difficult. Mutant abilities involve very complex genetic mechanisms, and current science and technology are far from reaching that level.”

“But they are indeed conducting such experiments,” Emily interjected. “I saw their equipment and the experimental process with my own eyes.”

Richard glanced at Emily, then plugged the hard drive into the computer. As the data loaded, his face gradually turned pale.

“My God,” Richard whispered, “these experimental records… are horrifying.”

"What did you see?" Lynn asked eagerly.

Richard pointed to the data on the screen, "Lynn, these experiments are complete nonsense from a scientific point of view. The genetic modification methods they used are crude and dangerous; it's simply impossible to create real mutant abilities."

“So what are the real consequences of these experiments?” Lynn asked.

Richard continued analyzing the data, his expression growing increasingly grim. "According to these records, their experiments will cause extremely serious damage to the human body. Most subjects will die within days from genetic collapse, and the few who survive will suffer severe deformities and organ failure."

“These lunatics,” Lynn said angrily, “know that the experiment will not succeed, yet they still kill innocent people.”

Richard nodded. "What's even more frightening is that, judging from this data, they don't seem to really care about creating mutants. Their true purpose might be something else."

“What do you mean?” Emily asked.

Richard turned the screen towards them, pointing to some specific data. "Look at these data records. They're paying particular attention to certain physiological responses during the death process of the test subjects. This doesn't seem like research on how to create mutants; it's more like research on how to kill large numbers of people."

Lynn felt a chill run down his spine. "You mean, this might be research into some kind of weapon of mass destruction?"

“Very likely,” Richard said seriously, “if they can perfect this genetic modification technology, they could create a ‘drug’ that appears to be therapeutic but is actually deadly. If released on a large scale, it could cause the deaths of thousands or even tens of thousands of people.”

Emily turned deathly pale upon hearing this. "What does this mean?"

“This means we’re not facing an ordinary criminal organization, but potential bioterrorists,” Lynn said. “Their goal could be to cause enormous harm to society as a whole.”

Richard continued analyzing the data, “Technically speaking, their research is still in its early stages, and there’s a long way to go before it becomes truly ‘successful.’ But Lynn, you must stop them immediately, because even with the current level of technology, it’s enough to cause the deaths of a large number of innocent people.”

Lynn nodded. "I will report this to my superiors immediately and mobilize more resources to hunt down this organization."

“There’s one more thing,” Richard said. “Based on this data, the origins of this organization’s technology are highly questionable. Some of the experimental methods and equipment specifications they use seem very much like those of the military or certain international organizations.”

“You mean there might be a bigger force behind them?” Lynn asked.

“Very likely,” Richard replied. “Research of this level requires substantial funding and technical support, which is beyond the capabilities of most criminal organizations.”

Lynn sensed that the situation was escalating rapidly. If Richard's analysis was correct, they might be facing an international bioterrorism organization, far more dangerous than a simple kidnapping criminal group.

“Richard, could you compile the analysis results into a detailed report?” Lynn requested. “I need to report this to senior FBI officials and relevant counterterrorism units.”

“Of course,” Richard immediately got to work. “I’ll finish the report as soon as possible. But Lynn, be careful. If this organization is really as dangerous as I’ve analyzed, they certainly won’t let anyone who knows the truth off easily.”

Richard's words made Emily even more nervous. She walked to Lynn's side and whispered, "Now you understand why I wanted you to protect me personally? Facing an enemy like this, I only feel safe with you."

Seeing Emily's worried expression, Lynn's resolve began to shift. Perhaps involving her in the investigation was indeed safer than letting her hide alone. At least that way, he could keep a close eye on her safety.

“Alright,” Lynn finally made his decision, “but you must promise me that you will follow my instructions under any circumstances and will not act on your own.”

Emily smiled gratefully. "I promise you, Agent Lynn. Thank you for protecting me."

Richard looked up at them. “Lynn, if you need any technical support, please contact me. This evil experiment must be stopped.” “Thank you, Richard,” Lynn said gratefully. “Your help is very important to us.”

The three continued discussing some technical details, and Richard promised to complete a detailed analysis report as soon as possible. As they prepared to leave, Richard reminded them again to be extra careful.

“Lynn, judging from this data, the leader of this organization is likely a true scientific genius, but also an extremely dangerous madman,” Richard said. “They won’t easily give up their ‘research,’ nor will they show mercy to anyone who threatens them.”

After leaving university, Lynn and Emily sat in their car, lost in thought. They now knew the truth, but also realized that the road ahead would be even more dangerous.

