Chapter 176: 180.Chapter 180: Pa pa pa, face swollen

180. Chapter 180: Pa pa pa, face swollen.

"This isn't an epidemic?"

Mo Fei Lao Tou's expression was subtle; actually he knew full well, merely seeking affirmation.

"This isn't an epidemic!"

Lin Ke watched the elf in the magic laboratory, whose mutation had gradually ceased and calmed down, saw the fervor and hatred in the elf's eyes, saw the various surging test indicators, and gave an affirmative reply.

"This isn't a mutation either?"

Mo Fei Lao Tu also noticed the elf's gaze, noticed that although the elf's appearance was still somewhat zombie-like, its reason remained, and its actions were not driven by instinct.

"For now, this looks more like biochemical modification, aiming to enhance innate abilities and increase combat power."

Lin Ke voiced his speculation, choosing his words relatively cautiously.

"Just a failure?"

Mo Fei Lao Tou asked again, with the attitude of breaking the sand pot to ask to the bottom.

"Can't say it's a failure, only that it hasn't succeeded yet; after all, the innate abilities have indeed been retained and enhanced."

Lin Ke still didn't speak in absolutes, maintaining a rigorous attitude.

"Then you perfected the elf's not-yet-successful biochemical modification?"

Mo Fei Lao Tou raised his voice, his tone odd, as if he were holding back laughter.

"All I can say is that we've found the direction to perfect it, but we haven't yet perfected it."

Lin Ke pushed up the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, shook his head, and said humbly.

Mo Fei Lao Tou remained silent.

That statement reeks of showing off.

Research, the hardest part is finding and pinpointing the direction.

Many people spend their whole lives stuck on some topics, simply because they can't find the direction, let alone pinpoint it.

Just like this time's elf "epidemic" and "mutation".

Including the Frontline Medical Department, the frontline and rear two bases, and the many institutions conducting research simultaneously, none discovered that this was the elf's self-rescue attempt, a biochemical modification, an experiment to enhance innate abilities.

Rather than a contagious epidemic.

Mutation is merely the toxic side effect of an unsuccessful biochemical modification.

Who could become a pharmacist and drug researcher without talent?

But even among talents, there are grades.

Linke Grand is indeed worthy of being praised by all the Stern Jade Witches; they call him a genius whose talent they deem inferior to theirs.

"When can we produce a definite conclusion, report upward, and suggest the command department give more attention to this?"

Mo Fei Lao Tou gathered his thoughts and asked about the matter at hand.

This matter differs from the earlier oversight of the testing team; timely reporting will only earn merit, not offend anyone.

At most it might arouse some jealousy.

To not be envied is to be mediocre.

Is there any need to hide research results obtained from solid data, worrying about this and that, for fear of publishing?

Absolutely not.

Not only that, one must strive to be the first to publish.

The more impressive, the better.

"Wait a few more days; there are still some experiments to do, some data to collect."

Lin Ke thought it over and gave a relatively conservative estimate: "Seven days; within seven days we should be able to produce a definite conclusion."

"Alright, seven days; I'll handle all miscellaneous affairs during this period."

Mo Fei Lao Tou slapped his palm and shouted excitedly.

"Isn't the opportunity to achieve great merit right here?"

Moreover, it's pure gain, requiring no effort.

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

With the aid of two instances of the "multithreaded thinking" state, Lin Ke thoroughly researched the elf's "epidemic" and "mutation" to full clarity.

The research results formed a detailed report comprising 300 pages of text and charts, over 200 pictures, and over 100 videos.

From the normal elf's anatomical structure, physiology, and biochemistry,

to the progressive changes of the elf during mutation,

to the abnormal changes of the elf after mutation is complete,

then to the causes of the "epidemic," how it is triggered, how it progresses, and the required conditions,

then to the process, results, and effects of the "mutation"...

Presented in an accessible yet thorough manner, it is explained extremely clearly.

Moreover, it emphasizes how the elf's innate abilities are affected by the mutation, the resulting enhancement, and the mechanism thereof.

It also provides a detailed plan to perfect the "epidemic" and "mutation," making them genuine, feasible, able to greatly boost the elf's combat power, with hardly any toxic side effects—except for the zombie-like bodily transformation, while reason remains unaffected—of biochemical modification and enhancement.

