My setting is above yours!

Chapter 48 [Death] Acknowledgment, Ron's Resolve (5k8)

why?
Why did he suddenly turn into a hollow monster?

Is it because of... that "power injection" that wasn't given in time?

Ron looked at the gaunt man in front of him who had suddenly mutated into a hollow monster and recalled what he had just said.

No wonder... no wonder he was so flustered and wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

It turns out, there wasn't enough time.

He knew perfectly well that if he didn't inject himself with that "power injection" within the specified time, he would end up like this, completely dead...

Ron thought he was hiding some other secret, but he never expected that what he had kept hidden in his heart and dared not say was this matter.

So, in his view... revealing this secret and dying without receiving the "power injection" would have the same result?

After this secret is exposed, will he be dealt with for leaking information?

Ron pondered for a moment, his expression gradually turning cold.

Seeing a living, breathing person suddenly turn into an empty monster right in front of you, even a fool would realize that he's the same as those high school students who suddenly turned into empty monsters back in a certain high school...

If the reason they turned into hollow monsters was because of those "ability needles"... was it because of the experiment on the [Ark] that gave them superpowers?
After completing the ability activation experiment provided by the Ark, they need to receive the ability injections provided by the Ark on time, otherwise they will turn into hollow monsters?

Considering that, according to the gaunt man, Ark's ability enhancement plan is already quite popular in Sector D...

How many people have participated in the Ark's ability activation experiments in order to awaken their abilities?
If they all end up like this...

What exactly are Fangzhou and Noah Pharma up to?
Ron frowned, his usually calm demeanor replaced by barely suppressed anger.

This has nothing to do with interests, nothing to do with opposing camps...

It is pure, human anger felt when one's moral bottom line is severely challenged.

Ron knew very well why something like the "Ability Enhancement Program" had become so popular in District D.

After all, in slums like District D, there are countless people who cannot awaken superpowers.

They lacked the talent to awaken abilities, and tragically, they were born into this world...

The ideals of the ideal city were suffocating them; as powerless individuals, they struggled with all their might just to live a normal life.

In Moen Ideal City, the preferential treatment given to those with superpowers is enough to drive every person without superpowers to despair.

This is essentially separating full civil rights, reserving a portion as so-called "preferential treatment" for those with superpowers, while leaving those without power to live without even full civil rights...

Therefore, any opportunity to become a superhuman is a beacon of hope for them.

No one would let the opportunity to awaken their abilities slip away...

Ron had once been one of those people who couldn't awaken their abilities, and he knew how crazy they would be if they knew about an opportunity that guaranteed 100% awakening of abilities for only 5000 credits.

But if all the ability-stimulating experiments they undergo are like this, experiments that turn people into hollow monsters...

What was originally a chance for them to climb out of the mire has turned into a hopeless situation where they are doomed to die.
Noah's Medicine and Ark even went so far as to distract the patrolling operators and send two people to steal the corpses, attempting to take them back for experimental purposes...

They have become so despicable that they have used the people they killed as experimental subjects, and they are not even willing to leave these poor people with peace in the afterlife!

What do they think human life is?

Ron took a deep breath, looked at the hollow monster in front of him, baring its fangs and claws as it lunged at him, clenched his fist tightly, and threw a powerful punch.

"boom!"

The process of "fantasy dissolution" is being eroded by trace amounts of "mystical influence."

[Performance impairment: 10%]

"Crack, click, click..."

The monster was sent flying by Ron's furious punch, a sound like bones rubbing and shattering echoing from his body as the illusory, grotesque bone spikes instantly broke and shattered.

In no time, he transformed back into his original human form, his body riddled with bloody holes, his shattered bones turning to ash and scattering across the ground.

Ron clenched his fists tightly as he looked at the monster, which had been eroded by the [Illusion Dissolved] and was no different from those high school students.

Sure enough, they acted in unison.

As expected, Noah Pharmaceuticals and Ark are disregarding human life.

Sure enough... this is not something Ron could simply forget after seeing it.

He glanced coldly at the two corpses lying together, switched back to [Embers of the Age of Gods] and [Potion Sequence], and lit a wisp of dark green necromantic fire.

The fire of the dead fell upon the corpse, licking the souls of the dead who refused to leave.