“Agent Lynn,” Emily broke the silence, “though I’m terrified, I feel what we’re doing is meaningful. If we can stop those madmen’s experiments, we can save many innocent lives.”

Lynn nodded. "Yes, that's precisely why we must continue. No matter how many dangers lie ahead, we cannot allow innocent people to become victims of these insane experiments."

Upon returning to FBI headquarters, Lynn immediately reported his latest findings to Deputy Director McLaren. In the conference room, besides McLaren, were the head of the counterterrorism division, a technical analysis expert, and several senior agents. Dr. Richard's analysis report was projected onto a large screen, and every piece of data shocked everyone present.

"Gentlemen, the situation is extremely serious," McLaren said gravely. "We are not facing an ordinary criminal organization, but potential bioterrorists. Their experiments, though scientifically absurd, are enough to cause massive casualties."

Carl Brown, the 58-year-old veteran counterterrorism officer with 30 years of experience, carefully reviewed the report and said, "Judging from their technical capabilities and financial resources, this organization is definitely not operating alone. They are very likely linked to certain international terrorist organizations or hostile forces."

“So what is our top priority now?” Lynn asked.

“Find that mysterious doctor,” McLaren replied. “He’s the key figure in the entire organization. Capture him, and we can trace the power behind him.”

“The problem is we don’t even know his real identity,” added technology expert Parker. “We can only see his physical features in the surveillance footage, but the facial recognition system didn’t find a match. This means he either used a fake identity or he’s not even in our database.”

Lynn thought for a moment, "Perhaps we can approach this from another angle. Those experimental equipment and reagents certainly didn't appear out of thin air; there must be procurement channels. Moreover, experiments of that scale require substantial financial support."

“You’re right,” Brown agreed. “I’ll immediately arrange for an investigation into the relevant suppliers and the flow of funds. At the same time, we need to strengthen surveillance of the mutant community to prevent them from seeking new test subjects.”

Just then, Parker's phone rang. He answered it, listened for a few minutes, and his face lit up with excitement.

"Guys, I've made an important discovery," Parker said after hanging up the phone. "My technical team discovered some anomalies while analyzing the network traffic of the buildings in that industrial park. In the hours following our raid, a large amount of data was remotely transmitted to an external server."

"Can you track where the data went?" Lynn asked immediately.

“We’re working on it,” Parker replied. “The data transmission uses multiple layers of encryption and redirection, but our network tracing technology should be able to find the final destination. Give me some time.”

McLaren nodded. "Parker, this is the top priority. Lynn, you and Miss Emily will remain on standby until we receive any news."

After the meeting, Lynn and Emily returned to his office. Emily sat in the visitor's chair, carefully examining the various certificates and awards on the wall.

“Agent Lynn, how long have you been working for the FBI?” Emily asked.

“Fifteen years,” Lynn replied, “since I graduated from university.”

"Why did you choose this job?" Emily continued to ask.

Lynn stopped what he was doing and looked at Emily. “Because I want to protect the innocent and uphold justice. There is too much evil and injustice in this world, and I hope I can do something to change that.”

Emily nodded. "I can sense that you're a very righteous person. When you saved me yesterday, I knew you weren't the kind of bureaucrat who just follows the rules."

“Everyone has their own mission,” Lynn said. “My mission is to ensure that innocent people like you are not harmed.”

Just then, Sarah rushed into the office.

"Detective, Parker has made a crucial discovery!" Sarah exclaimed excitedly. "They've traced the destination of the data transmission!"

Lynn immediately stood up. "Where is it?"

“Alaska!” Sarah said. “The data was eventually transmitted to a server in Northern Alaska. The technical team has pinpointed the exact location.”

“Alaska?” Lynn frowned. “It’s sparsely populated, indeed an ideal location to hide a secret base.”

The three immediately headed to the technical department. Parker was standing in front of a large monitor, on which was displayed a detailed map.

“Lynn, look here,” Parker pointed to a red dot on the map, “the data transmission destination is a remote area in northern Alaska, more than a hundred kilometers from the nearest town.”

"What's there?" Lynn asked.

Parker pulled up satellite images. "The satellite photos show an abandoned mining site there. But in recent months, we've detected some unusual activity. There are traces of vehicles coming and going, and signs that the buildings have been reused."

Lynn carefully examined the satellite images. Several buildings, as well as some parking lots and a helipad, were indeed visible.

“This doesn’t look like an abandoned facility,” Lynn said. “They’ve clearly converted this into a new base.”

“There’s another important discovery,” Parker continued, “We monitored a private plane that took off from New York within six hours of our raid on the industrial park, its destination a small airport in Alaska.” (End of Chapter)