Even the report's conclusion puts forward a speculation.

If left to large-scale "mutation" of the elves, relying on natural progression or undergoing induced breeding and rapid iteration, it could also be perfected, elevating the "epidemic" and "mutation" into racial evolution.

The upper limit of the elf world can accommodate such evolution.

The world will of the elf world is pleased to see such evolution.

Based on Lin Ke's reasonable and evidence-based speculation, Mo Fei Lao Tou appended his own opinion at the end of the report.

It is recommended that the Frontline Command Department must increase attention to the elf's "epidemic" and "mutation," and preferably identify the core elf overseeing this biochemical modification and enhancement, directly eliminating the hidden danger at its source.

Lin Ke entered the rear camp of the desolate world, busy nonstop, even working around the clock for half a month, pouring his whole being into fairy research, his mind somewhat fatigued.

After handing the report to Mo Fei Lao Tou, he returned to his dorm and fell into a deep sleep.

Inside the 'Seed', Flandre alternated between guarding and mobilizing source power, organizing the knowledge about fairy research that Lin Ke shared with her.

Stones from other hills can polish jade.

Although the 'Seed' has only achieved the first stage of sublimation, objective conditions are insufficient to give birth to intelligent life.

But it is necessary to stockpile relevant knowledge, data, and resources in advance.

As the 'Spirit' of the 'Seed', akin to an incarnation of the world's will, Flandre can herself comprehend and digest the relevant knowledge, rather than merely copying and pasting from Lin Ke, which would yield better results.

One big, one small; one sleeping soundly, one studying.

Quite pleasant.

Mo Fei Lao Tou is running errands.

He brought the encrypted detailed report, through the teleportation gate, from the rear camp of the desolate world to the forward base of the fairy world.

After passing through layers of reporting and numerous security checks, he successfully obtained a private audience with Wizard Paro.

In the tent, Wizard Paro still stood beside the holographic projection map.

He was contemplating the sixth edition of the third campaign's battle plan drafted by the Staff Department, sensed the movement of Mo Fei Lao Tou entering, turned his back to him, and asked:

"Speak, what major matter insists on being reported separately?"

Mo Fei Lao Tou immediately shouted: "Regarding the fairy 'plague' and 'mutation', the Pharmacy Department has made a major discovery, which concerns the entire war effort; I hope you can personally review it."

"Oh?"

Wizard Paro turned around, slightly curious: "What kind of bewitching potion did that guy Lin Ke give you, making you trust him so much that you'd even stake your reputation to endorse him?"

Mo Fei Lao Tou solemnly replied: "It is the research results he provided that are worth my endorsement."

"Hmm."

Wizard Paro nodded, thoughtful, then extended his hand: "Bring it over, let me see what exactly he has accomplished."

"Yes."

Mo Fei Lao Tou immediately produced the encrypted brand-new intellect and handed it over with both hands.

Wizard Paro received the intellect, entered the password, unlocked it, opened the enormous detailed report, and began reading at a glance ten lines at a time.

"Somewhat interesting."

Having quickly finished the report, Wizard Paro muttered to himself and fell into contemplation.

Human energy is limited.

For problems like the fairy 'plague' and 'mutation', if Wizard Paro had some free time and did a little research, he could reach a conclusion similar to Lin Ke's.

But he is busy directing the legion's frontline deployment, reviewing battle plans, approving various applications, conducting personnel adjustments, and still has to deal with the sabotage of internal hostile forces at the academy—where would he find the time?

As for the legion internally, theoretically the Medical Department, which has the highest expertise in biology and medicine, has most of its members personally trained by Wizard Serlyn.

They have strength, their level is certainly not poor, and each is a talent.

However, they suffer from the common ailment of talents cultivated on a large scale: an overabundance of craftsman spirit and a lack of innovation.

They tend to follow rules rigidly, lacking the mindset and courage to question authority.

The head of the Medical Department and the two deputy heads put their heads together, pondered a bit, and gave the definitions of 'plague' and 'mutation'; they then proceeded to research along those two directions.

Not only did they do so themselves, but the explanatory notices sent to all relevant agencies also used the same wording.

