Asura in Arknights

Marna spoke casually, but Leon knew things were far more complicated than he made them out to be. After the accident in Rein, he could no longer approach this mission with the same carefree attitude he had before.

Although Marner said it was just a coincidence, Leon felt there must be some reason behind it.

Otherwise, in this materialistic city, there would certainly be no shortage of people who meet the criteria for Bohr Pharmaceuticals, so why would they specifically target Raine?

Therefore, Li Ang must eliminate all unstable factors and ensure that he obtains a treatment for Raine from Pol Pharmaceuticals... It's unimaginable what will happen once these capitalists know Li Ang's true intentions. If they don't take advantage of this leverage, they would be unworthy of their title as capitalists.

Therefore, rather than focusing on Pol Pharmaceuticals itself, it would be more reliable for Li Angjue and others to help the Securities and Futures Commission bring down Pol Pharmaceuticals and find solutions from its 'corpse'.

"How much do you know about Adams?"

The first unstable factor that Li Ang thought of was actually that middle-aged corporate slave who looked tragic, was always running around, and spoke humbly to people.

“Adams?” Marner frowned, a slightly surprised expression on his face. “You mean, the spokesperson who first contacted you?”

Marner had heard about Li Ang's experiences during this period and naturally knew who Adams was. "Is there something wrong with this person?"

"I always felt there was something wrong with him."

This was just a feeling of Li Ang's, and there was no evidence to support his guess. It was just that... Adams's business smile made Li Ang feel very uncomfortable, but he didn't feel the same way when facing other people.

Li Ang's perception was not omnipotent, and he was unable to discover anything more from Adams.

After a moment of contemplation, Marner replied, "Adams... is one of the many spokespeople for Pol Pharmaceuticals. He is in charge of recruiting new members for Pol Pharmaceuticals' Knights Order, and his position within the group is not very high."

"He should have joined Pol Pharmaceuticals two years ago, and his experience before that cannot be verified."

Two years ago... was another extremely crucial point in time, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

"If you're really interested in this person, I'll investigate him later."

-------------------------------------

After discussing the next steps with Marna, Li Ang left the Lin Guang family manor through the back door.

The vials found in the Raine armor were also handed over to Marna, who then passed them on to the relevant agency of the Supervisory Council to analyze the specific composition of the residual liquid and see if it was the same potion that had been provided to Leon.

However, Marner stated frankly that these were most likely two different drugs. The drug that had been given to Li Ang had already been analyzed, and as Adams said, it was indeed a very good nutritional supplement, but it contained some addictive ingredients, which was enough to show that Pol Pharmaceuticals had ill intentions towards Li Ang.

If the two medications are the same, then it means that Raine's symptoms may not be caused by Bohr Pharmaceuticals, which is not good news for anyone.

The Securities and Futures Commission is somewhat lacking in this area, so it will take at least a week to get the specific analysis results. This week is the last bit of time left for Li Ang to prepare.

Using his senses to avoid the nearby crowds, Li Ang quickly left the area of ​​the Lingguang Manor.

However, on the only road leading to the Rennes' house, Li Ang encountered a familiar person...

Adams.

“Mr. Li Ang, it’s wonderful! I didn’t expect to find you here. I’ve been looking for you for a long time.”

Chapter 43 Pol Pharmaceuticals

Li Ang had to admit that the moment he discovered Adams, he felt an overwhelming urge to kill.

Adams's appearance was too coincidental. Just over ten minutes ago, Li Ang had expressed his doubts about Adams to Marner, and now Adams was blocking his way.

"...What do you want with me?"

Just as if he hadn't sensed the murderous intent in Li Ang's heart, Adams wiped the sweat from his forehead and said excitedly, "There are some things the company asked me to inform you about, but your phone has been unanswered and I haven't been able to reach you no matter what I do, so I could only try my luck around here, and I didn't expect to actually run into you."

To avoid revealing his whereabouts, Li Ang carried nothing with him except his cane when he went to find Marna, especially his cell phone, which he had left in his room long ago.

Acquiring knowledge in the world of Terra is not as convenient as it was in Li Ang's previous life. Most people do not know what mobile phones can be used for, but Li Ang knows very well that mobile phones can be located through base station signals. Li Ang is not sure whether his location can still be locked after turning off the phone, so he simply left the phone behind.

At this moment, Li Ang had made a great effort to suppress his murderous intent and asked calmly, "What does the company want with me?"

Even if Adams really has problems, Li Ang has to pretend he doesn't know. Every choice he makes now is extremely important; one wrong step could lead to total defeat.

“Here’s the thing, didn’t you already sign a formal contract with our company? The company asked me to notify you to go to headquarters for a report,” Adams explained. “You also know how important the Major is in Casimir. Although our Pol Pharmaceuticals has some reputation here, many Knights will cooperate with us and purchase various medicines from us.”

"But it's a bit of a shame... our knightly order doesn't have any notable achievements. Compared to weapons and equipment, potions offer very limited help to an individual," Adams said regretfully.