Spread, burn, incinerate...

Finally, the two bodies were piled on the ground and turned into snow-white ash.

Ron shouldn't have done that.

These two corpses were supposed to be the starting point for a case, providing new clues to the previous hollow incident...

The patrol bureau will therefore issue more case assignments, and patrol officer teams will be tasked with solving the cases and apprehending the culprits behind all of this.

But Ron knew it was pointless.

He could have easily pretended to know nothing and reported the matter to the inspection bureau, allowing the bureau and other inspection officers to thoroughly investigate the matter.

At that time, Ark and Noah Medicine will inevitably be distracted by the Inspection Bureau, allowing him to take advantage of the chaos and try to infiltrate Ark to see if he can obtain the secret of using the formula even at Lv.1.

But... after that, will the culprit really be punished?
Ron knew that there were probably many agents in the Patrol Bureau who harbored ideals, pursuing fairness and justice like Xia Zhi...

But the fact that the inspection bureau could transfer its inspectors and allow someone to infiltrate this place means that there must be corrupt elements within it.

Noah Pharmaceuticals is one of the three major giants... they won't pay any price for this.

Perhaps, all it would take is spending a single credit to put an end to this.

Afterwards, those who planned this incident and used these ordinary people as experimental subjects will not be punished in any way.

They could even change their appearance and continue their experiments...

Ron cannot accept this happening.

He wanted to unravel the mystery, figure out exactly what Noah Medicine and Ark were trying to achieve with their experiments, find the mastermind behind it all, and make them pay the price!
Perhaps this wouldn't benefit Ron at all, and might even put him in danger...

But he simply couldn't bear to watch such a crime unfold around him and do nothing!

Even though he is now powerless to change those poor souls who have undergone experiments and are destined to become hollow monsters—

He also wanted to destroy the experiment so that at least they wouldn't be used as experimental subjects after they died...

At least let them find peace in the afterlife!

The moment the thought crossed his mind, Ron suddenly felt his blood surging.

The sound of a surging river reached his ears, and in a daze, he could hear faint, cold murmurs coming from within it.

But this time… Ron clearly sensed a distinct and meaningful phrase within that murmur—

"well done."

He spoke in Old Rodland.

The next moment, his restless blood flowed through Ron's body, the cold seeping into his bones, yet it gave him a feeling of pure relaxation and comfort.

The immense pressure that should have been on him eased completely.

He clearly realized one thing—

His Gravekeeper potion was thus significantly digested.

A crisp notification sound rang in his ears:

[The "Setting: Role-Playing Method" is significantly reducing the magical contamination present in the "Profession: Gravekeeper".]

[The "Setting: Extraordinary Out of Control" reduces the degree of out-of-control situation as a result.]

[Out of Control Level -35%]

The potion...was thus digested?

Having even digested so much... now the out-of-control level of [Supernatural Out of Control] has dropped to below 10%, which can no longer stop Ron's ability from advancing!
Why? Could it be that his actions just now satisfied his role as the "gravekeeper"?
Wait, a gravedigger...guarding the dead?
Ron was slightly taken aback, but then he understood.

It turns out that the so-called "playing the role" is not just a superficial act. Only by understanding the deeper meaning and concepts hidden within the imagery of the potion, and making the corresponding choices precisely, can one truly complete a "playing the role"...

At least in this moment, Ron made the most primal choice and principle of the "gravekeeper" image, a choice endorsed by "death"—

To safeguard the peace of the deceased after death.

Therefore, the remaining will within the potion approved Ron's choice and neutralized the "contamination" within the potion.

Ron looked at the pile of white ash on the ground, enough for two people, and finally sighed deeply.

Even the so-called gods of the previous era acknowledged his decisions, which shows how much the experiments of [Noah's Medicine] and [Ark] incurred the wrath of both heaven and man.

This sinful experiment, which manipulates the poor people of District D and uses their lives as test subjects, definitely needs to be stopped by someone.

However, despite this.

Ron, however, never intended to actually rush in alone and engage in some kind of street brawl with Noah Medicine and Ark.

Individual strength is insignificant... especially since Ron is a superhuman who hasn't even reached Level 3. If he really goes up against the giant corporation, the only result will be that he will be ganged up on and beaten to death by the giant corporation's guards.