This is a typical case of exerting effort in the wrong direction; the harder one pushes, the more wildly off the mark one becomes. Lin Ke was initially misled by this wording as well.

Later, after a reminder from Flandre, he immediately questioned the Medical Department's conclusion, decisively overturned it, and started afresh.

Only then did he produce this detailed report that almost slaps the Medical Department in the face.

Wizard Paro, after due consideration, made a decision.

"You make preparations; later give a briefing to explain the situation."

First, he gave orders to the silently waiting Mo Fei Lao Tou, then summoned the Chief of the Attendants' Room, issuing instructions to hold an emergency meeting twenty minutes later.

Afterward, Wizard Paro turned and continued to stare at the holographic projection map of the fairy world.

It seems the sixth edition of the third campaign's battle plan will need adjustment again.

Mo Fei Lao Tou, being self-conscious, exited the tent together with the Chief of the Attendants' Room.

"What is it, can you conveniently disclose?"

The Chief of the Attendants' Room and Mo Fei Lao Tou are also old comrades, having fought side by side for many years, and they understand Mo Fei Lao Tou's character.

Knowing it is not an extremely important matter, Mo Fei Lao Tou would not request a private audience with Wizard Paro for a one-on-one report.

And after Wizard Paro heard Mo Fei Lao Tou's report, he convened an emergency meeting, which further proves this point.

The Chief of the Attendants' Room hopes to get some hints, so as to make preparations for the emergency meeting.

For example, giving advance warnings to certain people, alerting certain people……

Mo Fei Lao Tou also understands the Chief of the Attendants' Room's working style; if it's a routine matter, leaking a bit of wind is fine, with no impact.

However, looking at Wizard Paro's state, it is obvious that he intends to make a major adjustment, possibly even involving the deployment of the third campaign.

In such a situation, Mo Fei Lao Tou would not bring trouble upon himself.

He came to earn merit, not to give Wizard Paro a look.

He shook his head, and Mo Fei Lao Tou politely declined: "Really sorry, it's not convenient to disclose."

"Hmm."

The Chief of the Attendants' Room also wasn't annoyed, and responded lightly.

Not being convenient to disclose is itself a form of disclosure.

This matter is of great importance; it must be handled with caution!

First, Mo Fei Lao Tou was sent to a nearby meeting room; then the Chief of the Attendants' Room returned to the attendants' room tent, issued a series of orders, notifying the heads and deputies of each department to come attend the emergency meeting.

As for the meeting's agenda, it was simply replaced with the two words "top secret".

The department heads and deputy heads who were making pre-battle preparations for the upcoming third campaign, upon receiving the notice, were all bewildered; they hastily dropped what they were doing and rushed to the conference room.

Not long after, the conference room was filled with people.

The head of the Medical Department and his two deputy heads were supervising research on the fairies' "plague" and "mutations," needing to change protective gear and disinfect, so they arrived a bit late.

Thus, all the department heads and deputy heads who had arrived witnessed the Medical Department head and his two deputies' faces instantly change upon seeing Mo Fei Lao Tou's smug expression.

They all felt a sudden jolt in their hearts and blurted out, "Holy shit!"

Could it be that Linke Grand, that monster, actually managed to crack the fairy problem in such a short time?

Is the Pharmacy Department really going to turn things around?

How the hell are we supposed to annex the Pharmacy Department later, gain more say in the legion, and get a larger share of the spoils?

Fortunately, Wizard Paro entered the conference room in time, putting an end to the Medical Department trio's facial antics and interrupting the other department heads' and deputies' viewing.

"First, let's look at a report, then we'll discuss how to respond to the situation it mentions."

Wizard Paro waved his hand, indicating that no one needed to stand on ceremony or waste time, and directly sent Lin Ke's detailed report to the smartbrains of everyone attending the emergency meeting.

To be a department deputy, one must at least be a second‑level wizard.

Department heads, a minority are senior second‑level wizards, such as Mo Fei Lao Tou.

Most are third‑level wizards.

Everyone present could hardly fail to understand this report, and their reading speed wouldn't be much slower.

Soon, the sound of sharp intakes of breath, stifled laughter that could only be masked by coughing…

…rose and fell, never ceasing.