"With your addition this time, the company is expected to win a top-eight finish in the Special Championship, so I was specifically asked to inform you to come to headquarters. Headquarters has decided to tailor a competition plan for you."

“Besides that… there’s also my own selfish motive.” Adams hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, “You signed the contract with the company through me. The more you contribute to the company, the more I get. You should understand that.”

“I can understand.” Then Li Ang suddenly changed the subject and asked, “But what are these things around you?”

"Beside you?" Adams paused, not realizing what Leon was referring to. After a moment, he had a look of sudden realization. "Ah, so that's what you mean?"

Unlike their previous meetings, something resembling mist was swirling around Adams. Based on the Originium energy fluctuations emanating from it, it could be identified as an Originium Arts technique.

"I'm sorry, it was my oversight," Adams said apologetically. "Uh... I thought no one would notice..."

Somewhat embarrassed, Adams straightened his tie and said awkwardly, "My Originium Arts are not very adaptable. I've been learning them for a long time but haven't made any progress. At most, they can only keep me warm. I'll dispel this spell immediately."

It was obvious that Adams couldn't control his spells well, like a beginner who had only recently started learning Originium Arts. He struggled a lot to gather the mist around him.

This attempt to probe proved fruitless; Li Ang still couldn't pinpoint the source of Adams's incongruity and ultimately had to give up.

"Mr. Li Ang, is there anything else you need to take care of? I can help if needed."

“No need.” Li Ang shook his head, declining Adams’ suggestion. “Let’s go straight to the company headquarters.”

-------------------------------------

The headquarters of Pol Pharmaceuticals is located in the suburbs of the Great Knight Territory. To be precise, this is where Pol Pharmaceuticals' production and research and development departments are located. The administrative departments of Pol Pharmaceuticals are located in the city center of the Great Knight Territory.

This is the core of Boer Pharmaceuticals.

The massive industrial park occupies an entire mobile plot of land, housing tens of thousands of people. It's like a small urban village, and behind a high wall lies a world completely different from the Great Knights' Territory.

Every moment, a massive amount of various medicines are produced here and transported to the various mobile cities of Kazimir. In addition to the various nutritional supplements and stimulants used in the Knights' Games, Pol Pharmaceuticals also produces a large number of ordinary medicines, but the prices are significantly higher than other brands. It can be said to be the undisputed leader in the Kazimir pharmaceutical industry.

Adams brought Li Ang here this time not to show him around those ordinary factories that didn't require any secrecy. Adams took Li Ang directly to the deepest part of the industrial park, the research and development center of Bohr Pharmaceuticals.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Li Ang's task is to find evidence within this towering skyscraper that could help the Securities and Futures Commission bring down Pol Pharmaceuticals... This is indeed a very challenging task.

"I heard someone broke into this place a while ago? And burned down two warehouses?" Li Ang asked seemingly casually. "Has that person been caught yet?"

“You mean that accident before?” Adams frowned, then replied, “I heard that the criminal was very difficult to deal with, and we still haven’t caught up with any leads about her.”

"However, we have already spent a lot of money to buy new security equipment from Colombia, so this kind of thing will not happen again."

Hmm...? She?

Li Ang's heart suddenly skipped a beat. He seemed to have caught a subtle detail in one of Adams's words.

If the person who infiltrated Ball Pharmaceuticals was a woman, why was there never any related reporting? And how did Adams... know about this?

This person was indeed suspicious, Li Ang once again confirmed his judgment.

"Mr. Li Ang, welcome to our Pol Pharmaceuticals R&D center."

Many people lined up and entered the tall building behind Adams one after another. Li Ang did not listen to what Adams had just said at all; his attention had been focused on something else.

Among the people in line, Li Ang spotted a familiar face.

Byron, the infected man whose methods were exceptionally bloody and cruel, was Brother Renn's opponent in his final battle.

How did he end up here?

Chapter 44 Research and Development Center

Li Ang had no idea that Byron would also be there.

Why is he here?

"he?"

Upon hearing this, Adams looked in the direction Leon was pointing with some confusion. "Ah, so you're talking about Knight Byron? Do you know him?"

"...I've only met him once."

"I see. He's one of our recently signed riders, and he just happened to come to the company headquarters with you today to report for duty."

Li Ang couldn't help but frown.

Li Ang didn't really have any particular thoughts about Byron. Renn's accident didn't have much to do with him. Even if Renn's final opponent wasn't Byron, he would have fallen into the trap of Pol Pharmaceuticals sooner or later. Byron just brought that time forward.

However, Li Ang now needs to play his role well.

"What, do you think I'm not as strong as that guy?"

He is now playing a greedy and somewhat arrogant new knight, a character that is perfectly normal for a promising rising star.

Byron's appearance would certainly provoke hostility in such people.

"No, no, we highly value your abilities."