But that doesn't mean Ron couldn't stop the experiment...

He picked up his phone and skillfully dialed a number.

After a series of "beep" sounds, a somewhat authoritative voice came from the other end:
“Ron…this is the second call you’ve made to me today.”

Irina's tone was serious:
"If you still want to continue the topic from this morning, I can only tell you once again that the funeral industry does not exist in the business portfolio of [Tian Ting Media]."

But as she spoke, her tone softened, and she changed the subject:
"However, if you want to quickly enter a new stage of ability enhancement and want to start the ability enhancement experiment originally scheduled for next Monday earlier, I have no objection..."

No, then forget it.

[TianTing Media] has designated a unique investment plan for Ron, which is divided into four phases, held every two weeks for one week during the two months of summer vacation.

After experiencing the past week of being in and out of the lab every day, climbing up and down the lab bench, and getting covered in needle marks, Ron just wanted to be a normal person for a week.

Although the various projects arranged for him by [Tian Ting Media] were indeed capable of elevating him to the Lv.3 level, he also felt as if he was gradually turning into some kind of mysterious creation of technology and ruthless skills.

Furthermore, Ron is not short of opportunities to become a Level 3, so there is no need for him to rush into accepting the investment from [Tian Ting Media].

"Well... there are other more important things to do."

Ron said seriously:
“Ms. Irina… I’ve discovered that Noah Pharmaceuticals seems to be conducting some illegal experiments in District D recently…”

Unlike the Inspection Bureau, if Noah Pharmaceuticals runs into any problems, Tianting Media will not cover it up.

Noah Pharmaceuticals and Tianting Media are the three major enterprises in Ideal City, but they are weaker than Moen Business, which has become the government of Ideal City. They have long had deep-rooted hatred and conflict.

If we're talking about whether these two giant corporations would be willing to let the other suddenly collapse, they certainly wouldn't, since they still need to jointly support Moen Ideal City.

But if it's just to annoy the other party...

I imagine that any executive at such a large corporation would agree without hesitation.

With this in mind, Ron carefully explained everything he had discovered to Irina.

After hearing Ron's discovery, Irina was visibly taken aback, a hint of doubt creeping into her voice:
"[Noah Pharmaceuticals]...when did they develop this technology?"

Compared to the innocent people of District D who died, she was clearly more interested in the technology developed by Noah Pharmaceuticals that could awaken the abilities of 100% of those without power, and turn them into hollow monsters.

"This matter is somewhat strange, perhaps it's related to their previous attempt to complete Hera's new 'Experiment of Knowledge'..."

It's actually related to the "Inquiry Experiment"?
Ron was momentarily stunned. [Hera] was clearly one of the sectors of the Ideal City's [Central Intelligence], but someone had already taken over the management authority of this sector and become a Level 5...

Shouldn't Hera's "experiment in seeking knowledge" have already been completed by that Lv.5?

Could it be that... the Central Intelligence doesn't only propose one "Knowledge Experiment," and even if someone becomes a sector manager, it will still propose new "Knowledge Experiments" for them to complete?
At that moment, Irina, who was muttering to herself, pondered for a moment and then said seriously:
“What you’ve discovered is indeed important… If possible, I also hope to stop their large-scale experiment.”

"However, the three giant corporations signed a non-aggression pact long ago, so I cannot provide you with any military assistance."

Unable to provide military assistance?
Well, after all, it's related to the "experiment of seeking knowledge"...

Ron was somewhat disappointed, but upon reflection, he could understand.

If this were just a normal experiment, there wouldn't be any problem with Tianting Media stopping it; it would simply be a classic case of three giant corporations mutually annoying and hindering each other...

However, if it involves a "knowledge-seeking experiment," and the people from "Tian Ting Media" actually get involved, it would be a purely hostile act.

After all, if Ron were to have the opportunity to complete Prometheus's "Experiment of Knowledge" in the future, and if Noah Pharmaceuticals intervened and prevented him through irregular means, Ron didn't even dare to imagine how many people at the board of directors of Tianting Media would be so angry that they would smash the table.

But soon after, Irina said:
"However, now that we know about this, we certainly can't let Noah Pharmaceuticals complete this unethical large-scale experimental project so easily..."