This report is truly excessively detailed.

It is detailed enough that the first half could be extracted as basic teaching material for the legion, to popularize knowledge of the fairies among all legion members.

The Pharmacy Department's report mainly pointed out the error in the Medical Department's conclusion about the fairies' large‑scale mutation's "plague" and "mutation," and offered a new, well‑reasoned conclusion.

It proposed that the fairies' large‑scale mutation was actually the idea of an unsuccessful biochemical modification and enhancement experiment, together with various evidence supporting that idea.

Including but not limited to text, charts, pictures, and videos.

It also provided the specific methods and steps to replicate the relevant experiment, which anyone can verify.

It held that continuing to allow this mutation to proceed would cause great trouble for the legion's campaigns.

After reading it through, it was packed with substance, overly detailed.

It seemed to be teaching the Medical Department how to conduct a study comprehensively, deeply, meticulously, and rigorously.

Most importantly, the person who produced this report was merely a newcomer who had studied for less than two years.

He had been conscripted to the rear Pharmacy Department only a couple of weeks ago.

At most, how long did it take them from first encountering the fairies' mutation, to launching research, to obtaining results?

The Pharmacy Department was practically ready to slap that detailed report straight onto the Medical Department's face.

The head of the Medical Department and his two deputies really wanted to dig a hole and bury themselves in it.

Losing face, truly utterly losing face.

The entire Medical Department—one third‑level wizard, two senior second‑level wizards, seven second‑level wizards, and sixteen first‑level wizards—still could not match a mere Linke Grand!

They've lost all face!

Wizard Paro certainly won't spare face for those three.

Seeing that everyone had finished reading the report, he spoke in a slightly cold tone:

"The legion has only just finished its reorganization; I understand that everyone lacks coordination.

So during that period, the forward base and rear camp had some disorder, which I don't blame too much.

But can you even fail at your own duties now?

I hope you take this as a warning and don't end up like the Medical Department and the testing team, needing a little guy to wipe your ass for you!

Save some face!"

The conference room fell silent instantly—you could hear a pin drop.

"Staff Department."

Wizard Paro's eyes turned icy; after scanning everyone, he barked, "Readjust the third campaign's battle plan, add objectives, and utterly destroy the fairy world's biochemical modification and enhancement experiment."

"Yes."

The head of the Staff Department immediately stood up and replied loudly.

"Intelligence Department."

Wizard Paro turned to Asande Konte and said, "Organize a small team to infiltrate enemy territory, gather intelligence, and if conditions permit, decapitate the target!"

"Yes, I guarantee mission completion."

Asande Konte immediately accepted the mission and then requested, "I want to borrow Linke Grand as the squad's biological consultant and medical expert, to act with the squad. I hope the legion commander approves!"

Wizard Paro looked at Mo Fei Lao Tou, whose expression had suddenly turned tense, thought for a moment, and instead of giving direct approval said, "You two departments coordinate yourselves, and also consult the little guy's own opinion."

"Yes!"

Asande Konte's mouth twitched into a grin, then he quickly composed himself and replied loudly.

Although they had only met twice, Asande Konte believed that Linke Grand would definitely not refuse this secondment.

Mo Fei Lao Tou's successful slap wiped away the Medical Department's smugness and joy in an instant.

Before coming to the forward base, he had personally heard Lin Ke say that the sample size was too small, lacking firsthand data, so he couldn't fully uncover the essence of the fairies' innate abilities and their enhancement mechanism—a regret.

Now that such a good opportunity has arisen, with the little guy's obsessive research zeal, how could he possibly let it slip?

He will surely agree to this secondment.

As for safety concerns, Mo Fei Lao Tou isn't worried.

The Intelligence Office is all elite troops and fierce generals; two third-level wizards are stationed there, and on average everyone is a senior second-level wizard.

He just couldn't help worrying,

The treasure I just got my hands on might be yanked away by someone.

They haven't even been warmed up yet!

I'm begging for monthly votes, begging for monthly votes.

Updating 13,000 characters daily is already hard enough; I'm working hard to stockpile some manuscripts, hoping to release two extra chapters at month's end.

Still need 300 votes to reach 1,000, please, big shots, have pity on the newbies who haven't won a prize.