Adams apologized repeatedly, then leaned close to Li Ang somewhat mysteriously and whispered, "You should know that wherever there are people, there will be conflict, let alone a large group like Pol Pharmaceuticals."

“It is precisely because of your immense strength that some other groups feel threatened, so they urgently need to find someone to counterbalance you,” Adams said with a fawning smile. “That Knight Byron is the most powerful person they could find, though of course he is certainly not as powerful as you.”

Adams humbled himself greatly, spouting nothing but flattery. If someone with little social experience had been in his shoes, they probably would have been completely overwhelmed by his flattery.

But Li Ang was already immune to this level of rhetoric; Adams's flattery only made him want to laugh.

“That’s more like it.” Li Ang’s expression gradually softened.

"So, which faction do you belong to?"

"You'll soon know the answer to this question." Adams smiled slightly and gestured for Leon to proceed.

-------------------------------------

The procedures for entering the R&D center were extremely complicated; Li Ang spent more than ten minutes just registering.

ID card, facial recognition, iris authentication, and the most basic fingerprint and palm print – with this combination of methods, it would be virtually impossible to sneak into this building without an inside contact.

Of course, there is another approach, just like the mysterious intruder from more than a month ago, who swiftly and overwhelmingly defeated all witnesses with his own strength. This can also be considered another form of infiltration.

However, after the security upgrade of the R&D center and the addition of many automated devices, this method has become somewhat difficult to implement.

Adams helped Li Ang apply for Level 3 access, which is already quite high a level.

The first level of access is held only by the company president and a handful of directors, while the second level belongs to department heads. The third level of access, except for a few classified areas, is enough for Li Ang to move freely throughout the entire research center.

Along the way, Adams proudly introduced the various regions to Li Ang and told him that if he had any needs, he could go directly to the person in charge of each region. If conditions allowed, Pol Pharmaceuticals would try its best to meet Li Ang's needs.

This also tempted Li Ang. Before his true purpose was exposed, this was a great opportunity to get Bohr Pharmaceuticals for free. How could an ordinary person have such an opportunity to have a large company tailor-make services for them?

Besides the regular drug research and development department, Li Ang also saw some research unrelated to drugs in this research and development center, such as research departments for armor, staves, and Originium devices. It seems that Pol Pharmaceuticals also has ambitions to expand its business.

These were all completely unfamiliar areas for Boer Pharmaceuticals, and despite investing a lot of money, they had not achieved any results.

However, if cost is disregarded and a set of equipment is designed specifically for Li Ang, these departments can still do it. They are just struggling with how to mass-produce it and reduce costs. Getting one or two experimental sets should not be a problem.

After Adams finished introducing the basic situation of the R&D center, Li Ang suddenly asked, "So, does our company produce the drug to treat Oripathy?"

When Adams heard Li Ang say "our company," he seemed very pleased, feeling that all his previous efforts had not been in vain.

He paused, then said, "Oriphyra... Why are you asking this? Is someone around you infected with Oriphyra?"

“No, I was just asking casually,” Li Ang replied calmly. “I’m just curious, isn’t Pol Pharmaceuticals the top pharmaceutical company in Kazimir? If even we don’t have a solution, is Oripathy really incurable?”

Is this a questioning of the competence of Pol Pharmaceuticals?

Adams considered his words carefully before slowly saying, "Let me put it this way: if you mean a complete cure that's permanent, I'm sorry, but no company in the world has that kind of technology."

"But if we're talking about improving the condition of infected people, delaying the onset of Oripathy, and allowing them to live like normal people, as far as I know, some companies possess this technology, and of course, we are one of them."

"However... the price of this treatment is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

“I heard a rumor recently that there is a mobile medical organization without borders that claims to have the technology to prevent and treat Oripathy. This is just to fool those unsuspecting infected people. Researching such technology would require a lot of manpower and resources. How could a small medical organization possibly have it?”

"Who knows how that organization will treat those infected people who were tricked into joining? Maybe they'll give them some placebos and then use them as laborers," Adams shrugged and said.

"If you are interested, you can talk to a researcher in this field later. I am just a small spokesperson, and this is all I know."

"In short, welcome to the heart of our Pol Pharmaceuticals, Knight Leon."

"I hope you can get what you want here."

Chapter Forty-Five: A Chance Encounter

Since that day, Li Ang has disappeared without a trace.

He left the hospital in a hurry and never returned. There was no trace of him at either the hospital or at the Ryan family home.

Adele had hoped to find Li Ang's whereabouts through the Knights Tournament, but was informed by association personnel that Hurricane Knight had already accumulated enough points to enter the main tournament and would not have a chance to play before the main tournament.

If Adele hadn't received several messages from Li Ang, she would have thought something had happened to him. However, there shouldn't be anyone in this city who could make Li Ang disappear without a trace… Adele had complete faith in Li Ang's abilities.

However, when Adele asked Leon where he was, Leon always refused to answer the question and would not reveal any information about his location.

He simply said that he had very important things to do and it was inconvenient for him to contact Adele.