"I will request access to [Tian Ting Media]'s intelligence system to provide you with all support except for military force—"

As she spoke, a hint of a smile crept into her voice:
"...Furthermore, I will submit an application to allow the more relaxed senior executives to spend more time chatting with old friends at Noah Pharma and to arrange some appropriate business visits."

"All the executives who have the authority to manage [Hera], [Aphrodite], and [Demeter] will probably be extremely busy for the next two weeks and won't have time to go to District D."

Oh?
Ron's initial disappointment vanished instantly.

Does Ms. Irina mean... that in the next two weeks, there won't be a single Level 4 or higher superhuman in Ideal City's D District who will protect this experiment?
Moreover, there's also the intelligence system of [Tian Ting Media]—

While it may not be as good as the Patrol Bureau's Artemis, it shouldn't be too difficult for Ron to analyze the Ark and Noah's Medicine in District D.

So, once Ron reaches Level 3, perhaps he'll truly be qualified to storm into Noah Pharmaceuticals' branch alone and completely resolve this experiment...

After all, with enough information, Ron didn't think that he, as a Level 3 user, would lose to any ability user below Level 4!
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Irina, Ron hung up the phone, pondered for a moment, and confirmed the current situation.

...Now, all that's left is to advance to Lv.3.

If he can advance to Lv.3, he will have a good chance of stopping this experiment!

It wasn't just for the poor people in District D, but also for his own sake in searching for a way to construct the formula...

It seems the break is over, and it's time to go back to the "Potion Era" and meet Father Harvey again.

Ron seemed thoughtful, but did not immediately choose to go back.

He first called Xia Zhi—

"Sister Xia Zhi, when I woke up, I accidentally bumped into the corridor outside the underground morgue, smashing the wall and the body camera..."

"what?"

Xia Zhi was a little flustered when she heard this sentence right after answering the phone. She asked with some confusion:

"You... how could you cause such a problem just by guarding the gate?"

Ron sighed, his tone full of helplessness:
"You know, Sister Xiazhi, my abilities still need to be controlled by an 'ability limiter'..."

As he spoke, he finally got to the question he really wanted to ask:
"So, Sister Xiazhi, could I go to the logistics department now to pick up a new body camera and some other standard equipment that I haven't received yet?"

Xia Zhi was a little puzzled, but didn't pay much attention to it:
"It's not that it's not possible. Although I was thinking of taking you to get it later... but if you want to go now, then go ahead."

"I've applied for your access in the patrol bureau's AI system, and the logistics department will issue you standard equipment... Don't use it recklessly once you get it; there are many dangerous things in the standard equipment!"

Dangerous? If it weren't dangerous, I wouldn't need it!
What Ron wanted was the standard equipment for the patrol bureau agents.

Although many of these things are not easy to bring to the "Potion Age"—

After all, overly technological products would obviously arouse suspicion, and Ron didn't want to expose his identity. However, there were some items among them that could be disguised as "divine grace" and were very helpful in combat...

He switched back to [Superpowered] and [Vector Manipulation], grabbed all the ashes, packed them up, disposed of the body outside the patrol station, and then went to the logistics department to collect all the standard equipment before returning home.

After a quick categorization and search, Ron took a few flashbang grenades and a bottle of nanomedical spray.

These things look simple, but they are actually quite useful.

For example, nanomedical sprays can even suture severed limbs by spraying them on, allowing nanorobots to stitch the arm back together.

As long as the person doesn't die on the spot, this standard equipment issued by the patrol bureau can keep them alive...

Needless to say, the flashbang is quite effective in capturing Lv.3 superhumans, and Ron doesn't think that superhumans in the "Potion Era" are immune to harm.

Perhaps... for them, this unfamiliar thing could be even more useful.

He stuffed them all into his pocket and held them tightly in his hand. With his spellbook secure and his fully charged "power amplifier" on his wrist, Ron was now brimming with confidence.

Not only these, but also Idrila, who has already become Sequence Seven, and Chairman Elvis, who claims to protect them...

Even if Father Harvey really becomes their enemy, he will inevitably become a bundle of extraordinary characteristics, serving as sustenance for Ron to advance to [Death] Sequence Seven and achieve Lv.3!
Promotion to Lv.3 is today!

　I've done my best. I'll get back into shape and try to do even more tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)